New Helmet? Gloves? Body Armour?

[Internet Annoyance]

So, maybe some read on here my tales of woe, but recently ran down by a drunk driver from behind. (70-80mph) while i was on my daily rider Sporty doing about 45mph. VERY happy to be alive. Im healing up but my back is still pretty hammered.

So it sounds like im going to get a materials cost settlement soon, or at least an offer. The bigger settlement is much farther down the road,. But the materials settlement will be value for my bike that was totaled (Im keeping it as i have 4 other sportys and can use the parts i can salvage) my helmet, boots, jacket (Heavy leather) and some other items.

I was looking at getting a new full face helmet anyway before this happened and been looking at armored gloves and perhaps some strap on leg Armour.

#1) I had on a 8-9 year old HJC full face and it served its purpose,, saved my noggin, but it was getting long in tooth I am really interested in feedback on another full face. My issues is i wear a XL helmet and can be an issue finding them for a fat head like me, Also, up here in Oregon,,, we get weather, and it REALLY varies, a LOT, I ride most of the year. So I REALLY had issues with steaming up. I would like to find something that has a lot of Venting that I can open or close if possible. Also,,, protection in a crash is important. so any help or opinions?

#2) I was wearing thin Nomex and fine calf skin military pilots gloves, Great for race car drivers and fighter pilots, but wasnt the best choice in a bike wreck, Luckily it wasnt an issue this time. But I HAD been looking at armored
MC riding gloves, I like the design where the pinky is sewed to the next finger to prevent breakage, also the armor pucks to protect the palm meat, and knuckles, Ive looked at some really expensive ones at the Ducati Dealership and some at Cycle gear,, theres some really inexpensive ones on Feebay,, any feedback for affordable but decent protection?

#3) I am investing in some good quality riding pants,, with pucks and armor at some point,,,,,,so any feedback there would be great,

#4) Often times however its not convenient to wear full race body armor suit,, so ive seen some people with strap on armor,, what im really interested in is the ones that protect your lower leg below the knee and the Knee and seem to have velcro strapping holding them on, Doesnt look too intrusive,, easy to remove at your destination, throw in your back pack,, ideas of sources and costs as well as comfort and protection?

Im thinking this is something a lot of people can relate too,, sorry for the long post, you ADD/ADHD crackberry users might want to scroll on by... but in this case,,the more info the better IMHO
:):):):)

[Shawns]

Try these http://www.bohn-armor-pants.com/catalog/?utm_source=bohn-armor-pants&utm_medium=direct&utm_campaign=bap_direct
http://motorcycle.motorcycle-superstore.com/motorcycle/Leg%20Armor
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/motorcycle-shin-guards/

[Shawns]

Nolan makes a great helmet. They also use the pinlock system to deal with fogging, and they have a 5 year warranty. My last 3 were there helmets. http://www.nolan-usa.com/categories/helmets.html

[rrbuell]

You can try the shark rs1 or go with a slightly older model rsr2 helmets. The are ventilated very well. Meet both dot and snell. My 2 never fog up. I never understood the carbon knuckles on gloves. That said I have a set of alpine star s-mx6 gloves with Kevlar. Served purpose very well with leather and Kevlar palms and Kevlar in the knuckle. Hope this info helps

[06xbss]

I wear a Shoei RF1000 helmet and have minimal problems with fogging up. You can also get face shields with the pin-lock system to completely remove any problems with fogging up. Shoei helmets are also on the list of helmets for more rounded heads, along with HJC.

Good armored gloves will cost ~100.00... I've been wearing these for the last ~40,000 miles and am very happy with them. http://www.performancecycle.com/olympia-340-vented-kevlar-glove/

Sorry, can't help with pants.... I generally just wear heavy work type pants(ie: carhartt) If I'm going to be playing around a bit, I'll put on my full race suit.

I always wear an armored A-star textile jacket.

I always wear race boots. Not the most comfortable for walking around, but I'd rather have the protection. When commuting, I just throw some shoes in a pack.

Good luck on the recovery.....

[Fatty SS]

Here's a pretty good list of knee/shin guards. I have Alpinestars Reflex knee guards, and while they're very protective, I don't wear them very often. I got a pair of Joe Rocket Alter Ego pants and find them to be sufficiently protective for street use.

http://www.revzilla.com/knee-guards

As I find myself doing more advanced riding schools and eventually track days, I'll soon be in the market for a two piece suit. Check out Spartan Leathers. The owner is active on another bike forum and is a great guy who stands behind his products. My friend tested his 2 piece Charge suit in a 130mph low side at the track this past summer, and while he litterally bent his bike in half, he walked away with an ankle that was a little sore for a few days. Last year's Charge suit is on closeout for $400. Can't beat that.

http://www.spartanleathers.com/motorcycle-leathers/charge-2pc-motorcycle-leathers-standard-sizes?zenid=43d0b6nefu1no265pq8qb9khn0

Also, dig around on the Spartan site for gloves as well. They sell a sub $100 pair that are on par with the average $150 name brand glove (with many customer crashes to prove quality) and a $200 pair made of stingray that slides well and is super tough. Check them out.

