Help finding new riding gear

[Zukati]

It's time for new riding gear. I'm looking for textile that can be used year round. Water proof is not an issue, but summer time and winter are. As well as crash protection. I am looking for one suit to do it all. I've had JR, Tekinc, and Fieldsheer in the passed and was pleased. But no longer think they are adequate. I have checked out motoport, and even tried to buy the mesh Kevlar 2 pc suit. But the fit was something less than desired. I did get my money back and was more than pleased dealing with Wayne. All my searches keep coming back to Motoport for the best gear. Does anyone have any other ideas? No other manufacturers seam to have as good a material as they do.

[Jes_VFR]

What Joe Rocket products did you have and how far back was it.

back in 2001 I bought a Joe Rocket mesh "Ballistic" jacket to ride in. At the time I was looking for mesh to not bake in and still have some armour.
It was Okay and did what it advertised it did, but not much more.

Then last year when sadly longing for an Aerostitch suit that I could not afford, I took a reluctant look at what offered in my store.
We sell all sorts of brands, but stock most of the JR line.
This go around, I bought one of the "three seasons" Joe Rocket jackets (a honda branded one) and their alter ego pants.
These clothes were much, much more than the old Ballistic jacket that I had.
More armour, better mesh, with a outer nylon shell and a inner rain-n-wind liner that really does extend the weather ranges of the clothes.

I'm still waiting for the day that I can just pick up the phone and order 'stitch but until that day, I'm happy with the Joe Rocket.
What issues with the JR products do you have and are they related to the current line?

[Zukati]

The first JR was the ballistic jkt and pants. Then the phoenix jkt, metor jkt with alterego pants. The pheonix jkt and alterego pants have become my off road gear. But the pants have already melted from touching the exhaust once. That is one of the things that make me wonder of the protection of a fall on the asphalt.

[ninjadad66]

Try www.newenough.com they have excellent gear at some good prices, be sure to check the closeout section as well.

[hig4s]

I have the Tourmaster Intake mesh jacket, and Venture mesh pants.. Both have the two stage liner system.. First liner is a water/wind proof liner, second stage is thinsulate.  

http://www.newenough.com/browse/brands/protective_apparel/tour_master?page=2

[Zukati]

Thanks for the replys.

[jim williams]

I have a BMW Santiago jacket and a BMW Streetguard 2 jacket. They are really well made, and, very safe. I highly recommend BMW riding gear. I suggest checking it out. It comes in a huge variety of sizes. Not cheap, but, you get what you pay for.

[Bombauer]

Try www.newenough.com they have excellent gear at some good prices, be sure to check the closeout section as well.

  I tried to order JR ballistic pants from them in medium,but they claim to be back ordered until mid December?!  Unfortunately I had to take my business elsewhere.  

The internet is handy for fickle customers and vendors should keep that in mind.

[Canuck]

I ordered new Motoport gear yesterday, including their brand new kevlar gloves which aren't even on their website yet. I agree that they offer the best protection out there as well as all-weather versatility. I've read a few complaints like yours about fit. Since they make the clothes to measurements, it seems strange. Maybe their design just doesn't work with certain body types. I'll just have to wait and see. Everyone says that they are great on giving full refunds or trying to meet your needs.

If fit is a problem for you, Zukati, and you are willing to spend enough to buy Motoport, maybe you should go with Aerostich. The only complaint I've heard about their stuff is that it can get very hot in warmer weather.

I also looked at other gear, but couldn't find anything that convinced me as much as Motoport. Most companies are using garbage names now like Hypertex and Rocktek that is just to cover up the fact that it is basic nylon and nowhere near as good as true Cordura or Kevlar. I've even emailed some of these companies to ask them exactly what their Rocktek etc. is, and not one of them has bothered to reply. The good gear manufacturers will tell you that they use Cordura. BMW, Aerostich and Motoport all use Cordura, and Motoport also uses Kevlar. Teknic also uses Cordura on some of their pants and jackets. Read the fine print to be sure. I have had their Sprint pant for several years and liked it a lot, 600 denier cordura with 1200 denier in knees and butt.

[1moreroad]

Look for CE rated armor in the elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, and back, or be prepared to upgrade if your looking for the best crash protection.  Nowadays this is a very low hurdle to clear so, to me, there is no reason not to buy it.

Teknic and Tourmaster (and Halversson and I think BMW at the high end of the market) have "layered" jackets where a warmer Cordura layers zips over an armored mesh jacket.  These will get you through the most variety of weather with a single piece of gear.  The Teknic outer layer is waterproof while TM uses a waterproof layer under the mesh.

Finally, do not underestimate leather if waterproof is not a requirement.  Well built, perforated leather will give you superior protection and good airflow and a simple windbreaker allows them to be quite warm.  A good windbreaker will be waterproof, too.

Newenough sells TM.  They're an excellent shop.
www.DSRPowersports.com sells Teknic.  Good customer service.
www.ironponydirect.com is have an excellent Teknic sale right now, though no returns/no refunds.