Time for new boots and gloves

[burnham]

I have been using Sidi Vertigo Corsa boots, and Held Phantom gloves, for at least six years now. My current stuff has served me well and I can still use it, but I would like to get some new gear and keep the old stuff for spares. I'm thinking of going with Held Titans and maybe some Sidi Vortice boots, but figured now is a good time to ask what you guys are using and how you like it? I'm not afraid to spend good money on this stuff, I just want something that will last and give good protection in a crash.

[Chippertheripper]

I had the vortices, and the fishing line closure system was just too big a pain in the ass.
I "downgraded" to the st, which has the hinges stabilizer, but is a much more user friendly boot. I'm VERY happy with them.

[maxim_X]

6 years for gloves? I sware I go through 3 pair per year. Anyway I'm into the held phantom II now. I haven't tested them yet but they are nice quality and reasonably priced. My gearne gp1 boots are great. They have hit the deck a
Number of times and come out fine. Much better than a* that I had.

[burnham]

No I meant I've been using that style glove for six years, they're probably three years old now and in good shape beyond some rash on one knuckle.

I don't mind the fishing line setup on my Sidis now, never bothered me much.

[loudbeard]

I have the Vortices also, one the "new car smell" wore off of them the strapping system started to annoy me. It really is a bit of a pain to do. There really nice once they're on though...

I've been riding the Spidi Carbo 3's for gloves. 2 pretty mild crashed and they need pretty significant repair work. Wouldn't recommend. Trying out a pair of Vanson gloves next but their lack of hard protection over the knuckles is a bit concerning. Also, Jim says "there's no stingray skin."

[Rada]

I made the move from Sidi to Alpinstar on boots.. I have there top model.. SMR or Whatever.. Over all they seem pretty nice. Two complaints... The material on the inside of the ankle area is getting worn from the frame and the soles are halfway through after a year and a half. Although to be fair I ride a lot of laps on the track between LRRS and TTD. Overall I am pleased with them and would likely buy them again.

I have the Held Phantoms now and will likely get them again.. I just like the way the Held gloves feel on my hands. They make me feel protected.. Probably jump up to the Titan next go around..

[csmutty]

I have the smx+ astars and have been in the same pair for the last 7 years. I use them to teach msf (walk around all day), race, do tds, and street ride. I can't kill them.

[The Snowman]

I made the move from Sidi to Alpinstar on boots.. I have there top model.. SMR or Whatever.. Over all they seem pretty nice. Two complaints... The material on the inside of the ankle area is getting worn from the frame and the soles are halfway through after a year and a half. Although to be fair I ride a lot of laps on the track between LRRS and TTD. Overall I am pleased with them and

Ditto. I went from a devout Sidi fan to a pair of Alpinestars Supertech R. Mine have held up better than Adams seem to have. My only complaint is the length of the toe sliders, They don't wrap around the front, like the Sidi boots do.

I didn't like the Sidi ST, which was my last pair of Sidi boots. PITA to get into and out of.

For gloves, I use Herioc SP-R Pro gloves. They're held up extremely well through 3 seasons and 3 crashes. I hear that the Lionheart are made in the same place, so they may be similar. Held always seems to be the benchmark for gloves, so if you like them, I'd stay with them.

[burnham]

I had Astars SMX-Rs (I think) but they were too narrow for my fat feet.

Anyone here use Daytona Security boots?

[Rada]

I wear a 11.5 EE work boot and found the Supertech R to me more roomy than my old Sidis.
I will say that I do like the all day comfort of the A*. I did not have that feeling with the Sidi.

The Daytona is intriguing. At first glance I thought they were horrible looking but they have grown on me.

Another boot to look at is the hipdog Dainese Axial Pro... They are pretty badass too. Might be able to try on a pair up at Seacoast..

[03Worc9R]

I love my Sidi Vertigo Corsa boots. I bought the Vortices and hated them. To bulky and heavy for me. Went back to my Corsa's.
I have the held titan's and love them. I got to test them when my coolant hose decided to blow in turn 2!

[burnham]

I love my Sidi Vertigo Corsa boots. I bought the Vortices and hated them. To bulky and heavy for me. Went back to my Corsa's.
I have the held titan's and love them. I got to test them when my coolant hose decided to blow in turn 2!

Were the vortices uncomfortable while riding, or just in general?

[sdog30]

I went from a star smx to vortice last year. I think they are a little over designed, the cable system is a little bit of a pain to get into if you miss 2nd call, but once you get them on, they are fine. I like how the toe slider wraps around the front and is bolted on. I've lost a few toe sliders on my a stars. The Sidi takes a little while to break in. I couldn't shift with then for a little while. Pretty sure there was a coating on the licra. Once I hit that off, they worked fine. I'm a size smaller on the sidi, too.