As far as boots are concerned, Alpinestars just released a nice $260 boot with lots of ankle support and protection. It's the SMX-6. Any model of street/track SIDI boots will be very protective. I personally really like the Vertigo and Cobra for a nice cost/feature balance. For a cheaper boot that still has proper ankle support, the Cortech Latigo is a good option for $150.

When it comes to helmets, replace them every 5-7 years. With exposure to the elements and skin oils, the eps layer will break down. Most helmet makers warranty their helmets for 5 years because that's generally the effective life span. When shopping for one, it is critical that you get the right fit. And I don't just mean size, I mean shape too. A $100 helmet that fits you properly will be more protective than a $700 helmet that doesn't fit, not to mention light years more comfortable. Do yourself a favor and find a local Arai or Shoei dealer. You don't have to spend top $ on a high end helmet, but those two companies tend to offer better training material for sales people and you'll be more likely to get properly fitted for the right helmet at a store that stocks those two. Bell, Scorpion, HJC, Shoei, Arai, and in most cases Icon are all great helmets at a wide variety of price points. Nobody here can tell you what will fit well or not, when it comes to helmets you really do have to try them on and wear them around the store for ten minutes or more.

[Fatty SS]

Oh, one more thought on helmets. Go to an Arai dealer and get fitted for size and shape. If the $$$$ is there, buy one. I've never met a regretful Arai owner. If $600+ isn't in the cards (and lets be realistic, for most if us it isn't) then write down the model name of the Arai that fit and go to http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/motorcycle-helmet-shapes.htm. Find the category that contains the Arai that fit you, and you'll have a short list of helmets that are all very similar in head shape. Viola! Easy peasy. You really should still try on whatever you're going to buy though.

You won't find a more informative helmet review than webbikeworld.

Also, http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycle-helmets/extra-large-motorcycle-helmets.htm

[yellowcarbon]

Helmets are all about fit, so you have to try them on. See if the stores around you will price match online pricing. I believe the HJC fits similar to the Shoei helmets if I am not mistaken. Shoei helmets fit me well and are very durable. I used to ride 100% of the time for about a decade, so I have worn my helmets for a bunch of miles. If the Shoei fits you well, there are Quest & RF1100 on closeouts for a smoking price. I got my RF1100 for under $325. That is a lot of helmet for the money. It has the quick detach face shield (so you can go tinted during the day, clear at night), removable liner and comes with the anti-fog nose guard. I can't speak of fogging as I live in the desert. But Shoei is very highly rated helmets and should serve you well.

I would get a good set of riding pants & jacket rather than a strap on armor suit. Any good pants & jacket will have armor in it. A jacket & pants will also offer abrasion protection as well as impact protection. I love Vanson jackets, but they are expensive and I don't know if I would run leather in cool, rainy weather. Luckily I only get rain once every couple of months here in AZ, so leather is perfect for the fall, winter & spring. I run mesh during the summer as it gets smoking hot (it was 107 yesterday) from late May through late Sept. A good synthetic jacket would serve you well. The same goes with some over pants.

[Cooter]

I have had many, many different helmets. Fit is 95% of the reason I'll buy one and it's the same for gear. If it's uncomfortable, or hard to put on/ take off, it will eventually sit in the closet[sad].
Use the internet to drill down the options of material, cost, type, etc. Then GO TRY ON as many as you can locally. Then buy it THERE. The motorcycle shop you save, may be your own!
I have never been unhappy with an Arai, or a Shoei (I remember my first one..and rf-800!) For fit, de-fogging, comfort, and airflow.
Check the build date!! I've seen 3 year old "brand-new" helmets on the shelf...
I prefer the shield operation and removal on the Shoei much more than the Arai.
Replace your helmet 7 years after the build date, no matter how nice it still looks or how broke you are;)

[OldGeezer]

I wear Vanson heavy leathers with armour in the knees, elbows, shoulders and hips, no back armour yet, I'm looking at a couple of different options for that. I love my leathers, they are super comfortable but not the coolest to wear on hot days, but I'd rather be a little hot than unprotected.

