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chuckeley3
Member
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Posted: Mon Aug 25th, 2008 05:26 pm | 1st Post |
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Hello everyone.
I looking for some input on Protective clothing. I have always used leather in the past, but I'm wondering if Kevlar is as good in both hot and cold climates, and also in the (God Forbid) event of an accident.
Thanks.
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Regards,
Chuck
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Kit Carson
GL1800 Guru
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Posted: Mon Aug 25th, 2008 06:11 pm | 2nd Post |
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Nothing beats leather........never has. You can look at all the test results where they test leather against all other materials.......Leather not only beats them, it is a whole lot more durable in the tests.
Having said this......the new textile jackets with all the shoulder, elbow and back plastic armor plates.....do more than protect you from road rash. They very much absorb impact and can save you from a broken something at times. No not all the time, just some of the time.
They are also in the real world quite durable enough for normal use. Long ago I had one of the first ones put out....and went off a bike......where the elbow plastic guard was the material was ground clear through.......but the rest of it held up, and I slid a long ways......a state trooper saw it happen.....said he did not think I would get up, but there I was standing up......worrying about my bike.
Leather without question is the best. Some companies are now installing the nylon plastic armor in their leather jackets. That would be the ultimate protection. I have my eyes on one......I really want it......but it is $600 dollars......state of the art......
Textile ones do the job......Leather is just the best......but in real life...most likely not a requirement.
Kit
____________________
GPS GURU (NOT)
The Goldwing GL1800 is by far the best motorcycle ever designed in the world. Just to take a test ride on one is a dangerous thing, as you will just have to have one.
Returned to the Darkside, Khumo Run Flat 195/55/16
Test pilot days are over. The Khumo is the real deal.
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oldishwinger
Member
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Posted: Mon Aug 25th, 2008 06:46 pm | 3rd Post |
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hello,
I use draggin pants which have kevlar inside them, very comfortable to wear, summer and winter.
I havn't had the pleasure (touch wood) to find out how good kevlar is in a fall,
but I have seen a photo of one of their bosses being dragged along on his butt behind a car, as a test of the kevlar, the pants where toast, but the kevlar, protected him 100%
cheers,
____________________
Robbie,
1986 Gl1200 Aspencade (Mariah)
'I ride not to get there, but to go'
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ordonje
Member
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Posted: Mon Aug 25th, 2008 07:40 pm | 4th Post |
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The way I look at it, protective clothing is useless if it's too hot out to wear it. I think that is the problem with leather. No doubt, leather is tops, but the prices of meshed leather gear (summer wear) are insane.
I use textile jackets and pants, including a mesh textile jacket for those steaming hot days.
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Tubawinger
Active Member
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Posted: Mon Aug 25th, 2008 08:51 pm | 5th Post |
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Cycle World Magazine did a great comparo between leather and textile gear some months back. The consensus was that they both have good abrasion resistance, but the textile jackets breathed better and were more water resistant, and the leather could handle multiple falls.
It seems that for an average commuter or daily rider, textiles will provide protection for one occasional spill, then they need to be replaced.
People who are prone to fall alot wear leather, like racers and Harley riders.
The best advice has already been posted - get the gear you will wear, and wear the gear you get. The best jacket and helmet in the world won't protect you when it's hanging on the garage door.
____________________
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
*thunk* Oops. It slipped.
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Kit Carson
GL1800 Guru
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Posted: Mon Aug 25th, 2008 09:23 pm | 6th Post |
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I just got back from a two hour ride, went downtown to do some errands.....I had on a textile mesh jacket and full helmet....gloves and chaps......heavy boots......I am soaked.....hair is like I just got out of the shower......shirt soaked ......but I wore it......did not want to....but did.
Kit
____________________
GPS GURU (NOT)
The Goldwing GL1800 is by far the best motorcycle ever designed in the world. Just to take a test ride on one is a dangerous thing, as you will just have to have one.
