Gear For The Track

[cornerslider]

You did well -

[1tondriver]

I got the suit and gloves today and have a question for the community. This is the first suit I have bought and actually the first brand new jacket. I ordered same size as my current Joe Rocket (46) that fits really good. The new one is pretty tight, maybe a “race fit”? Pants seem to fit well and when zippered together I can bend down without any issues. So, is this jacket going to loosen up, break in or whatever you want to call it? I haven’t got the back protector yet and worry it is going to be really tight then. 
I don’t want to return it when the pants fit pretty well. If I got a 48 the pants would be too big. 
With all that being said I do need to shrink the gut. Maybe that’s the answer . TIA

EDIT: I returned the suit as it was just to tight. That’s what I get for trying to be a cheap a**. Going to go to STG and try before I buy next week. 

[mossrider]

Just now, 1tondriver said:

I got the suit and gloves today and have a question for the community. This is the first suit I have bought and actually the first brand new jacket. I ordered same size as my current Joe Rocket (46) that fits really good. The new one is pretty tight, maybe a “race fit”? Pants seem to fit well and when zippered together I can bend down without any issues. So, is this jacket going to loosen up, break in or whatever you want to call it? I haven’t got the back protector yet and worry it is going to be really tight then. 
I don’t want to return it when the pants fit pretty well. If I got a 48 the pants would be too big. 
With all that being said I do need to shrink the gut. Maybe that’s the answer . TIA

EDIT: I returned the suit as it was just to tight. That what I get for trying to be a cheap a**. Going to go to STG and try before I buy next week. 

Keep in mind when you wear a stand alone back protector you remove the stock foam back protector that comes with the jacket/suit. And a properly fitting jacket isn't meant to be a fashion statement, it's a protective garment and a tool. It should be comfortable in the riding position and allow a decent range of motion yet be snug enough to hold its position on the body to keep the protection in place and do its job in the advent it's needed.

And you're right, we could all lose a few #'s up front. 

[1tondriver]

11 minutes ago, mossrider said:

Keep in mind when you wear a stand alone back protector you remove the stock foam back protector that comes with the jacket/suit. And a properly fitting jacket isn't meant to be a fashion statement, it's a protective garment and a tool. It should be comfortable in the riding position and allow a decent range of motion yet be snug enough to hold its position on the body to keep the protection in place and do its job in the advent it's needed.

And you're right, we could all lose a few #'s up front. 

Thanks and yes I removed the stock protector and tried without any protector. Still so tight and bound near arm pit as well. Just didn’t feel right up top. 
If the Michelin man is fashion, I am good (maybe not that bad). I immediately called my wife and stated I was eating salad and fruit for the next month. She just laughed and said whatever . 
I am going to go to STG and try on the RST like I should have done in the first place... Thanks

 

[cornerslider]

3 hours ago, 1tondriver said:

I got the suit and gloves today and have a question for the community. This is the first suit I have bought and actually the first brand new jacket. I ordered same size as my current Joe Rocket (46) that fits really good. The new one is pretty tight, maybe a “race fit”? Pants seem to fit well and when zippered together I can bend down without any issues. So, is this jacket going to loosen up, break in or whatever you want to call it? I haven’t got the back protector yet and worry it is going to be really tight then. 
I don’t want to return it when the pants fit pretty well. If I got a 48 the pants would be too big. 
With all that being said I do need to shrink the gut. Maybe that’s the answer . TIA

EDIT: I returned the suit as it was just to tight. That’s what I get for trying to be a cheap a**. Going to go to STG and try before I buy next week. 

Hmmmmm..... I did pretty much the same thing? I have a "Joe Rocket" leather street jacket that fits me PERFECT. I ordered a "Joe Rocket" one piece suit, in hopes that the bottom half would fit right (it did). Are you some kind of massive power-lifter type ???? Seriously though, sorry it didn't work well for you-

[1tondriver]

8 minutes ago, cornerslider said:

Hmmmmm..... I did pretty much the same thing? I have a "Joe Rocket" leather street jacket that fits me PERFECT. I ordered a "Joe Rocket" one piece suit, in hopes that the bottom half would fit right (it did). Are you some kind of massive power-lifter type ???? Seriously though, sorry it didn't work well for you-

Far from a power lifter, that’s for sure. The damn jacket was just too tight and I didn’t fell like I could use it for an hour. It may have well broken in if I gave it a chance but didn’t want to roll the dice. I am going to look at a 1 piece also as I found trying to zip it up was a pia. I am a hot mess trying to find something that will work well for me that’s why I figure going to STG will be the ticket even if it costs a little more. 

