Leather or Lace?

[Gizzit]

Ok .... maybe not lace !!
I'm interested in your view on what you wear, and why ?
Cordura gear .. or Leather ?
I guess ideally if leather gear was totally water proof, that may solve all problems in one hit!
Leather is generally a heavier gear to wear, and I know that reportedly good leather gear will take quite a few 'bins' before needing replacing / fixing.

How about Cordura ? Whats the guts on that ? One bin and it's history ?

My last bins were a very long time ago, and I was wearing denim jacket and jeans .... and work boots! Bloody sore for ages !! However ... I'm still looking to avoid them at my age. I don't bounce and role as easier as when i was in my late teens, early twenties !! :eek:

Do you get more protection from leather or cordura .... impact, sliding ... ?
Given that both have good armour .... whats the difference as far as really protecting you from the elements (tarmac, etc .. )

Just interested in peoples experiences. I have heard a lot more about people who maybe racing ... and bin using leathers, .. but how has it been for those wearing cordura gear that has good armour in it ?
Thanks in advance for any input.
Cheers,
Grant.

[birdhandler]

Look at rideforever.co.nz
They explain the various levels of protection you need so you can then decide what to buy
Obviously also depends on the riding you do as well
cheers

[R6_kid]

After purchasing a 'decent' 2 piece leather suit with proper armour etc I'd have to say leather is my preferred choice.

Leather has far greater abraisive resisitance, and is thicker than cordura too.

I've had bins in both cordura and leather. The leather did a better job of protecting me - I still have a scar from where my cordura jacket wore through from a 30kmh lowside. I lowsided at 50-60kmh in leather and walked away without injury.

Cordura is nice in summer for around town/slow stuff as it is generally lighter, but you can also get perforated leather which will let the air through to keep you cool.

And nothing is 100% waterproof, and even if it's 'really good' when you buy it, it probably won't be in 6mths time without some sort of maintenance.

[James Deuce]

Cordura is good for commuting and touring.

Leather can do that too, and is crash repairable. In fact it may not even need anything more than a bit of a buff.

Buy something that fits properly and you just about don't know you're wearing it. Like my excellent Quasimoto Vengeance jacket.

[frogfeaturesFZR]

Cordura is more practical ,however leather gives better protection. Personally I wear leathers and wouldn't change, but thats a personal choice. After a while leathers become a second skin.:niceone: I guess it also depends on the type of riding you do.

[Usarka]

And nothing is 100% waterproof, and even if it's 'really good' when you buy it, it probably won't be in 6mths time without some sort of maintenance.

My old spidi NT jacket would disagree. Numerous tours in torrential rain and has never leaked once. Didn't wash it for foookin ages.

Funnily enough my old spidi cordura pants have shedloads more hip protection than my a* leather trou and I'm not convinced i wouldn't rather those in an on-road incident.....

[Gubb]

I've got both. A cordura set of gear of my everyday commute, which is pretty good at keeping the water out, but not perfect, and a leather set for decent weekend rides, and other jaunts.

I definitely feel safer in the leathers, both times i've come off, i've walked away with no grazing of marks. I suspect that there was little that could be done for my only sustained injury, a broken hand due to crushing between a car and my clipon.

:doctor:

[vifferman]

Yes.

I wear both.
My old Teknic jacket is cordura with leather overlays on the sleeves'n'shoulders. Apart from the velcro on the fasteners (neck, front, sleeves) wearing out, it would be the ideal mix of both worlds: it's weatherproof, has leather where it needs it, and excellent armour.
My pants are Spidi Gran Turismo, with leather on the bum (so they don't slip, and for abrasion resistance?), and on the inside lower legs.
I was going to buy some Macna pants and jacket with leather on all the abrasion prone areas, and cordura elsewhere, but they don't seem to make them any more.
My new(ish) Macna jacket is leather, with a waterproof liner, and thermal liner. Yes, I *know* it's not supposed to be waterproof, but I've worn it in rain several times, including very heavy rain for ~20 minutes, and it hasn't leaked yet, courtesy of treating it with NikWax Leather Restorer every few months. Brilliant!
And despite being warm and cosy for swinter, it's a brilliant summer jacket (better in fact than my 8-vented Teknic), as it has vents in the sleeves, and the whole middel front up and round behind the neck zips off, leaving a kind of close-weave cordura mesh that lets LOTS of air through.
Brilliant!

