e30kawi Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Should be getting back on my feet and back onto a bike this summer. Had a bit of a crash almost three years ago that trashed me and the bike. The paramedics cut all my gear off, which was in great shape all things considered. I'm going to be buying all new gear but gloves and boots. I had synthetic pants and jacket that got trashed. Didn't have them long so I didn't get much of an impression on them. Looking for some feedback as to getting leather or synthetic this time around from people in the know or have had a get off and their experiences. I've heard leather tends to slide and isn't as grabby on pavement. I live in Texas, which is why I bought synthetic last time. Thanks in advance guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member norcal616 Posted January 25, 2019 Premium Member Share Posted January 25, 2019 I vote leather...my suit has held up to various crashes/scrapes from go karts, motorcycles, drag racing, near daily use, etc over the last 5yrs Once the leathers start showing its "tattoos" it tells a story/history/conversation starter... 2015 fz-07- Hordpower Edition...2015 fj-09- 120whp- Graves Exhaust w/Woolich Race Kit- tuned by 2WDW Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Benh972 Posted January 25, 2019 Premium Member Share Posted January 25, 2019 There are people far more qualified than myself to answer your question, but I will do my best share what I can. In my opinion the material used in riding gear is just one variable in the equation. Not all synthetics or leathers are created equal and it comes in various thicknesses. Leather is tried and true, but it is also expensive. I think whats more important is to get whole body coverage. Mediocre gear all around is more effective than a super great jacket with no gloves, Levis, and Nikes. I personally prioritize armor over abrasion resistance. Damage to the head, and chest is more likely to kill you, but your limbs are the most likely parts to get injured. I had a small accident, and my Lee jeans survived and I did not really lose any skin, but I had some very painful internal damage on my knee. I was crippled for about 3 months. I really wish I had had some knee armor on that night, I would not have missed as much prime riding season. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beemer Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 Beemer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
topazsparrow Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 my buddy explained it like this to me. Leather helps you slide and is generally pretty thick. Sliding at speed helps avoid injury to your limbs and twisting injuries on your spine. Synthetics tend to grip and cause you to tumble or thrash around. Certain Ballistic Nylon's also have a tendency of melting if you do manage to slide on them. It'll wear out faster in a slide. Some combination of the two is probably the most cost effective. Modern textiles have come a really long way as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member cornerslider Posted January 25, 2019 Premium Member Share Posted January 25, 2019 I used to wear synthetic gear. I thought it was "cooler" (temperature)..... Then I started doing track days, where a leather suit is required. I bought a suit that was "perforated leather" (hundreds of tiny holes) for air flow. I learned that as long as I was going at least 20-25 mph, it was pretty cool. I have since parted ways with my synthetic street jacket, and replaced it with perforated leather- ""W.O.T. until you see god, then brake" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e30kawi Posted January 25, 2019 Author Share Posted January 25, 2019 That is my train of thought, never had a heat issue with the leather jacket I had. But bought a matching set of synthetics. Trying to weigh out the cost to benefit ratio between the two. Not overly concerned about cost, but don't want to over spend if I don't have to Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zephyr Posted January 25, 2019 Share Posted January 25, 2019 If I lived in a cooler climate then I would have voted (perforated) leather. Tech textiles for me to allow for increased airflow and increased abrasion performance. All my gear has max ce rated available armor so all the joints & spine have some level of impact protection. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member DewMan Posted January 25, 2019 Premium Member Share Posted January 25, 2019 Living in in the hot and humid climate of Florida, perforated leather seems to flow zero air in my limited experience. I'd be risking heat stroke in mid summer if I wore leather and didn't stop every 30 mins to hydrate. I'm limited to mesh which at this point I only expect it to hold my CE2 pads in place long enough to impact the ground. if it lasts anything past that I consider it a bonus. DewMan Just shut up and ride. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shinyribs Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 I'll only wear leather gloves and boots and I love my leather jacket. I'm not sure I could ever do leather pants, though. When it gets above 100° the mesh textile jacket comes out, though. I feel naked in it, but at least it's well armored. When it gets below 40° the textile 1pc insulated suit comes out. But a good 75%+ of my riding in done in the leather jacket and a pair of Dianese textile pants, and boy do they get ripe a couple times per year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
