Universal : Riding Gear Thread

[harsh_66328]

Went on Jacket Hunt yesterday. I am a bit confused. Ok I am every bit confused about the impending purchase.

......

5)Spartan Helios : Have heard good things about this one.Has a rain liner. AH helmets quoted 6.3 k(might offer a discount if I buy gloves along with it as I had gotten the SOL lid from him ). How good is it compared to the Agv sport Solare? Haven't tried it yet.Oshiwara is far and a tortuous ride away from Vashi !!!

.........
MY budget is around 6-7k which I might stretch in extreme circumstances if the product is too good and offers significant quality improvements over the listed stuff, so other products around this range could also be considered.

I apologize for the very long post

I was in the same situation as you are. I had checked the Helios when it had arrived at AH Helmets. I found it decent enough and impressive because of the features provided with a very good price. But I wanted to check other options also, so I visited PRS and drooled over the Joe Rocket jackets. They are simply superb. Very good fit and finish. But I had a budget of 6-7k so couldnt buy one as I wanted it with a liner too. Later went to Bachoo motors. Checked out RJays, I have the same opinion as yours. The finishing and fitting was ok'ish compared to Joe Rocket. The 'elderly' person sure was convincing me to buy the RJays Swift but I didnt want that. So left the shop still confused. Later after few days I got the news that new stock of Spartan Helios has arrived at AH with some small changes. I checked it out and was impressed to see it. I dont know if its my mind or the jacket really looked more appealing than before. Picked up a Black XL size. Its a real VFM product. It has a lot of features (waterproof liner, many pockets, CE approved armors etc) for the amount paid. The quality, fitting is definitely good. Im quite happy with the purchase but I yet have to test it as I havent even worn it once because my bike is in a little bad condition. I give a small review once I start using it.

[blackbeest]

In Dilemma....Need urgent help in buying helmet...

Need a quick help in buying helmet.

Yesterday I tried a SOL 68sII Metal Man and LS2 Phobia, the finish of SOL is better than LS2 but LS2 fit me well compared to SOL.
I have few questions here:

1. SOL kinda presses a bit on the sides of neck. Is it designed to be that way?

2. Which one should i pick. Now if i pick LS2, 1 year down the line, will I feel that i should have picked SOL ?

3. Also wanted to know performance of LS2 and SOL in >100 speeds on a highway considering its windy and/or rainy ?

Any expert/owner reviews/suggestion would be very much helpful for me. And i need to get a lid very soon since ill be getting 200NS in few days.

Thank you.

[rkakkar]

the finish of SOL is better than LS2 but LS2 fit me well compared to SOL.

Google "purpose of a helmet", and you would get a reply

[B7ACKTHORN]

Need a quick help in buying helmet.

Yesterday I tried a SOL 68sII Metal Man and LS2 Phobia, the finish of SOL is better than LS2 but LS2 fit me well compared to SOL.
I have few questions here:

1. SOL kinda presses a bit on the sides of neck. Is it designed to be that way?

2. Which one should i pick. Now if i pick LS2, 1 year down the line, will I feel that i should have picked SOL ?

3. Also wanted to know performance of LS2 and SOL in >100 speeds on a highway considering its windy and/or rainy ?

Any expert/owner reviews/suggestion would be very much helpful for me. And i need to get a lid very soon since ill be getting 200NS in few days.

Thank you.

Your exact query was answered just a few pages back, kindly go back and you can see one member posting the same problem with regard to SOL's fit and the performance of LS2 at 130-ish speeds.

Thanks VJ. Mumbai for now, is not experiencing heavy rains so i shall use em.

Not a problem mate. Go ahead and use it, but make sure the above rule is followed, just in case.

Went on Jacket Hunt yesterday. I am a bit confused. Ok I am every bit confused about the impending purchase.

Visited Babloo Motors, Vashi, first, an authorized reseller of DSG stuff. They only had stocks of the DSG falcon(black and grey/black). No Nero, Maze or Phoenix. The falcon felt decent to wear. Wanted to try the Nero but stock will arrive in a weeks' or so time. There was a card saying 'waterproof' dangling along with other labels. The jacket has no rain liner. So how can it be waterproof? Or may be the textile fabric used is?

