Sell me on a Aerostitch....why or not?

[theshnizzle]

So I am kinda in the market for a stitch,I think, but what are the great advantages of a stitch over some of the other offerings out there in one piece suits. Tourmaster has a nice looking one. And what about some of the other adventiure gear, Killamanjaro jackets, matching overpants ect,ect. Not Klim, cause,holy crap, that stuff is expensive,over 1000 for just a jacket.

I guess what I am asking is if you have a stitch,why do you love it? What makes it better than all others out there? Or you had one and you didn't like it at all? I have never had that type of kit and I am hoping to get some feedback,good and bad,before I pull the trigger....or not.....

For reference, I am looking at a Roadcrafter one piece....

[bomber]

I've got a two-piece stich, that was made in 94 (I bought it uses in 02) . . . it works as well as it did when new, if I'm smart about how I arrange it, it'll keep me dry through multi-hour frogstanglers, it allows me to wear damn near anything under it and arrive at work looking office ready, and, if it shrinks again, over the winter, I'll be able to sell it for what I paid for it.

But, really, your mind is already pretty much made up, ins't it?

;-}

[Lawn Dart]

IMO, a search in the Gear forum will give you plenty of reading on this topic!  

The 'Stich is iconic. For 20+ years it's been the standard by which all other textile suits are measured.  I don't think they are the BEST suits on the market in a specific category (other suits may be better fitting, better breathing, etc.), but they certainly are the most versatile.  

I think that's the real pride of the RC:  how incredibly versatile the whole thing is.  There's real value in that.

[hovmaven]

Because it just plain works.  

I've toured in my one piece in single digit, and 3 digit, temps.   Used heated gear for the coldest, stuffed ice in all the pockets for the hottest.

Ridden through more 'freakin monsoons than I care to remember.

Commuted daily to DC -- year round.

Great night visibility.  

Incredibly well put together.

Did I mention that it just plain works?  

[county]

The Aerostitch is expensive and looks kinda gay....

[BwanaDik]

Because it just plain works.  

I've toured in my one piece in single digit, and 3 digit, temps.   Used heated gear for the coldest, stuffed ice in all the pockets for the hottest.

Ridden through more 'freakin monsoons than I care to remember.

Great night visibility.  

Incredibly well put together.

Did I mention that it just plain works?  

+1  I've got a one piece that I bought in 1995.  It looks a little hammered but still works great.  I've had the zippers and Velcro replaced once.  so it's cost me less than $100/yr over the long haul which I think is a pretty good deal.  Also, get the one piece as it only takes a few seconds to put it on and you're not tempted to ride off with just the jacket and jeans.  I got hit once in England and had zero injuries because I wa wearing it.  

The customer service at Aerostitch is second to none.  I had to send my suit back and forth a couple of times before I got exactly the fit I wanted and  the folks there were nothing but helpful.  A real pleasure dealing with them.

[tthompsr]

I've got a one piece Roadcrafter, It's the suit that I go to during the colder part of the season,and like it's been said it just works!

[ridingfar]

Have had one since '99, now has 120k - 150k miles on it.

Pros: versatile, durable, quality, service/support, dry, decent ventilation, average protection but way better than plastic mesh gear

Cons: hot in hot/humid weather, average protection

Summary: huge versatility and one-garment-does-all that is best suited for cold up to less-than-searing temperatures

Options: Lots of quality clones but there's only one 'stitch; MotoPort has a great Kevlar mesh option offering outstanding protection but it requires their waterproof liners - more versatile and cooler in the heat but less flexible than a one-garment-does-all.

Happy hunting!

[theshnizzle]

I have limited funds to buy kit for my trip, I figure its going to be quite difficult to find a used stitch in my size......5'4...125 lbs.....but easier to find heated gear used, in my size. So maybe I will have to spring for a new stitch ( thats on sale on thier site) and just spend the winter waiting for used heated gear to come up for sale...

Thoughts?

[agent9]

Had a two piece stich in the past. This time Teiz is getting my money on either a Power Shell or Lombard one piece. I can't justify, or afford, the price of a roadcrafter anymore with other options out there.

