Advice on new leathers...odd size

[Speedballer347]

I dont know if an off the shelf will fit.  Any advice on brands would be appreciated.
I am a little bit plump right now but have recently started training, so these should be my measurements by spring.

5'8.5" 200lbs
17.5 width arms (short arms)
31-32 inseam medium width legs (short legs)
Very thick in chest, back, shoulders, butt.
34" waist

I was wearing an old set of teknic Violators (Like Lonnie Michaels) that were way huge (got them from Jeff Selbert).  For a 6+ footer.
Body diminsions fit, but were way too long in legs/arms.
I could make do w/ the long legs, but Alexa had to cut about 3-4 inches off the sleeves, so they would stop pushing my gloves off.

The leather is old, stiff as cardboard, thick and weighs a TON!  They are VERY stiff and uncomfortable to wear.

Would like to invest in a new set.  Looking for comfort, lightness, and extreme padding and durabilty.

Any off the shelvers that would fit me???
If I went w/ a custom Vanson, are they pretty good about getting the fit right the first time.  I would rather go off the shelf if it is cheaper.

Thanks for any advice.

[K3 Chris Onwiler]

There is always the Spyder Leatherworks alterations as a possibility on a suit that does not fit correctly.

[spyderchick]

Your dilemma is not uncommon, long torso, short limbs. If you have the money, get the custom Vanson's, and they do fit the first time. Have a professional measure you, so go to a tailoring shop with the Vanson measuring sheets in hand. They might charge a small fee for their time.

If you decide to go off the rack, do not get any of the Alpinestars SMX line (That has external armor and I cannot alter the sleeves), or the Dianese with the molded armor, (I would not be able to alter the sleeves or the legs)

Alterations on a suit could run you up to $300, so customs would probably be your very best bet.

[secularist]

for a custom set that doesn't break the bank, you can also try Barnacle Bill.  great personal service and great product IMO.

[Speedballer347]

If I go custom, I will go Vanson...just dont want to make that kind of investment.

Alexa, I am short...not long in the torso....short in torso ;D

I just filled out Selberts leathers cause I got some meat on my bones.

Would really like to find a quality off-the shelf set, then have alexa do the arm length

[Super Dave]

You're not really a standard size, really.  Or close.

I know that off teh rack Vanson's are made a bit generous.  So, as you get taller, they do get wider.  

So, if you're a six footer, it's gonna be for a heftier guy.

Vanson's, if ordered custom, will retailor the suit for free if it's not right.  I don't know the details, but I do know that the take a beating.

Light?  No.

Durable and light?  Cost will be unbelieveable.  Light and inexpensive...won't be durable.  

[xseal]

Where would you get a "light" (presumably kangaroo) suit?  I've never seen them advertised, though everyone says its what the pros wear.

How expensive is expensive?  3k, 5k, 10k?

What is the long term durability/lifecycle (presuming no crashes/rashes) of kangaroo v. Vanson?  Ie, if it costs twice as much, any chance it might last twice as long?

[spyderchick]

The new MotoGP suit is made of kangaroo, and I believe the price point is somewhere under $1000. Check them out at this link http://bikejam.com/?subcat=2&pmview=&pcview=MOT-65
My understanding is that they are sold out and new shipments are due into the country early April.

[Speedballer347]

The new MotoGP suit is made of kangaroo, and I believe the price point is somewhere under $1000. Check them out at this link http://bikejam.com/?subcat=2&pmview=&pcview=MOT-65
My understanding is that they are sold out and new shipments are due into the country early April.

Are they good suits?

Alexa, what would you consider the bests suits for under $1000?
Thanks :)

[r1owner]

What I want to know is where a guy like you finds a helmet big enough to get your head in? ;)