June 11th, 2013, 12:29 AM | #1 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Darryl
Location: OSU/Dayton, OH
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 121
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Gear questions
Alright so now that I completed my MSF course and have my license, its time to look for gear! I have been browsing and came up with some questions.
Helmets: Looking at helmets, some of them have quite a few features. Any particular feature that would be good to look for? Also, I know DOT approval is standard, but what about the ECE and Snell ratings? Should I look for a helmet thats DOT and ECE or DOT and Snell or DOT Snell and ECE? Or do the other 2 matter? Jackets: I'm looking at some jackets, and they are different thicknesses. How thin would you want it to be at a minimum? Any other particular features to look for? Looking at textile jackets, I saw some with spine protection. Is this a must? On the leather ones I was looking at, I saw back protectors, but not spine protection. Or are they one in the same? I've been browsing motorcyclesuperstore.com and motorcyclegear.com. Any other site recommendations? Any particular piece of gear recommendations? Or particular brand? |
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June 11th, 2013, 12:58 AM | #2 |
The Violet Vixen
Name: Yakaru
Location: Issaquah, WA & Las Vegas, NV
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): Perigee (250), Hotaru (250), Saturn (300), Pearl (300), Zero (S1000RR), Chibi (Z125), Xellos ('18 HP4R) Posts: A lot.
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Helmet: DOT is a 'minimum' for most areas with helmet laws. ECE is the same for Europe. Snell is a third party testing system that is sort of a "+1" to the other two ratings. You can read a bit more about the differences here: http://www.webbikeworld.com/eicma-20...-standards.htm
Here's my advice: Get a helmet that FITS WELL, is either full face or a high branded modular (e.g. Shoei, Schuberth). Find a good gear shop, put the helmet on, and leave it on for thirty minutes. Move around, how do you see? Is the helmet tight enough it won't move if you shake your head around but not so tight it has pressure points? That's your sweet spot. If you have one piece of gear you can overspend on it would be the helmet. Jacket: thickness really isn't the primary measurement here; fit and quality are more important. It needs to fit tight, like the helmet -- this shouldn't be something that fits like a street coat. The armor needs to get over the protection spot (shoulder, elbow, etc.) and stay there as you move around. It should feel a touch awkward to move in. Leather is good for abrasion, but make sure it has -- or has pockets to add -- impact protection. For a street riding piece I'd get something with a back protector integrated. The back protector is usually focused on protecting the spine and other vitals around it. As for quality look at the sewing. You don't want any loose threads or popped seams: those could tear the jacket apart in a bad situation. Another good site to look up gearwise is revzilla. They have a good reward program, excellent customer service, and their youtube channel is a great research tool. My favorite brands are Rev'It and Dainese for jackets and such -- they're super high quality brands that are excellent for me due to my tiny size (they're European, so they run thinner/shorter). My favorite helmet is Schuberth because it fits my head 'just right'. Strong "quality value" brands might be A* for jackets and Shark for helmets. |
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June 11th, 2013, 06:41 AM | #3 | |
Squid Hunter
Name: Alex
Location: Florida
Join Date: Feb 2013 Motorcycle(s): '08 250R and '13 ZX-6R Posts: 117
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Quote:
I'd check out getting a textile jacket with mesh venting on it to keep you cool. I have a solid textile jacket and it's almost as hot as my full leather jacket. I have the AlpineStars TGP-R Air jacket (textile with some mesh venting) as my current summer jacket and it keeps me comfortable. Definitely get something with a back protector even if you have to order it separately. I upgraded the back protector in my alpinestars jacket to the Bio Armor back protector and also got the Bio Armor chest protector inserts and I feel a lot safer now (think it was $30 and $40 for the upgrades) For gloves I'd suggest getting full length gauntlet style gloves because they're much more protective in a slide than the short length gloves. I have a pair of Joe Rocket Phoenix and a pair of Joe Rocket GPX gloves. I watched a friend lowside at around 15-20mph wearing the joe rocket phoenix gloves and they didn't protect him much at all, hand and forearm came out pretty rashed up (jacket slid up). Needless to say I ordered the pair of GPX gauntlet gloves and never wore my Phoenix gloves again...