[theshnizzle]

Ineresting....I wondered if anyone had anything kind of negative to say. Yes, I looked at the Teiz,and it looks really nice, but holy......that is WAAAAAY out of my price range. The stitch I am looking at is on sale.

[sleazy rider]

I have limited funds to buy kit for my trip, I figure its going to be quite difficult to find a used stitch in my size......5'4...125 lbs.....but easier to find heated gear used, in my size. So maybe I will have to spring for a new stitch ( thats on sale on thier site) and just spend the winter waiting for used heated gear to come up for sale...

Thoughts?

Cruise thru advrider.com 's for sale section.  I see 'em regularly, even in a smidget size.   

I have one, has about 1ook miles on it in the past four years.  It's going back over the winter for a good cleaning and to have the new waterproof zippers installed.  Mine came to me thru their returns sales.  It was new and only ran me a$650, comapred to new with the mods over $1000.

[theshnizzle]

The other suit I was looking at is a Tourmaster Centurion suit. They have them in XS sizes and the specs actually seem a bit higher than the RC. At a lower pricepoint. From the sizing it looks like the TM may be a tick big  but just a bit, like an inch longer than needs be in the arms and legs. I am wondering how the sizing would be that much different from the TM and the RC?

They are both mens sizes.....the RC being a 36R. mens......

[theshnizzle]

I used the search function!!!! for Tourmaster Centurion suit and nothing came up.

[Orson]

I guess what I am asking is if you have a stitch,why do you love it?

For myself, the answer is two fold...

firstly, as others have mentioned, is its versatility, all-in-oneness. If it starts raining, there is no need to stop.

secondly is its comfort. While seated on the bike, I can hardly tell I'm wearing it  

[bomber]

for a used stich, watch the ads here, anda over on ADVRider . . . also, ebay . . . .

[Jetpilot5]

I had a one piece for several years and sold it.  Everything already said is absolutely accurate.  It's well built, offers decent protection for textile, vents decent, is reasonably warm with layers on and mine didn't leak in the rain.  What I found was the one piece was a PITA once you got off the bike.  While it's quick to take off and on it's an all or nothing proposition.  I would routinely wear shorts under it in the summer so I looked like a complete goof (even worse than usual) wearing boots and shorts going into a restaurant if I took it off, or looked like a skydiver if I left it on.  Stopping on a hot day for gas I usually just left it on but it gets hot quick with no air moving and often left the gas stop sweating hard.

I sold it and went with two piece leathers and a rain suit.  The ability to unzip the jacket and take it off by itself is a feature I need.  If I were to go with the Stich again I would only consider the two piece.  The one piece was great while on the bike, not great when off the bike.

[cbsnbiker]

Here's another way to think about it.

Do you want the ultimate in crash protection? Then get racing-quality leathers.

Do you want the ultimate in waterproof protection? There are other options that are waterproof, or put a rain suit over the aforementioned leathers. The Roadcrafter isn't quite waterproof (and isn't advertised as such).

Do you want gear for hot weather riding? There is specialized gear.

Do you want gear for cold weather riding? There's gear for that.

But do you want an all-around suit, that does everything fairly well, and fits over your street clothing? That's the 'Stich.

Re cost: if you can't afford it, you can't afford it. But if you can afford it, you can amortize it over many years. I used my first 'Stich from '95 until '07 when I was hit by a car. I could have had it repaired, but chose instead to buy a replacement.

I have a one piece 'Stich. It's easy to don and doff.

The Aerostitch is expensive and looks kinda gay....

I know a young woman who thinks I look sexy in mine.    

[hovmaven]

Buy used -- much more affordable.  

[bomber]

Just a data point -- two- piece stich (when zipped together) goes on and off *almost* as easily as a one piece, and seems to be a bit more waterproof in the cratchular area, to boot.

[theshnizzle]

Well the new stitch I am looking at is 600 less 10 percent. And 8.95 shipping. Well, to my sons house in Florida then he can send it to me,hopefully I won't get bent over too hard on duty and taxes ect,since even out farts are taxed here in Ontario. I thought that 560 ish would be a pretty good price for a brand new stitch and unlike Fleabay, if it doesn't fit I can return it.