[1tondriver]

Looks like I am screwed off the rack with my physique... (not pretty) I tried on several suits again today and I am like a stick man with a gut, not good.
I found this on eBay and they are saying $399 for this tailored to my measurements. Seems too good to be true. Does anybody have any knowledge of this company motogpwears.com?

GP Pro Motegi V2 MotoGp White Yellow Black Motorbike Racing Leather Suit

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Alpinstars Motegi V2 GP Pro MotoGp One Piece Motorbike Racing Leather Suit White Yellow. This suit features excellent design...

 

 

 

[mossrider]

I have no first hand experience with that company/suit. I have a fair amount of experience with knock offs and junque suits at the track however.

A couple of things;

A. These are knock off suits. Some knock offs can be nice suits, well made, with quality name brand components. Most are not. Some are absolute junk that wouldn't save a mannequin from a storefront tip over, you'd be better off wearing the box it came in. Unless you try you'll never know which one you have.  I wouldn't want to challenge Vince and Larry for their jobs.

2. A true A Stars GP Pro is a $1200 suit,  the Motegi around $900. There are some stupendous leather crafters in Mexico. But a race suit requires some special skills and equipment to put together properly so it holds together in an off.  The major manufacturers do not make their own suits in their own facilities. They spec them out to 3rd party vendors around the world.  So the skills, equipment and knowledge exists out there to make fine suits but how do you locate them? Buy a suit from a reputable company. 

I've got a $20 head but I still wear a top shelf helmet. 

[1tondriver]

Good points @mossrider and I have done some more research on this company and most if not all is positive. As you said they produce knock offs and offer custom sizing. They have been in business for 20+ years and as you said located in Mexico. 
The cold hard truth is I need a custom sized suit because I am abnormal. They do offer a full refund if the quality is not up to your standards and I would definitely use PayPal if I decide to take a flyer. Going to have to sleep on this one. Most custom sized suits are out of my price range because the secretary of treasury found my mad money account. 
I am going to give it serious consideration and if I do pull the trigger I will have my local track expert give his two cents. Thanks as always

[norcal616]

Rather than a 1pc suit- go for a 2pc so you can mix sizes with off the shelf ready stuff vs custom suit??? 

[1tondriver]

24 minutes ago, norcal616 said:

Rather than a 1pc suit- go for a 2pc so you can mix sizes with off the shelf ready stuff vs custom suit??? 

That is an option I have explored but a couple of things were brought to my attention. One is many retailers won’t mix and match top and bottom sizes. Another is at some point if I get to the point that I run in advanced group 2 piece is not allowed. One other thing is zipping them together can be a pain, but probably just because I am not used to it. I thought about just getting pants for my current jacket but it has only the 8” zip.

[cornerslider]

1 hour ago, 1tondriver said:

Good points @mossrider and I have done some more research on this company and most if not all is positive. As you said they produce knock offs and offer custom sizing. They have been in business for 20+ years and as you said located in Mexico. 
The cold hard truth is I need a custom sized suit because I am abnormal. They do offer a full refund if the quality is not up to your standards and I would definitely use PayPal if I decide to take a flyer. Going to have to sleep on this one. Most custom sized suits are out of my price range because the secretary of treasury found my mad money account. 
I am going to give it serious consideration and if I do pull the trigger I will have my local track expert give his two cents. Thanks as always

Take a look at "Comet suits"... They make decent stuff, custom fit for like $650 (last I checked?) My wife rides a Comet suit. She has been down more than a "tinder girl with a meth problem". I mean that in the best possible way....They make a DAMN nice custom suit that won't make you miss a mortgage payment 

 

[1tondriver]

3 minutes ago, cornerslider said:

Take a look at "Comet suits"... They make decent stuff, custom fit for like $650 (last I checked?) My wife rides a Comet suit. She has been down more than a "tinder girl with a meth problem". I mean that in the best possible way....They make a DAMN nice custom suit that won't make you miss a mortgage payment ">

 

I have been looking at their site because of your previous recommendation but can’t find anything in that price range. Do you have a link?

[cornerslider]

8 minutes ago, 1tondriver said:

I have been looking at their site because of your previous recommendation but can’t find anything in that price range. Do you have a link?

Let me try..... 

[1tondriver]

1 minute ago, cornerslider said:

Let me try..... 

Least expensive I can find is 9 bills...

[cornerslider]

5 minutes ago, 1tondriver said:

Least expensive I can find is 9 bills...

It appears you are correct.... Thank you for calling me to the carpet on this... Apparently, when good suits get popular the price goes up... (who would have thought?) I seriously never thought their prices would have gone up like this? They do make nice suits, might just be a bit too "proud" of them- 

[1tondriver]

Well I found a solution that fits well and a great price. I went the 2 piece route (hope I won’t regret) on @norcal616’s suggestion. I found a xxl jacket and xl pants that zip together. I tried on at STG but they wouldn’t price match Perf-Moto’s price so I ordered from Perf-Moto. If it would have been close I would have got it from STG but it wasn’t. Great protection and they ureally fit well. I am happy and like all anxious for Spring!

