Universal : Riding Gear Thread

[sanjeet286]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

I'm a big fan of the Solace and their Furious V1 jacket. Has L2 sastec all over and has two large vents that can be opened in the front an done large vern at the back. Summer riding isn't that bad with these.

The new version has been upgraded seriously well but I think few of the vents are smaller than the earlier one. Do check them out.

I am in the process of upgrading my riding pant and mesh jackets and with the variety of choices, it has become more difficult to make a final decision! I currently have an A* mesh jacket (that needs to be replaced) along with a Royal Enfield touring jacket. I also have riding pants from Spartan Pro Gear (I forget the model name). I am looking for a jacket with maximum air circulation and preferably Level 2 armour all round that fits me well, which I can use for day to day riding without sweating a bucket. For pants, I was looking for more well fitting riding pants than my slightly baggy SPG pants which used to get snagged in the footpeg of my bike while kickstarting it.

I tried out all the mesh jacket options from A* and I dont really like the fit of their current crop of mesh jackets. Revvit jackets also were not too great a fit for me. On paper, the Rynox Storm Evo jacket appeared to be the best option at a great price but it felt too bulky for me. Surprisingly, the Air GT3 fit me the best and except for the gaudy colours, I really liked it. I was waiting for the more sober black jacket to come in stock but it didnt arrive in February.

Meanwhile, I picked up the Rynox Stealth Evo pants from DJ Helmets towards the end of January. The pants didnt have the inner liner with them, Rynox had to send it a week later. My friend in Bangalore had the same experience, he bought a bunch of Rynox gear and it was couriered immediately to the shop but it was missing the liners. I wore my pants for a short ride in early February and found a tear in the stitching at the right side knee. There was only one level of cross stitching there as compared to two on the left side! DJ Helmets took it back immediately and sent it to Rynox which sent the pants only at the end of February but without the armour!!!! They also sent a bunch of jackets that were all missing their armour. Not very confidence inspiring at all.

Finally I got a call yesterday that the armour had also arrived for my pants. I need to rethink the Rynox jacket option at this rate. Thumbs up to DJ Helmets for the purchase experience and support.

[ManasN95]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

My HJC is 4 years old now, and due for retirement this year, so on the lookout for a new helmet!

One question. With regards to safety, for example, how is a 12K HJC which is ECE 22.05 certified inferior to 40K ARAI which is also ECE 22.05 certified?

The ECE certification would be standard for both HJC and ARAI? So what am I paying the extra bucks for?

[Thamps]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

The 12 k helmet would be polycarbonate, while the 40 k arai will be a composite of fiberglass and some other materials.
Even in case of fiberglass helmets, arai tends to make individual shells for each head size while brands like HJC make do with 2 to 3 shells depending on the models.
The interior liners are also vastly different,so I heard.
The arais are all handmade with tighter quality control.
In short, you are paying that extra for better fit, comfort , lightweight, better quality control and of course, the brand.
A 40 k helmet is not 4 times safer than a 10 k helmet in almost all cases.the premium one pays, ends up elsewhere.
Both helmets are certified to meet a certain threshold and standard, though the arai claims to exceed the standard by a considerable margin.
The below link will give you clarity I guess.nicely written article with detailed explanations.a bit long though.must read for the above topic.

https://www.webbikeworld.com/arai-is-the-helmet-to-buy/

[neil.jericho]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

I'm a big fan of the Solace and their Furious V1 jacket. Has L2 sastec all over and has two large vents that can be opened in the front an done large vern at the back. Summer riding isn't that bad with these.

The new version has been upgraded seriously well but I think few of the vents are smaller than the earlier one. Do check them out.

Thanks, Solace jackets were not in stock earlier here in Cochin but it has apparently come in recently. So I will be checking it out this week.

My HJC is 4 years old now, and due for retirement this year, so on the lookout for a new helmet!

One question. With regards to safety, for example, how is a 12K HJC which is ECE 22.05 certified inferior to 40K ARAI which is also ECE 22.05 certified?

The ECE certification would be standard for both HJC and ARAI? So what am I paying the extra bucks for?

Great question. I have owned a bunch of helmets over the years starting from MPA Sting, GP One, MPA AGV, KBC, HJC, Nolan, AGV and Shark. Currently I use the AGV K3 SV and the Shark Race R Pro. The AGV K3 is a lower mid range offering from AGV and the Shark is their top of the line helmet that rivals any of the top helmets from it's competitors. Wear them back to back and the difference is significant. Everything from visor quality to the venting to the padding is several steps above in the Shark helmet. Again, Im not saying all Shark helmets, just this top of the line one.

Also, I am a firm believer in the SHARP safety rating system which quantifies the level of safety provided in measured conditions. The Shark gives me the full 5* SHARP rating as well in addition to all the other advantages that it has over the AGV K3. That said, Arai's entry level helmets are not great in SHARP rating.

Overall, you definitely get what you paid for with a more expensive helmet but look at things in totality before making a decision. I for one would take a 5* SHARP rated HJC mid range helmet over a 3* top of the line HJC helmet or a 4* entry level Arai helmet.