[Hardware]

I had a one piece for several years and sold it.  Everything already said is absolutely accurate.  It's well built, offers decent protection for textile, vents decent, is reasonably warm with layers on and mine didn't leak in the rain.  What I found was the one piece was a PITA once you got off the bike.  While it's quick to take off and on it's an all or nothing proposition.  I would routinely wear shorts under it in the summer so I looked like a complete goof (even worse than usual) wearing boots and shorts going into a restaurant if I took it off, or looked like a skydiver if I left it on.  Stopping on a hot day for gas I usually just left it on but it gets hot quick with no air moving and often left the gas stop sweating hard.

I sold it and went with two piece leathers and a rain suit.  The ability to unzip the jacket and take it off by itself is a feature I need.  If I were to go with the Stich again I would only consider the two piece.  The one piece was great while on the bike, not great when off the bike.

 

No 'stitch experience but I have a two-piece leather suit, 3 two-piece Joe Rocket textile suits and a Rallye 3 jacket (will be adding Rallye pants in the near future) - all for the exact same rationale.  I can take the jacket off to cool down, even if only for a short fuel stop or if going into a restaurant, I don't look like a freak...well any more than I normally do...

[PatM]

I have a two piece 'stitch and love it. I bought it last spring to tour part of Yurop. It has seen everything from near freezing to hot humid temps. The main reasons why I like it is, it's fine with any under garment (jeans, shorts, T-Shirt, etc) and the goretex membrane breathes. As long as you're moving, you feel fine. No real need for vents unless it's very humid.
+1 on all the above reasons.
The only minus is even though it's a two piece, it is still a suit. Off the bike, you can't really just take the top part off.

I had a Tourmaster Transition II jacket and pants before that. It's the same as the top part of the Tourmaster Centurion suit you're looking at.
I've had it for three years and it has seen a lot of miles. It is warmer than the stitch, even without the liner and it doesn't really breathe through the membrane. It isn't goretex and it shows. You need to open the vents to get any form of ventilation while riding.
In hot humid weather, just forget it. Get a mesh.

[theshnizzle]

Buy used -- much more affordable.  

I have been cautioned that to find a suit, used, in my particular size could be a .....challenge.....

[atadaskew]

I know a young woman who thinks I look sexy in mine.    

The sales lady at Aerostich does not count.

[theshnizzle]

I also meant to ask how difficult it is to have a suit altered using a local seamstress....man....person....If I just needed the legs shortened for example,how difficult would that be,as opposed to sending it to AS,as they charge a 110 fee to do an alteration on a suit already made. Then an additional 60 per change.

I wasn't sure if that meant 60 per leg or for the complete alteration. When I was looking at a suit here for sale, I called AS and I was suprised they said it's 110 right off the top as they have to take the whole suit apart before they alter anything else.

It's much cheaper to get it done locally,but can it be.....?

[theshnizzle]

You see?? It could be a long time before a 34 s or R comes up for sale. It's not really a average size,everything needs to be altered, thats used anyways. I am on a GW forum, mainly for gear and most of the stuff there is, lets say," robustly sized". So then I wanted to join the BMW forum.(skinnier people??)   and I have to pay!!! to view the sale ads.

[county]

Well, if you want an expensive, kinda gay looking out fit then go with it but as far as I am concerned you really need cold weather gear and warm weather gear and a rain suit.

[Orson]

A fleece under my stich works well into the low 50s.

If it gets any lower than that, you can die, so I don't ride below 50 degrees.

It's a rule.

[MuddDawg]

You see?? It could be a long time before a 34 s or R comes up for sale. It's not really a average size,everything needs to be altered, thats used anyways. I am on a GW forum, mainly for gear and most of the stuff there is, lets say," robustly sized". So then I wanted to join the BMW forum.(skinnier people??)   and I have to pay!!! to view the sale ads.

Not mine, but this might be an option.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/for/2756012587.html

[theshnizzle]

Not mine, but this might be an option.