njdevils1990 Posted January 26, 2019 Share Posted January 26, 2019 My first motorcycle jacket. Alpinestars GP-R Leather Jacket | 20% ($95.99) Off! WWW.REVZILLA.COM The Alpinestars GP R is a race-level jacket for the streets. Stretch panels... My current jacket REV'IT! Levante Jacket | 33% ($100.00) Off! WWW.REVZILLA.COM ¾ touring cut, 3 to 4 season functionality. The REV’IT! Levante... With the high vis vest REV'IT! Hi-Viz Connector Vest WWW.REVZILLA.COM Designed to interface directly with REV'IT! jackets without interupting... I'll likely be getting another leather jacket in the future. 2003 Buell XB9R (2011-2011) Crashed 2009 Buell 1125CR (2011-2013) Sold 2015 Yamaha FZ-07 (2014-?) Current Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e30kawi Posted January 27, 2019 Author Share Posted January 27, 2019 Cool deal, looks like I'll be getting leather. I never really noticed a temp difference between my leather jacket and the last textile jacket I had. I had a mesh jacket that I remember being cooler but that was almost 15 years ago. Maybe I'll get a set of each. Thanks for the input guys. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruizin Posted January 27, 2019 Share Posted January 27, 2019 I like leather, but it get's between 95 and 105 degrees here in the summer and there is no way one can ride for very long in leather in that heat. In spring and fall I wear the Klim Apex. Its is a very well padded and protective jacket. It is also very warm with the liner in. With the liner out, there are a TON of vents in this jacket. There are also a ton of hidden pockets. Also, it is comepletly waterproof Gortex. Best jacket I have ever ever owned. Klim Apex Jacket WWW.CYCLEGEAR.COM The Apex Jacket is the highest-performing sport touring jacket Klim has ever offered. Providing best-in-class aggressive/sport style, unbeatable weather protection, impressive abrasion... In the summer, for around town or short rides, I wear the Klim Induction jacket. Klim's Karbonite mesh is the best there is. Very good ventilation, really good abrasion resistance. Klim Induction Jacket WWW.REVZILLA.COM Klim's Karbonite mesh provides loads of air flow and loads of protection. It's perfect for completing the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs. But on long rides in the summer, I still usually wear the Klim Apex because of all the vents and the added abrasion and impact protection. Last summer a guy I know went down doing 45 mph wearing an Alpinstars mesh jacket and the Mesh burned into his skin and bone. He slid on his side and the mesh sleeve burned right off and the skin on his arm burned off and the damn mesh material fused with his skin and bone and he was in pain for months. Don't skimp on gear. For me, Klim is the best. Yamaha MT-10 ForumYamaha Tracer 900 Forum Yamaha Ténéré 700 Forum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ElGonzales Posted January 27, 2019 Share Posted January 27, 2019 I did a little slide on ass, elbows and knees (left side, right side, i don't know how I managed that ) last year when my front wheel lost grip in a ~40 mph corner. 80% asphalt, 15% grass and 5% traffic sign contact. I was wearing my good old Segura Reno leather jacket Segura Reno Jacket buy and offers on Motardinn WWW.MOTARDINN.COM Segura Reno Jacket. Features: - Personnal Protection Equipment- EC / Shoulders, elbows and back- CE / 100 % waterproof leather- Fixed mesh, motorcycle and a synthetic Vanucci Tour Fun for my legs Buy Vanucci Tour Fun I Textile Trousers | Louis Motorcycle & Leisure WWW.LOUIS.EU Vanucci Tour Fun I Textile Trousers at Louis. Secure payment ✓ Free returns ✓ 2-year right of return ✓ » Buy now! Of course some Daytona leather boots and gloves too. What should I say, it went very well. Just two little burned spots on the skin, wasnt even bleeding I know you should replace your gear after such kind of stunt, but everything still looks fine, I couldnt believe it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member fzar Posted January 28, 2019 Premium Member Share Posted January 28, 2019 This is what I wear when I ride: Alpinestars GP-R Leather Jacket | 20% ($95.99) Off! WWW.REVZILLA.COM The Alpinestars GP R is a race-level jacket for the streets. Stretch panels snug the armor and padding close to you, hugging you in protection. Its out of production right now I think!! I much prefer leather even in 100F, to me it doesn't matter what I wear textile/leather I sweat a lot, which is good as thats whats cooling your body naturally. I drink about 3 liters+ of water a day, everyday and I rarely ride over a tank without taking fluids. The A* jacket is slightly perforated and if you see the underarm stretch panels in the link photo they provide a ton of air. Don't get me wrong, i'd wear my textile below 40 with the liner but as was said by @shinyribs "I feel naked" without the leather and the much more protection the A* jacket has. (Its way better protection in the chest and back, regardless of being leather) Here's the textile I have: AGV Sport Sniper Jacket | 15% ($19.35) Off! WWW.REVZILLA.COM The Sniper Jacket keeps you warm during those cooler months especially when you have the insulated liner installed. Strategic zippered vents cool