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June 11th, 2013, 08:44 AM | #4 | |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
Read this: http://roadsafety.mccofnsw.org.au/a/75.html If you can, try a mortar store so you can feel how this staff fit to your body and head shape. Comfort and freedom of movements are as important as protecting your skin and bones.
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Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
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June 11th, 2013, 11:15 AM | #5 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Aaron
Location: Winder, GA
Join Date: Jun 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2013 Ninja 300 Posts: 718
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For dwight, I'd also recommend Revzilla. They also have excellent customer service and their gear videos can be extremely helpful. |
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June 11th, 2013, 11:50 AM | #6 | ||
ninjette.org member
Name: Darryl
Location: OSU/Dayton, OH
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 121
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Quote:
Yeah they seem to have a great selection! I haven't seen anything with chest protectors. Maybe I should stop looking in the closeout section Quote:
Last futzed with by dwright0723; June 11th, 2013 at 11:51 AM. Reason: Ugh. N00b mistakes |
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June 11th, 2013, 12:38 PM | #7 | |
Daily Ninjette rider
Name: Hernan
Location: Florida
Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2007 Ninja 250 Posts: A lot.
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You are welcome
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Motofool .................................Never ride faster than your guardian angel can fly "Mankind is composed of two sorts of men — those who love and create, and those who hate and destroy. Love is the bond between men, the way to teach and the center of the world." - José Martí |
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June 11th, 2013, 12:43 PM | #8 |
not an actual panda
Name: dan
Location: philadelphia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 CBR600RR (Sold) Posts: A lot.
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You didn't mention it or I didn't see it but I'd definitely recommend full gauntlets, full boots, and over pants and/or riding pants.
I'd also recommend some kind of back protection. Back protection plus shoulder blade protection is a plus. At a minimum for your legs I'd recommend knee/shin guards and some kind of hip armor. |
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June 11th, 2013, 02:15 PM | #9 | ||
ninjette.org member
Name: Darryl
Location: OSU/Dayton, OH
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 121
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Quote:
Quote:
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June 11th, 2013, 02:53 PM | #10 |
not an actual panda
Name: dan
Location: philadelphia
Join Date: Aug 2012 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250, 2009 CBR600RR (Sold) Posts: A lot.
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Yes, full gauntlets cover your wrists. Half boots which cover your ankles offer some crush protection but don't protect against hyper extending the joint.
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June 11th, 2013, 02:57 PM | #11 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
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Another really good reason to go with full boots is shin protection. The entire front of the boot is hard. Combine this with proper pants and you've got hard armor from the top of your knee all the way down to your foot... just the thing to keep those pesky kicked-up rocks from ruining your afternoon.
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
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June 11th, 2013, 03:01 PM | #12 |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.
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Id recommend the A* SMX Plus for boots. Some good ****. You can get the 2012 models for under $300 right now
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June 14th, 2013, 12:09 AM | #13 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Darryl
Location: OSU/Dayton, OH
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 121
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Quote:
Damn this stuff is expensive! Just browsing closeout stuff, I'm at $800 Does anything seem over-the-top or under the top? Or see anything else I need? Heres what I have so far: Boots: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...boots-closeout Gloves: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/t...iolator-gloves Helmet: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/s...ternity-helmet Jacket: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/t...ro-mesh-jacket Pants: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/j...denim-30-jeans |
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June 14th, 2013, 06:06 AM | #14 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
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Prices seem to be right where they should be for new gear. Yea, it's not cheap. If your gunna go for the jeans then get some under/over armor. Knee pads and padded shorts. The padded shorts will give you a cushion on the sides of your hips. Right where you will hit the pavement in the event of a down.
