Dririder or Teknic? Sidi or Forma? Easy decision? Not for me...

[crashalots]

So I have spent most of my motorcycle ownership life with the things in bits, but now finally I can do some riding... but I need my gear.

I have been looking around different products and have 2 jackets and 2 boots to choose from (I think) within my price range:

Dririder Nordic Pro or the Teknic Stinger Jacket

Forma Arrow Dry Boot or the Sidi B2 Race Boot

Pros and cons being that the latter of each are more costy... but the stinger apparently has better armour, but the nordic is popular waterproof/warm gear . And as for the boots, well theyre sidi... thats good right? $75 better?

Would appreciate some experienced advice since I cant make up my mind. I'm open to completely new ideas too...

[Taz]

Jeans and a t-shirt work for me.

Try them both on and choose the one you find the most comfortable. Also you could try Mohsin Bike Wear in auckland he has some real nice stuff.

[p.dath]

I would also check out www.1tonne.co.nz, as they have good gear with sharp pricing. I'm probably going to get my next jacket and pants from them.

[crashalots]

Jeans and a t-shirt work for me.

Hahaha funny you should mention my "road test safety gear" that my girlfriend and mother hate...

[CookMySock]

Dririder Nordic Pro or the Teknic Stinger Jacket

DriRider jackets can be a little fragile.

The inner waterproof membrane that is real easy to rip - then it's not waterproof after that.

Zips aren't that great - tend to pop apart.

Plastic buckles snap in two real easy - don't pull on them.

Draw string around the waist is basically useless.

Don't pull on the seams, coz they split.

Other than that, they are nice and warm in the winter and too hot in the summer. I crashed one, and it held up quite nicely.

Steve

[vifferman]

The first priority has to be good fit, especially with clothes, as if they don't fit well, it doesn't matter how good the armour is if it's not held in place over the bits it's supposed to be protecting. Armour is easily replaced anyway.
Also, gear is best if it fits so well and is so comfortable that you don't notice it when you're riding. If you're thinking about how the boots are pinching your toes, or the gloves are bunching up under your palms, or the collar of the jacket is irritating, then it distracts you from riding well.

After that, there are things that may not be readily apparent that make a difference, like how well the zips and velcro stand up to daily use. Are the seams stitched properly so they don't come apart when you're body-surfing the big asphalt wave? Will the gear still be waterprrof in 6 months time?
Some of this stuff you can find out from the dealer, but other stuff you'll have to ask specific questions of users to find out.

I have a Teknic jacket (hurricane), now semi-retired, and had many years of happy service from it. I have no experience with Dri-rider, apart from some crappy gloves that fell apart from daily use.

[p.dath]

...I crashed one, and it held up quite nicely.

Ahh, the acid test.

[R1madness]

the Sidi boots are worth the extra money. I can definitly vouch for their protection and they are (almost) waterproof in most conditions.
Either jacket will be fine but check the armour fits where it should.

[BMWST?]

i have a teknik freeway jacket.Seems very well made and armour in elbows shoulder and a back protector.Lots of pockets and vents.Vent zips are waterproof ones.Adjustment at upper arm wrist and waist.The liner can be folded away in to a big rear pocket.I have ridden in very heavy rain but only for half hour or so.Front zip has no cover in front of it,but the flap behind has a return flap that should stop water coming past.
I realise that these comment MAY NOT apply to the stinger.I got the freeway for its extra length cos i am 6 3 with a longer body

[Quasievil]

So I have spent most of my motorcycle ownership life with the things in bits, but now finally I can do some riding... but I need my gear.

I have been looking around different products and have 2 jackets and 2 boots to choose from (I think) within my price range:

Dririder Nordic Pro or the Teknic Stinger Jacket

Forma Arrow Dry Boot or the Sidi B2 Race Boot

Pros and cons being that the latter of each are more costy... but the stinger apparently has better armour, but the nordic is popular waterproof/warm gear . And as for the boots, well theyre sidi... thats good right? $75 better?

Would appreciate some experienced advice since I cant make up my mind. I'm open to completely new ideas too...

WWW.QMOTO.CO.NZ

Better spec than the Stinger and lower price with a better guarantee

Shameless plug, but hey who cares Im off racin later !!!

[BMWST?]

WWW.QMOTO.CO.NZ

Better spec than the Stinger and lower price with a better guarantee

Shameless plug, but hey who cares Im off racin later !!!

he wants a textile jacket doesnt he?

[crashalots]

Better spec than the Stinger and lower price with a better guarantee

Which one were you meaning? I couldnt see any under $399...

[Hitcher]

Choice of winter overjacket? One word: Goretex. Accept no imitations.

[jono035]

Motomail seems to mostly stock Rev'It stuff, which I've found to be pretty comfy. Have only been out in light rain so far but stayed dry, no surprises there really. Fit was good, even for a tall scrawny guy and has Knox armor elbows/shoulders/knees. Quite happy for around-town commuting, although if I end up driving outside auckland I'll be getting some leather...

[crashalots]

Motomail seems to mostly stock Rev'It stuff, which I've found to be pretty comfy. Have only been out in light rain so far but stayed dry, no surprises there really. Fit was good, even for a tall scrawny guy and has Knox armor elbows/shoulders/knees. Quite happy for around-town commuting, although if I end up driving outside auckland I'll be getting some leather...

Yeah I had a Revit jacket that I had used about 2 times before I came off at around 30kph and the elbow just went completely to pieces! Was very surprised considering if I had been on the motorway I would have been going much much faster... scary thought!

Have been into cycletreads tonight and have decided against the dririder gear. The armour inside is just like foam off a camping mattress which wouldnt protect me much more than a garden bag wrapped around my limbs.

Too bad they didnt have any Teknic gear to try for size, even the Ixon gear was better protected.

I think I will be pondering this for awhile now...

Thanks for everyones input! Quazi - I will come and see you before I go for a track day