[Gizzit]

Yes I currently have some Rev-it gear. The jacket is cordura with leather panels over shoulders, down arms, and just adds to the abrasion resistance factor. it's not that great in the cold, as it lets air through, even with the warmth liner and "waterproof" layer in. The trou are quite good to wear, and have some hip padding and reasonable armour in the knees. I wear both for commuting each day. If it's "persisting" down, I chuck on a real eye popping yellow fluro rain coat and black water proof trou. I don't get wet! I've used that combination when touring as well, and never got wet.

However, as I'm looking to get a Knox back protector from Quasi (as soon as they arrive), I will probably need a new jacket to fit the back protector underneath, as I'm pretty sure it won't fit under my Rev-it. It's a pretty good fit as it is. So yeah .... I'm just looking at my options for jackets (and trou if I go the leather way).

So far only one person has said that the cordura wasn't very effective in a low speed bin. Obviously that doesn't say much for cordura .... if traveling at anything like warp factor 9 !! (on a closed circuit obviously .. officer ! lol).
Maybe those using cordura gear are, or have to be more cautious in their riding style/speeds ? :msn-wink:

[McJim]

I came off my 50cc Scooter in the wet last week when someone pulled out in front of me from their driveway. high quality Macna Cordura jacket worn right through where I slid along the deck. Leather is definately the ONLY option in my opinion.

[Gizzit]

I came off my 50cc Scooter in the wet last week when someone pulled out in front of me from their driveway. high quality Macna Cordura jacket worn right through where I slid along the deck. Leather is definately the ONLY option in my opinion.

Bugger !!!! That's unfortunate Jim! However, perhaps you can look at it as it's good to know what your gear is capable of (or not) at slow speed, rather than finding that out ... out on the open road when pushing it a bit ! It sounds like I will definitely have to go the leather way, at least for my weekend rides and touring.
I have two fairly solid foam back pads in my jacket now, and the elbow and shoulder armour is solid gear. Hopefully it would stop me being grazed up at town speeds .... but maybe not, based on your experience.....
Thanks for your input.
Cheers,
Grant.

[Gizzit]

Cordura is more practical ,however leather gives better protection. Personally I wear leathers and wouldn't change, but thats a personal choice. After a while leathers become a second skin.:niceone: I guess it also depends on the type of riding you do.

I think you are right. Leather seems to be the way to go ... if you have an "off" and not wanting to test the resistance to abrasion of leather, I think I will feel more comfortable with the thought it will, if needed, protect my arse !!
Cheers.

[OutForADuck]

Leather.. absolutely leather!!!

[Owl]

I like both! Cordura for warmth, weather protection in winter and leather for protection and cooler properties in summer. I also have a Shift Airborne jacket for those stinking hot days.

[Usarka]

i was freezing my arse off riding home the other night dressed all in leather....but

I can do anything I want, because I look good in leather :wari:

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[Gizzit]

I like both! Cordura for warmth, weather protection in winter and leather for protection and cooler properties in summer. I also have a Shift Airborne jacket for those stinking hot days.

Yes ... that is the ideal .. having both. I already have reasonable cordura gear. As I'm investing in a back protector, I need to get a new jacket, and think that it's an opportunity to get leather.
I must get some kevlar type jeans as well ! :cool:

[puddytat]

2 piece leathers are the bizzo bro:yes:

[Gizzit]

2 piece leathers are the bizzo bro:yes:

I'm sure you are right there. Have you seen these ? They look like good value.
I don't know if anyone here is using his gear, but I would be keen to hear from anyone who is. It looks good.

http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/shop/product_info.php?cPath=40_57&products_id=154

http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/shop/product_info.php?cPath=40_57&products_id=199

[James Deuce]

Dude! Quasimoto all the way.

www.quasimoto.co.nz

[puddytat]

I'm sure you are right there. Have you seen these ? They look like good value.
I don't know if anyone here is using his gear, but I would be keen to hear from anyone who is. It looks good.

http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/shop/product_info.php?cPath=40_57&products_id=154

http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/shop/product_info.php?cPath=40_57&products_id=199

Check out his feedback on Trademe, I personally havnt seen the gear....
Try shit on if you can but in the end it'll come down to what you like, & what you can afford
Zip together stuff'll keep the draft out & stop youre jacket riding up your back if you go for a slide.....

