Disclaimer Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 (edited) It's the winter, which means it's about time to do some gear shopping. Since I've never used anything more than a Snell helmet and an unarmored leather jacket for my entire street riding career (all 8 years worth)... I'm new to this stuff, but I've done a ton of research and want some MORE input on the gear. Play a little dis or dat? I want the full package so whoever I buy it from might negotiate a little bit with me on this larger order. I took all this info in here off of sportbiketrackgear.com - I like them because they have YouTube reviews of products, they race what they sell, and they're local (Michigan) if I ever need to make a face-to-face visit.Basically I do mostly street riding, but I'd like to get the SV out for some trackdays next year - so I'd like something protective on the street and track. All color schemes will be black, black/silver, or black/white.Suit - 1 pc or 2 piece? I've narrowed it down toA*Stars Octane Suit (1 pc or 2 pc) MSRP $689Gericke Celtic (1 pc) MSRP $600BootsSidi Vertigo Air Boots MSRP $300Puma 1000 MSRP $394 (on sale for $325)Gloves - All gauntlet styleHeld Thrux MSRP $149Held Sprint MSRP $199A*Stars GP Plus MSRP $159Spidi Carbo Six Sport MSRP $169Spidi Race Vent Sport MSRP $149Spidi Penta MSRP $209HelmetSomething cheap as long as it's Snell M2005 certified and DOT certified - probably around $150 unless someone can give me a reason why I should get something more expensive. I can get a closeout Scorpion Exo for $119.Place your votes now, or recommend something with similar features and price.We could even turn this thread into a "dealfinder" thread if people find similar gear for even better prices. Thanks! Edited November 2, 2008 by JRMMiii Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R1Limited Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 If you have a $5 dollar head, buy a $5 dollar helmet!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
R1Limited Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 Seriously though- The difference between my $500 Shoei and my $120 HJC is night and day- especially with the sound (outside noise level) of everyday riding. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natedogg624 Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 (edited) suit - 1 pc FTW. to me 2 piece's just look silly. why bother if you've already got a jacket for every day use you don't need the jacket from the 2 pc. 1 pc wins here.boots:both are really good boots and i like the tech on the new pumas. thats totally up to you, not too many pumas around if you like to be unique.gloves:im getting the astar gp plus gloves tomorrow ill let you know how i like them. but i've researched/tried on gloves (and boots) for about 2.5 months now and for my street with track riding style the gp plus' were the way to go. i liked the pro but they seemed to track/race oriented.helmet:shark. good cool looking helmets for a good price (sportbiketrackgear.com) they are also ECE 22-05 certified which most (as well as me) will argue is well above and beyond any DOT/SNELL rating. (those europeans have high standards) quick question: why are you spending boat loads of money on suit/gloves/boots but not so much on your head, which some could say is the most important part of your body. not sayiing scorpions are bad at all, i like their helmets but spend a little (~$50) more and get something of better quality and a much better testing standard. Edited October 31, 2008 by natedogg624 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natedogg624 Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 (edited) post 2: looks like some saw the same thing i did... buying a good helmet will go a looong way. second-- parts411.com is selling the gp plus gloves for 136.xx. So what i did was price match to STG.com and they honored it and gave me free shipping. a lot of parts411.com is selling the gear cheap. check there and bring those prices back to STG.com and get the products cheaper and faster. warning: you will NOT like the way parts411.com site is set up at all. you will get frustrated and angry. hint: when you find your part at parts411.com it gives you an item number 12312352 - 12341 - 234. the number between the dashes is their secret discount "code" eg in this case it would be 12341 you'd put in the discount code box at checkout to get your new price. this is the price you take back to stg obviously. also you would need to do each order individually to get the discount pricing on all of them in order to get the individual price on all your items. pain in the butt especially with as many products your looking up. but its worth it if it saves you money. (STG.com - sportbiketrackgear.com just in case you didn't get that)edit: i would wait on your suit order. check ebay every week or so this winter to catch those dealers getting prepped for the new riding season coming in and getting rid of last years inventory. i got my 600 dollar suit for 200 dollars from freebay. brand new.edit2: i sounded smart with these last two posts Edited October 31, 2008 by natedogg624 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
APCh8r Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 get the sidi boots, spend a bit more and get gp pro gloves, buy a 1 pc, and for a helmet i personally say shoei but if you don't want to spend that money buy a scorpion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted October 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 (edited) quick question: why are you spending boat loads of money on suit/gloves/boots but not so much on your head, which some could say is the most important part of your body. not sayiing scorpions are bad at all, i like their helmets but spend a little (~$50) more and get something of better quality and a much better testing standard.I thought as long as they were Snell, that was the best protection you could get. Didn't realize there was an ECE reg too. I know of some of the ECE regs because I work in the trucking industry and we have to certify to them, but didn't know they had helmet standards too. Thanks for the advice. I'll check out the Sharks.And thanks in advance for your review on the gloves. And the parts411.com info -- I'm always down for saving a little $$$ - even if it takes a little time. Edited October 31, 2008 by JRMMiii Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fonzie Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 (edited) I've currently got the Scorp EXO 400 Octane Justin. Seemed to have all the features of the $$$ helmets, for 1/3 price. I like mine alot....But then again, I've never bought/worn Arai or ShoeiBTW.....Have you checked out NewEnough.com? They get some sweet deals on closeout gear, and I can personally attest their customer service is OUTSTANDING! Plus....They let you donate $1 of your purchase to board of your choice. Not sure if O.R. is on there or not Edited October 31, 2008 by Fonzie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted October 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 That's the closeout helmet they have... 400 series. I've never had a 'high dollar' helmet either because I'm too budget conscious. I'm currently tooling around with a KBC TK-7 I got --- 8 years ago. All the vents are busted out and it's gotta nice coating of bug grime - I think it's time for a new one of those.Though someone could twist my arm into a carbon fiber helmet if they think it's really worth it. I like those a lot. