Olympia Moto Sports Jackets/Pants

[Mark Jags]

I have the opportunity to become a dealer for Olympia Moto Sports and was wondering what models the forum members like.
Opinions appreciated.

[ConPilot1]

Personally I'm done with Olympia. The only Olympia product I've ever liked was my Bushwhacker air mesh in high viz.
AST was the biggest waste of money ever, leaked like a sieve and was a Velcro nightmare.
The Airglide ll rode up my waist when I sat on the bike and I had a big pouch of jacket materiel under my chin.

No more.

I went with a couple Stich' jackets, Darien pants, and never looked back.

[Cablebandit]

My AST doesn't leak.  I'm very meticulous about closing up the zippers and closures though.

[ConPilot1]

Meticulous when on the fly is a PITA.

I wanna go zip zip zip when I'm on and off the bike on the run.
Nothing worse than having to futz around with your jackets.

I've heard disappointing things about the Ranger pants as well, which were touted as a very good waterproof pants. NOT according to a couple reports I've read.

And as far as improper pocket/velcro sealing causing the leakage on the AST, it wasn't. It was on the back of the arms, shoulder/elbow seams. Nothing to do with velcro closures.

[Cablebandit]

I have the Ranger pants as winter pants.  They work alright but I really don't like the knee armor in any of the Olympia stuff.  If you're not a fatty they just don't fit.  My Rev'it pants have a nice "cup like" pad that worked well.  The Olympia ones push my knee cap to the sides.

[Justin]

One thing the AST does well is venting. The downside is that it has more opportunities to leak. I get damp spots on the arms and chest right where the awesome vents are. Not terrible, but still not waterproof. As I live in the west, the venting is more important 95% of the time. It is not the most comfortable jacket either - seems to bind and pinch in spots. I probably would not get another Olympia - back to Firstgear for me next time.

[Cablebandit]

It never occurred to me that the liner could be pinching me.  I only use my AST during winter and it always feels like I have a roll of dimes in my armpit.  I thought it was due to being bundled up, but perhaps it's a design issue.  Back to Rev'it for me when the time comes, or the BMW Ralleye 3.  It's the only jacket I've ever tried on and it just fit.

[Justin]

It never occurred to me that the liner could be pinching me.  I only use my AST during winter and it always feels like I have a roll of dimes in my armpit.  I thought it was due to being bundled up, but perhaps it's a design issue.  Back to Rev'it for me when the time comes, or the BMW Ralleye 3.  It's the only jacket I've ever tried on and it just fit.

Nope it's not the liner. I get the exact same thing in the armpits/shoulder area, liner in or out. The liner makes it seem worse, as it fills up what little slack you may have in that area.

[Cablebandit]

Yeah the sleeves don't seem to have a forward cant to them.

[Croak]

I've been using the Airglide 3 (newer model) jacket and pants since last year.  Like the jacket itself a lot, with the liner in it does not leak, it's been a good all around jacket, even in winter riding (with a Gerbings).  Wore it to the National last year, and that trip was pretty much a deluge the entire time, Vancouver to Rapid City and back.  No complaints at all about the pants, once again with the liner in they're dry.

That said, the mesh parts on both pieces have a real tendency to "fuzz", which I'm not happy about, especially the gray mesh on the jacket.  

[ambientboy]

I really enjoy my Olympia Bonneville (in sand/pewter).  Although I think everyone has moved those to closeouts.  Either way, it's really cool in the summer, warm enough for fall/spring with the insert, and I get great looks wearing it.  I also have received "Damn, you're hot in that jacket." and "That jacket makes you a total badass! ..yum." from a couple female friends of mine...so I'll count the style as pretty spot on.  It's quite comfortable to wear off the bike, too.

My only qualm is that on my Bandit, it rides up when I tuck.  Thankfully it has the belt loops in the back so I can loop through my belt and fasten the jacket to my jeans.

[Mark Jags]

Thanks for all the feedback folks, good and bad. Kinda surprised to hear about the complaints on the AST jacket. Another forum I'm on had pretty much nothing but good to say about it.