The jacket has a removable warm liner. Maybe the rain liner is stitched within the jacket itself instead of a removable one, in that case too, yes it can be waterproof. It's just a water-proof/mesh jacket. I'd say don't go for it.

Rode all the way to tardeo to Bachho Motors to try the Rjay's swift there. Zulfi and an elderly person(I presume his father) were insistent that the swift is the best bang for buck product there. The swift had decent features,had a rain liner, but I felt a bit let down by the 'feel' of the armors. The armors felt a bit too easily bent and flimsy. The jacket was not too permissive of arm movements either.The back protector too felt a bit thin as compared to the DSG and definitely to the Jackets I tried later at PRS.
The swift is pretty much out of my list now.

The armors in most of the jackets have kinda soft rubbery feel to them, that doesn't mean they are compromised. It's soft because it will be easily able to take the form of your body. Also I wanted to know how did the SWIFT fare with the Joe Rocket that you saw in the PRS, can you tell us the quality difference between the two, Joe Rocket and RJays that'd be so so uselful.

After that. strolled down to PRS bang opposite to Bachho. Tried the AGVsport Solare there. Felt good. Snug fit. Quality(with regards to texture and general feel) was surely better than the swift.Had colour options too(Red, Blue, Grey), but no liner. Simple mesh construction. Appeared very breathable.
Tried the 11k Joe Rocket 'Fallout' there too. Awesome fit. I may be a newbie when it comes to bike stuff, but it looked the part. The fabric oozed good quality. Armors felt great. Back padding was thick enough(compared to whatever I tried before this).May be designed a bit short, but looks good no doubt. They had Icon too, but thought it why rub sweat all over stuff I am not gonna buy anyway.

Now the confusion: I like the AGV sport Solare jacket. But no liner. Question is, should I look for a liner at all in the first place as most liners do not help in heavy Mumbai rains anyway?
A duckback or a waterproof cheater could be worn in the rainy season over the mesh in the 2-3 months it rains. The mesh would be suitable pretty much for the rest of the year.
I would like suggestions and reviews on the following jackets

1)AGVsport Solare : I like the fit and finish and the armor quality. The design and colours too(save for the unwieldy back portion which kind of extends down a bit too much. No rain or thermal liner though. Is it worth the 6.5K asking price?

2)DSG Falcon : simple mesh construction. Decent fit. armor quality is decent too(a notch below the solare though). Only 4k. Any reviews? How does it hold up in light drizzles? reviews?

3)DSG Nero : Looks good on paper. Has a 'water resistant liner'. Have heard that not too comfortable in the summers.Value for money? How good is it? reviews? Where can I try it in Mumbai?

4)Joe Rocket Fallout. I am fond of the design and fit. Armor and build quality is better than all in the list. Has a liner too(not sure thermal or rain or whatever.)Worth the 11.5 k? Anyone using it here? This is easily over my budget of 6-7 k. Is there any place else in Mumbai where I can get a genuine one in less? Any online links where I can order and get it shipped to US and UK to my friends' who will bring it to India for me?

5)Spartan Helios : Have heard good things about this one.Has a rain liner. AH helmets quoted 6.3 k(might offer a discount if I buy gloves along with it as I had gotten the SOL lid from him ). How good is it compared to the Agv sport Solare? Haven't tried it yet.Oshiwara is far and a tortuous ride away from Vashi !!!

6)Cramster Breezer : I hope I am satisfied by the general quality of the fabric and armor when I do try it.Seems to be the best value for money. Comes with two liners. How is the general build quality ? Do the Armors feel robust? Will it hold up well in moderate rain? @Blacthorn seems to recommend this jacket a lot.How doest it compare with the AGV sport solare(I know the solare lacks any liner) but with respect to build quality of fabric and armors? where can I try it in Mumbai?

Also something I noticed. The back padding is apparently not CE rated/approved in most jackets(not even in the joe rocket it seems, the website says "Removable spine armor with pocket for optional C.E. spine armor" ). True?

MY budget is around 6-7k which I might stretch in extreme circumstances if the product is too good and offers significant quality improvements over the listed stuff, so other products around this range could also be considered.

I apologize for the very long post

Your long post sure ought to help someone. Good that you posted your precise review and queries. Let me help you out here with the best I have.
Forget DSG Falcon.