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/for/2756012587.html

Thanks, I called it,the sheriffs office? What ever happened to Jaxedmash? I would be able to find a suit way easier if I couls saearch that way instead of having to click on every goddamed city.....

[Prubert]

I would routinely wear shorts under it in the summer so I looked like a complete goof (even worse than usual) wearing boots and shorts

What fool would think of doing this??  

[ConPilot1]

Just do it if you have the scratch. You really won't know unless you try.
They really are worth the money if you ask me.

I couldn't afford to buy new, but I have 3 'Stich pieces in my gear collection not including my boots and they are the finest and most functional riding jackets/pants I've ever had. Ditto on the boots.

My suggestion is to go with the 2 pc or Darien suit. I like the option of leaving my riding pants on when I'm stopped for a bite to
eat or something, I don't have to strip the whole suit on and off. I would like to try a one-piece though for S+G's, but knowing me I probably wouldn't buy
one.

Plus I found out last that the front zipper pockets of a Darien jacket nicely accomodates 4 12-oz. longneck beers.
I didn't even use the two bottom pockets.  

[sleazy rider]

Well the new stitch I am looking at is 600 less 10 percent. And 8.95 shipping. Well, to my sons house in Florida then he can send it to me,hopefully I won't get bent over too hard on duty and taxes ect,since even out farts are taxed here in Ontario. I thought that 560 ish would be a pretty good price for a brand new stitch and unlike Fleabay, if it doesn't fit I can return it.

Ship it to me here in Detroit, Michigan and ride back across the border wearing it.   . Why officer, it's been mine for at least a year.

[X1Glider]

The 1 piece Roadcrafter was my first serious piece of riding gear.  I went the custom tailored route with it too where I sent them back a donor to try on and had adjustments made.

Pros:
It fit really well.  Was comfortable.  Gave me a feeling of safety.  I had Hi-vis patchwork.  Great customer service.  Made in USA.

Cons:
Was not waterproof in the least.  Sure, the Goretex panels were but the thing leaked like a sieve through the zippers and the seams.  My first day in a rainstorm found me with a soaked chest crotch and inner thighs.  Everywhere there was seamwork soaked through as well.  I gave the suit 3 wet chances, thinking I may have done something wrong while suiting up.

Keep in mind, Aerostitch's claim to fame is being able to get into and out of the suit faster than any other make.  In order to do this there is a compromise.

I sold this after my 3rd soaking to someone who was more concerned about looking good in his work clothes on his commute in.

Since then, I had an Intersport 1 piece that was great for 7 years before the fabric started soaking through.  I chalk that up to wear and tear.  Then I tried a Fieldsheer Highlander 1 piece which I kept for 3 months.  Same issues as the Aero but not as bad.

I'm sure Aerostitch has gotten better but I've found what works for me and unfortutunately it makes the Aero look really inexpensive by comparison.  Rukka SRO Anatomic!!!  Pure perfection!  Always dry, always comfortable.  But it is hot in Houston summers.

My 2 pesos on the Aero experience.

[X1Glider]

I guess I should add that if money is an issue, you may do quite well with a decent riding suit for most occasions including a misting but add a true rain suit over top when the heavens open up.  Riders have been doing that for years with great results and a fatter wallet.  It's just a little more bulk when wearing them together.

[motomem]

Well, if you want an expensive, kinda gay looking out fit then go with it but as far as I am concerned you really need cold weather gear and warm weather gear and a rain suit.

Stich's don't look gay. They look experienced - especially with bug stains and fading. Twenty years worth of used suits have protected me and made me feel rugged. From Canada to Mexico people have consistently pointed at me and said - "Why are you wearing that snow suit".

Seriously - they work.  

[MisterSmooth]

Ship it to me here in Detroit, Michigan and ride back across the border wearing it.   . Why officer, it's been mine for at least a year.

Yo, the man's talkin'.       Awesome idea.    

[Roadhound]

Never having to do the one legged hop on the side of the road in the rain, fighting your way into a rain suit. I'm on my 3rd 2 piece Roadcrafter, nothing else even comes close.