I wear a Bell RSD RS-1 like this http://www.motorhelmets.com/media/products/bell/2012-08/helmets-bell-street-adult-rs-1-rsd-flash.jpg It has great ventilation and fits me very well. It is also one of the quietest helmets I've worn in that that it doesn't make a lot of noise going over and around it.

For strap-on armour check out Icon Stryker Field Armour, here is a review http://rideapart.com/2011/04/gear-icon-field-armor-stryker/ I am considering the Icon armour for when I can't wear my leathers, which so far isn't often so it hasn't been a priority.

I wear Icon armoured gloves. There is some difference of opinion as to whether armour in gloves is advisable or not, I like it, but heavy leather or gloves like the s mx-6 work well too.

Good luck, and best wishes for a speedy recovery

[Fatty SS]

Quick thought about gloves, a proper fitting gauntlet will help keep your sleeve from riding up and exposing skin in a slide. ;)

I have armored mesh Icon gloves and am reasonably happy with them. There's a wierd seam in one finger that makes my finger go numb after a while, but that isn't exactly an Icon wide problem. They could be a lot more protective, my next will be perforated leather race style gauntlets. Might even save up the big $$$ and buy a pair of Helds.

I currently have a Shoei Qwest. NOT ALL SHOEI'S ARE THE SAME SHAPE! Most helmet companies have different head shapes from one model to the next, Shoei is no exception. I love my Qwest, it's supremely comfortable (for me), relatively light weight, reasonably quiet and flows air pretty darn well. It isn't stellar in any of those areas, but there's always a trade off. I've found that mine fogs very quickly. I pretty much have to keep the visor cracked at all times under 60 degrees or so. That said, I still love the helmet. If it were damaged today, I'd replace it with the same.

[Internet Annoyance]

WOW!!!!!!!! Thanks a lot guys, thats a lot of material to digest. Ill be reading up on all that plus doing more research on all this. I ride a variety of bikes from 1940s vintage British bikes to Ducati, Buell and Sportsters, so I WAS doing daily commutting to work every day and trying to mix protection with function. When puttering about on my old British bikes I just DO NOT ride in heavy traffic and stick to my period cafe racer gear.
"A gentleman does not motor about after dark"
But im looking to invest in decent gear for my regular riding. The full face I had in the wreck did a great job but i knew it was in need of replacement and thankful it did its job. Im not going to cut corners on its replacement. As far as the strap on armor its useful to me for a quick ride and allows easy on and off and since its easy to use, im more likely to use it. But I AGREE,, full gear pants is the way to go, just not practical for a 10 minute ride up the street sometimes. Im inclined to stock up on a variety of gear. Plus peace of mind.
While i always thought it was uncool, I always saw the reasoning in it, but im more likely than not now to wear the bright neon safety vests. Part of the reasoning im done commutting to work every day on a bike is just too many distracted drivers,
Getting clobbered from behind by a drunk does have a way of getting your attention. I still believe she was texting while driving as well. She never even touched her brakes the witnesses tell me.
thanks for the feedback, any and all real world opinions welcomed.

[Cooter]

Reminds me of the scene in 40yo virgin...
"That ****er came out of nowhere!"

I just wear a non DOT skullcap over my bandanna. But I do make sure my flip-flops match my shorts and tank top. That way I won't be around for those pesky doctor bills. They can just scoop me up into the bag.

[Internet Annoyance]

The drunk girl who hit me tried insisting that I caused the wreck,,, she actually said,,,,,
"He came out of nowhere and crashed into me!"

Sad that was her first instinct to make that up, even sadder she thought that might fly. She did blow a .16 when they arrested her for DUII and reckless driving

[yellowcarbon]

Actually over pants and a jacket are easier to put on than a strap on armor set. A jacket is what it is. With over pants, just make sure it has a full length side zipper. It is as quick as a jacket to put on. If you are willing to spend the dough, get a mesh set and you won't be too hot even when standing around, like going to the store.

[Fatty SS]

That's a great point, Yellowcarbon. I stopped using my A* knee guards after getting overpants because the pants are way more convenient. Joe Rocket Alter Ego pants have a zip off panel across the thighs/butt that exposes mesh. It's pretty effective to keep temps down. I'm sure there are others on the market with similar designs.

[Fatty SS]

Because photowhore, here's an action shot from my last advanced riding school day.

Shoei Qwest helmet
Shift Trifecta jacket, mesh layer only
Joe Rocket Alter Ego pants, mesh panels opened up
Icon Justice mesh gloves
Tourmaster Response 2.0 boots

http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q77/biyatekeela/909D8876-A129-4018-B1FE-EB632DD16894-97357-000046D32A014E4E_zpsc7cfc62a.jpg

[Internet Annoyance]

Thats a good point, I noticed in the review o the ICON gear the designers discussion about
"If the gear doesnt look good and isnt comfortable, then riders wont wear it"
Ease of use and comfort are a big factor. Ive seen some mesh stuff w/ armor you can use under your gear or instead of heavy weight stuff in high heat. iIll be interested in that. thanks.

