Questions on leathers

I am thinking of getting leathers later in the year and i had a few questions.

Are leathers more suited for summer riding?
Are they cooler than textiles, or warmer?
Do leathers offer more protection than textiles?
Are leathers comfy?
I was thinking of the Alpinestars octane http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/p...oducts_id/3526
Is this a good choice?

Thanks.

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Magnum

I am thinking of getting leathers later in the year and i had a few questions.

Are leathers more suited for summer riding?

Tend to be a bit on the warm side in Summer.

Are they cooler than textiles, or warmer?

Depends on the conditions and the leathers.

Do leathers offer more protection than textiles?

Well you are not allowed to do a trackday in textiles - go figure the rest out

Are leathers comfy?

If they are comfy when you buy them they are probably too big, but once they wear in they are great.

I was thinking of the Alpinestars octane http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/p...oducts_id/3526
Is this a good choice?

Dunno, all mine are made to measure rather than off the shelf.

Thanks.

Hope those answers are of some help

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

Dunno, all mine are made to measure rather than off the shelf.

Just out of interest, where do you get your made to measure leathers? I only have textiles at the moment and think the added protection of leathers might be worth the investment.

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by AndyL

Just out of interest, where do you get your made to measure leathers? I only have textiles at the moment and think the added protection of leathers might be worth the investment.

Not going to be of much use to you I fear, but.

www.msw.co.nz

St Kevins Arcade
Karangahape Road
Auckland
New Zealand.

They use Forcefield armour inserts the the knee's, hip, elbows and shoulders and can do a built in back protector, but recommends using a separate one due to the fact that they are longer and give better protection due to them ultimately tucking into the back of the trousers.

Works for me as I was over there visiting the in-laws and the exchange rate was favourable......

The 1st set I got have survived 3 offs (one highside, one lowside and one "weeeeee over the bars I go") with superficial scuffing and some stitching going (decorative stitching) - they were also totally waterproof on AR07

Could they not post the leathers, after you done the measurements yourself?

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Magnum

Could they not post the leathers, after you done the measurements yourself?

I suppose they could but they really prefer to

a) take the measurements themselves

b) make up a calico pattern

c) adjust said calico to get it closer to being right

d) make up the pattern in leather

e) do a fitting, marking for adjustments

f) do another fitting, marking any further adjustments needed

and will continue to adjust until you are happy with them.

I was in for about 4 fittings in total, one a day for a week.

Just because you can provide them with 4 measured points, doesnt mean that the points in between will be the same for everyone

Oh and most of the adjustments were done with clothspegs/clips and roughly drawing with chalk rather than measurments

Originally Posted by Magnum

I am thinking of getting leathers later in the year and i had a few questions.

Are leathers more suited for summer riding?
Are they cooler than textiles, or warmer?
Do leathers offer more protection than textiles?
Are leathers comfy?
I was thinking of the Alpinestars octane http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/p...oducts_id/3526
Is this a good choice?

Thanks.

I think most textiles tend to be warmer because they are designed to be worn in cold/wet weather, but I don't have a great deal of textile experience (only bought a set last year).

That set of leathers, in terms of quality, should be fine - I think I have a predecessor of that suit, it's 3 years old now. Fit is important though, so you probably want to try them first...

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

Just because you can provide them with 4 measured points, doesnt mean that the points in between will be the same for everyone

Only 4 points?

When I had my MJKs made Graham measured me in about 30 places with my arms and knees bent and straight etc.

Originally Posted by SoulKiss

I suppose they could but they really prefer to

a) take the measurements themselves

b) make up a calico pattern

c) adjust said calico to get it closer to being right

d) make up the pattern in leather

e) do a fitting, marking for adjustments

f) do another fitting, marking any further adjustments needed

and will continue to adjust until you are happy with them.

I was in for about 4 fittings in total, one a day for a week.

Just because you can provide them with 4 measured points, doesnt mean that the points in between will be the same for everyone

He's an odd shape though....

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by Lozzo

Only 4 points?

When I had my MJKs made Graham measured me in about 30 places with my arms and knees bent and straight etc.

I was referring to the ability of average "Joe Public" to take more than 4 accurate measurments of themself.....