Truly waterproof gear?

If you're riding at 70mph through serious rain, it's going to get through somewhere.

I've got an HG Oxan jacket and HG Tricky trousers- done me proud so far. Only issue has been the zips.

The main place I find water gets in is past the end of the gloves.

Yeah I kno, nxt time I'm out in heavy rain il see how much rain gets through, but so far it's never been enough for me to notice.

I recently bought some Spada waterproof trousers, they only cost about £50 but I rode in torrential rain for about 80 miles, including some motorway speeds and they didnt let a drop through. they are also really warm and have knee and hip protectors.

Also borrowed my Brothers HELD waterproof over jacket for the same trip, again not very expensicve kit (I know, I bought it for his birthday lol) but that too was 100% waterproof.

[STRAMASHER]

HG is the best £/soggybawz.

My HG Cruise Gortex troos have given up the ghost after 8years, my previous HG jacket (Journey) lasted 7yr before started to properly leak.

Riding everyday and washed with that Nikwax stuff twice a year or so.

The price of good new kit is scary. I scrimped on a new jacket last year and got a Furygan for £160 and although still waterproof is falling a part after a year everywhere. (Zips, Velcro, stitching) And feels like its made out of cardboard!

[Drew Carey]

Having used Spada WP textiles, RST textiles and Richa textiles I can say that they all let water through evetually given enough rain!!!

The only solution I have found. Is that I wear my leathers, with Alpinestars SMX4 WP Boots, then simple waterproof trousers and waterproof jacket over top of leathers. This combined with HG Panthan gloves has kept me dry even through 2 hours of constant rain. And I mean bone dry, not even a dribble.

I also don't find it too hot either, as can just alter layers under WP jacket as and when required.

The one thing I would suggest though without a doubt is a v-wipe, nice and cheap from HG. They fit over finger or thumb and enable you to keep a clean visor at all times.

Edit - I have heard good things about the HG Goretex stuff. But for me, waterproofs I already had for when getting caught in summer showers in leathers, so its a no brainer. Wasn't going to spend more on a full Goretex suit when what I have works.

[Viney]

Along with a few peeps i too have the HG Gortex Tricky 2 jacket. I only got mine early this year and to be hoenst, all my other jackets have always been waterproof for long periods. I have had HG's sheltex stuff and thats been good, i also had 2 frank thomas jackets, all good, and a Spidi heated one. They all died due to damage more than leakyness.

I now have Goretex jacket, gloves and boots. Just got to save up for the tricky 2 pants but at £300 its going to be a while. My current Buffalo textile trousers, well were waterproof when i put them away at the begnning of the year, are great to date.

i must say, my lether jacket is not that bad, lets a little in via the zip but other wise it's fine, mind you i do keep it cleaned constantly and also continually coat it in urad/jojo
Urad cleans, jojo waterproofs.
it's not cheep stuff and you'll definately NOT find it at a bike shop, instead find a good equine (horse tack) shop and you'll probably find they will sell it or something similar for your leathers.
Also using anything from a equine shop to clean the leathers will extend the life of them and give them better protection for when you and your machine have a disagreement and part company - i speak from experience, 1 accident (bike vs van) and they are still going strong even after 2-3 years of no use.

I've done many wet miles, and nothing i've found has been better than my Richa trousers.

All my jackets have given up after a couple of years, hence a waterproof throwover. Best £40 i've spent so far!

Other option could be a full waterproof oversuit:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/SPADA-WATERP.../dp/B001JGV48G
However it does make you feel like you're walking around in a bin liner...

I've got a Frank Thomas textile jacket, think it might be the Raptor range, hasn't leaked yet in the 2 years I've had it. Boots Daytona Gortex XCRs again no leaks in 2 years.