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Required gear for trackdays?

  1. #1
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    Required gear for trackdays?

    I'm looking to invest in some gear for street riding, with the expectation that I'll be able to also use it for trackdays. I've never done a trackday, but hope to try 1 or 2 this year.

    My current gear is Alpinestars GP R leather jacket (with zip for pants), Scorpion full face helmet (DOT/Snell), and short Teknic leather gloves (I assume these won't meet requirements). I'm already planning to buy the Alpinestars GP Plus leather pants, and have been looking at Alpinestars boots (SMX-5 or SMX Plus) and gloves (way too many models to know what I should be looking at).

    So, will any over the ankle motorcycle specific boot be acceptable?
    Do gloves need to be gauntlet style or would the "mid length" that cover the wrist be ok?
    Do I need a back protector?
    Anything else I'm missing?
    And recommendations for street/budget minded?

    Thanks for any help.

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  2. #2
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Get "sport riding" boots.
    Get gauntlet gloves.
    Wear a back protector.
    Look into a chest protector.

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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Thanks for the advice. Do most people wear chest armor?

    I've been hearing mixed reviews on the Astar gloves, but hear great things about Held gloves. I was hoping to spend about $100 for gloves, but since I value my hands/skin, I'd consider the Held (or other brand) gloves.

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  4. #4
    Lifer Pittenger5's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    I wear chest armor. I know a lot of people dont. I like it, doesnt bother me, and its extra protection.
    Gloves? No idea what hte latest and greatest is, but I love my Helds.

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    Zip Tie Alley #505

    Quote Originally Posted by Pookie View Post
    My favorite was you going through T2 with your eyes closed.

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    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Each org has their own minimum requirements, but for the most part they're all pretty much the same....

    Motorcycle specific jacket w/ armor
    Motorcycle specific pants w/ armor
    Motorcycle specific over the anke boots
    Motorcycle specific gauntlet gloves
    Approved full face helmet (which genearlly means DOT plus SNELL or some other authorized certification agency approval)

    Most will also require some sort of back protection as well... this is often MORE than the foam pad that's typically found in most street jackets. Something more like this: http://www.revzilla.com/product/tekn...back-protector

    Here's a link to the Tony's Track Days page that serves as a good example of what most orgs will be looking for: http://www.tonystrackdays.com/catego...reparation.htm


    Held gloves are pretty good. I prefer them over Alpinestars.
    I also really liked the RevIt Jerez gloves but ended up going with Held due to no reason but availability.

    Not everyone wears a chest protector, but they're growing in popularity. I wear a chest and back protector combo from www.impactarmor.com and it's excellent... expensive but excellent and well worth the cost if you do a LOT of track riding like I do. I've been wearing the same set with excellent results since 2006. If I'm not racing and it's super crazy hot out I'll just wear the back portion as chest protectors are not required by any organization that I know of. But I'll always wear the back protector on the track.

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    Last edited by OreoGaborio; 01-12-14 at 09:03 PM.
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Good stuff guys. I had checked out the TTD site a while back, but figured I'd also get some opinions here. All this gear is really adding up!

    Oh, what model Held gloves do you guys have? The Phantom 2s (~$210) seem mid level with some lower priced (~$130) model.

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    Last edited by stanga5o; 01-12-14 at 09:04 PM.

  7. #7
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    lol... oh trust me, I hear that!

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  8. #8
    Lifer jasnmar's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    There's also borrowing and renting to consider.

    My first track day was done in textile gear rather than leathers (which is allowed by some organizations).

    Depending on your size there are also people willing to loan stuff under the assumption that you break it you buy it. As others have said, gauntlet gloves are necessary. Your helmet sounds fine.

    I've loaned back protection and boots to people in the past. If I have stuff that fits and I'm not riding that day people are more than welcome to use my stuff. If riding the track is something you like, you'll want to get your own stuff, but as a noob no reason to go all out.

    If you are "fun sized" I have both a onsie and a two piece set of leathers you can use.

    If you are looking for gloves don't ignore Heroic.

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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Thanks for the recommendation and offer to borrow gear. I'll probably buy this for street use anyway, but renting/borrowing is something I've considered as well. I'm really not sure how many track days I'll be able to do, so I'd like to avoid buying stuff that's overkill for the street (I know this is subjective and many people will argue that you should have most of the same gear for the street as you would for the track). I think my plan will be to buy entry-mid level stuff that will provide better protection than jeans/regular boots, but also be ok for trackdays..

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  10. #10
    Lifer golden chicken's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    I'm on that 'no such thing as overkill' bandwagon. Plus, it ends up costing you more if you buy mid-level stuff and then decide you want more protection and you then have to buy the top shelf stuff.

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  11. #11
    Lifer jasnmar's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Meh... My two piece is my regular street gear. I'd be hard pressed to wear my onsie on the street. I have worn my back protection on the street but it is by far the exception.

    Boots, gloves, hat from the track I do wear on the street (OK, technically I do have a track helmet, but that's more of a style thing and my street and track helmet are the same model / manufacturer with a different paint scheme).

