My next suit will be airbag compatible and made to measure, I've heard nothing but good reviews from DRC race leathers (based in Sheffield), same kind of price as a 'known' brand suit that's made in a sweatshop in Vietnam (alpinestars) or Pakistan (RST) but made in the UK and will actually fit properly. Those 44t RST suits do look nice but as far as I know they only do custom stuff for ACU license holders.
They should be short in the front, they are designed not to bunch around the front when crouched. good leather gives around 10% but equally they use things like kangaroo which all have different properties and also they use different thickness panels in less prone damage areas. don’t just buy big to get ‘comfy’ it’s a total waste of money and when you crash you’ll regret having bought big leathers, have seen loads of broken bones from knee armour and elbow armour that span out of position, or leather that twisted up. I am around a 54, the best way to buy leathers is to remove the ambition to buy a particular model of suit. I wanted an Alpinestar suit but I would have bought a RST, a Dianese etc if the fit was perfect as that’s what matters along with a decent standard of kit
This, http://www.superbikefreaks.com/leathers-part-2/ is a little old now and of course the latest PPE requirements have been introduced since the article was published but it’s still an informative read. This, https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesoci...rcycle-clothing-the-ce-approval-law-explained, is a little dry but useful none the less. Andy
I have both a Dainese one piece and a 2 piece, they’re chalk and cheese fit wise even though they’re the same size. One piece is only comfortable when sat on my bike. I only wear it if I know I’ll only be stopping for fuel, if I know I’ll be off the bike for any length of time above a fuel stop I’ll wear the two piece. I struggle to get into the one piece and need assistance to get out of it, they’re designed to be very tight as you’ll not want the armour moving about. Nowt wrong with wearing RST, I only buy Dainese pre owned cos I’m tight like that.
Thanks Poucher. I’ll admit I thought the quality was OK, except for maybe the zips (which I’ve heard on here a fair bit). I’ll try the size up and change tack/brand if they’re no good.
Thanks Scud, food for thought. ive gone a size up mainly to cater for the chest and back protection, so we’ll see how it works out. Some more space for my plums would be a bonus, though!
That's a good watch for people who aren't sure how a suit actually should fit, far too many people end up in suits that are too small for them due to bad advice about how tight they should be.
If you want to buy an airbag at some point then buying an air bag compatible suit is a good idea, most make them now. My alpinestar one has stretch panels either side of the back so it fits tightly when you wear it normally and has room for expansion
Go to Motorcycle Live and get a made to measure suit from Scott leathers. They fit like a glove, good leather, better finish than Dianese and less expensive too. I’ve had a two piece and a one piece from them, really like what they produce, beautifully crafted. So much better than off the peg.
Typical, I was in Barnard Castle in September! I got the size up today and although it fitted OK, it didn't feel 'premium' (it wasn't massively expensive at £780) - I just didn't feel comfortable in it. So I bought an RST Pro with Airbag for £650 from my local shop. I tried it on there and although it's a bit tight on the calf (I have in-boots which doesn't help), I expect it will give (or I'll get a wider zip panel put in). I have to say, especially for the money, RST are hard to beat. I'd set myself on a 'premium' brand such as Dainese, Alpinestars etc, but in reality that was brand snobbishness and I'm pleased with what I've got. We'll see how it performs on the bike (yes I tried it on a bike in the showroom). Watch this space and thanks all for your input. BJB