[PrincessBandit]

Ok .... maybe not lace !!
.

Hey, what's wrong with lace???? I luuurrrrve it! guess it's probably not so hot in the event of a bin tho. :laugh: Howzabout a lace cravat tho, a la Austin Powers? No?
Sorry can't give a serious answer as (a) only have cordura, which is toasty and warm in the winter and still good for summer (b) i've never had a bin so not able to give a report on durability there (c) would love to have a set of leathers but the $$$ don't really allow for it at the moment. However heaps of others have given good responses so thanks for the question, I was interested in the replies as it is something I'd like to look into in the future.
p.s. lace can be very fetching.....:msn-wink:

[howdamnhard]

I got a scar from a low speed bin in cordura.Now only wear leather,if it's wet just use a rainsuit over it.

[Pwalo]

This must be a weekly debate in KB. Wear what feels comfortable, and you like wearing. Anything with decent armour is going to keep you pretty safe on the road. (Bar being run over by a truck, etc). You might write off your gear, but that's what insurance is for.

I prefer cordura for commuting, and love my new Revit Focus jacket. It's even in 'Suzuki blue'. If I were doing a track day, I'd weather my leather jacket.

[vifferman]

I came off my 50cc Scooter in the wet last week when someone pulled out in front of me from their driveway. high quality Macna Cordura jacket worn right through where I slid along the deck. Leather is definately the ONLY option in my opinion.
That's true.
The first ime I binned in my Teknic jacket, I was doing about 35-40 km/h, and slid maybe a metre, two at most. I ended up with a 20-cent coin sized hole in the sleeve. Subsequent bins had similar results, except after the leather was installed. (The kevlar bits on the elbows were scuffed, but intact). My leather pants were binned in a couple of times, and needed a bit of shoe black applied, and that was it. Eventually, the stitching on one leg came undone, but that's because they're cheap pants, and don't have the folded-over, triple-stitched seams like good gear (Quasi's f'risntance). But it was easily fixed.

A couple of years ago, I would've said my Teknic jacket was ideal, giving four-seasons protection and good abrasion resistance. However, my Macna jacket is a much better fit (that is VERY important), and is actually warmer and more comfy. However, I can't fir much on underneath it, whereas with the Tecknic I can wear as many clothes as I want.
My previous leather jacket was crap: pathetic armour (a bit of foam padding sene in, poor fit, heavy, badly designed, not warm in winter, and not kewl in summer.
It's all about materials, design and fit.

[Quasievil]

I'm sure you are right there. Have you seen these ? They look like good value.
I don't know if anyone here is using his gear, but I would be keen to hear from anyone who is. It looks good.

http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/shop/product_info.php?cPath=40_57&products_id=154

http://www.lifestyle-imports.co.nz/shop/product_info.php?cPath=40_57&products_id=199

How do I say stuff without being bagged ? fuck it here goes anyway.

There is Leather and there is Leather, crap leather, reconstituted leather, buffalo, goat, you name it its available.
There is Stitching and there is Stitiching from Cotton to Bonded Nylon and Kevlar.
There are zips and there are zips, YKK copies are RIFE in the industry
There is Armour, just cause it says CE armour doesnt mean it is.

There is so much deception in this business its not funny, Im not saying Lifestyle is involved in this AT ALL (so put ya guns away !!)

I am saying that if something is cheap I would almost certainly guarantee at least one of the above factors should be seriously considered.

Buy a Brand, not a jacket, get something with a brand and reputation behind it, thats also important, there is loads of crap in the NZ market, you wont find out this fact until you crash.

(please dont start wanking on about the usual brand vs big brand etc etc and start red repping me Im so freckin over it, take it that I might actually know what im talking about please thank you sooooo much , av a loverly day)

See ya Thursday Gizit dude.........biscuits or muffins ?

[ckai]

The wife things I like better in lace :hug: ;)

I have cordura at the mo' but will get me a set of lethers sooner rather than later.


This must be a weekly debate in KB. Wear what feels comfortable, and you like wearing. Anything with decent armour is going to keep you pretty safe on the road. (Bar being run over by a truck, etc). You might write off your gear, but that's what insurance is for.


