1pc. or 2 pc. Leathers?

[sv303]

I just became a new member and will be racing light weight in the 2005 season.  I don't have my own leathers or boots yet but I  wanted some opinions before buying them?

I like the idea of a 2 piece leather so I can take off the jacket.  But I was told that a one piece gives you better protection.  

I was looking at boots too.  I was on the internet and read up on SIDI boots,  Vertebra $330, Vertebra II $240.  The information on the two boots said that the Vertebra II was an inprovement of the Vertebra, then why is it cheaper?

[cornercamping]

Can't help ya on the boots.

As far as leathers go, I"ve had both one and two piece.  My first suit was a two piece, and after that nothing but one piece.  I did the two piece deal for the same reasons you want to, but after trying a GOOD FIT one piece, I've never went back.  It really comes down to how much your going to ride on the street.  Honestly, if I decided to street ride again, chances are I'd still wear a 1 piece even on the street.   As long as your two piece zips together and has all the necessary protection areas, I'd say either is fine.  It's really a flip of a coin.  I'd say figure out what you'll do more of first,  Track or street.  Also, a thing to think about is picking up a 1 piece, and a cheap jacket for the street.  Since it's the off season, I'm sure you can pick up a nice jacket pretty cheap, and then get a nice suit for just the track.  Hell, just buy a cheap jacket of eBay.  

or

Ask Alexa (spyderchcick) cause she knows all about leather.  

 :)

[H-man]

Hey there Rookie (plan to change that tag after a bit?  ;))

Regarding the boots.  Sidi makes excellent race boots.  The Vertebra 2 (which I have and have crash tested a number of times with NO problems or complaints) is very good.  The $330 boot is the Vertebra Race.  It's supposed to be a step up from the Vertebra 2.

If you check out the North American Sidi distributor's site http://motonation.com/subcategory.asp?cid=3, you'll see Sidi's new Vertigo is available for $260.  You may wish to consider that boot.

Good luck and welcome to the fun.
  H-man

[Fast4fun]

I have a Joe Rocket suit only slightly used and boots for sale. email me if you are interested and I can send pics.

[Super Dave]

And I have some new and used Vanson rental suits for sale.  

Might work for you, depending upon where you're located.

Racers wear one piece suits almost exclusively.  Better protection.

You're gonna probably fall down at some point.  Might not be your fault, so you come read to fall.

[Baltobuell]

You're going to go overbudget and leathers are the best place to do it. Get the best 1 piece with body armor you can find. By the end of the season they will probably have saved you big money.

[Burt Munro]

Spyderchick (Alexa) made an excellent point on this board some months back about justifying the expense of good leathers.  She compared it to spending money on tires.  Only a fool would think it was a good idea to skimp on tires and push them too far.  You go into the season expecting that to be a necessary expense for your racing season.

Depending on how much you race, and any sponsorship deals you can arrange, tires will probably be your biggest expense aside from entry fees -  part of the cost of racing.  

Leathers can be a big, but hopefully infrequent expense.  But how long will you be able to wear them?  Hopefully, several seasons unless you have a serious getoff.  Even then Spyderchick can do miraculous repairs.  You can justify the expense when you throw in all the factors.

Bottom line, don't be afraid to spend money on good leathers.  They'll protect better and require fewer repairs.  May save some money on hospital bills too.  Then throw in the intangible - comfort level.  Both in how they fit and knowing that you've got good protection when and if it's needed!

[Protein Filled]

 Only a fool would think it was a good idea to skimp on tires and push them too far.  

I don't know Rick, if I remember correctly, someone had some pretty bald tires on their streetbike at Gingerman.... ;D ;D  :o

[Burt Munro]

I don't know Rick, if I remember correctly, someone had some pretty bald tires on their streetbike at Gingerman.... ;D ;D  :o

You are correct sir!  And I stand by my statement - Only a fool would....... ;D ;D

Guilty as charged!  At least I didn't try and do a Track Day ! ;)

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

Vanson 1 piece.  You'll want leathers that survive more than 1 or 2 crashes before they need replacement.  In the end, a set of Vansons is a good investment.  I also believe that Vansons protect better because of their armor and thick leather.  Nothing else for me ever, now that I've owned a set.

[dwilson]

I got my Sidi Vertebra's for ~$200 new off Ebay.  I like them a lot.  They've also held up well except for an incident at Summit Point T10 at ~90mph  ;)

I got my HJC one piece suit from NewEnough.com for ~$600, also an excellent deal.  The 1 piece seems safer to me and you can always get them cut and have a zipper added later if you want.

[cornercamping]

Anyone ever have both Sidi's and Oxtar's?  I currently have Oxtar Ti Evo's and their awesome, but I've been wondering about the Sidi's.