[MrsCablebandit]

I've been using the Airglide 3 (newer model) jacket and pants since last year.  Like the jacket itself a lot, with the liner in it does not leak, it's been a good all around jacket, even in winter riding (with a Gerbings).  

This, with one difference. I've had the Airglide 2 jacket and the 3 pants since July 2010. (Caught the 2 on close-out.) With a heated jacket liner, I've worn this combo in the 30s and 40s with no complaints.

One thing I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE about Olympia pants is that they come in one length that allows you to have a seamstress alter them for your height. It's a smart strategy on Olympia's part, too...no need to stock different inseams. But I loved being able to take mine to my seamstress and have pants that are the perfect length FOR ME.

[Cablebandit]

 But I loved being able to take mine to my seamstress and have pants that are the perfect length FOR ME.

 

[fishhuntride]

I bought the X Moto pants and the GT Air Transition jacket last year.  I think they offer a decent value for what you get.  Venting on the jacket is very good.  The pant vents don't do a lot when sitting but are better than solid material.  With the liners in, they are fairly warm and still comfortable.  They offer a lot of adjustment to get the fitting right.

That said, the knee armor wants to rotate to the side of my leg while seated and I'm not sure it would be where it needs to be in the event of a get-off.  Another issue I have is with the separate waterproof liners.  They are not easy to get on standing on the side of the road, especially the pants since I'm standing there in my underwear while doing it.  I use them when I'm home on cool/cold/damp day but on a trip, I carry a separate rain suite.

If I were to buy new gear now, I'd still look at Olympia but would also look at other higher end options like First Gear, Dainese and Alpinestar.

[three west]

One thing I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE about Olympia pants is that they come in one length that allows you to have a seamstress alter them for your height. It's a smart strategy on Olympia's part, too...no need to stock different inseams. But I loved being able to take mine to my seamstress and have pants that are the perfect length FOR ME.

This is the reason I bought my airglide pants.  
I really like the pants, but they are a little too big around, and as such, don't always hold the knee armor where I believe they should (which, as a member here noted, is pretty much the sole purpose of mesh pants).

Still, I'd buy them again because of the quality level and the length.

[FJRmgm]

I've had the Airglide 2 jacket and the 3 pants since April 2005.  

With the liners, I've worn this combo in the 30s and 40s with no complaints and been very comfortable.

I love the way the outfit looks and fits me and versatility of it.

[ConPilot1]

Another forum I'm on had pretty much nothing but good to say about it.

Probably just a bunch of bullshitters anyway. Everybody knows we're the real riders and EOE on everything, especially gear and apparel.  

[Chuck 500]

I bought an Olympia GT Air Transitions jacket and AST pants in summer 2008. (First suit)  Use it for commuting and travel.  As such, i sized everything to wear over street clothes.  Jacket is very versatile with major vent panels and two stage liner.  I've used it in temps from 25 to 115.  Only had it leak once.  Last weekend (Feb 10) I did 450 miles i pouring rain.  Pants soaked through at about hour 5 and I got seepage doen the collar.  All other areas stayed dry.

[MK96xj]

Had an AST and HATED it. Sold it last year. It was a straight jacket, leaked, sewed seams sucked, and my major complaint was that the arm buckle was right wear my arm bends causing a great deal of discomfort. 
The Ranger pants are ok and I still use them. They are not waterproof either.
I also have a pair of recon mesh pants. These I like.

[Mark Jags]

I think overall, there are many people who really like their products. And it's reasonable to think that not everyone will like everything they make.

So then it was great news for me yesterday when I got the call from my OMS rep saying they have accepted my dealer application   Looking forwarding to adding their products to my line.

[Ken Phenix]

I'm in the ReV'it! camp. Every company produces a bad piece of gear now and then but what impresses me is how much they've improved overall and how aggressively they have developed new innovations.

