Derek, interesting comments as I have been thinking of getting a set of Wolf Titanium textiles. Were yours the 'Outlast' ones? I ask as I am wondering if the Outlast version is an improvement on the Titanium ones. Dave
With Rukka bought in UK you get a 5 year warranty, bought outside UK only 1 year. Expensive but decent stuff. Spidi Ergo 2 piece is slightly cheaper and the WHOLE suit is CE approved i.e. stitching strength, abrasion etc. Other very expensive stuff is only CE armour approved. The most expensive is not always the best. Looked at the top line Rukka stuff 2 years ago and went elsewhere due to the cost for what you get ratio.
Manchester best as the are the actual distributors for the clothing and can always cut deals. They do a good range of Dainese as well. Plenty of sizes to choose from. 2014 collection out, so you might get good prices for 2013 stuff.
I think anyone buying should wait around 6 weeks if they can, as its around now that manu's start releasing new lines. Could make for a bargain on last years models as stockists clear old stock to make way.
Live South of Dublin but drove down to South of England last week ended up buying the Dainese D-Dry G Tex Ducati jacket fits like a glove on the body without restricting the arms. It was well tested over the last four days cold and pissing rain over the moors. Drove up to Pembroke to get the ferry home yesterday rained all the way to Bristol not one drop got in. So happy so far. On another note the bike preformed flawlessly could have kept on riding no back, shoulder or elbow pains like I got after a trip on the blade.
I think from the comments above they are all pretty good, probably all made in the same mega-factory in China
I have some Alpinestars textile gear for colder weather and touring and they look great but I have to say they are strangely proportioned. I'm quite tall and big build and generally they fit well but the trousers fit great, neat round the calf and thigh, not too tight but strangely they pinch in about 1" at the very top. Now I dont have a big belly but just where you need that extra space round the belt line they are too small and as soon as I sit down on the bike the waist pops open... thought it was just me but one of the other guys is smaller and has exactly the same issue? The jackets a great fit too, good arm length and plenty of pockets but the main zip starts about 6" from the bottom of the jacket, very odd. Basically its good kit and I'd recommend it but try it on first...
Silvermachine Dainese Pro Shop - Dainese Racing C2 Leather Jacket - Leather Jackets - Leathers - Motorcycle This works okay in summer. I have one (altho mine is the vr46 version), combined with a cycling summer t shirt, it worked well in 30degC.
I have Dainese, Alpinestar and Hein Gericke Tuareg gear to choose from, but for the last 4 years have always chosen my Bering 4 seasons all weather jacket that I picked up for £39.99 at TK Maxx! Its fully Knox armoured, with zip-out liner, its breathable and is the comfiest, warmest, driest bit of kit in the wardrobe! It has proven itself winter and summer back and forth across Europe and regularly in the Welsh mountains whether sub-zero, in torrential rain, or 30 degree+ heat. As some have said, excellent doesn't have to be expensive.
I was looking at buying Rukka a few years back and the local shop recommended trying out the Clover Crossover Jacket and Trousers. Got to say they're excellent (albeit somewhat pricey) and have kept me dry in the worse weather Northern Ireland (and elsewhere) has been able to throw. They're also incredibly well ventilated and, when you take the cold weather layer out, are superb when the sun actually comes out!
There is something to be said for a decent suit and throw over waterproofs, and the only combination that I find gives you total control currently. Im with Psy, the overwaterproof on whatever is your choice of comfy summer riding gear fits the bill. Five years as a courier in Yorkshire and still using a pair of Belstaff waterproofs.
