Buying my first set of leathers - Advice?

[Hoon]

It's come time to buy a decent set of full leathers and start getting some track experience under my belt. I'm leaning towards a 1-piece suit because it won't really see much if any off-track use so i don't think i need the versatility of a 2-piece.

I've done some reading on the subject but most of the info available about suit choices is vague and general, so i thought this section would be a good place to start narrowing things down. I don't have a set number that i can spend, but i'd like to be under $600 or so for a good quality new or lightly used suit. I'd probably prefer to go with a lightly used suit of better quality for the same money if i can find one.

I'm 6'0", 180lbs with a 31" waist, 34" inseam and wear a 44 suit jacket and a 46 Alpinestars leather jacket which fits pretty well in the shoulders, a little extra room so i can have a sweatshirt under it comfortably when it's cold out, but certainly not a parachute either. The torso has some extra room because it's not designed for someone with a 31" waist. I've always been partial to Alpinestars products but i am not brand loyal by any means, and really open to all recommendations for types/models to consider.

Thanks

[Rada]

Your budget is about where mine was when I started. I ended up with a Teknic Chicane suit. Don't forget you're going to need a hard back protector to with the suit.

STG has a great online selection too to look at. http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com...its%3AShow+All They have some close out deals too that might work for you.

Back when I bought mine I went with S&C because they are close to me and I could try on the suits and find the size that fit.

[Jim]

Best deals I see for first time track riders looking to buy a suit is to wait for a used one. You'll get a great price for the product & won't have to worry about scuffing up your pretty new suit.

[OreoGaborio]

Buying used is def an alternative if you're on a tight budget. I got a very lightly used Dainese a few years ago for 350 shipped and it even came with a back protector & spare pucks. Got it off the WERA board. http://forums.13x.com

That said, there are a lot of good budget suits out there that you can buy new in the 4-600 dollar range.

[csmutty]

I still buy used suits. I just bought a spidi which retails for 1300 for 400 shipped. Never been down.

[Kurlon]

I've beaten the tar out of AGV's entry level suit. Good kit for the money ignoring some of the used deals I've seen floating around at times.

[CBR929RE]

don't leave room for a sweatshirt underneath. make sure it fits with a back protector and if you choose to wear one, a chest protector. you'll wear it far more often when its warm than the one or two days its cold. you can always throw on a cheap sweatshirt over it if need be on those days.

[Uncle Snake]

Buying used is def an alternative if you're on a tight budget. I got a very lightly used Dainese a few years ago for 350 shipped and it even came with a back protector & spare pucks. Got it off the WERA board. http://forums.13x.com

That said, there are a lot of good budget suits out there that you can buy new in the 4-600 dollar range.

Pete, the classifieds are a separate website now for WERA. Go here now: http://weraclassifieds.com/


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[G21forme]

don't leave room for a sweatshirt underneath. make sure it fits with a back protector and if you choose to wear one, a chest protector. you'll wear it far more often when its warm than the one or two days its cold. you can always throw on a cheap sweatshirt over it if need be on those days.

This, and UA makes some good cold weather long sleeves.

[Rada]

This, and UA makes some good cold weather long sleeves.

Also the MotoD cold weather undersuit is great.

[BluGixxer]

For the suit to work , it has to fit correctly . If you can find an of the rack suit that fits , more power to you. Keep in mind diff companies fit diff , even from model to model. If you can , try to find a plce that will let you try some on. Miles @ street&comp has a ton of knowledge ,I hear he has some good prices also.

[Hoon]

don't leave room for a sweatshirt underneath. make sure it fits with a back protector and if you choose to wear one, a chest protector. you'll wear it far more often when its warm than the one or two days its cold. you can always throw on a cheap sweatshirt over it if need be on those days.

No i definitely won't leave any extra space in a race suit. In my street jacket it's good to have though. A little insulation is a must on those 40 degree nights in spring and fall.

For the suit to work , it has to fit correctly . If you can find an of the rack suit that fits , more power to you. Keep in mind diff companies fit diff , even from model to model. If you can , try to find a plce that will let you try some on. Miles @ street&comp has a ton of knowledge ,I hear he has some good prices also.

Troy is a long way away to buy equipment, but thanks for the tip. I'm a little worried about finding a suit that fits decently off the shelf. I have a hard enough time finding jeans that fit decently with a 32/34, never mind a full suit.

[Hoon]

Pete, the classifieds are a separate website now for WERA. Go here now: http://weraclassifieds.com/


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Thanks for this post.

Just made an offer on a suit in their classifieds. Hopefully i'll have my first 1 piece soon!

[03Worc9R]

Attachment 29403

Keeping an eye for used gear in the forums is the way to go. I picked up a one piece Spidi suit (never down) and a pair for Sidi boots (never down) for $320. shipped. I think I got a pretty sweet deal. Found them on NESBA.

[Hoon]

Just picked up an Alpinestars RC-1, brand new, for a decent price.

Time to find a decent full length boot and book a track weekend...

[CBR929RE]

Just picked up an Alpinestars RC-1, brand new, for a decent price.

Time to find a decent full length boot and book a track weekend...

if you're planning on NHMS track days are during the week only. racing is on weekends but I think a track day is better for someone that's never been to the track.

[Hoon]

if you're planning on NHMS track days are during the week only. racing is on weekends but I think a track day is better for someone that's never been to the track.

Thanks for the clarification.

I'm definitely not planning on racing anytime soon. I used to do some MX racing, but i don't have enough seat time on sport bikes yet to go balls out against people with years of experience.

I'm in it to learn to be a better rider. I play around a bit on the street but i can learn more in a few professionally instructed days at the track than i could in thousands of miles of street stupidity, with a lot less risk and probably about the same expense.

I'm sure i'll race at some point, but knowing my lack of track experience and my competitive nature, it wouldn't be a good idea just yet.

[Hoon]

6/18 booked with TTD!

[Jim]

nice. you'll have a blast.

many MX guys tend to get motards for the track, since it's an easier transition.