My Olympia Ultima I gloves are fantastic: well made, well insulated, very comfortable and still waterproof after 7 winters and thousands of touring miles. My only regret is that I didn't buy a few more pairs because I believe they stopped making them. I did not like the fit of the Ranger or Air Glide so I didn't buy them. I am pleased with my Stealth suit mostly for its convenience. The stitching is letting go in places and the armor is lacking but it's alright for a minimalist hot weather commuter suit. My AST was very comfortable and versatile and performed flawlessly for a couple of years. However, I think Olympia tried to achieve too much with the design. The goretex layer laminated to the exterior and all that positive venting had to be problematic. I hope Olympia can be as effective at problem solving and become as innovative as ReV'it! has been. Meanwhile, I enjoy my Navigator jacket with its removable waterproof liner and more conservative venting. My Dakar pants have performed well since 2007. I still would not buy another pair of ReV'it! boots though, not when there's Sidi and TCX for the same money.  

Olympia gear can be found at almost any mc dealer - market saturation. If I was planning to sell gear, depending on the local market, I think I'd be more inclined to bring in more high end brands that aren't so readily available such as ReV'it!, Rukka or Klim. I also wish Aerostich and Motoport had better distribution models.  

[Mark Jags]

Olympia gear can be found at almost any mc dealer - market saturation. If I was planning to sell gear, depending on the local market, I think I'd be more inclined to bring in more high end brands that aren't so readily available such as ReV'it!, Rukka or Klim. I also wish Aerostich and Motoport had better distribution models.  

I tried to get a dealer account with both ReV'it! and Klim because they are higher end and not found everywhere, however they turned me down because I do not have a brick and mortar retail location.....yet. At this point in the early stages of my business, I'm strictly e-commerce. But I'm still very excited to carry the OMS line.

[Mastros2]

I have an AST that leaks no matter what I do to it.  I used nikwak, camp dry, etc and it still leaks.  I do like the cut of it though. It fits my body well.  Also, it does breath in the warmer months and with the liner, keeps me warm in the cooler months.  

I picked up a Firstgear Kiliminjaro recently this past fall and love it.  Better fit on me than the AST but haven't tried it in the rain yet.  We'll see.  

[Justin]

I have an AST that leaks no matter what I do to it.  I used nikwak, camp dry, etc and it still leaks.  I do like the cut of it though. It fits my body well.  Also, it does breath in the warmer months and with the liner, keeps me warm in the cooler months.  

I picked up a Firstgear Kiliminjaro recently this past fall and love it.  Better fit on me than the AST but haven't tried it in the rain yet.  We'll see.  

Where do you get wet, on the chest and arms? If so, that is from the zippers. You will love the firstgear in the rain, never had a firstgear jacket leak.  

[ConPilot1]

I have an AST that leaks no matter what I do to it.  I used nikwak, camp dry, etc and it still leaks.  I do like the cut of it though. It fits my body well.  Also, it does breath in the warmer months and with the liner, keeps me warm in the cooler months.  

I picked up a Firstgear Kiliminjaro recently this past fall and love it.  Better fit on me than the AST but haven't tried it in the rain yet.  We'll see.  

Tell ya I hated even the fit of the AST and I'm an average-smaller build dude. the jacket felt like it was fitted for Lurch to me. Terrible fit, the collar? Forget it I couldn't take that collar for a half hour. I wore the jacket for 2 weeks and it was up for sale. Worst feeling jacket I've owned actually. But the color.... Aerostich should be so lucky to have a neon green like Olympia's.  

Good luck with the Kili. I havn't heard pretty much one bad thing about the Kili, although I tried one on and it felt like a bulky jacket, but it did have the liner in it at the time. They say Firstgear's stuff is truly waterproof and the Kili is a great storm jacket.

[Mastros2]

Where do you get wet, on the chest and arms? If so, that is from the zippers. You will love the firstgear in the rain, never had a firstgear jacket leak.  

It starts to leak on the shoulders, in a similar place where the shoulder armor is. Then, the left and right chest and bicep area of arms get wet.  Probably leak down from the shoulder seepage.  

I had a pair of HT overpants that were great.  Before I sold them, I got almost 4 seasons of dry riding out of them.  That is one of the reasons I went back to Firstgear.  