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natedogg624 Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 value of my head exceeds budget in my book anyday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exSRAaron Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 The octane suit is awesome for the price, SO comfy and pretty nice quality, and actually holds up pretty well in wrecks. I loved mine. A* GP gloves ftw. Sidi Air boots ftw. Helmets? shoei, arai, suomy, shark, agv, all are great. Just make sure you look around AND call around for prices. Give cyclesector (talk to Diego) and superbikesupply (talk to Brad) a call. Tell em a buddy from 600rr.net/ohioriders referred you, they will likely hook you up very well!! i saved hundreds buying gear and parts from them.edit: i dont think those CF helmets are any lighter than the arai helmets these days..double check but im pretty sure.Aaron Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TWL Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 i just bought an a star rc-1 suit and it is awesome great fit and great protection so astars gets my vote there i got the astars gp pro glove the sizing is off a little i usually wear a med. but in that glove im in xlarge but its the most comfortable glove ive had on and great protection so astar gloves get my vote again i aslo wear sidi vertigo corsa boots very comfortable and good protection and they are light ive worn them all day with no problemsi have an arai rx-7 corsair again its very comfortable and light but i also have and xpeed and it is just as nice so i say just dont buy a cheap one is all. the carbonfiber are really light but ive only had them on in the stores Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted October 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 As recommended by Nate... I just read up on the DOT / ECE / Snell regs on this page:http://www.motorcyclistonline.com/gearbox/motorcycle_helmet_review/index.htmlIt's a LONG read, but very interesting. Basically a slam of Snell test methods, Snell's rebuttal, and motorcyclists response. It seems the latest and greatest study was the European COST 327 study, which ended in Nov 1999. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kawi kid Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 i have been torn between a one piece and a two piece also. and i look at it as with a two piece you can take the top off if you need to stop and eat and stuff like that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted October 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 I only like the two piece from the perspective that on the hot summer days when I'm at Norwalk drag racing, I can remove the jacket so I don't fill it with sweat.And I think the 2pc would allow me to get a bigger jacket or pant if I got fat(ter), instead of replacing the whole suit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kawi kid Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 I only like the two piece from the perspective that on the hot summer days when I'm at Norwalk drag racing, I can remove the jacket so I don't fill it with sweat.And I think the 2pc would allow me to get a bigger jacket or pant if I got fat(ter), instead of replacing the whole suit.sorta my point i guess Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
exSRAaron Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 I had the octane two-piece and it was awesome. Fit and finish is great. Make sure you check and see if they have em in stock too, they sell out/backorder very quick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted October 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 Had? Was awesome? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r6jess Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 get the sidi boots, spend a bit more and get gp pro gloves, buy a 1 pc, and for a helmet i personally say shoei but if you don't want to spend that money buy a scorpion.i agree with that all except for the suit, i have heard good things about scorpion helmets.i would buy a two piece because you don't have a good riding jacket, and they don't look ridiculous in the summer you can also take off the jacket when you take a break. I would also go try a two piece on and a one piece and see which one is more comfortable. i think for me the one piece was a better fit but for you it might be different. good luck and let us know what you get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
natedogg624 Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 means he got a 1pc... lol as for the sweat build up- you can unzip and get out of the upper portion and let it just dangle its not too much of an annoyance. this is how i was for in between sessions at mid oh and was just fine. it also will tell you if you are getting fat, if you don't fit into it anymore well its time to go to the gym haha. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
r6jess Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 lol^^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusion Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 I have:Suit: 2piece A* MX-1 Jacket w/track pantsGloves: A* GP Plus GlovesNoggin: Arai Quantum 2Footses: Sidi B2All crash tested and highly recommended. I'm going with a A* 1-piece (prolly Octane) for the spring though. Also replacing my helmet with either another Arai or Shoei. I'd also recommend Cyclesector and Superbikesupply. I also like Indysuperbikes mostly because they hooked me up out at Putnam and were all around great guys. I have also ordered from them before and had great service and stuff gets here quick since they are close. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Disclaimer Posted October 31, 2008 Author Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 You think the B2s are sufficient? They were the "bargain" boots from Sidi so I figured the Vertigos were better, but if you've crash tested the B2s and are happy with them, would that be the way to go? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fusion Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 They were comfortable and I really like them. I'm sure the Vertigos and up and better boots, but I have zero complaints about my B2s. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
flounder Posted October 31, 2008 Report Share Posted October 31, 2008 Suit - 1 pc or 2 piece? I've narrowed it down toA*Stars Octane Suit (1 pc or 2 pc) MSRP $689Gericke Celtic (1 pc) MSRP $600BootsSidi Vertigo Air Boots MSRP $300Puma 1000 MSRP $394 (on sale for $325)Gloves - All gauntlet styleHeld Thrux MSRP $149Held Sprint MSRP $199A*Stars GP Plus MSRP $159Spidi Carbo Six Sport MSRP $169Spidi Race Vent Sport MSRP $149Spidi Penta MSRP $209HelmetSomething cheap as long as it's Snell M2005 certified and DOT certified - probably around $150 unless someone can give me a reason why I should get something more expensive. I can get a closeout Scorpion Exo for $119.Place your votes now, or recommend something with similar features and price.We could even turn this thread into a "dealfinder" thread if people find similar gear for even better prices. Thanks! 1pc suit for sure. Either boots are fine. Dont forget about the TCX boots either. (I have the TCX)I would go with GP pro gloves. (I have them.)Helmet, I would get at least a SHOEI RF1000. ( I have an RF1000 and a X11, Both are great, X11 fits better, feels lighter but is more $$ also) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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