'stitch vs Darien

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Since I - ahem - "outgrew" my two piece Roadcrafter quite some time ago, I'm finally going to do something about it and order another one. I was looking through the Aerostitch "lite" catalog that showed up in yesterday's mail and didn't see the two-piece listed. That's not to say that I don't think they still make them, but it did make me look twice at the Darien stuff, seeing as I'd be getting pants and a jacket anyway. I always like the look of the Darien jacket, too  

So in anyone's experience, are the two equally waterproof? That is my main concern. I can layer 'til the cows come home and I've always been fine with the ventilation limits of the 2-piece. But I need to stay dry.


 

[1KPerDay]

In my experience I'd wager the Darien is more waterproof (based on my experience with the Darien and others' reported experience with the roadcrafter). The 3/4 length jacket keeps more rain out of your crotch, and the lack of the big central zipper and inside-leg zipper seems to help.

I've never gotten wet in my Darien (until I crashed and poked holes in it and popped some seams).

[bomber]

In my experience I'd wager the Darien is more waterproof (based on my experience with the Darien and others' reported experience with the roadcrafter). The 3/4 length jacket keeps more rain out of your crotch, and the lack of the big central zipper and inside-leg zipper seems to help.

This is a good reason to have a two piece stich, IMO == it acts like a 3/4 jacket

all the folks I know with Dariens, however, love em to death, and wouldn't trade em for RCs . . . ..

[sammyseaman]

  http://www.aerostich.com/files/readings/2001Catalog/darienvroad1.html

[Mrs. DantesDame]

  http://www.aerostich.com/files/readings/2001Catalog/darienvroad1.html

Oh now just stop it with the fact-finding! I'm here to rally the EoE of STN!  

[sammyseaman]

Oh now just stop it with the fact-finding! I'm here to rally the EoE of STN!  

Should post a poll   I'd vote Darian just because it's slightly rebelious compared to a 'Stich

[coho]

I have found that the Darien pants stay drier longer in the crotchal area than the Roadcrafter in truly epic rain.
That said, the Roadcrafter is more fitted and would see more use than the dariens if I'd just get it over to Rainy Pass for a re-zippering already.

[hovmaven]

  http://www.aerostich.com/files/readings/2001Catalog/darienvroad1.html

 

Although I will add that on staying dry, the 'stich folks have updated the roadcrafter zippers to "waterproof" zippers, and they seem to work well. . ..  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

How about crash-worthiness? The link so handily provided emphasizes that the Roadcrafter is highly abrasion resistant, but the Darien makes no such claims (at least not to the same extent)

[coho]

Dariens seem less 'substantial' than the RC, but I haven't crashed in either of them.

[1KPerDay]

From what I understand the Darien isn't as heavy-duty as the roadcrafter. Fewer spots with double layered cordura, etc. The pants are single-layer throughout, for example. They are comfy, though. And the fact that the Darien stuff is unlined makes it more versatile in hot weather. I don't like heavy linings in my gear.

[Drif10]

Ever seen pics of the hotel parking lot before an IBR? Dariens, the majority by far.

Look at the AD1 pants to go with the Darien jacket, More weatherproof (mine kept me dry for 6 days in the rain), and the new ones now have velcro for the knee armor that allows you to put it wherever you choose. One size does fit all.

Had a roadcrafter for 11 years, tried revit, bmw, belstaff, and olympia. Sold off the lot, went with the Darien/AD1 combo.

It just works.

[bomber]

Stich themselves claim more abrasion resistance from an RC than a Darien set-up --

I've crashed neither, but have seen both after getoffs -- RC fared better, for certain, but if I had it to do over again, I'd likely go Darien . . .

[hovmaven]

Since I - ahem - "outgrew" my two piece Roadcrafter quite some time ago . . ..

You've grown taller?  

Tagging Bomber's comments, I'd agree with the Darien -- unless the use was straight commuting and perhaps spirited riding.  Two piece gives more functionality, especially the type of riding you enjoy (the road less traveled, etc.).

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Tagging Bomber's comments, I'd agree with the Darien -- unless the use was straight commuting and perhaps spirited riding.  Two piece gives more functionality, especially the type of riding you enjoy (the road less traveled, etc.).

If I go RC, it'll be a two-piece again. That's why I'm having the dilemma of the RC vs the Darien  

Usage would be primarily commuting, with day rides into the woods (when possible) and long-distance riding. All three will be in heat, sun, wind, rain, sleet and whatever else I run into on the road, so quality is important.


I'm enjoying the conversation so far guys - thanks!  

[bluepoof]

Peter has worn Darien pants exclusively for years.  I've never heard him complain about them (and I've definitely heard complaints about other gear he has   ).

He was wearing them when he tangled with the minivan in July.  He wound up with a bruise on his knee but no other marks on his lower body, to the surprise of the ER staff.  The pants got a very tiny hole in them, which Aerostich fixed for $25 -- good as new now.

Just from my second-hand experience with them, I'd recommend them.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Peter has worn Darien pants exclusively for years.  I've never heard him complain about them (and I've definitely heard complaints about other gear he has   ).

 

[vitaminC]

Navigator?

I really like my Commute suit!    Don't miss my RC at all...

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Navigator?

I really like my Commute suit!    Don't miss my RC at all...

I considered it, but this sentence here makes me cringe:

In my personal opinion, the best way to deal with wet conditions is to wear an external rain suit.

[Daniel Kalal]

I have both a 1p roadcrafter and a darien.  Many years and miles on both (about 18 years each).  They're both quite good.  The roadcrafter is more comfortable over a wide range of temperature.  The Darien is more waterproof.  The Darien also allows better freedom of movement thatn the Roadcrafter.  I prefer the pockets on the roadcrafter, although the very large front pocket on the darien is handy.  The darien pants pockets are limited.  Far quicker to get in and out of a Roadcrafter.  Riding across the country on a road bike?  Roadcrafter, no question.  Riding a dual sport where I might need to stand on the pegs or endure a drenching rain?  Darien.  It's nice to have both.