Not an oil thread - but close - Boots and helmets

[Kurlon]

Thanks to an unplanned visit with the pavement two weeks ago I'm suddenly in a much more desperate search for gear this year than before. I NEED a new helmet and boots now, plus a back protector.

On the boots front, I'm going with Sidi's but have a bit of a dilema as to the model to shoot for. I'm a skinny bastard, the Vertigos would be my first choice but the calf adjustment system is clearly designed to accomodate 'normal' to 'chunky' riders, not emaciated freaks like myself. If I drop down to the Fusions the velcro system has enough adjustment that I can get a proper fit, but they are clearly a lower tier protection wise. (Although they are a step up from my old Alpinestar GPS beaters...) The Vortice looks to have enough adjustment range to fit, but also costs over twice as much. STs may work as well at a slightly less painful wallet hit per pair. What's the group think on Fusions vs STs/Vortices for racing?

Helmet wise, my options look to be HJC (most of which are plastic and not viable), Shoei and Arai. Any suggestions on a low cost option in those brands suitable for racing?

(And just to stir the pot, my prior back protector was an Icon Field Armor vest, I'm likely going to get the new 'Stryker' version unless someone knows of a better combo back and chest protector for outside the suit wear?)

[tsorfas]

What size back protector you d say you are

[G21forme]

I have small calves and the vertigos fit great with leathers but are a little loose if not. I have some 42s for cheap

[Rada]

Look at the Bell RS-1 helmet. STG has them for fair coin.

[duganc1717]

I have been looking @ helmets myself and after reading a few reviews I'm thinking about pulling the trigger on a Bell RS-1.

Motorcycle closeouts has some for $199.

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com...l+RS-1+Helmets

[CBR929RE]

maybe I have big calves but my old Vertigo Corsas fit just fine with my leathers and they're a 40 or 41. I assume the Vertigos are still the same as they've always been, they just don't have the top of the foot strap the Corsas do. did you try them on with your leathers on?

So close to the races you're probably better off buying local for all that stuff cause shipping it quickly is gonna add a bunch to the cost.

[Kurlon]

I'm planning on going through my local shop, which is why I'm focusing on the brands they normally carry. Fortunately for me I'm not going to the first LRRS round so I've got a little time to think this out a bit.

I'm a 44, 43 if I hope the toe box will stretch during break in for boots. When I test fit the boots I didn't have my leathers, I was just shoving my jeans in. Given the boots will be doing street and track duty fit with just jeans is important to me.

On the back protector, I'm in a 42 Vanson suit, 44 Advensport, and a adult small Field Armor vest. I wear a child's medium kidney belt if you want extra detail.

[GingahNinjah]

I have small calves and the vertigos fit great with leathers but are a little loose if not. I have some 42s for cheap

i could prob get into those 42's how cheap we talkin?? pics?

[Rossco]

Scorpion EX0-700

Fiberglass, Snell, and can be easily found for under $200 if you shop carefully.

[Billy]

I'm on the market for new gear as well. Been having a HELL of a time trying to find a leather coat with all the features I want out of it and more importantly a proper fit. I was set on a Shoei RF-1100 but the Bell RS1 is quite interesting. Looks like their sizing charts are not standard from what I've read.

[Rada]

RS-1 sizing... I have a XL Shoei FR1000 which fits pretty damn sweet. My XL RS-1 is slightly on the snugger side but still comfy. At this point I prefer the Bell over the Shoei.

[G21forme]

i could prob get into those 42's how cheap we talkin?? pics?

100$ sound fair? They have some scratches but still a solid boot

[Puppet]

Just to remind you about your decision to wear non-race gloves in a race and how well that worked out for you! I figure boots/ankles fall into the same category. You know you're racing. You're looking for a race boot. Buy the race boot.

The Fusions look like the old/original Vertebrae 2's. Great boot in their day and I have a pair I still wear on the street and I love them, but they've made so many boots since with better ankle protection. If you're looking for the past gen race boot to save some $$, I'd recommend the Vertigo Corsa, instead of the Vertigo's. The Corsa's have full lateral ankle support where the Vertigo's aren't connected. They also have the instep strap for a more snug fit. Again, not knocking the Vertigo's, just the difference b/w the race boot and the trackday/street equivalent.

