Leather v Textiles advice?

As i'm now able to work full time im intent on investing in either a set of leathers (2pc) or a set of textiles, was just wondering if anyone with more experience of buying proper bike gear would be able to shed some light as to which is better, looking to spend around £400 on the set so after something reasonably good, the struggle however seems to be finding leathers that fit, as im not exactly a supermodel if you get my drift :L any help would very much appreciated Smile.

Depends on what your going to be using the bike for! Do you want a set that will serve you in all winds and weathers or are you a fair weather rider?
I'm a bit OTT and have a 2pc set of leathers for summer, 2pc textiles for wet/winter, and a set of draggin jeans I use with a mesh bike jacket for really hot weather and pottering about town!


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Textiles are usable over a wider range of temperatures and weather conditions (unless you spend huge amounts on waterproof leathers) and are generally more practical. However, they don't quite match the abrasion resistance of leather (though there are arguments that this is preferable on the road as you slow-down faster).

The main advantage of leathers to me is that you can use them on a track.

That's kinda the idea I had in my head, I ride all you're round (not through choice cars at 17 are just too Damn expensive) an I dint reckon il be taking to a track anytime soon, would end up totaling it on the first bend :L but I really do get you're point with the abrasion resistance compared to textiles but for 400 quid I'd hope to get a set of reasonable to ones, in terms of leathers could you recommend any brand of leathers that have reasonable sizing and are good quality?

Haha in reply to dansp that would be the perfect solution but unfortunately cash is short to hand so after something that is a bit more Al round, what would a good set of textiles be like if going about flogging the bike around the twists at the weekend, useless or capable?

[Fallout]

Whenever I've had this conversation with friends, we've always come to the conclusion abrasion resistance isn't so significant on the road. On the track you're looking at sliding a fair distance on your **** on tarmac. On the road if you crash on a corner, you're in a hedgerow 1 second later, and if you crash on a straight, it's probably because you got t-boned, and then most of your speed has been scrubbed off when your legs snapped against the car bonnet.

Basically, leathers are superior protection, but textiles with good armour are more versatile and practical and probably provide enough protection in the majority of road crash scenarios.

Originally Posted by byron126

That's kinda the idea I had in my head, I ride all you're round (not through choice cars at 17 are just too Damn expensive) an I dint reckon il be taking to a track anytime soon, would end up totaling it on the first bend :L but I really do get you're point with the abrasion resistance compared to textiles but for 400 quid I'd hope to get a set of reasonable to ones, in terms of leathers could you recommend any brand of leathers that have reasonable sizing and are good quality?

You could probably grab a set of textiles and leathers for £400!

I spent £100 on my first set of textiles (brand new), you could get a pretty decent set for £200. Then you could pick up a half decent set of 2nd hand leathers for £200.

Look around and there are some bargains on ebay.

get either and chuck £50 on a bikesafe day out so you reduce the chances of having to replace em!

[Tomor]

I agree with most. Leather for track/ road riding, textiles for road riding. My textiles did their job in my accident, and I have another set. More versatile for me as all my riding is on the road, waterproof for the rain, and in weather like we have had recently, I just open all the vents.

[Fallout]

Originally Posted by a_monkey_hint

Then you could pick up a half decent set of 2nd hand leathers for £200.

This! Recently got myself a 1 piece for track days, pristine ... not sure if they have ever really been used, for £90 ... as viewable in Paul the 6th avatar for some strange reason.