Agree, it's what works for you. I just want the wife to say I look like Michael Bolten when I get in leather pants. :niceone:

[vifferman]

I just want the wife to say I look like Michael Bolten when I get in leather pants. :niceone:
Unfortunately, leather biker pants only really look good when you're wearing them on the bike. The rest of the time they look misshapen. (Unless they're ordinary leather jeans, of course.)

[ckai]

Exactly - Michael Bolten on a bike. She'll go nuts!!!

[Gizzit]

Check out his feedback on Trademe, I personally havnt seen the gear....
Try shit on if you can but in the end it'll come down to what you like, & what you can afford
Zip together stuff'll keep the draft out & stop youre jacket riding up your back if you go for a slide.....

His feedback is excellent.
Yes I think from the photo's, that the gear looks good, and especially for the price. Jackets are made of cowhide and are 1.3 - 1.4mm thick. He told me he has been selling the jackets and trou for 4 years and has had really good feedback from his customers.
It may not be up to the top end of the market in quality, but it's a very reasonable price, and I have to take that into consideration to.
As you say ... buy what you like .. and what you can afford.

His gear may be a good option for those people who can't afford top of the range gear, but still want something to provide safety ... if they do ever need it.
Cheers.

[Dodgyiti]

Can I add leathers (and a rainsuit):yes:

The textile stuff I have had did not slide very well.

Leathers get hot and leak water and then take days to dry, they need feeding from time to time. Deal with it, they are better.

[jrandom]

Leather is definately the ONLY option in my opinion.

+1.

I've crashed in cordura, fuck that shit, it just doesn't work very well at all. I'll ride in a leather jacket and compromise on jeans for comfort on the road - if you wear MX knee armour under them they do just as good a job as cordura. Which is to say, very little. Personally, I just try not to crash. Much.

However.

Compromises are for pussies, so a couple of days ago I ordered myself a new (black, of course) Quasimoto one-piece.

:love:

I'll post a review of it after the next trackday.

Anyhow. Attention all n00bs: Buy leathers, put waterproof rain gear over the top of them when it rains. You'll end up going that way eventually, so bypass the inevitable "but cordura looks to be so much more [whatever]" stage and get yourself properly sorted to start with.

[Gizzit]

Yes ..... no argument from me .... I will definitely be getting leather trou and jacket.

As a young rider, I never owned anything more than some cheap leather gloves, work boots, and denim jacket and jeans, open face helmet, and I was just bloody lucky I never really hurt myself badly!

The cordura gear I have, is a step up from ordinary denims in that it has armour, is more comfortable, and reasonably waterproof.

I have waterproof rain suit already, just haven't used it much so far, using cordura gear. When it's been really pissing down and I'm commuting ... I have the brightest fluro yellow coat you've ever been blinded by, and waterproof over trou. A I live in Northland, that will get plenty more use now - with leathers.
Cheers.

[Rob Taylor]

Get leather ,without a doubt the best product to wear.I have been down the road a few times and bugger all damage to my gear,just scuffing...:Punk:

[NighthawkNZ]

I have both, and like the many have said I decide on the day what I will wear if its cooler I will wear the Coudura that has the armour in the hot spots) and on the hotter days leather...

I have never had a bin in Coudura (and have not intentions on testing it... wood I need wood) So I can't comment on it, But put it this way I would rather wear Coudura than just standard denim. And if you bin and its only got a hole in the jacket and not you then its done its job. Remember after a bin you in theory should be getting a new helmet as well.

I have had a bin wearing full leather, it still got a slice through my leg, and my trousers were well needed more than a patch and few stiches. Was this due to poor leather, (maybe...) or just bad luck that I slide across a certain stone a certain way, but it was also common brand name at the time. How would have Coudura stood up to that bin, well probably a little bit worse for wear but remember it half the price of leather.

As James Deuce has said, I also recommend.
www.quasimoto.co.nz

[scumdog]

Tassles.
Whatever ya wear ya gotta have tassles.:yes:

[Jantar]

I have both, and like the many have said I decide on the day what I will wear if its cooler I will wear the Coudura, hotter days leather...

As James Deuce has said, I also recommend.
www.quasimoto.co.nz
I also have both at home, and decide on the day. However cooler days I wear leather, and on really hot days I may wear cordura if its only a short ride. I'll still wear leather if its a long ride.

