Okay, I know there have been a lot of questions about gear... what to get, where to get it, etc. I have most of that sorted out (someone's been paying attention!) but now the question is how much to get, and how to scheme it out?

Let me try it this way - the way I see it, I need gear for late Fall/early Spring, Summer, and Track. I plan on hitting Mid-Ohio in April for the performance track course, and then possibly again in August for Keith Code. Hopefully.

Considering that all I have right now is a helmet, this is a lot of cash. I don't want to cheap out, but I don't want to dump insane amounts of money into this either. I just got my bonus check but there are other things that also need its attention. I'll throw out what I had in mind and you guys can give me your two cents. I know gear selection is really subjective so there's no "right answer", but getting input is always good.

I was thinking of getting a warm jacket and teaming it with Alter Ego pants for the cooler weather. Then getting mesh Phoenix pants and a textile/mesh jacket for summer. Another question is, will any of those work in combination for the track, or will I have to ante up for separate leathers?

Cool weather scheme:

Jacket: I really want this Rocket Honda Superhawk jacket in the worst way.

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/9224/front.jpg

Pros: It's leather, warm, will look good with jeans on rides to work. And it's just sweet. Not too loud - just clean and classic.
Cons: Cost ($319), will be too hot for summer use even with venting.

Pants: You all know what Rocket Alter Ego's look like...

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/6100/Default.jpg

Pros: Extra liner for windproofing.
Cons: Even stripped down - they look a little bulky for summer riding.

Warm weather scheme:

Jacket: Rocket Honda CBR Mesh:

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/9043/silver_black.jpg

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/3916/small/Default.jpg

Pros: With liner removed, it's mesh for free airflow.
Cons: Kinda ugly and robocop looking.

OR

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/3559/Default.jpg

Better looking, but really this jacket really isn't much different than the Superhawk other than the outer shell material... so why get it?

Pants: Rocket Phoenix 2.0

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/6882/small/Default.jpg

Pros: Mesh. Fairly inexpensive.
Cons: Tried them on... they're awfully long for a guy who's 5'8".

Leathers: If necessary... is something like this too... gay?

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/3188/Default.jpg

Only $400. All uncorrected leather.


So, le't's do the math.

Superhawk: $319+/-
Alter Ego: $160+/-

CBR Mesh: $150+/-
CBR Textile: $150+/-
Phoenix 2.0: $100+/-

Leathers: ???

Of course, this isn't accounting for boots and gloves.

OUCH.

Thoughts? I'm basically just thinking out loud here... It's easier to see it all in one place. I guess I could tackle the Superhawk jacket and Ego pants first, since the cold-weather stuff is the here and now. Then I could assess the financial picture in summer and deal with the mesh stuff then. The leathers could be a wait-until-you-need-to-get decision.

Please don't use "gay" as a slur.

You should check with the track and the course you want to take to find out what sort of gear they require. Some tracks and courses require one-piece leathers. Others permit two-piece, as long as they zip together all the way around the waist. All of them will be able to point you to brands and suits that will satisfy their requirements.

... is something like this too... gay?
If he is saying gay like "too coordinated" or "looks like some one who's a professional put this outfit together" I wouldn't take that as a slur..
It's more of a complement :lol:
But yeah, people should be a bit more conscious about that...myself included. He seems to be using it here in the literal context of "bright" or "showy" though... as in "gay apparel" if you will allow for the seasonal reference.

When people have all their stuff color coordinated and/or manufacturer name emblazed all over...I do think it looks a bit dorky/"my first time at the dance" especially if it really is their first time at the dance, but it's all about attitude. With the right attitude you can pull off any look. (Keep in mind, you may one day own something other than a Honda...god forbid but it could happen.

In any case, practice your waves at home in front of a mirror fully suited up. You really don’t want to look like a noob when ya start passing other bikes and they be waving at ya.

Please don't use "gay" as a slur.
Not a slur... I lived in Chelsea (NYC) for six months and I was the only straight person on the block... and I have a tendency to get tagged with the "metro" label myself a lot. I'm not a homophobe and it had nothing to do with sexual preference. It's not a hardcore bash, what I meant was:

If he is saying gay like "too coordinated" or "looks like some one who's a professional put this outfit together" I wouldn't take that as a slur...
I like the branded stuff but I don't want to look like I am trying TOO hard. I'll use different adjectives in the future.

:thumbsup

I'm just trying to figure out my approach to getting the stuff I need, in the style I want, without going broke.