[Fatty SS]

The nice thing about mesh is that it keeps the sun off your skin. You'll feel cooler in mesh than you would in a t-shirt in the heat.

[chief_of_smoke]

i like speed and strength gear. havent had any issue with the armored hoodies or textile jackets, there helmets fit great and i wear an xl as well. havent had a issue with it fogging up. as for gloves, i wear oakley standard issue gloves. they seem to do the job well. save me from some road rash a few times.

[OldGeezer]

I always wonder how well the mesh protects in a slide, somehow I just feel safer with my heavy leathers leathers, the mesh looks like it would just rip apart. Nothing wrong with textile if it is the right fabric and properly sewn, but the mesh, I don't know…

[Fatty SS]

I've seen lots of crash reports with mesh. It'll get destroyed in a slide, but it will protect your skin. One big advantage to leather is that it can sustain several crashes. Textile and mesh are both 'one time use' garments. But they do both protect you in a crash.

[wr5757]

I've had 3 or 4 helmets now. Before I buy I check out http://sharp.direct.gov.uk/ to see the rating. They do a good job statistically. They crash about 30-33 helmets before they put a rating on it. They give it a 1-5 star rating, and show where the major impact zones are on the helmet.

[wr5757]

As for anti-fog, the pinlock stuff works well if you have a visor with pins. If not I've used the Akari Clear ride and fog city inserts, both do a fantastic job compared to a visor without Anti-fog treatment.

[yellowcarbon]

I have a Vanson perforated leather jacket, but when it is smoking hot (AZ regularly gets above 105 degrees), it retains too much heat. Particularly when at lights or when running around town. I have a Vanson mesh jacket that has cordura & leather along the outside of the arms, shoulders and back. The front and sides are mesh. It offers less protection than perforated leather, but it is much cooler to wear when commuting.

I bought a Motoport Kevlar mesh over pants that is suppose to arrive today. I am excited to give it a try. It is supposedly as tough as Vanson leather (which is extra thick and makes standard leathers look cheap). From my understanding, it flows air like standard mesh. They are pricy (around $375 new without a liner, $525 with a liner), but if they work as they say they do, it will be money well spent. In fact, if it does work, I will be getting a matching jacket before next summer. I have a couple of Vanson jackets that work well in the fall, winter and early spring. So I am through the majority of the hot weather and am good to go for the fall & winter.

[Phlegm420]

If you like the way the HJC fit your head as I did, you might try the RPHA-10 helmet. I got one for 360 bucks off of revzilla. It is the lightest helmet approved by snell and dot. It also has a pinlock shield for that oregon weather.
Here is the model I bought: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/hjc-rpha-10-evoke-helmet. I did much research and this helmet is comparable to many higher priced helmets.

[OldGeezer]

Textile and mesh are both 'one time use' garments. But they do both protect you in a crash

Thanks for the info Fatty, good to know. Still prefer my leathers :-)


Vanson leather (which is extra thick and makes standard leathers look cheap)

Yet despite being so thick they fit like a glove after being broken in, most comfortable leathers I've ever worn, best fitting off the rack ones too. I looked at that Vanson mesh jacket, but being in the Great White North where it rarely gets into the 90's and where most of my riding is outside the city I can't justify it yet :-) Good luck with the overpants yellowcarbon. Kevlar is incredibly tough stuff, it is friggin hard to cut and should have good abrasion resistance. I think you'll be pleased with them.

[Internet Annoyance]

Thanks for all the great feedback. Im sure lots of people would get benefit from it. Ill post some pix this weekend of some of my damaged gear, pretty crazy. much appreciated. ;)

[BuddhaBuell]

all I know is asphalt eats flesh so a cows ass is better to grind on then mine
[smirk]

[yellowcarbon]

My Motoport kevlar mesh pants are great. I took them on a quick 10 mile loop and they allowed me to stayed cool even though it was over 95 degrees. They flow air very well and feel as protective as my Hein Gericke leather race pants. They make my other mesh gear look like a toy. I can put them on nearly as fast as some Levi jeans.

This is much like my Vanson leather jacket. It is expensive and I hesitated to spend the money. But now that I did, I can't believe that I lived without it. Race leather level protection that flows like mesh. Well, it is a kevlar mesh, but now even in the same category as the cheap nylon stuff. Much like race leathers, I can see this standing up to multiple crashes. I can even wear shorts under it so I don't have to wear pants when I commute.