I bought the cordura for use in Aussie on the Postie Bike Challenge. The surgeon who worked on me afterwards commented that my injuries would not have been as serious if I had been wearing leather, but I already knew that. :done:

[Moki]

Leather is best....as long it is good quality and thick- not like some that come from thin-skinned chinese cows. I use both cordura as well as leather gear, but I find that Leather is best. Wet weather just means that I slap the Rev'it! PVC shell on top. best of both worlds

[Gizzit]

My wife and I both bought leather jacket and trou from Quasi today, and they appear to be really good quality. We also both got a Knox Aegis back protector which are nice and light and fit really well. I also got a chest protector for the next time I feel the need to do a swan dive off the bike ... so as not to puncture lungs with my ribs!! (quickly touches a large piece of wood, and crosses legs and fingers, etc! lol).
So we are decked out now with good riding gear. We are glad we spent the money on good gear. I just have to find another helmet I like now, after my old Shark S500 got destroyed in my recent "bin".

[Macontour]

I am going down the same track at the moment. 8 years away from bikes and don't think my 25 year old leather jacket is up to it now. Its time for some armour and my leather pants are way too tight and no armour. I still like leather because it is "old school" but I think modern gear is probably more practical. I have spent hours looking at all sorts of stuff and hjust give up because theres too much choice.
When I first started riding I had ex MOT overtrou, gauntlets, a bright fluoro green Kawasaki nylon jacket, an oilskin parka,a helmet made in Waihi and some ugly boots!
I may have to check out the Quasi gear, it looks good on their website.

[naphazoline]

if safety is the key,then it's leather for me.
if it's good enough protection for racers,then it's got to be the shit :headbang:
some of the high speed crashes that they have got up and walked away from,is testament to that :2thumbsup
also,knowing i'm properly protected,is more important to me then being waterproof.

ya don't see rossi and co. wearing cordura :lol:

[Gizzit]

...... snip ....

I may have to check out the Quasi gear, it looks good on their website.

Gear has come along way! I used to ride in just an old open face helmet, denims and workboots and sometimes gloves !! ... but that was a long time ago! More recently, Cordura gear with armour in it ..... but since I binned my bike, ..... leather is what I feel much more confident in.

I would advise you to check out Quasi's gear. It is "solidly" built! I know it will take a little while to break in to be nice and soft .... but it has a very secure feeling about it, with really good armour.
If you can't afford his gear, there a couple of others that can provide other options.

I would also recommend the back protectors. Probably most people don't use them on the road, but it's even more important on the road, than on the track .... if you think about it. They are light weight and protect your spine.
I read an interesting article in another forum about a guy who was saved from being in a wheel chair for the rest of his life, because of his back protector. He was just out for a ride with a mate somewhere on the north west side of the bridge, and came around a corner, avoided a guy walking on the road, and went under a car. Something that can easily happen. Dr said if it wasn't for his gear, he'd be dead or crippled. I hadn't ever thought about a back protector before. Since reading that article and reading what others had to say .... well for me it's a no brainer!! We now have them, and I will use mine even commuting. I'm an RN. I've seen people in the wards fucked up totally because of accidents. I don't want that!!

Good luck with choosing gear. :niceone:
Cheers,
Grant.

[retro asian]

I just recently found out you can easily wear Boardies under leather pants!!
:2thumbsup

[raftn]

I just recently found out you can easily wear Boardies under leather pants!!
:2thumbsup

OKay..........who let this one out!

[Gizzit]

OKay..........who let this one out!

Yup ...... that one scared me too !!!! lol :wacko:

[tacos]

LEATHER!!!! 1 - its fuckin brilliant shit - saved my ass wen iv come off.. couple wee scathes but its sweat.. 2 - animal were put here for a reason... im sure of it... milk and meats good but the protection and resistance so sliding is way beter then my synthetic jacket.. another animals skin is like a second skin too keeps ya warm and snug... and 3- leather enhances a woman ass like nothin' sorri ladies but its gota b put out there...havent ya ever been in a shop lookin at gear an a lady is lookin at sum gear.. ya descretely watch to c the end result... so worth it even if ya get caught..i can safely say chicks in leather is probly one of the main reasons i ride...