I guess if I split it up into what I need immediately, what I need in the future, and what I may or may not need beyond that, it becomes more digestible.

How do we think that Superhawk jacket would look with Alter Ego pants? I guess black on black/gray would be allright. I wonder about the leather jacket and textile pants combo looking funny. If I am going to spend the money, it might as well look right.

Thanks!

The leathers ARE a bit seasonally referred to the apparel, if you know what I'm saying. The jackets are tough as hell, though!

I currently ride with a solid leather jacket (A-star Stunt 2) when it's cool enough and a mesh jacket (JR Phoenix 4.0) when it's warmer out. After wearing the leather, the mesh definitely feels lighter and a bit... free-er... but it also feels like it's not going to do me much good if I get a chance to slide more than 5 feet on it. Because of that, I'm going to try to get a perf leather jacket for next summer.

As for track, I guarantee it's going to have to be leather... depending on the organization, they may require a 1-piece, but some will allow 2-piece with full-circumference zipper. I'd definitely try to get separate track gear, though, just considering all of the sweat that's going to go into it. Also, don't forget that you're going to need boots and gloves. Spidi has some gloves that I really would love to have, but they're a bit pricey.

I'd feel like a tool going in that suit, but that's just me, and I'm very self-conscious. At the price, though, it looks very nice. Even at a higher price, it looks very nice.

I've got two pairs of JR gloves... can't complain about either one. Track will probably require gauntlets, so keep that in mind.

I use Spidi Carbo Six gloves. Fabulous!! I had an older pair of Spidis that protected me well for eight years. Highly recommended.

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/3559/Default.jpg

I've got this jacket in leather and LOVE IT. I've seen several other guys on the road with the fabric one, but have yet to see another leather one. That's a good thing, of course. I've never seen the Superhawk jacket before. That's a nice looking jacket. I thought it was the same as mine at first glance.

I was thinking about that one in leather as well. I'm a little partial to the Superhawk though.

I think for now I am leaning toward the Superhawk/Alter Ego combination. That should get used on a solid basis until mid-May if not a little later. Then I came across some Alpinestars mesh gear that I like a little better than the Joe Rocket stuff (although I'll have to live without the Honda branding):

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/720/Default.jpg

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/2289/Default.jpg

But I can wait until later for that stuff. If I sign up for the track weekend at Mid-Ohio I'll have to clear the leathers hurdle before I have to worry about summer gear - if I remember the schedule correctly. I think JHenley's right, that red Honda suit is a little much. Something like this is more to my liking:

http://www.newenough.com/image/path/4428/Default.jpg

I wonder what all-black is like to deal with on the track...? Or does it even make a difference? I imagine you get pretty sweaty either way.

This is not a cheap endeavor. Of course I knew that, but the reality of it is a little more painful than the idea.

:(

As far as boots go, I'm going to try and hunt down some Puma Desmo's. That's the one item I am willing to splurge on because of my decade-long Puma addiction. I'll deal with the track gloves down the road. I'm in decision-overload and can't process that one right now....lol.

http://www.cyclegear.com/images/streetapparel/puma-desmo-boot-bl_410x410.jpg

Avoid the mesh textile jackets. They're as useful in a crash as matches underwater. If you want ventilation with the protection of leather, get an ICON Pursuit jacket. They have them at New Enough for $180 (http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/leather_suits_jackets_and_pants/icon/pursuit_perforated_leather_motorcycle_jacket.html) (damn cheap). I have one and have worn it 90º+ weather and it does indeed work, ventilation-wise. Plus, the armor moves around too easily in all the mesh jackets I've tried on. Useless in a crash.

Here's the thought process I went through with this same issue: if I'm already thinking of leather as an option for its proven abrasion protection, than using anything less, especially a mesh textile jacket, would be like me using my full-face helmet only when I drive the freeway but somehow justifying an open-face helmet on the street. Why would I do that? What? My face won't be hurt should I smash and scrape it against the pavement at a mere 30mph? Yeah…right.

I recommend going leather or at least Cordura textile. Sweat is better than road rash. Better yet, get a fully perforated leather jacket like the ICON or similar. $180 is a great price. I bought mine for just under $300 when it was a new product that year. I think TEKNIC has something like it too.

I've ridden in my perforated leathers in temps up to 115º. If you drink enough water it's not that hard to do. At anything under 100 it's a piece of cake.