Now, RJays Swift, most of them use, it comes in around 5999 not a cheap jacket, but then it's just a basic jacket with armor and mesh. Yes it has a removable liner and that's pretty much about it.

DSG Nero is mid-category all-weather jacket with removable rain and warm liner. I have some friends who use it and so far I haven't had any complains from them, but the only gripe is that they have zippered air flow panels instead of being a fully mesh jacket which can be really uncomfortable at times, but other than that it's a good jacket.

Joe Rocket Fallout: First off, never used it. But if you really like the fit and comfort than any other jacket I'd say go for it. If you can extend your budget a little more, all you get is safety with comfort.

Spartan Helios: This jacket has been the HOT TOPIC in this thread for a while now and taking like storm. Many people have used and have given a good thumbs up, so it's your decision to check. HELIOS and Swift are pretty much the same in everything.

Cramster Breezer: Cramster Breezer is the best bang for the money jacket after DSG NERO, TRITON. Some of my friends use it, and so far I haven't had any complaints from them. The reason I recommend is because of the cost factor and the advantages associated with it.

Go ahead, take your time, in deciding what fits you best. Things to keep in mind. Quality/Comfort/Fit/Price and you can see why I've put things in order after quality, because we pay for quality.

Most jackets out there offer CE offered spine protection padding as an accessory. Most of them out there are foam, so if you want a better protection than the ordinary one, you can go for them

For your price range I'd say you can go for NERO, BREEZER for the bang for the buck. Else you can narrow it down to HELIOS or SOLARE if you don't like the RJays.

Hey don't forget to tell us, how RJays compares to Joe Rocket fit and finish etc. As Centaur said, yes RJays is overrated. Now I myself own some RJays gear

Hope this helps. If you have any queries, feel free.

Cheers!
VJ

[chitta_moran]

How is the Cramster Torso Armor in providing protection vis-a-vis armoured jacket? What if I put on the Torso Armor and put on a normal leather jacket over it. Will it provide the same level of protection as an armoured jacket. Any reviews on the torso armour will be helpful.

Thanks,
Chitts

[Doga]

I was in the same situation as you are. I had checked the Helios when it had arrived at AH Helmets. I found it decent enough and impressive because of the features provided with a very good price. But I wanted to check other options also, so I visited PRS and drooled over the Joe Rocket jackets. They are simply superb. Very good fit and finish. But I had a budget of 6-7k so couldnt buy one as I wanted it with a liner too. Later went to Bachoo motors. Checked out RJays, I have the same opinion as yours. The finishing and fitting was ok'ish compared to Joe Rocket. The 'elderly' person sure was convincing me to buy the RJays Swift but I didnt want that. So left the shop still confused. Later after few days I got the news that new stock of Spartan Helios has arrived at AH with some small changes. I checked it out and was impressed to see it. I dont know if its my mind or the jacket really looked more appealing than before. Picked up a Black XL size. Its a real VFM product. It has a lot of features (waterproof liner, many pockets, CE approved armors etc) for the amount paid. The quality, fitting is definitely good. Im quite happy with the purchase but I yet have to test it as I havent even worn it once because my bike is in a little bad condition. I give a small review once I start using it.

Confusion reigns supreme man!!! I think I might end up with the spartan or the AGV. After rummaging through the pages of this thread for the better part of yesterday night, I found out the cramster breezer, lacks a bit of quality when comapared to the ubiquitous DSG stuff, though providing good bang for the buck. I for one won't need the thermal liner in Mumbai ever anyway.
THe AGV sport solare is good, but pretty bare considering comes with no rain liner for 6k.
I haven't considered scoyco's at all. But many people have posted good reviews. So price may be deceptive here.
The Rjay's octane has suddenly appeared out of nowhere and into my list and will probably try it out this weekend(damn again a ride to tardeo )

Or may be in a fit of extravagance end up buying the Joe Rocket fallout and later have a very tough time explaining the purchase to my near and dear ones
I really want a review of the AGVsport Solare.!! Guys anyone??

[vectorz]

Joe Rocket Jacket

Went on Jacket Hunt yesterday. I am a bit confused. Ok I am every bit confused about the impending purchase.