Returned to the Darkside, Khumo Run Flat 195/55/16
Test pilot days are over. The Khumo is the real deal.
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Tubawinger
Active Member
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Posted: Mon Aug 25th, 2008 10:36 pm | 7th Post |
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Of course, just walking down the street in South Carolina will have the same effect!
 
____________________
Let he who is without sin cast the first stone.
*thunk* Oops. It slipped.
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mespock
Very Active Member
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 02:34 pm | 8th Post |
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My problem with all the armor in the textile jackets is how they fit or feel. I have kept a few of the pads in but pulled most of them.
I love leather.. and wear it more than my textile jacket.
I use the textile jacket on warmer days or if weather looks like it could turn to rain.
____________________
"Your Gonna Drive me to Drinkin'
If you don't stop Driving those
Hot Rod Lincolns"
1985 - GL 1200A
1993 - Lincoln Mark VIII
1994 - Lincoln Mark VIII
1995 - Linocln Mark VIII
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cldryder
Active Member
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 03:59 pm | 9th Post |
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check out the "closeouts" section at newenough.com. great brand name stuff at killer prices. I bought leather jackets for both my daughters for xmas complete with body armor for about $120 each. Got an even nicer jacket for the wife about a month ago for about $60. $60 for a 1.4 mil riding leather with armour in the back, elbows, and shoulders. Can't beat that!!
they'll also let you return stuff as many times as it takes to get the right fit no questions asked. It took me 5 tries to get racing boots that fit properly and they were nice and helpful every step of the way.
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05 FJR1300, 88 GL1500, 98 TL1000R, 03 ZRX1200R, 74 Z1, 78 KZ750, 72 GT380, 76 GT750, 78 GS750, 79 GS750E, 81 GS1100E
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Cousin Jack
Senior Member
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Posted: Tue Aug 26th, 2008 04:34 pm | 10th Post |
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During an accident earlier this summer, my wife and I went down hard on our left side after hitting a deer. We were wearing mesh jackets and kevlar-reinforced jeans..... we suffered no injuries under the mesh jackets, none, but although our jeans weren't torn, anywhere, I suffered a bad avulsion, or laceration, to the left knee..... the pants were fine but my knee was still trashed! I've still got issues with the knee (for some reason the hospital didn't skin graft it) and I wonder some if I would have been better off wearing my regular cordura pants with the hard armor. I think so.
I'm not saying that the kevlar jeans aren't worth wearing..... they work great for abrasions, but they ain't much for impact! Everyone has to make their own choices in the trade-off of comfort versus protection. But, I wear all I can bear these days!
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Anybody can ride a motorcycle when the sun shines....
Those with arms are citizens; those without are subjects.
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gasseous
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Posted: Thu Aug 28th, 2008 05:29 pm | 11th Post |
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I wonder what Joey Chitwood used to wear? (During his slide for life?) Whatever it was... he wore it over and over and over again.....
GasseousLast edited on Thu Aug 28th, 2008 05:30 pm by gasseous
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You will never win a horserace by yelling "whoa!"
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Stinky151
Very Active Member
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Posted: Thu Aug 28th, 2008 11:11 pm | 12th Post |
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All I can say is Aerostitch.........The roadcrafter sits are pricey, but I used to own one and loved it. My dad still has one. (I outgirthed mine) If it gets too hot, fill the pockets with ice. You will stay dry, and be damn near hypothermic in 110 degree heat. My dads lips turned blue after an hour in oklahoma summer doing that. Plus, I have seen guys go down HARD while wearing them. The cordura hods up great, combined with ballistic padding. Also can get the one piece suit off an on in 10 seconds. Since the Air Force says I have to be covered head to toe...
as soon as I have 900 bucks, I am buying a new one.
____________________
Lincoln
1983 Interstate
Secretary, Green Knights, Chpt. 27 "Eifel Riders"
http://yewtahwanderer.blogspot.com
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