Good luck with the Kili. I havn't heard pretty much one bad thing about the Kili, although I tried one on and it felt like a bulky jacket, but it did have the liner in it at the time. They say Firstgear's stuff is truly waterproof and the Kili is a great storm jacket.

The Kilimanjaro fits much better without the liner in.  I was able to get out Thursday for a bit with my Gerbings liner and the jacket was noticeably more comfortable.  

[ScubaDave]

Not trying to jump on the anit-AST bandwagon but just as info for anyone looking at a new AST. I bought the new AST 2 last month and within 300 miles of riding the seams were falling apart. I sent it back and they said it was all fixed. I received it back and checked the seams and even the one they fixed was still falling apart 12 inches form the first fix. I returned mine to the dealer for a refund.

If you buy a new AST be sure to check the seams really well before you leave with it.

[Ken Phenix]

I bought my AST early in 2007 and loved it the first 2 years before it began to leak. It still looks good and all the seams have held up well. If I hadn't found such a deal on the ReV'it! Navigtator I might have stuffed a frogg togg top inside the AST when it rained. Except for the leaking, it was a heck of a good jacket - especially for the price.

[ConPilot1]

Not trying to jump on the anit-AST bandwagon but just as info for anyone looking at a new AST. I bought the new AST 2 last month and within 300 miles of riding the seams were falling apart. I sent it back and they said it was all fixed. I received it back and checked the seams and even the one they fixed was still falling apart 12 inches form the first fix. I returned mine to the dealer for a refund.

If you buy a new AST be sure to check the seams really well before you leave with it.

\
In other words, don't buy a new AST. Good chance you may be sorry. For that kind of money I expect something better.

[Cablebandit]

Glad I didn't read this before buying my AST.  I taught a double shift MSF class last spring in it.  12+ hours in what amounted to 2-3 inches of rain and a driving wind.  Dry as a bone when I got home.  Like I said before, you need to be very deliberate when zipping the vents and covering said zippers.  The only water-proof zippers I have ever seen on gear were the zippers Rev-it uses.

[Mastros2]

Like I said before, you need to be very deliberate when zipping the vents and covering said zippers.  

I was never able to get the zippers all the way shut after the first time I used them.  

[Cablebandit]

Bummer.

[Mastros2]

Bummer.

  I'll give you a +1 for making me laugh!

[Ken Phenix]

In other words, don't buy a new AST. Good chance you may be sorry. For that kind of money I expect something better.

Generally, Olympia builds good gear. IMHO the AST's problem is its daring design. Direct venting through a waterproof exterior will be problematic regardless of brand. I chose to solve the problem with a jacket material that breathes better and employs a removable rain liner which seems to be more reliable.

[Justin]

Generally, Olympia builds good gear. IMHO the AST's problem is its daring design. Direct venting through a waterproof exterior will be problematic regardless of brand. I chose to solve the problem with a jacket material that breathes better and employs a removable rain liner which seems to be more reliable.

Yeah, the AST's biggest issue is as you said. If you add openings to a waterproof material, then you made it so it's no longer waterproof. I wonder why the waterproof zippers do no work well though? I suspect it's due to the thick/stiff jacket material causing wrinkles and creases on the zippers? I have top end Gore-tex waterproof shells for other activities that have waterproof zippers and they are 100% storm-proof when closed.

But, since I do not live in a rainy area, my biggest issue with the AST is comfort. It is by far the least comfortable jacket I have had. The cut and design seems bad IMO, and I have seen many others say that as well. And the stitching is weak is well - another thing I have had probs with and have seen others complain about.

[sagerat]

I had an AST in high viz and the Olympia pants that went with it.  Jacket was good for about three seasons.  Stayed mostly dry in rain, but did have a little leaking.  Elastic straps around biceps/elbow area frayed quickly and it was not because of my rippling physique.  Collar was really comfortable.

Pants were a bust; leg zipper went toes up fairly early.  

My Rev'It! gear was better in the rain, but had lots of small parts failures.  Snaps went kaput; velcro tap on sleeve came off, elastic loop to keep collar open lasted about six months, etc.  Colors faded quickly, but then I'm in the High Desert.