4)Joe Rocket Fallout. I am fond of the design and fit. Armor and build quality is better than all in the list. Has a liner too(not sure thermal or rain or whatever.)Worth the 11.5 k? Anyone using it here? This is easily over my budget of 6-7 k. Is there any place else in Mumbai where I can get a genuine one in less? Any online links where I can order and get it shipped to US and UK to my friends' who will bring it to India for me?

Hi Doga

I recently picked up the Kawasaki replica mesh form US ebay and asked my cousin to get it..got varying prices and finally got it for $160...I have done a search below..hope it helps

3 fallout | eBay


Also new store in Bangalore might give you some options, do call and ask

Address
X-Torque - #3C, 137, 2nd Main Road, Kasturinagar, Bangalore
Ph: 080 - 40962397

[sarav14]

need a pair of gloves for my leh trip.....suggestions plz

[Doga]

Need a quick help in buying helmet.

Yesterday I tried a SOL 68sII Metal Man and LS2 Phobia, the finish of SOL is better than LS2 but LS2 fit me well compared to SOL.
I have few questions here:

1. SOL kinda presses a bit on the sides of neck. Is it designed to be that way?

2. Which one should i pick. Now if i pick LS2, 1 year down the line, will I feel that i should have picked SOL ?

3. Also wanted to know performance of LS2 and SOL in >100 speeds on a highway considering its windy and/or rainy ?

Any expert/owner reviews/suggestion would be very much helpful for me. And i need to get a lid very soon since ill be getting 200NS in few days.

Thank you.

I have a metalman orange-silver. Quality is good.But nothing that beats a good genuine LS2 hands down. I have never worn an LS2 so can't comment, but the SOL has good ventilation. YOu don't sweat much even in stop go traffic. The cheek padding is very very good and overall fit is snug. Padding on the top is very less probably to aid air ventilation(which is it's USP).
Noise performance at around 100 is not great however which should be expected as it's designed to aid ventilation and the air which gets in is bound to make some noise.
(MInd you though that you don't feel any air getting in from under the chin)
So you start to hear a bit of noise which becomes prominent at around 100, but nothing which will unsettle you to slow down. The LS2 might perform better here.People who have used both the LS2 and SOL will be better equipped to comment on the relative merits.
What you do get with the SOL is peace of mind.The DOT certification is embossed unlike many LS2 lids where the certification is stickered. Ensure that the lid is genuine if you do make up your mind to buy an LS2.
The newly opened LS2 showroom in Pune is the place where you'll surely get genuine stuff.(they probably will ahve the certification embossed too, although am not sure on this)

[payeng]

need a pair of gloves for my leh trip.....suggestions plz

DSG Acqua: 100% Waterproof/Windproof and will keep the hands warm in cold climate too

DSG Acqua Waterproof Gloves:Black - 2,399.00Rs

[Doga]

Hi Doga

I recently picked up the Kawasaki replica mesh form US ebay and asked my cousin to get it..got varying prices and finally got it for $160...I have done a search below..hope it helps

3 fallout | eBay


Also new store in Bangalore might give you some options, do call and ask

Address
X-Torque - #3C, 137, 2nd Main Road, Kasturinagar, Bangalore
Ph: 080 - 40962397

Thanks vectorz. Well I am not sure which of my pals are returning from the States in the near future. Also ordering from ebay is something which worries me if something goes wrong. Will surely consider the option. The price advantage is surely tempting.

The armors in most of the jackets have kinda soft rubbery feel to them, that doesn't mean they are compromised. It's soft because it will be easily able to take the form of your body. Also I wanted to know how did the SWIFT fare with the Joe Rocket that you saw in the PRS, can you tell us the quality difference between the two, Joe Rocket and RJays that'd be so so uselful.


Your long post sure ought to help someone. Good that you posted your precise review and queries. Let me help you out here with the best I have.
Forget DSG Falcon.

Now, RJays Swift, most of them use, it comes in around 5999 not a cheap jacket, but then it's just a basic jacket with armor and mesh. Yes it has a removable liner and that's pretty much about it.



Joe Rocket Fallout: First off, never used it. But if you really like the fit and comfort than any other jacket I'd say go for it. If you can extend your budget a little more, all you get is safety with comfort.