 

[mossrider]

Yep, get good gear,

And wear it, stupid hurts, lol.

[1tondriver]

1 minute ago, mossrider said:

Yep, get good gear,

And wear it, stupid hurts, lol.

Took your advice as well, thanks

One more question, how many of you “drag knee” at track days? I have yet to do it and am just curious. What level riders tend to do it? Does it depend on the size of your balls

The reason for asking is Scorpion offers another pant with better hip and knee CE in them but no “pucks” (replicable anyway). As always, TIA

[mossrider]

Just now, 1tondriver said:

Took your advice as well, thanks

One more question, how many of you “drag knee” at track days? I have yet to do it and am just curious. What level riders tend to do it? Does it depend on the size of your balls

The reason for asking is Scorpion offers another pant with better hip and knee CE in them but no “pucks” (replicable anyway). As always, TIA

"The knee down", is one of "them things" that everyone wants to do but is rarely necessary.  It's obviously on most folks short list of things to do which is fine, but. Once accomplished, usually before a person leaves the novice group or soon after, one finds it neither necessary nor advisable at anything but an all out lap assault at an advanced group pace.  At first it happens usually by exaggerating ones riding form and clipping corners with a poor line for the sake of getting it done. Then you quickly realize that once the knee taps the pavement it's a simple matter of lifting the knee to preserve pucks, not upset the bike if course adjustments become necessary, and to use it as more of a turn and bank indicator or guage if you will. Most folks find if you're trying to get you knee down you're not focused on whats important. You're holding up traffic and spoiling your line and flow and hurting your lap time. It happens when and where necessary if you are riding correctly. 

Its not ball size, it's simple physics. Speed and mass determine how far a bike needs to be leaned over to make a turn.  A larger rider needs less lean than a smaller rider all else being equal.

[1tondriver]

Thanks for that explanation @mossrider. That helped a lot! Very informative as usual

[DewMan]

1 hour ago, mossrider said:

Yep, get good gear,

And wear it, stupid hurts, lol.

Considering some of the drivers I have seen, Stupid doesn't hurt enough.

[1tondriver]

Been doing a lot of research on airbag vests and I think I may get this new Helite this spring depending on the cost. I have to protect my collar bone (along with the rest of my body) the best that I can. Don’t want to be this guy either. 

Police release horrifying footage of head-on motorbike crash

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On 28th April last year, the 35-year-old motorcyclist was riding along Mortimer Street in Sheffield when he was hit head on...

 

[fzar]

To @mossrider comment about draggin a knee. My first track day I had the luxury of a 1-1 being followed then being tailed by the head instructor. Not that it matters but a Vietnam Veteran. (ex-racer). After each session as I was a novice first timer I had to go to the tower to have a debrief. He talked about many important things on a 1-1 basis with everyone involved in the newbie novice class, and he brought up draggin knees, "Don't worry about it, it's mostly people trying to get a notch on their belt, that try to do it every corner they can." He then spoke about how he uses it. " If I'm on it, I use it as a gauge to find where my lean is at, other than that I don't care. Look through the corner, adjust your hips, turn your body into it, be relaxed."

I'm not adding anything to what @mossrider said, nor have I dragged a knee other than on my couch watching  GP when I was 5 years old.

I just noticed after that discussion the amount of people who were trying to drag a knee at the expense of my safety and others. I mean like trying to back it in, then totally over shooting corners. 

The instructors talked to people between sessions and the numbers started dwindling, to the point we all had a blast and felt safe. Enough to be mixed with the intermediate group, and they have different rules to passing and the rest. There were plenty of those guys getting the knee down. 

I'd be lying if I said it's not something I want to achieve and be comfortable with, I just feel it will happen when it happens. I'll just keep signing up and listening to constructive instruction from the people that know better than I.

[cornerslider]

2 hours ago, fzar said:

If I'm on it, I use it as a gauge to find where my lean is at, other than that I don't care. Look through the corner

Probably the BEST advise- EVER.... People put WAY too much emphasis on "dragging a knee". I'm a rider coach at a local track school. I seriously "cringe" when people say that's their "end-game" , they want to drag a knee. Yes, I looks cool in photos. I see people distorting their body position to the point of being counter productive in hopes of dragging a knee. Lean into it, use your vision, use your hips, and shoulders properly. You will be dragging a knee an no time (and then complaining about how expensive new slider pucks are)....