You should be able to find a perforated one-piece as well. And OH! Don't forget that you will need room for a spine protector if you are on the track.

Avoid the mesh textile jackets. They're as useful in a crash as matches underwater.
I wholeheartedly disagree. I know I'm in the minority here, but that's nothing new for me so I will speak up. Yes, leather is the way to go. Perf leather if you want the extra ventilation. By all means, get leather if you can swing it. However, there are some textile jackets, and yes, even a few that are mesh, that will suffice in a lay down. Usually, though, they have some leather reinforcements on impact and slide zones. A thing to remember is that non-leather jackets are probably going to be useless afterwards. Kind of like a helmet, one time use only. You need something covering you, and I recommend leather, but if you can't ride in leather, go with textile. At non-track speeds, it will most likely hold up. But I won't vouch for textile if you're riding the streets like you're on the track.

PS - make sure whatever you get has armor in it.

I hear ya.

When I laid down my 750, I had nothing but a t-shirt and windpants on. I walked away with some rash and banged up knees. Never even hit my helmet. Not so much as a scuff on my t-shirt. Crazy. Ironically the gear I needed most was a jock. That's the one injury that stuck with me the longest. Took almost a month for the boys to get back to full operating power. I'll have decent sized scar on my elbow, but other than that I'm no worse for the wear.

Am I saying that's okay? No. I got lucky... or as lucky as one gets in the process of totalling a bike.

What I am saying is anything is an improvement on that scenario, and I'll eventually take care of it. I want to be protected, but not to the point where riding in the summer is unbearable because of gear. At that point it's no longer fun and if that's the case, then why do it? I'm sure there's a middle ground. If I can get mesh/textile with some armor in the critical places, I'm okay with that. Perf leather? Maybe that'll work too. But maybe I should deal with that in six months. For now I'm zeroing in on some sharp looking and well working cooler weather stuff. I don't want a mesh vs. perf war to break out at my expense.

Avoid the mesh textile jackets. They're as useful in a crash as matches underwater. If you want ventilation with the protection of leather, get an ICON Pursuit jacket. They have them at New Enough for $180 (http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/leather_suits_jackets_and_pants/icon/pursuit_perforated_leather_motorcycle_jacket.html) (damn cheap). I have one and have worn it 90º+ weather and it does indeed work, ventilation-wise.
That actually wouldn't be bad in white (although I'd generally prefer black) to help keep you cool.

Icon is cheap for a reason. You'll get better quality in other brands.

for the track most places if not all places require a one piece or a zip together two piece

I ride with a two piece and this is how I layer up for cold in order of coldness level. First is just a thermal layer under the leathers, then a rain/wind layer on top of the leathers, then a insulating layer between the leathers and rain/wind cover. If I need any more then that then it is just too cold.

DJ, I think you are right...kinda. I think there are textile jackets that protect near as much as leather (or maybe more)...but don’t think the ones listed thus far are anywhere near that category.

Anything IS better than nothing...but be cautious about being short sighted when it comes to, literally, yer own skin with a wonky “less worse” mentality. Do yourself a favor and buy the best gear you can... what is best...?

As a rule of thumb, you get what you pay for...

Well here's the scoop:

I have the Superhawk jacket en route, and I am ordering Alter Egos today. I lost a bid on a 3-month-old used pair for $51.00 because of the f*cking internet at my office. It decided to get glitchy at the very moment I wanted to submit a bid with 10 seconds left, and it didn't send the page until after the auction had ended. So... I'm gonna have to splurge for new ones.

I also got the Rocket Honda V5 gloves for kicks and giggles.

Now I am $500 committed, and that doesn't address my $275 boots (if I can find them in the U.S.). THEN summer gear, THEN leathers.

I might just puke. But at least I'll be protected if, God forbid, I ever go down again. At least what I am getting will work well for most of the year.

***LONG POST WARNING***

Icon is cheap for a reason. You'll get better quality in other brands.

As a rule of thumb, you get what you pay for...

I agree with this general thought only 90% of the time—maybe 80%, really. I've bought more expensive SONY electronic products with mixed results in reliability even when their item was the more expensive in the comparison. Same goes for the German cars I've owned as compared to Japanese that I've owned: German made VW Passat (CRAP) vs. Hungarian made Audi TT (not perfect, but definitely not CRAP) vs. Honda CRV (relatively problem-free after 7 years). Any of those cars have comparable models from other manufacturers out there that are either better or worse quality-wise, regardless of price. Seen Mercedes-Benz quality rating #'s lately? Price means NOTHING in terms of quality for that brand.