If you don't mind used, you can get top brand stuff for cheap via craigslist/ebay or via your local groups. There is a HUGE track riding group in cincy and they buy and swap gear all the time. There are some really fine deals on used gear on their site. I will pm you the links if you want. Your call. Either way, enjoy the shopping for gear. As a gear whore, I love having a few extra bucks to spend on gear. Get you some ear plugs too. Happy riding!
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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June 14th, 2013, 06:11 AM | #15 |
Cat herder
Name: Gort
Location: A secret lair which, being secret, has an undisclosed location
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One trip to the ER is a LOT more than $800.
Cheap insurance. Back protector insert. The pad that comes in jackets is a sick joke. Consider armor for the jeans... inserts if the pants accommodate them, or strap-on armor. FWIW, here's my mindset when it comes to gear. Picture yourself running across a parking lot as fast as you possibly can and then hurling yourself on the ground... either "steal second base" or do a Superman head-first thing. If you're confident you can get up from that with no scrapes or significant bruising, then your gear is up to snuff. Or, imagine bailing out of a car at 20 mph. Same criteria. Jeans-- even Kevlar jeans -- without armor? I wouldn't do it. With armor I *might,* but I believe that full-on track gear will protect me better so that's what I wear. Make sure that gear fits snugly (looks like it does). Armor is useless if it shifts out of position the moment you hit the pavement. This is half the reason why I switched to all-leather gear a couple of years ago. The other half is that your average mesh/textile jacket does not hold up to abrasion nearly as well.
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I am NOT an adrenaline junkie, I'm a skill junkie. - csmith12 Nam et ipsa scientia potestas est. Heri historia. Cras mysterium. Hodie donum est. Carpe diem. |
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June 14th, 2013, 06:18 AM | #16 |
The Corner Whisperer
Name: Chris (aka Reactor)
Location: Northern KY
Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much.
MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13
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From my experience, mesh = one crash use, then you have to rebuy.
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Goal: Shake A Million Hands | Look through the corners | Track Day Prep | Closest track? | The Mid-Ohio School |
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June 14th, 2013, 06:56 AM | #17 |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Travis
Location: Washington, DC
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664
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Great start! So, I do ride with kevlar pants (with armored shorts and strap on knee armor) sometimes, but here's what I've decided: if you're gonna go that route, you need to get TONS of kevlar. Funny enough, one of the best-rated pairs of kevlar riding pants are from the Competition Accessories house brand, Sliders. And bonus, they're usually even a little cheaper than those Joe Rocket pants. But they have huge, connected sections of Kevlar inside them, and were rated by one of the big moto-mags as one of the best kevlar pants you can buy (right up there with Draggin Jeans, which are twice as much).
For reference, under my kevlar gear, I wear: Dianese Hard Armor Shorts and Knox Cross Long strap-on knee armor. Keep being smart! NinjaEDIT: Oh, and about back protection. I started out upgrading the back armor in all of my jackets, but then I realized that I was spending $40-50 bucks upgrade on every new jacket, and the inserts were usually shaped specifically for that jacket, and so couldn't be used with others. I finally bit the bullet and bought a separate back-protector (actually back and chest armor 'track vest' to go under the jacket). This is what I would recommend doing from the beginning, if you're serious about protection. The armor is better than any insert, it stays put better, and you can use it with every jacket or suit you ever buy. I went with A* because of a clearance event, but KNOX, Forcefield and several others make great quality back protectors. |
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June 14th, 2013, 07:21 AM | #18 | |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.
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Quote:
For your pants I would suggest these http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/a...-leather-pants I am being a bit hypocritical as I dont have pants currently. ( I need to go try them on, I tried getting them shipped but after I am short with a big waist and skinny legs bellow the knees, so I need to try different brands on) But I think if you have the money you should go for it.