[theshnizzle]

A fleece under my stich works well into the low 50s.

If it gets any lower than that, you can die, so I don't ride below 50 degrees.

It's a rule.

lol, I rode y.day for 3 hours. 2 on the busa,one on the CBF. It was five degress. I was cold. No heated gear. I felt great.Better than drugs,getting a ride in Dec.even if it almost friggin kills me.

[Baz]

lol, I rode y.day for 3 hours. 2 on the busa,one on the CBF. It was five degress. I was cold. No heated gear. I felt great.Better than drugs,getting a ride in Dec.even if it almost friggin kills me.

Good God, that is about half my riding season.  

[motomem]

If you decide you want to find a used suit try Adv Riders. I have bought and sold a good amount of stuff there never a bad experience.
After you are there awhile you can place an add that you are looking. Also check out - IBMWR - same sort of thing.

[spd2918]

 

Thanks, I called it,the sheriffs office? What ever happened to Jaxedmash? I would be able to find a suit way easier if I couls saearch that way instead of having to click on every goddamed city.....

Try searchtempest: http://www.searchtempest.com/


I sold my other riding jackets after getting the 'stich.  It does it all.  I open the vents when it is hot out and I layer under it when I need warmth.  I don't often get wet because my bike has good weather protection including an adjustable windshield.   There is no such thing as a waterproof riding suit.  If there was, you'd be wet due to the sweat in it.


I like having only one (non-track) jacket.  I need routine to remember where I put my stuff.  The keys go in the lower right front pocket.  My wallet goes in the left.  The phone / music player goes in the right lower sleeve pocket.  The extra headphone cordage and snacks go into the right breast pocket.  I don't lose stuff and I have fast gas stops.

[cbsnbiker]

Good news: I have a 36R hanging in my closet.

Bad news (for you): it's not for sale. Sorry.

I also meant to ask how difficult it is to have a suit altered using a local seamstress....man....person....If I just needed the legs shortened for example,how difficult would that be,as opposed to sending it to AS,as they charge a 110 fee to do an alteration on a suit already made. Then an additional 60 per change.

I wasn't sure if that meant 60 per leg or for the complete alteration. When I was looking at a suit here for sale, I called AS and I was suprised they said it's 110 right off the top as they have to take the whole suit apart before they alter anything else.

It's much cheaper to get it done locally,but can it be.....?

I would just have them do it, and factor that into the budget.

The sales lady at Aerostich does not count.

 

 

Well, if you want an expensive, kinda gay Power Rangers looking out fit then go with it

FIFY.  

[cbsnbiker]

lol, I rode y.day for 3 hours. 2 on the busa,one on the CBF. It was five degress. I was cold. No heated gear. I felt great.Better than drugs,getting a ride in Dec.even if it almost friggin kills me.

Five degrees C or F?

C --->  that's chilly

F --->    

I don't think I've ever ridden at 5 degrees F for an extended ride without heated gear.

[Specter]

I had a one piece road crafter and liked it, but found that for day in day out touring and rallies, I prefer a two piece setup. Also the pocket layout didn't suit my needs.

My ideal setup is a Firstgear Kilimanjaro jacket and ht overpants. Absolutely waterproof in hours of thrunderstorms, easy to regulate temperature, and very accessible pockets. I also went Hi-Vis for the jacket and will from now on.

[falcofred]

I just ordered my 3rd two piece Aerostich. I outgrew my first one, it had over 100,000 miles and ten years on it. It was extremely faded, and wasn't as waterproof as it was new. I gave it away on SVrider.net to a good home.
My current stich is again got over 100,000 miles and is 10 - 11 years old. It still fits, but is faded, needs new Velcro and some zipper pulls. Aerostich offers an overhaul for suits like mine, but I decided to go for a new one and customize the leg length and change colors.
I'll be posting my present suit for sale once the new one arrives.
The pants are a 44 long, the jacket is a 46 long, has the bib option, and is blue with black ballistics.

[clyde]

Chicks dig 'em, and if you live in Minnesota or a snowy clime, you can wear them in the winter to snowmobile, shovel your sidewalk or go skiing. But the first reason should be enough.