you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e30kawi Posted January 28, 2019 Author Share Posted January 28, 2019 7 hours ago, Cruizin said: I like leather, but it get's between 95 and 105 degrees here in the summer and there is no way one can ride for very long in leather in that heat. In spring and fall I wear the Klim Apex. Its is a very well padded and protective jacket. It is also very warm with the liner in. With the liner out, there are a TON of vents in this jacket. There are also a ton of hidden pockets. Also, it is comepletly waterproof Gortex. Best jacket I have ever ever owned. Klim Apex Jacket WWW.CYCLEGEAR.COM The Apex Jacket is the highest-performing sport touring jacket Klim has ever offered. Providing... In the summer, for around town or short rides, I wear the Klim Induction jacket. Klim's Karbonite mesh is the best there is. Very good ventilation, really good abrasion resistance. Klim Induction Jacket WWW.REVZILLA.COM Klim's Karbonite mesh provides loads of air flow and loads of protection. It's perfect for... But on long rides in the summer, I still usually wear the Klim Apex because of all the vents and the added abrasion and impact protection. Last summer a guy I know went down doing 45 mph wearing an Alpinstars mesh jacket and the Mesh burned into his skin and bone. He slid on his side and the mesh sleeve burned right off and the skin on his arm burned off and the damn mesh material fused with his skin and bone and he was in pain for months. Don't skimp on gear. For me, Klim is the best. You seem like a knowledgeable guy, never heard of klim but I will look into them. I think we have a cycle gear in Austin that I can check them out. I appreciate it. I'm kinda looking for a do everything jacket, if possible. I work outside in a thick uniform and ppe all day so a hot jacket isn't the end of the world for me. But I'm liking all the feedback I'm getting! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruizin Posted January 28, 2019 Share Posted January 28, 2019 1 hour ago, e30kawi said: You seem like a knowledgeable guy, never heard of klim but I will look into them. I think we have a cycle gear in Austin that I can check them out. I appreciate it. I'm kinda looking for a do everything jacket, if possible. I work outside in a thick uniform and ppe all day so a hot jacket isn't the end of the world for me. But I'm liking all the feedback I'm getting! Klim is the leading provider of off road and ADV motorcycle, snomobile gear. Their stuff lasts a long long time, is very protective. Come up here to Idaho, or Alaska you see the yellow Klim symbol all over the place because their stuff is made to survive use in the deep mountains. The Apex and Apex air were their first venture into street bike jacket gear and its well worth the money. Go put on one, try to even find all of the hidden pockets, the quality felt will make up your rmind for you. Yamaha MT-10 ForumYamaha Tracer 900 Forum Yamaha Ténéré 700 Forum Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e30kawi Posted January 28, 2019 Author Share Posted January 28, 2019 4 hours ago, Cruizin said: Klim is the leading provider of off road and ADV motorcycle, snomobile gear. Their stuff lasts a long long time, is very protective. Come up here to Idaho, or Alaska you see the yellow Klim symbol all over the place because their stuff is made to survive use in the deep mountains. The Apex and Apex air were their first venture into street bike jacket gear and its well worth the money. Go put on one, try to even find all of the hidden pockets, the quality felt will make up your rmind for you. I actually used to ride around Eastern Washington, Oregon, and Idaho. Loved it up there. Never paid atattention to what people were wearing gear wise Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
e30kawi Posted February 1, 2019 Author Share Posted February 1, 2019 On 1/27/2019 at 7:06 PM, fzar said: This is what I wear when I ride: Alpinestars GP-R Leather Jacket | 20% ($95.99) Off! WWW.REVZILLA.COM The Alpinestars GP R is a race-level jacket for the streets. Stretch panels snug the armor and padding close to you, hugging you in protection. Its out of production right now I think!! I much prefer leather even in 100F, to me it doesn't matter what I wear textile/leather I sweat a lot, which is good as thats whats cooling your body naturally. I drink about 3 liters+ of water a day, everyday and I rarely ride over a tank without taking fluids. The A* jacket is slightly perforated and if you see the underarm stretch panels in the link photo they provide a ton of air. Don't get me wrong, i'd wear my textile below 40 with the liner but as was said by @shinyribs "I feel naked" without the leather and the much more protection the A* jacket has. (Its way better protection in the chest and back, regardless of being leather) Here's the textile I have: AGV Sport Sniper Jacket | 15% ($19.35) Off! WWW.REVZILLA.COM The Sniper Jacket keeps you warm during those cooler months especially when you have the insulated liner installed. Strategic zippered vents cool you. Fairly certain that AGV jacket is the one I had on when I had my crash. It would have been fine but the paramedics preferred to use their scissors instead of the zipper. I liked the jacket but was a bit hot in the Texas sun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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