[nhbubba]

I have a pair of 2nd hand AXO gloves. I have unfortunately crashed them 3 times now and I know the PO crashed them at least once. I bought them 2-ish years ago and have used them for 8 or 9 track days. They look worn, but plenty of life left in them. I am very happy with the gloves and would consider another pair.

I have a pair of TCX Race-S boots that have also crashed 3 times. Very happy with them as well. They are 3+ years old and have seen both street and track use. Very easy to wear. Mine are arguably a half size too small. The toe box is tight (like a tiger). They suck to walk around in, but are fine on the bike.

For the street I recently bought a pair of Sidi boots. I am in love with them and want to add a track day/race pair of sidis to my closet someday.

[03Worc9R]

I don't want to say they were uncomfortable but more bulky and less feel for me. I did feel like I couldn't ask for more protection. They were a little more work to put on and off too.

[hawk]

I have a set of Phantom II's I could sell you if your interested. What size do you wear?

[OreoGaborio]

Held Phantom & Supertech R fan here.

Though my last couple of Phantoms wore out a little earlier than I had hoped... The pair I've got now though seem to be lasting well.

[tsorfas]

Gloves I use the GP Pros A*. After 50+ races, wet and dry, 3 lowsides, 5000+ street miles and 2 years of rare off Roading now I finally saw a hole in the stitching. Oh and I also bought them slightly used from a member here.

I will be getting another pair ASAP although I have a pair of brand new Sidis sitting.

[Jim]

if i'm not using my Held Phantoms, then i'm using my Heroic gloves. both are pretty great.

I'm a Sidi snob for boots after trying A*. have the same ones you have now and will be getting the Vortice ones after this season.

[aldend123]

I've got a pair of Sidi Vertigo Air's and I'm really happy with them. They look a bit aggressive so I feel a little ridiculous in them, but they're very comfortable on the bike, and decent for short walks (grocery store or hardwood store trips). Feel lighter than hiking boots. The rubber sole doesn't look user-replaceable and seems fairly soft, resulting in quick wear. Zip up the side is easy to get in and out. There is a bit of slop around the ankle, but I got used to it pretty quickly. That said, my next pair will probably be something a little less race oriented.

[a13x]

Hey burnham, long time no see man. Truck is still going strong! (thou a bit more 'worn' )

I'll drop a note on boots as I'm really jazzed on the ones I've been running lately: the Dainese Axial Pro In. Had these boots for a few years now and I gotta say I've been very impressed with them. Going in I wasn't a fan of the 'in' boot but after using them, I love it! The boots themselves are awesome on the bike. Previously I had Alpinestars Supertech-R and those were a tad bit better walking around, but the Daineses are fine for walking around too (the Astars were just redic comfy compared to anything else I've had, again walking wise). But we aren't buying motorcycle race boots for walking around are we? The Daineses feel much better on the bike, they fit so well it's like a second skin and I feel I have better control on the shifter/brake/peg as a result. The internal bracing and protection is top notch as well, better than the Supertech R's for sure. The only negative I have with the boot is they aren't vented, which when we have 110 degree days here in Socal... makes your feet hot. 80-100 degrees though and I haven't had a problem. Mine are a couple of years old so maybe there is a vented option now if that's a big deal?

Full disclaimer: I'm sponsored by the D-Store Orange County (Dainese store) but if I didn't think they were worth telling you about I wouldn't have bothered spending 5 minutes typing this up to a old buddy. If you are interested in buying them send me a PM and I will connect you via email with the store manager and see what we can do. He can ship stuff, that's how Pete got his fancy Dainese suit

[tropicoz]

I have a pair of Held Titans and I really like them but the knuckle plate seems a bit larger than it should be so the top of the glove doesn't fit as tight as I'd like. Aside from that, they're a fantastic glove. I haven't crash tested them so I cant speak on their durability. The kangaroo on the palm feels very thin so it's not confidence inspiring, but I'm guessing roo skin is thinner and sturdier? Overall, I like my Heroics better. I crashed my first pair of Heroics at least 6 times and they held up extremely well. I still have them as a back up to my backup gloves, lol.

Regarding boots, I have both the Vortice and the Supertechs. The Vortices seem to grip to my foots better but the A* are seriously more comfortable and easier to get in and out of.

[burnham]

Thanks guys! I'm going to try on a few sets of boots and report back.

Hey Alex, good to hear the truck is still going strong. I just picked up another tundra a couple weeks ago.

[Mustang]

TL/DR: A* Supertech R's for the past three months, after rocking Sidi's for 8 years. The new ones definitely have more protection, but are mildly more complicated to fasten. Gloves are Knox Biomechs which I LOVE. Have crashed in them, oh, 10 times probably.

[OreoGaborio]

that's how Pete got his fancy Dainese suit