Spartan Helios: This jacket has been the HOT TOPIC in this thread for a while now and taking like storm. Many people have used and have given a good thumbs up, so it's your decision to check. HELIOS and Swift are pretty much the same in everything.

Cramster Breezer: Cramster Breezer is the best bang for the money jacket after DSG NERO, TRITON. Some of my friends use it, and so far I haven't had any complaints from them. The reason I recommend is because of the cost factor and the advantages associated with it.



For your price range I'd say you can go for NERO, BREEZER for the bang for the buck. Else you can narrow it down to HELIOS or SOLARE if you don't like the RJays.

Hey don't forget to tell us, how RJays compares to Joe Rocket fit and finish etc. As Centaur said, yes RJays is overrated. Now I myself own some RJays gear



Hope this helps. If you have any queries, feel free.

Cheers!
VJ

Yeah, but the armors didn't feel robust at all in the Rjays. Also the rain liner desn't hold good compared to others as reported by many here. The AGV and surely Joe rocket armors were a lot robust and had good 'tactility' to them. They felt made of better quality material. But I am a novice and probably what seems good not always is good. The Joe rocket fallout is miles ahead of the swift when it comes to design, build quality and fit.
The AGVsport solare probably a notch higher than the swift.But it has no liner. It appeared to be very comfortable and breathable and am sure would be best for the long humid Mumbai summers.
The Joe rocket fallout was a bit tight fitting and short. You surely look good in them(ready to race) but not sure how comfortable you'd be in them come summer time.It's not fully a mesh jacket too.Nylon-Cordura is the material I think. The fabric sure looked of great quality capable of providing good abrasion resistance but breathability would be less(not sure on this, will check again next time I visit PRS)
Did not check the octane but will do so next time. The design though doesn't excite me. It lacks that 'oomph' factor surely. I'll post later how does it stack up gaianst the Joe Rocket after I try them both again may be next weekend.

Will not surely go for the Nero. I have heard you sweat a lot in them.

I have to try the Helios and the Breezer. I understand from the revies here that the Helios offers slightly better quality(both fabric and armors) while the Breezer offers an extra liner and hence more value for money.
Will try them both to decide. Are there colour options in the Helios or only black is available?

Now again the big question : Should I fret about the rain liner at all and go for the full mesh AGVsport Solare which I found of good quality or it should be a must on the wishlist?
A mesh is the most suitable choice for Mumbai weather albeit after comromising a bit on abrasion resistance and durability. The 3-4 months of rain can be negotiated by using a duckback or a cheater may be?

So I'll buy any one of these 3:
1)AGV sport Solare
2)Cramster Breezer 4.0
3)Spartan Helios
4)Joe Rocket fallout - very unlikely.Only if I get mad and impulsive on the day of purchase

PS : I am really surprised, no jacket has any smattering of Orange. There should be right? The repsol colours have orange in them, all the KTM bikes are orange, yet no orange jackets? What does the netherland football team wear when they go on weekend rides huh??

[Chandru Raj]

Are there colour options in the Helios or only black is available?

You have a red and black combo man, it also looks hot, In between the helios costed 5500 bucks here, y 6300 there?

PS : I am really surprised, no jacket has any smattering of Orange. There should be right? The repsol colours have orange in them, all the KTM bikes are orange, yet no orange jackets? What does the netherland football team wear when they go on weekend rides huh??

LOL, valid point

[Doga]

You have a red and black combo man, it also looks hot, In between the helios costed 5500 bucks here, y 6300 there?

LOL, valid point

Spartan jackets and SOL lids are cheaper in chennai. Octroi is levied when they are retailed in other parts of India.

[vectorz]

KTM gear

PS : I am really surprised, no jacket has any smattering of Orange. There should be right? The repsol colours have orange in them, all the KTM bikes are orange, yet no orange jackets? What does the netherland football team wear when they go on weekend rides huh??

They too busy practcing after Euro 2012 to go riding! ...there is the KTM gear you can check out in PBK, the jacket i saw did not have CE armour and was around 17K , nice design (KTM usually is) though!..but had good affordable gloves.

[abhishek_kotian]

finding the right sized helmet

came across this video on some pointers on how to choose the correct helmet size. Might be helpful.

2011 Arai Signet-Q Helmet Fitting - YouTube