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I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/ |
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June 14th, 2013, 07:22 AM | #19 | |||
ninjette.org member
Name: Darryl
Location: OSU/Dayton, OH
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 121
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June 14th, 2013, 09:26 AM | #20 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Trill
Location: California
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 14
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Honestly, I got my (value) jacket from a cheaper site. www.motorcyclehouse.com , I had to send it back due to sizing issues, but they took care of it no problem. Size up guys.
As for my other gear, the nicest piece of equipment I have are some like alpine stars gloves that I picked up on craigslist. If you can't really afford to spend all that much for new gear... I would say go check out craigslist for high quality stuff. I would just skip buying a helmet on there because you don't know the history of it ( and helmets are kinda sensitive ). |
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June 14th, 2013, 10:10 AM | #21 |
ninjette.org member
Name: Darryl
Location: OSU/Dayton, OH
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 121
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What about these to match the jacket? http://www.revzilla.com/product/tekn...ent-mesh-pants
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June 14th, 2013, 10:18 AM | #22 |
Avid Kitteh Poster
Name: Justin
Location: Norcal
Join Date: Sep 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2006 Yamaha TTR 50 SUCK IT Posts: A lot.
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they look cool.
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I powdercoat stuff Help me pay for my addiction I say funny stuff. http://twitter.com/JustinPWNSyou sometimes... I write like a 12 year old too, http://justinpwnsyou.wordpress.com/ |
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June 16th, 2013, 09:01 AM | #23 | |
ninjette.org sage
Name: Travis
Location: Washington, DC
Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): Suzuki GSX650F! Past: Kawasaki Ninja 300 (Sold); Triumph Street Triple (Sold); Kawasaki Ninja 250 (Sold) Posts: 664
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Quote:
So if the jackets are number sizing, then yeah -- you may go up just one (say, from a 44 to a 46). But if it's just M/L/XL, I wouldn't go up a whole size, or it'll be swimming on you. |
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July 3rd, 2013, 08:27 AM | #24 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Trill
Location: California
Join Date: Apr 2013 Motorcycle(s): 250r Posts: 14
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Quote:
I think it might be a little bit wiser to try out it on in a store first then order online. Especially after that crazy cyclegear fiasco. |
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July 4th, 2013, 06:29 AM | #25 |
ninjette.org certified postwhore
Name: .
Location: .
Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): . Posts: Too much.
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Some 'High-value' brands worth looking at that I've found:
Speed and Strength - jackets and suits. Very good improvement from customer feedback, good customer service, good quality stitching, fairly new company with very good prices considering the quality of the gear. Not so fond of their gloves... Scorpion - Helmets. I've used an EXO400 and an EXO1000 from them. Like them a lot. Lots of good features, certifications, longevity, and crash reports from all their helmets I've read about. I personally use A* SP8 gloves without issue, but I've read that their lower end stuff can be hit or miss on the stitching. As Yakaru said, the helmet is the one to blow the budget on if you find THE perfect helmet, but it is not necessary to do so. A properly fitting helmet from a reputable manufacturer in the $150-$300 range will do every bit as well as a super high end $500+ helmet in an accident, the only difference is weight, noise level, venting, features, etc etc. For everything, Helmets, jackets, pants, boots, gloves, and/or leather suit, it's better to find a store where you can try stuff on. If you can't find a store that carries your gear of interest, find an online store with a good return policy. Always try a helmet on in person before buying it!! Hope this helps a bit. You seem to have gotten some good guidance in this thread so far. |
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July 4th, 2013, 06:34 AM | #26 |
clutch
Name: nameless
Location: Maryland
Join Date: Jul 2011 Motorcycle(s): L1 GSXR600 Posts: 543
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Call riders discount. Best prices any where. I don't buy from anywhere else unless I am looking for dainese or rs-taichi.
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July 7th, 2013, 11:35 AM | #27 | |
ninjette.org member
Name: Darryl
Location: OSU/Dayton, OH
Join Date: May 2013 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 Posts: 121
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Quote:
Thanks for the tip! I'll have to check them out.. |
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