[motomem]

I need to move to Minnesota for the women then. Last woman to ride with me came out to the bike in jeans, t-shirt and leather vest. Later in the day ask me why I wear that stupid shit. Told me she thought I had a Harley or Goldwing and couldn't ride anymore. My bike wasn't comfortable. Up until then I thought I looked pretty cool. I ended up telling her I would consider getting one but I would need a sexual favor or two. The skank!

[Doug Just Doug]

Been riding year-round in Aerostich products nearly exclusively since ~1994 (Dariens, 2-pc. RCs, AD-1s), except for below-freezing rides the last ~5 years when I don the bestest nasty-weather jacket ever made: the Belstaff Discovery (even then I wear Aerostich pants). All the Aerostich pros v. cons in the world are easily available courtesy of Mr. Google, but I'd take a look at the majority brand worn by Iron Butt and around-the-world types and then ask yourself if you'll need more from your outer gear. And, as someone above noted, the cost looks much different in the long run when you consider it'll last far longer than less expensive gear.

[Norwegian Blue]

I'm thinking it would be highly worth your while to order the 34R they are advertising on their site and trying it on to see if it will fit you sufficiently well to do without any alterations -- $560 is an absolute STEAL for a new Roadcrafter, since I generally see lightly used ones go for more than that.

I ordered mine off of Aerostich's sale page, and while the legs could be a bit shorter to fit me perfectly, it fits well enough to serve its purpose (i.e. all of the padding is where it's supposed to be).

If it doesn't fit you, you're out only the shipping costs.

[spd2918]

Can you can an additional 10% off by showing up to get it OR get 10% because you are a RiderCoach?  I am a few minutes away from the factory and I could pick it up for you.

[sleazy rider]

That's a screamin' deal on a new suit.    I paid significantly more for mine, but wear a much more common size.

http://www.aerostich.com/roadcrafter-one-piece-suit-sz-34r-6.html

One slightly larger on eBay WITH the back armor ($100 worth).  $300!!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1-piece-Aerostich-Roadcrafter-riding-suit-EXCELLENT-CONDITION-/120831720848?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&vxp=mtr&hash=item1c2221bd90#ht_500wt_1204

[wsplrll]

I looked at Roadcrafters for years thinking what is the big deal? I have Vanson stuff and I don't mind paying for quality. I had a Olympia Phantom and used it once and awhile mostly so I could take it off and wear street clothes.

I saw a used stich on advrider and the guy was just my size and I liked the color. On a whim I bought it.  I was waiting for it to arrive wondering if I had made an impulse buy but figured I could alway resell it.

When I lifted it out of the box my first reaction was WOW this thing is an incredible piece of gear. I could see immediately how it was put together and the materials that went into it.

Well it fits me like it was made for me and it is really comfortable and love the design to get into and out of it. Step in zip up GO!

I was out in the cold and damp today and it is warm and dry as well. I got the hip pads and competition back pad and it is one awesome piece of kit. I am never going to be a one suit fits all occasions guy but this is going to be my go-to gear for the near future. Try one you won't likely regret it.

[X1Glider]

but I'd take a look at the majority brand worn by Iron Butt and around-the-world types and then ask yourself if you'll need more from your outer gear. And, as someone above noted, the cost looks much different in the long run when you consider it'll last far longer than less expensive gear.

Previously, the most I had spent was $1000 USD (on an Aero with custom fitting) and still wasn't satisfied with the performance of the gear.  And my only criteria that I would not budge on was being absolutely waterproof.  I don't deal with cold very often.  January and February only and on my vacations I take in November to places other than Texas.  But I do deal with rain.  The Intersport 1 piece I had afterwards did the best and it was $700.

