Protection from the waist down

[Papa Weeley_imp]

Wow, this thread isn't at ALL what I thought it was going to be.
I was picturing a comparison test involving Trojans, etc...

[Guth_imp]

It's easy enough to find bargain buys on protective gear. Finding quality gear for reasonable prices can be a bigger challenge. Compared to a number of other options, that price seems reasonable to me. If I'm going to wear leather gear, I'd prefer all leather, but that seems like a decent compromise.

[PowerDubs_imp]

It's easy enough to find bargain buys on protective gear. Finding quality gear for reasonable prices can be a bigger challenge. Compared to a number of other options, that price seems reasonable to me. If I'm going to wear leather gear, I'd prefer all leather, but that seems like a decent compromise.

For online shopping it is usually just a matter of digging through the search engines comparing prices- start with the brand and model name of an item, then try again with the model #, and then the SKC.. you will be amazed that sometimes you can find something with a number that doesn't show up with the name.

Once I have weeded out the high priced places, I then narrow it down based on any available coupon codes and shipping costs. For finding coupon codes, type the name of the retailer into the search engine along with the words- code + forum. Adding the word forum to search queries is helpful for all sorts of research. Find actual people talking about actual stuff. Less BS to wade through.

Don't forget to use places like Ebates (who just recently took over Fatwallet's cash back program) for a few extra bucks saved.

Here are examples of my recent gear purchases, all in the last 6 weeks-

New Joe Rocket leather jacket for my wife- sells everywhere online normally for $270+, cost me $141 shipped to my door after tax.

On the Dainese Cruiser pants and jacket I mentioned above, the best price was on Ebay from a seller in Germany. The pants are $580 on Revzilla, I paid $395 shipped, the jacket is $900 on Revzilla, I paid $544 shipped. I bought them at separate times (was impressed by the pants so bought the jacket).

Expensive? Yes. Will I care about the money if I crash? Nope. I'd rather be as protected as I can be- and with these pants and jacket, I am protected from the rain and cold as well. Very versatile.

It's easy enough to find bargain buys on protective gear. Finding quality gear for reasonable prices can be a bigger challenge. Compared to a number of other options, that price seems reasonable to me. If I'm going to wear leather gear, I'd prefer all leather, but that seems like a decent compromise.

I initially went into my gear shopping with the same mindset. My Fieldsheer jacket is all leather. But after looking at a lot of different modern jackets and pants, going to the stores trying stuff on and inspecting- I can see where the combination of materials has benefit for comfort- breath-ability, stretch-ability.

[Rebel73_imp]

I have 2 pairs of Draggin jeans, which are reasonably priced, one of which already saved my skin (literally) once. I just wish they were available with armor.

[Townie_imp]

I have a pair of these that I wear under jeans: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/daine...e-pants-e1

They are pretty darn snug, and a bit warm, but work well under a pair of regular fitting jeans. Because they are snug, the armor tends to stay where it should.

Haven't needed to test them in a slide.

[4 Paws_imp]

Dragoni web site shows jackets and pants available to order with optional armor.

[cooldrum_imp]

For me, I suit up with FirstGear over pants and jacket. Both pieces have body armour where you need them if you should go down. They also have removable water- proof liners as well. They are comfy and have a tailored look too. Russ

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I finally ponied up for some riding jeans with more protection than the Levi's I usually wear. I went with the Bull-it SR6 jeans. The claim is that these jeans provide 6.26 seconds of abrasion resistance as compared to 5.8 seconds provided by 1.4mm cowhide. Instead of Kevlar, they use a material called Covec. In the Revzilla video review, they describe the difference between Kevlar and Covec as Covec having greater abrasion resistance but a lower melting point. The thought (hope) is that you won't be sliding long enough to reach the peak temperatures required to actually melt the Covec material.

They're on the way and I'll report back after I have a chance to ride with them. I didn't order the optional knee and hip armor because I wanted to make sure they fit first. It's hard for me to find pants that fit properly.

I went with the Sidewinder version of the jeans which, unfortunately, are described as slim fit. Something I've never been accused of. I went a size up in hopes they won't be too snug.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bull-...nder-jeans

They do make a version described as regular fit which I will try if the Sidewinder doesn't work out. http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bull-it-sr6-jeans

[Motogeezer1949_imp]

Never personally tested them yet but, I have 3 pr. of Draggin' Jeans I've had for 15 years. Well worth the $$ imo. Plus 2 pr. of the lighter gauge kevlar lined jeans from Cycle Gear. Had them 2 or 3 years. Like 'em.
Have seen the results though, of others going down in regular jeans, Draggin' and leather. Leather is definitely best. Dragon's have worked well.

[Roper_imp]

Best protection from the waist down: An Aerostich suit. It keeps you dry and warm and protects you from the waist up, too. And because I can't afford Alpinestars.