I had both for three seasons and about 20K and riding.  On a scale of 1-10, I'd give Olympia a 6 and Rev'It! a 7.

[Mark Jags]

Any experience with the Airglide3 jackets?

I just received M,L and XL in the Black/Pewter and the Hi-Viz yellow ( I just became a dealer), and they look really nice.

[Croak]

Any experience with the Airglide3 jackets?

I just received M,L and XL in the Black/Pewter and the Hi-Viz yellow ( I just became a dealer), and they look really nice.

I like mine, have about 20k miles on the jacket and about 4k on the pants.  The liner system is nice, the waterproof liner works, and with the liners out it vents well.  

But there's a serious problem with the mesh getting fuzzy/frayed pretty quick, especially in areas like the chest/gut where it contacts the tank and tank bag..  I've owned a fair amount of mesh gear and have never seen this problem before.  

FYI, I have the black/pewter.

[Andrew]

I have 2 ASTs,
first is the Neon Yellow Love it Works well on warm days (good venting) On cold days I use a heated liner. On rainy days I use another jacket, leaks bad, wet in the arms.
Second is tan and one size larger, good in the same ways as the Neon Yellow same problems when the rain comes down.

 Stitching is good in both jackets, and they fit me well. I am about 6'2" and not thin in the least bit.

Lots of pockets and good venting, fit well for me & the price was reasonable are the reasons I both the ASTs

[ride200mi]

I really like my Airglide 3, both jacket and paints. It's hot in the summer where I live and, for me, seem to keep enough air flowing I don't get to hot. I'm not much for the AST but I don't like any of that type of jacket. To bulky for me. I'm about due for a new set. Mine is 7 years old. The only thing wearing on them is the reflective piping flaking. The price is right too. Aerostich..... Not so much! Didn't like how they faded either.

[the drummer]

I have the AST jacket. Going on season 5 with it.I do not think i would buy a AST again. It's been a decent jacket
but, it is NOT waterproof. Water resistant,yes. I find mine "leaks" air/water up by the shoulders, Like the seam that connects arms to main body??
 Quality is pretty good,no issues there. For cool/cold weather, Gerbing Micro-liner instead of stock liner.(AST liner IS toasty but...)
 I think my next purchase would lean towards Rev'it Gear. To bad we can't try riding gear RIDING, before we purchase!
 All in all, Olympia IMHO builds good gear. Their gloves are great!!  There...done rambling!!

[garry]

My AST leaked in the arms by the elbows from day 1 in a steady rain. Aside from the leaking (a major disappointment), it was a decent jacket. The liner is WARM. I found the pocket openings to be too small. After 3 (4?) seasons, I switched to a FirstGear Teton that will hopefully be better in the wet. The FG Teton doesn't vent nearly as well as the AST though.

I got the FirstGear Escape pants too, but the "Tall" version is way too long for me (34" inseam). I should have exchanged them when new, but I was lazy and figured it wouldn't be a big deal. I really should sell them and buy a the regular length instead.

[Mark Jags]

Thanks again for all the opinions.

While I currently have the AG3 jackets in stock, I think I want to try a Switchback for myself.

[Ken Phenix]

 
 I think my next purchase would lean towards Rev'it Gear. To bad we can't try riding gear RIDING, before we purchase!
 All in all, Olympia IMHO builds good gear. Their gloves are great!!  There...done rambling!!

In fairness, ReV'it's Hydratex membrane ain't perfect either. ReV'it quality is impeccable but I'd pony up for their Gore Tex gear - oh wait, I just did.  

Well maybe we can't do extended test rides but at least we can have honest open online discussions about what works and what doesn't. And maybe the gear makers will be listening.

+1 on the Olympia gloves. Mine are 6 years old and still waterproof. I don't know how it works but the gloves go through a different distribution network or something. Dealers who use Tucker Rocky, Parts Unlimited, etc. can get the gloves but not the rest of the Olympia line. Does anybody know what the difference is?