Tourmaster or First Gear pants?

[Pitts2112]

I'm looking for pants for riding in cold and wet weather.  I'm looking at Tourmaster Venture and First Gear HT.

Anyone have experience of both?  Are the First Gear pants worth the extra $100ish?

Cheers!

[Wockman]

Both are good brands that have been around for years.  I have a lot of Firstgear gloves, jackets and pants because they fit me better (they have tall sizes).   Have you had a chance to try on either brand?

[Mr.Black]

I have both.

The Tourmasters regular with a zip out lining. They are comfortable, work and fit fine.

The First Gear are Mesh with an insulated liner and a "rain" liner. I only use them for mesh during the hot weather unless on a long journey where I take both liners just in case otherwise I use the Tourmasters the most.

I see both as the same quality wise.

[Rincewind]

I have both.

The Tourmasters regular with a zip out lining. They are comfortable, work and fit fine.

The First Gear are Mesh with an insulated liner and a "rain" liner. I only use them for mesh during the hot weather unless on a long journey where I take both liners just in case otherwise I use the Tourmasters the most.

I see both as the same quality wise.

I believe you are describing the First Gear HT "Air" overpants, not the normal HT pants.

I have the normal HT pants and use them regularly in cold and wet weather.  I like them quite a bit, but they are not 100% waterproof if you're in a bad rain.  I also find them a bit bulky, but they are meant to be worn over normal pants and work fine that way.  They zip all the way up both legs, which makes them easy to get into.

No experience with Tourmaster Venture.  

[Mr.Black]

I believe you are describing the First Gear HT "Air" overpants, not the normal HT pants.

Yup.

[Sputnik]

First Gear HT Overpants have an excellent reputation as a quality product and truly waterproof.
I've had mine for about 8 years. They are still 100% waterproof. But they are a little too warm for summer riding.
I also have a First Gear Rainman jacket and pants.  Also top quality product, and 100% waterproof.
 :thumbsup:FirstGear.

[Pitts2112]

Thanks for the tips.  I think I'm going to either look for a pair of second hand First Gear HT or go for the Tourmasters.  Given that I'm just looking for basic useability, I can't seem to justify the extra $100.

[Justin]

I have the normal HT pants and use them regularly in cold and wet weather.  I like them quite a bit, but they are not 100% waterproof if you're in a bad rain.

Retreat them with Nikwax if they are no longer watertight.

[jsanford]

Thanks for the tips.  I think I'm going to either look for a pair of second hand First Gear HT or go for the Tourmasters.  Given that I'm just looking for basic useability, I can't seem to justify the extra $100.

Try them on for size. They seem to have a proportions formula that doesn't work for everybody. Their lineup just has never fit me.  Not sure why--Hein Gericke gear always fits me well.

Today on my wet commute all but one other rider were wearing one of two brands:  FirstGear and Aerostich (first 'stich Harley rider of the winter!).  The other rider was in TourMaster, though.

[Giaka]

I have a pair of first gear kathmandu pants and I really like them.

[Specter]

First gear HT over pants have worked well for me in all conditions, from cold to hot, dry to pouring. Never leaked. Worn with ldcomfort tights, I was comfortable to 112 degrees. Good into the 30s with the liner in.

[98SVT_LEO]

I've owned both....both are quality product.  I will say the TM Venture Airs will flow a little more air (which in brisk FL helps).  Otherwise I have had to exchange both and had excellent reviews for their customer service.

FYI If you intend on wearing them as overpants they will be baggy when your not wearing anything underneath.....you can't go wrong with either pair.

[Mastros2]

I had a pair of the Firstgear HT overpants and were waterproof for 3 seasons.  I punctured a hole in the seat of the pants, glued them and were fine.  

They weren't the best fitting pants but did the job keeping me dry and warm.  

[chriskoz]

I've had the First Gear for about 4 years and they have held up extremely well.

[ANZAC]

First Gear