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  12. #12
    Lifer
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Don't fuck around with cheap gear. You'll just end up replacing it all anyway. Ask me how I know.

    Your jacket sounds good. I would invest in a decent pair of leather pants that will zip into it. Perf leather is very versatile and will serve you well both on the street and at a track day. I have a 2-piece perf leather setup that I would not hesitate to wear on the track. The only reason I have a leather onesie is because it was a sweet deal and I am a sucker for a sweet deal.

    Buy a cheap slip-over rain suit as well. This cuts wind on cold days and is necessary for rain. This is one place where you can cheap out, IMO.

    Gauntlet gloves are a must for all riding IMO. You don't have to spend Held money. Plenty of good options for more reasonable $$. I have a couple pair of Cortech gloves that I like very much.

    I would not go cheap on boots. Go top shelf. In my experience, it is worth it.

    I have an A-star back protector I'd let go. I have been meaning to take pictures and post it up FS.

    Used gear is a great option. Keep your eyes peeled on this and other forums. CL hasn't returned much for me. Seems most there sell cruiser gear.

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    Last edited by nhbubba; 01-14-14 at 08:11 PM.

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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    I certainly understand there are protection/quality tradeoffs when buying entry-mid level gear as compared to more expensive "race" gear.

    I tend to think that some gear for racing is not ideal for street use and you don't have to pay top dollar for good protection. For example, race boots provide the most protection, but potentially sacrifice some feel/flexibility, right? I currently ride only street (but very interested in 1-2 trackdays per year; the reason for this thread) and I think I'd be less safe if I can't operate controls easily on the street where situations aren't as predictable as on the track. Maybe my logic is wrong here..?

    I think my current Astars GP R jacket zipped together with Astars GP Plus pants will be more than adequate for street/trackdays. I'm not talking cheap stuff here (jacket retails for $450 and pants $400).

    I'd like to buy boots/gloves that are going to last and provide good protection, but don't break the bank. Are Astars SMX-5 or SMX-Plus boots crap? How about Held Evo Thrux gloves?

    I completely understand the argument that if inexpensive gear wears out or breaks early, then you have to buy new gear and then you haven't really saved any money. I just don't think that's the case with the gear I've been looking at considering the favorable reviews.

    I'm definitely interested in the back protector, btw.

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  14. #14
    Lifer
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Quote Originally Posted by stanga5o View Post
    I currently ride only street (but very interested in 1-2 trackdays per year...
    Yeah. That's the line I fed my wife too. GL man.

    I'll get a photo of the protector. I'm in southern NH though.

    I think you're on the right track. Dooeit.

    By cheap gear I mean like Joe Rocket textiles. Just don't bother with that shit.

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  15. #15
    Unsafe At Any Speeds Jim's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    i would avoid buying a lot of A* gear

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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Haha, I try to keep my bike expenses from the GF. She has started asking me how much all this gear and trackdays cost, though. I'll probably get a trackday for my birthday in April..

    Yea, I could always have you ship the back protector if it makes sense to do that. It's not like I need to try it on, right?

    Definitely not interested in textile. I originally bought a Teknic textile jacket, but didn't like the fit and decided leather was better anyway. It gets hot in the summer, but I keep reminding myself how much I like my skin!

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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim View Post
    i would avoid buying a lot of A* gear
    Have you had bad experiences? They have such a great reputation that I assumed any of their higher end stuff was nice, which is why I bought the jacket. Now, it just makes sense to buy the matching pants.

    I'm not against buying another brand for boots/gloves, though. I've been reading some negative stuff about their gloves actually...

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  18. #18
    Lifer jasnmar's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Race boots do provide more protection. They don't sacrifice feel "where it's important" but do sacrifice flexibility. That's kinda the point.

    For example take a look at http://www.sidisport.com/eng/splash....&id=1&lng_riv= (I'm just more familiar with Sidi and that page is a great example of what I'm talking about). Start at the bottom of the page and scan up.

    Notice that as you work up the page there is more and more protection, but no more protection on the toe (mostly). All of the protection gets added at the ankle and calf. There's crush protection. There's shin plates. There's ankle joints. There's straps to keep them on. Adjustments for calf size, etc. Also as you go up the chart the more replaceable parts there are. The nice thing about replaceable parts is that when you crash, you can get away without buying a new pair of boots, you can replace what's damaged.

    I haven't used any A* stuff, so can't speak to it's quality. Do you have the 360 zipper or the 8" one? I wanna say some Track Day orgs require a 360 (but there are others who do not), so it's something to watch.

    If I were buying A* boots I'd be in the SMX-Plus rather than the 5. Beware... Most of these sorts of "track style" boots squeak a bit. Get used to it .

    I've not owned any Held gloves, but they have a good reputation and I have tried some on, but ended up going a different direction. They seemed fine, but I didn't do any crash testing to prove that .

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    Last edited by jasnmar; 01-13-14 at 10:50 AM.

  19. #19
    Lifer
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    G'man's advice (rendered elsewhere on these threads) is gold IMO; it's not a track day, it's safety training. Repeat that to EVERYONE you meet. "I'm going for rider training."

    Yeah, that's it..