I had a difficult time swallowing the price of the Rukka SRO 2 piece I currently have ($3800).  But, it has a 5 year warranty and I expect to get 10 years out of it.  Many people wouldn't consider $380/year a good value but I ride daily, at least 5 days/week.  I have never experienced such a well built piece of gear before this.  At first it sounds overpriced but when you look at all the technical features Rukka puts into it and add them all up, you only then realize where the money goes and determine that the gear is worth what you paid.  3 years so far on my Rukka and I have been dry in every single hurricane and any other rainstorm.  I also do not worry about the protection it offers as it is outstanding in what it offers.  My second choice to the SRO was the Armas and would happily buy it next time around.

[spd2918]

At first it sounds overpriced but when you look at all the technical features Rukka puts into it and add them all up, you only then realize where the money goes and determine that the gear is worth what you paid.

For that much money I'd put a water proof suit over my stich and pocket the remaining $3,700.  I clearly don't make the money you do.

[motomem]

Yeah 1000's of dollars for a suit sounds extreme. I'm glad there are people who can afford cutting edge equipment and help develop it. Someday someone will put a good used Rukka on Craigslist and I'll snap it up at a give away price. Then I may be on here telling what a great piece of equipment it is. I say buy the best you can afford and then pass it on to me.  

[X1Glider]

For that much money I'd put a water proof suit over my stich and pocket the remaining $3,700.  I clearly don't make the money you do.

That's clearly the best solution for a lot of people because it works real well and I usually recommend it.  All that is required is some extra storage space for when you need it and some time to stop and put it on.  The ROI is obviously higher.  It doesn't make sense to spend $3800 on a suit, I agree.  Even at $380/year.  I just had bad luck with the Stitch.  For me it was about doing it all and never having to stop or carry something extra.  I've gotten rid of over half of my other condition specific gear as a result.  Nothing to do with my income.  I just saved and treated it as an investment instead of buying iPhones and other gadgets that don't make my life any better, just more complicated.  It also helps that I have no desire to get into a new car every few years and can be satisfied with basic 4 wheeled needs.  In 26 years I'm only on my 3rd 4 wheeler (only got 2 years out of my first).  It's an appliance to me.

[FJRmgm]

only issue I've heard about a 'Stitch from the owners I ride with is that the one piece suit is HOT in any kind of summer weather.

Especially bad when its humid, like it is here on the Gulf Coast.

[ConPilot1]

^^This is why I like the Darien so much. It really is an all-weather solution in conjunction with a Gerbing liner.
The Darien flows a ton of air and vents 10x better than my Roadcrafter jacket in the hot weather.
That said, there's nothing like an air mesh when it goes over 80-85 degrees.

[cbsnbiker]

only issue I've heard about a 'Stitch from the owners I ride with is that the one piece suit is HOT in any kind of summer weather.

Especially bad when its humid, like it is here on the Gulf Coast.

I've ridden in 100+ degree weather while wearing my one-piece 'Stich.

If the weather is hot and dry, it's not too bad.

If the weather is hot and humid, it's unpleasant.

[R Doug]

I have the Darien jacket and pants and have worn them now for the last 4 riding seasons.  It's been bullet proof in all sorts of weather and it's holding up very well.  I suspect it'll easily last another 6 to 7 years.  And, I love the fact that I don't have to pull over to put on rain gear.

For something else to consider, Klim now makes touring gear and if this gear is as good as their off road gear, it'll be good stuff.

Klim makes the Latitude and Badlands.

The Latitude runs just over $1,000 for the jacket and pants and the Badlands runs $1,500 for the jacket and pants.  I saw the Latitude set up at a dealer in Charlotte yesterday, it's good looking gear.

[Squidbuzz]

What fool would think of doing this??  

Yeah, what fool would think of doing this??  With white high top socks too!

[ConPilot1]

FWIW on the Darien subject, It's interesting, today I wore my Roadcrafter as it's about 45 degrees here today, albeit a little damp and windy.

I've found the Darien to be actually warmer in the colder weather than the RC. I attribute that to the baggier fit of the Darien, lots of dead air space in between
your body and the jacket. Everybody knows there's no better insulation than dead air space. The snuggier fitting RC although heavier than the Darien, is
feels colder to me.

[spd2918]

I run an Aerostich electric jacket under my Roadcrafter.  It gets too hot on the lowest setting and must by cycled on and off.