In the opinion of T
odd Robinson, School
Director for
TrackXperience (a racetrack riding school):
In leather suits, protection can be evaluated objectively, while fit is
very subjective. For protection, a one piece suit is a step up from a
two piece suit, only because a full circumference zipper is a potential
failure point, and it means bypassing the typical stretch panel on the
lower back of most one piece suits. CE-approved armor should be located
in the shoulders, elbows, knees, and sometimes the hips. Removable armor
or a full removable washable liner with armor pouches is a real plus,
especially for those in the warmer climates.
Perforated suits are wonderful in , but can be very uncomfortable in
colder riding, even a cold breeze. So those are generally suggested only
for riding conditions above 60 degrees (F).
It is common for leather suits to be cowhide, although goatskin is also
used, as is kangaroo. Cowhide tends to be fairly thick and to get a suit
from cowhide that is extremely comfortable comes at a premium. Goatskin
is regarded as a budget or entry level material. Kangaroo has a higher
tensile strength than cowhide at the same thickness. So kangaroo suits
(not legal in all states or areas) can be lighter with the same level of
protection, but generally very pricey.
Little things to look for to help with rider comfort (beyond the
aforementioned liner) are things like zippered vents, kevlar stretch
panels (high tensile strength but still very pliable), double layer
overstiched panels in impact areas, YKK zippers for longevity, a space
for a back protector (either included or aftermarket), and a newer hot
item, the built in hump, which purportedly helps with full tuck
aerodynamics but has an added benefit of quasi neck-roll and upper back
padding.
Some suits with the Italian fit: Dainese, Alpinestars, Spidi, AGV. -
Tend to have narrower shoulders, biceps, thighs. Decent height,
reasonable abdomen girth.
American/Anglo-Saxon fit: Vanson, Bates, Joe Rocket, , Firstgear, Hein
Gericke, Teknic, Fieldsheer, - Tend to fit a more squared average
build. Larger suits can feel baggy on riders who are tall but thin.
Japanese fit: RS-Taichi, Kushitani - Tend to fit very stocky build.
Shorter neck-to-crotch measurement, but roomy in thighs, seat, waist,
biceps in larger sizes. Smaller sizes are very slight build.
Custom suits are very popular but come at a higher price as a result:
MSI, NJK, Z Custom, Helimot, Zooni, and others provide a very high level
of quality and comfort.
* There are other quality suit brands not mentioned above, but they were
not deleted to denote a lack of quality, just for brevity. The suits
listed above are the most common suits we see brought out to racetrack
riding events however.
Just remember, you get what you pay for in a riding suit, and an
inexpensive suit that is chocked-full of "bells and whistles" very
likely is trading build quality and materials quality for features.
Expect to pay $500-700 for a good entry-level suit, $1000-1500 for a
very good track/race suit, and $1800-2500 for a fully custom suit.