As for motorcycle equipment specifically, I think some ICON stuff is definitely crap from what I've checked out up close, specifically their helmets. Those look great, but feel very flimsy and cheap, IMHO. The leather jackets on the other hand, seem very sturdy—at least compared to most others out there in similar price ranges. In fact, they're jackets aren't really cheaper in price when new for that year; the jacket I mentioned was discontinued last year hence the clearance prices out there. That's not uncommon for any brand when there's a ton of inventory.

I've owned Airoh, MOMO (both on the more expensive side of Italian brands out there, not available in US), briefly had a ROOF boxer and two different Scorpion models. Hands down, the Scorpions were the better made helmets; everything about them feels solidly constructed and of "better" materials (that's purely subjective eyeballing only). Also, the quietist among them. The Scorpions are hundreds of dollars cheaper than the others I've owned or still do. Plus, the others are made in Italy or France, while the Scorpions are made in China.

As for boots, I'm on my second pair of Alpinestars. The first pair were more sport-style and last year models I picked up in France last year. They were crap. The interior lining was fraying at the stitching and the lining material was wearing through at the opening and heel in just 3 months of use. I got some Alpinestars touring boots as a birthday gift (I didn't pick them) which unlike the other pair that I wanted throw in the trash, are fantastic; very sturdy and have broken in without losing any material integrity. Go figure.

Like I said, I agree that most of the time you do get what you pay for, but I also think that it isn't a blanket rule as much as it is a tool for indicating the greater chances something is or isn't crap.

Don't let price alone determine value or quality.

Anything IS better than nothing...but be cautious about being short sighted when it comes to, literally, yer own skin with a wonky “less worse” mentality.

Agreed 100%.

[edited for spelling like 5th grader)

OH HELL YEAH!

Got 'em. Found this place in Florida that had the black Puma Desmo's in stock in my size:

http://www.motorcycletoystore.com/sport/images/uploads/puma_800.jpg

$266.75 shipped. Done deal. The only thing left to confirm is that the retailer's supplier actually has them - as his inventory sheet says he does. I told the guy how hard these boots are to find so he's going to double-check with his supplier to be sure.

:headbang

As a rule of thumb, you get what you pay for...
I agree with this general thought only 90% of the time—maybe 80%....Like I said, I agree that most of the time you do get what you pay for, but I also think that it isn't a blanket rule...
My head may just explode...anyone seen that movie "Scanners"? :lol:

Also, be wary of just sticking with a brand. Many manufacturers now have many "lines" to trade on their names and the quality is not across board. Again, a rule of thumb (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rule_of_thumb) would generally apply: You get what you pay for.

My head may just explode...anyone seen that movie "Scanners"? :lol:

Great movie. Right up there with Altered States and The Andromeda Strain.

OH HELL YEAH!

Got 'em. Found this place in Florida that had the black Puma Desmo's in stock in my size:

Nice boots, man. Definitely "pimp" in the white, but black is nice as always.

By the way, just to follow up - I got all my stuff in with the exception of the boots. I got the boots in a little over a week ago and after I tried them on I realized that I should really get another size smaller. They are remarkably comfy for boots, but I could move my foot a little bit inside the boot and I figured it would only get worse as they broke in - and I imagine that is not a good thing. I should get the smaller ones in soon. They also come with a pair of replacement zinc sliders and screws for when you wear out the ones that came on the boots - not that I'll be having that problem anytime soon.

The jacket is good, plenty of armor and adjustability options. The Alter Ego pants are quite warm with the liner in - but the armor seems a little scarce. Just a little in the knees and some light padding at the hip and tailbone. Not a huge issue though, they'll work. They both fit pretty well.

there is a Cycle Gear store here in Austin, and they will order anything of the website into the store for you to try before you buy. i got them to order the puma brutale for me, and experienced the same fit issue. i could move my foot around inside. so, i got them to go down a size and cant wait to wear them. they were extremely comfortable. in my opinion, the brutale looks better than the desmo, but thats just my opinion.

in my opinion, the brutale looks better than the desmo, but thats just my opinion.
Brutale's aren't bad. I prefered the Desmos. I considered them, though.

http://www.allensstore.com/images/imagebank/uploads/PUMABRUTALE.jpg

They're Puma's, so they're awesome. Bottom line.

They've been getting good reviews so i don't think you can really go wrong. Good purchase.