[senotrius]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

[MENTION=11787]neil.jericho[/MENTION], between rynox/spg/solace and all others, which one would you recommend?spg has its own showroom in kochi where I live.The others are also available.Budget is limited to max 9.I already use a spg Helios jacket since 5 years.But i want to know what the situation is nowadays wrt quality/vfm in other brands.looking at level 2 protectors at shoulder /elbow/back.Your opinion please.

[Maxsteel]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Try Solace Rival(₹6500)/Sabre(₹8500) mesh jackets (lvl 2 back, shoulder & elbow) with Solace Coolpro riding pant(₹8150, lvl 2 Hip & Knee+shin armour) mesh riding pant with slim fit(foldable) on bottom part. Only Solace sabre as hydration bladder pocket at back & chest protection pocket with foam chest protector upgradeable to lvl 1 armour

[Maxsteel]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

[MENTION=11787]neil.jericho[/MENTION], between rynox/spg/solace and all others, which one would you recommend?spg has its own showroom in kochi where I live.The others are also available.Budget is limited to max 9.I already use a spg Helios jacket since 5 years.But i want to know what the situation is nowadays wrt quality/vfm in other brands.looking at level 2 protectors at shoulder /elbow/back.Your opinion please.

Try Solace Rival(₹6500)/Sabre(₹8500) mesh jackets (lvl 2 back, shoulder & elbow) with Solace Coolpro riding pant(₹8150, lvl 2 Hip & Knee+shin armour) mesh riding pant with slim fit(foldable) on bottom part. Only Solace sabre as hydration bladder pocket at back & chest protection pocket with foam chest protector upgradeable to lvl 1 armour

[aswin_93]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Hi Guys,

I am planning on upgrading my gloves. Currently using Aspida Ares, My budget is around 7k and mostly touring use.

I was looking at some of Alpinestars gloves but was wondering if it is actually worth spending money on an entry level A* gloves like sp8 v2 or buy something like Viaterra GRID or Shima RS2? What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Aswin

[rachitkdogra]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Hi Guys,

I am planning on upgrading my gloves. Currently using Aspida Ares, My budget is around 7k and mostly touring use.

I was looking at some of Alpinestars gloves but was wondering if it is actually worth spending money on an entry level A* gloves like sp8 v2 or buy something like Viaterra GRID or Shima RS2? What do you guys think?

Thanks,
Aswin

In my humble opinion, I think it very hard to suggest this to somebody else as to a premium European brand vs an indian brand riding gear. I will say this, the indian brands are getting better and better and if you have access, please try the indian brands, see how they fit and feel and if you like go for it.

I have owned A* gloves, I have Dainese gloves as well. I am sure they feel more premium and maybe the leather is softer and more comfortable and more tactile, but because of our riding conditions, wear and tear of these items are also higher.

There is no right and wrong here. Just try and feel before buying.

CHEERS!!

Rachit

[advrider6510]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Read: Importance of wearing a neck brace

[jazzysaravana]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

The best thing abt SMK helmets is that accessories n parts r easily available. I'm using SMK Glide n I've upgraded the visor for pinlock 70. The view has become very wider with pinlock 70.

Absolutely!

Bought the chrome visor for my SMK STELLAR for ₹499 last month. Has been really helpful on my eyes as the summer heat has slowly begun in Chennai.

Optically accurate and has made my morning commute a bit more relaxed.

Cheers

[Maxsteel]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

How is the SMK Stellar holding up im terms of Inner liners, visor, performance in Rain. I do own MT Muggello, not satisfied with its quality.

Absolutely!

Bought the chrome visor for my SMK STELLAR for ₹499 last month. Has been really helpful on my eyes as the summer heat has slowly begun in Chennai.

Optically accurate and has made my morning commute a bit more relaxed.

Cheers

[jazzysaravana]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

How is the SMK Stellar holding up im terms of Inner liners, visor, performance in Rain. I do own MT Muggello, not satisfied with its quality.

Hi, if you just scroll through the previous pages, I had posted a review of the same too.

The helmet has been holding up really well and has exceeded my expectations.

Though I've yet test in very heavy rainfall, in the couple of light rains I encountered they were totally fine. The stock visor comes fitted with Pinlock 30 and is so nice to have to in foggy winter rides.

Cheers!

[Maxsteel]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Thank you for reply, yes did checked the review, you have good choice of riding gear & machine. Also which gloves are you using. Stellar & Orazo shoes have made to my list, once lockdown is over will be purchasing them.

Hi, if you just scroll through the previous pages, I had posted a review of the same too.

The helmet has been holding up really well and has exceeded my expectations.

Though I've yet test in very heavy rainfall, in the couple of light rains I encountered they were totally fine. The stock visor comes fitted with Pinlock 30 and is so nice to have to in foggy winter rides.

Cheers!

[jazzysaravana]

Re: Universal : Riding Gear Thread

Thank you for reply, yes did checked the review, you have good choice of riding gear & machine. Also which gloves are you using. Stellar & Orazo shoes have made to my list, once lockdown is over will be purchasing them.

Thank you. Glad to know my review has been helpful for you to make a list. I'm merely standing on the shoulder of giants like our xbhp members MidnightEvil Parth and moderator Blackthorn and others who have contributed immensely to the knowledge in this thread.

Haha, if you scroll some pages over you'll find the review for the gloves too. It's Viaterra Holeshot. Superb bang for buck highly ventilated goat leather gloves with KNOX sliders.

Cheers!