07-13-2014, 07:36 AM
"Best" is going to vary from one individual to the next.
Here are the companies whose products I've had good experiences with:
Helmet: I've been using Arai helmets since I started riding on the street seven years ago. Very happy with their product as well as their customer service (I broke one of the air vent switches on top of my current helmet after about 4 years of use. I had a replacement item back on the helmet in less than a weeks time at no cost to me. Most any modern helmet that fits well is going to be a better option than the latest /greatest helmet that doesn't fit right. Also, I prefer to buy my helmets as small / tight as possible without causing pain or discomfort. Over time, the inner lining materials do break in a bit and loosen up some.
Jacket: I own a Langlitz Leathers custom jacket. But I would actually recommend Johnson Leathers out of San Francisco. They are more than capable of making higher quality custom leathers at prices lower than what you'll pay for similar off-the-rack items from the big name manufacturers like Alpinestars or Dainese. They send you a test-fit jacket and then modify accordingly based on how the standard jacket fits and will make other customizations per your requests. The Johnson Leathers website does not represent their products well at all (nor does it represent their complete product line, so I'd recommend giving them a call). So, crappy website, but awesome leathers. Their work is truly top notch. (I also own an Alpinestars mesh jacket for the summertime when things get really warm.)
Gloves: I'm very particular about the fit of my gloves and would have a hard time buying a pair that I couldn't try on first without being able to return them hassle free. I own gloves from Dainese and Alpinestars and REV'IT. The Alpinestars fit my hands slightly better and have held up better than the Dainese gloves. The REV'IT gloves are for winter use only and are waterproof and insulated.
Pants: I own leather pants from Langlitz and some textile overpants from Alpinestars. I'd like to find a pair of leather overpants some day.
Boots: I use Dainese TRQ-Tour boots. These are waterproof and provide good protection. These boots have really been great, but down the road I'd prefer to find a boot that offered similar protection (from the elements as well as from accidents) but with a bit more of a straightforward, plain look.
Suit: No suit. Maybe some day.
Reflective gear: My Alpinestars jacket has built-in reflective surfaces as well as hi-viz markings. I cover my Langlitz jacket with an Icon hi-viz vest with reflective surfaces. My Kriega backpack has built-in reflective surfaces also.
Water resistant/proof gear: I have a REV'IT Pacific H2O one piece rain suit for when things get really wet.
Pack/Luggage: I too love my Kriega backpack and always use it for my commute to work. I also have a tank pack and a seat pack from Cortech that work well.
Here are the companies whose products I've had good experiences with:
Helmet: I've been using Arai helmets since I started riding on the street seven years ago. Very happy with their product as well as their customer service (I broke one of the air vent switches on top of my current helmet after about 4 years of use. I had a replacement item back on the helmet in less than a weeks time at no cost to me. Most any modern helmet that fits well is going to be a better option than the latest /greatest helmet that doesn't fit right. Also, I prefer to buy my helmets as small / tight as possible without causing pain or discomfort. Over time, the inner lining materials do break in a bit and loosen up some.
Jacket: I own a Langlitz Leathers custom jacket. But I would actually recommend Johnson Leathers out of San Francisco. They are more than capable of making higher quality custom leathers at prices lower than what you'll pay for similar off-the-rack items from the big name manufacturers like Alpinestars or Dainese. They send you a test-fit jacket and then modify accordingly based on how the standard jacket fits and will make other customizations per your requests. The Johnson Leathers website does not represent their products well at all (nor does it represent their complete product line, so I'd recommend giving them a call). So, crappy website, but awesome leathers. Their work is truly top notch. (I also own an Alpinestars mesh jacket for the summertime when things get really warm.)
Gloves: I'm very particular about the fit of my gloves and would have a hard time buying a pair that I couldn't try on first without being able to return them hassle free. I own gloves from Dainese and Alpinestars and REV'IT. The Alpinestars fit my hands slightly better and have held up better than the Dainese gloves. The REV'IT gloves are for winter use only and are waterproof and insulated.
Pants: I own leather pants from Langlitz and some textile overpants from Alpinestars. I'd like to find a pair of leather overpants some day.
Boots: I use Dainese TRQ-Tour boots. These are waterproof and provide good protection. These boots have really been great, but down the road I'd prefer to find a boot that offered similar protection (from the elements as well as from accidents) but with a bit more of a straightforward, plain look.
Suit: No suit. Maybe some day.
Reflective gear: My Alpinestars jacket has built-in reflective surfaces as well as hi-viz markings. I cover my Langlitz jacket with an Icon hi-viz vest with reflective surfaces. My Kriega backpack has built-in reflective surfaces also.
Water resistant/proof gear: I have a REV'IT Pacific H2O one piece rain suit for when things get really wet.
Pack/Luggage: I too love my Kriega backpack and always use it for my commute to work. I also have a tank pack and a seat pack from Cortech that work well.