I'd go with the Vortice's (and would have if they fit me - Went to A* instead). They'll last and have a replaceable sole in the area that wears from the rear set. The first time the bike slides on your ankle you'll be happy you had the best protection available.

You know I've always figured it's not worth skimping on riding gear and you yourself have fallen into that trap before. Figured I'd play devil's advocate

[Puppet]

As far as back/chest protector goes...I love my Impact Armour chest protector and will add the back protector when it's time to replace my current on. Call Mike and have it custom made for the cost of retail, and he used to do a discount for TTD riders if you bought both pieces. Can't hurt to ask. That means we better see you at a Tony's day though!

[Kurlon]

Heh, that's exactly the kind of advice I was looking for.

[Billy]

RS-1 sizing... I have a XL Shoei FR1000 which fits pretty damn sweet. My XL RS-1 is slightly on the snugger side but still comfy. At this point I prefer the Bell over the Shoei.

So let's say I'm a Large in a Shoei RF-1100. Should I go a size up or stay the same? Trying to find a place that has Bell helmets so I can try them on in person to answer my million dollar question.

[Rada]

So let's say I'm a Large in a Shoei RF-1100. Should I go a size up or stay the same? Trying to find a place that has Bell helmets so I can try them on in person to answer my million dollar question.

I would say if your RF is real snug then you probably want a XL RS-1. If the RF is just right to a little loose then the RS-1 in L should be good.

[Billy]

The RF Large is just the right fit so I'll try a Large. Thanks Rada.

[Kurlon]

Scorpion EX0-700

Fiberglass, Snell, and can be easily found for under $200 if you shop carefully.

Rocky Mountain ATV has some for $129... damn tempting. Kinda annoying that HJC poly helmets with Snell 2010 certs aren't legal as those are $129 MSRP...

[OreoGaborio]

I'm with Brian... if you're racing, buy fuckin race gear.

I tried the top of the line Sidi's a few years back and the Sidi's, no matter what size I tried & how well they fit, always felt loose around the ankle. But with their lacing system, the Alpinestars didn't have that so I stuck with them. I really like the lacing system they've got going in their Supertech R. I purchased em way back in 2008 and am still using them.

For race lids, I throw budget out the window. I'm lucky in that my head shape fits into an Arai Vector 2 perfectly and it's one of their less expensive lids. Still pricey, but they just fit & feel so much better than the cheaper brands. Love my Vector 2.

Chest/Back protection, I friggin love my Impact Armor. Just plan a couple months ahead of time since it's custom fit. If you don't have time to waste, get the Forcefield stuff. Very nice stuff.

[Kurlon]

Did my research...

Icon is no longer going for SNELL with their helmets, just ECE certification. (Mine was pre-M2010 existing, so it was SNELL back when the 2005 rating was tops.) Sharp doesn't have any test data on them either. Of the brands I've got access to, Shoei's Quest is one of the top rated by Sharp, plus it carries a SNELL 2010 cert. Shark has a lower cost helmet that tests even better, but it's not a brand I've got access to unfortunately. That leaves the Quest as my helmet for this year.

On the boot front, I've got a set of SIDI Vortice on order.

I'm going to rock the updated Icon vest still, the original one survived 6 plus years of heavy abuse and covered 3 different protection roles for me with one piece of kit.

My wallet and credit rating now hate me.

[gixxersixxer]

What about the new HJC RPS-10 model? It is comparable to Shoei and Arai with much less sticker shock and can be had $350 retail for solid colors

[Kurlon]

The Quest MSRPs for $400 in solid or 'rubatone' colors so similar price range as the RPS-10. Sharp doesn't have any testing data on it so didn't land on my radar as I had no way of comparing against the others with metrics. Same reason I bailed on the Icon. Had the Airframe been tested and shown to offer similar test results I would have gone back to it as I've got spare shields/etc, but alas, no Icons in the test results.

[maxim_X]

Isn't the RF-1100 under 400 for solid colors? It may not be the most stylish but I like it better than my Corsair V.

[Degsy]

Wirelessly posted

We have over 30 bell helmets in stock @ Adrenaline cycle 508-379-0100. They are the best helmets I've seen yet & the shield is super easy to change, takes 5 sec. You will want one once to try one on. Come down & check them out. We can take $80 off retail for all the track crowd.