    Textiles have their place. But most are one and done. I have spent a small fortune on a water-proof water-resistant textile suit for everyday street and touring use that is very easy to live with. I wouldn't trade it for any leather gitup. (Okay, maybe for this..)

    It's all in what you want to do.

    My A* protector is one size fits all, I think. I can snap a photo or two if you like. I can do that tonight. I bought it 2nd hand from someone with some other gear. Intended to use it on the street, but I don't. It just collects dust.

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  20. #20
    Lifer
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    The only downsides of a 'race' boot for everyday use is that they are expensive and hard to walk around in. IMO those tradeoffs are entirely worth it.

    The first proper motorcycle boot I bought was a TCX race boot. I love them. I commuted in them for a couple years before I bought my Sidi touring boots. I'd buy them again in a heartbeat.

    Edit: I've crashed in them twice and am damned glad I wasn't wearing a lesser boot!!!

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    Last edited by nhbubba; 01-13-14 at 10:58 AM.

  21. #21
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Quote Originally Posted by stanga5o View Post
    I tend to think that some gear for racing is not ideal for street use and you don't have to pay top dollar for good protection. For example, race boots provide the most protection, but potentially sacrifice some feel/flexibility, right? I currently ride only street (but very interested in 1-2 trackdays per year; the reason for this thread) and I think I'd be less safe if I can't operate controls easily on the street where situations aren't as predictable as on the track. Maybe my logic is wrong here..?
    Trust me... racing is no more predictable than street riding

    Hopefully a couple my own opinions/assumptions (that I'm sure others can argue with) may help clear this up for ya...

    1 - The pavement on the track is just as hard as the pavement on the street... yet the chances of getting seriously injured are arguably greater on the street due to there being so many more things you can slam into.

    2 - "Race" gear is primarily designed for two things... riding and crashing. Generally a manufacturers goal for race gear is to provide maximum feel, control, and to a certain extent, comfort while on the bike, all while still offering maximum protection. "Street" gear is the same way but makes more compromises for the sake of comfort.



    I wear the same boots on the street as I do on the track. Alpinestars Supertech R. NOTHING about them compromises feel or flexibility to the point that it makes them unsafe for riding in any environment. They are exceptionally comfortable except when walking around for long periods of time.

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    Last edited by OreoGaborio; 01-13-14 at 03:42 PM.
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    OK, definitely understand where everyone's coming from. I'll have to weigh the pro's/con's myself.

    It's funny because when the GF was asking about the trackdays, I tried to emphasize that it's going to make me a safer rider and the techniques I learn will apply to the street. The gear is actually really easy to justify since it's importance is more obvious.

    I'm sure the track isn't always predictable. My understanding of track days is that there is no racing per se, and that it is a pretty controlled environment. I figure that on a track you always have a better idea of when you should be on the gas/brakes so you can prepare for turns and whatnot. Any lack of flexibility in a boot can be "compensated" for since you know when to shift or get ready for rear brake (if anyone actually uses rear brake on a track ha!). Please excuse my ignorance.

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  23. #23
    Unsafe At Any Speeds Jim's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Quote Originally Posted by stanga5o View Post
    Have you had bad experiences? They have such a great reputation that I assumed any of their higher end stuff was nice, which is why I bought the jacket. Now, it just makes sense to buy the matching pants.

    I'm not against buying another brand for boots/gloves, though. I've been reading some negative stuff about their gloves actually...
    A* boots are ok, but i havent seen a pair of gloves last (on the track).
    the A* boots are good to start, then you'll probably look to upgrade to Sidi.
    I'd keep my eyes open for a used set of Held Phantoms. they're fantastic gloves & will last for a long time.
    as far as back protector, you're best borrowing a few for your first few track days. see what ones you like & buy one cheap in the off-season.

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  24. #24
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    I've had the SMX-5 boots for about 2 seasons now and love them. They're comfortable enough to wear all day at work aside from getting a little hot in the summer, easy on/off with just one zip and one velcro, and a decent amount of protection. In fact I'm wearing them right now They've held up pretty well too, hardly look more used than last year.

    I did end up getting Sidi Vertigos for the track for the beefier ankle and shin protection, but I would not wear them on the street regularly. They're not as cushy inside so you feel every pebble and sidewalk crack through the soles, took longer to break in (still a little pinchy at the toes sometimes), stiffer to walk in, more of a pain to put on and take off. I like the peace of mind in terms of protection, but if you're trying to consolidate, then to be honest I think the SMX-5's would do fine for a couple of track days in novice group. I wore regular lace-up 6" work boots at my first track day and just duct taped the laces.

    The only question is whether, like others here, "1-2 trackdays" becomes "several track days every year," in which case you might as well get the right ones right away… but then again, if you get street boots and use them on the street all the time, then it's not much of a loss even if you end up buying higher end boots for the track.

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  25. #25
    Super Moderator OreoGaborio's Avatar
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    Re: Required gear for trackdays?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim View Post
    the A* boots are good to start, then you'll probably look to upgrade to Sidi.
    I tried all the top Sidi boots a while back & stuck w/ the Supertechs. Equal protection, and for me, more comfort.

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