Pakistan-made leathers

[Shaun Harris]

The rumour mill is rife out there folks. I stand by 1 tonne leathers due to our buisness relationship, and I also Like Nathan and his product.

It is a fact that 1 tonne gear is made/stiched/designed ( ie, Image) with input from Nathan and or his customer, in Pakistan. it is a fact that a USA company Heroic leathers ( who have a very good reputation) are made there also, as the post below shows you, the poster is actually Todd himself, the owner of Heroic leathers.

So stop the panick button folks, and look at our 2 main Kiwi Brands of leathers, 1 tonne and Quasi moto gear, Quality is there, and service is here.

Who needs Kushitani bla bla bla

Yesterday, 11:32 PM
HEROICRacing
Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 25

We use kangaroo belly or pouch for the crash 'impact zones' and roo hide for the flex and standard panels. The pouch is the strongest part of the hide as it only stretches one way. The rest of the hide, is durable but main feature is weight savings.

As disclosed before, we make all our product in Pakistan. In fact, its where 89% of leather manufacturing is performed. Most brands mentioned are next door neighbors to my factory.. My product is dynamic as we are continually developing and I draw up the spec, sample it and then I source all the ingredients to stitch it together in Pak.

Cowhide sourced from Brazil mostly, some quick colors are local picks. Roo - Australia Stingray - Malaysia, TPU and moldings China, Thread Italy and Brazil. Zipper USA

This is a worldwide collection assembled in Pak.. My guys do incredible work..

[Rogue Rider]

Why pay retail when you can buy direct from the manufacturer...... I have brought numerous amounts of gear for myself and friends at low very low costs.

The prices for riding pants and tops is around $45-$55us per garment for either leathers or the cordura styled gears. If you buy a combined load with mates it's even cheaper on post. Check these places out, used them both before.

http://www.shooindustries.com/

http://www.leatherstuf.com/

http://www.alibaba.com/showroom/whol...-clothing.html

There is another place called LeatherStuf which sells basically the same gear as Shoo but is cheaper. Imran at Leatherstuf was very helpful and accomadating.

There are loads of wholesalers out of Pakistan, take your pick. The above ones I have used and found gear very good, especially the leather stuff.
I used to import all manner of bike gear from over seas. I even had my own NZ website based distribution centre which was very profitable which I sold. They make to measure, so just give em your measurements and your off.

[Paul in NZ]

Most people are riding bikes made (in part) in China so whats the problem???

[rapid van cleef]

wow, i just checked out one of the website, shoo industries, and i emiled them for a price list. they replied and i cant believe the prices.............soooo cheap.....are they just nasty shit though?

ive always bought good quality, name brand gear for my biking clothes, which costs a lorra dorra!

so have people bought gear from shoo industres and found it good / comparable to regular stuff we are used to seeing for sale?

more importantly, has anyone crashed in it?

[Quasievil]

Yes most leathers are made in Pakistan, it is around the 90% mark as mentioned however I will point out to you all that the significant majority of manufacturers are very poor quality, I have been there on a few occasions now and I usually visit a few factories while im there ,there are some makers which are world class but 95% of them are garbage working out of small sheds with no real quality controls or interest in product performance (when it matters) or things like fit.
Additionally the use of counterfeit product is rife, CE, YKK, and most components are not genuine.
Shoo Industries however is one of the dodgey ones in my opinion, Shoo aren't a manufacturer but a trader, there is a difference, Shoo basically buy cheap (generally low low quality) and market to whomever wants it.
So the message here is you choose to listen to it is you need to tread very carefully if you're intending to buy direct from these companies.

I think that what im about to say will be regarded as "protectionism" but frankly you are better off aligning yourself with a NZ company that has already worked through the "shit" and has invested rime and money into their brand to make a quality product, lets be honest you can buy a GP Pro race jacket from 1tonne for $400 or a Qrace spec EDGE from Qmoto for $420 , this is not alot of money so really why take the risk of quality and no back up service when you have (like Shaun says) two good products already in the market.

[Paul in NZ]

Might be some keen deals on water damaged stock soon eh?

[Brownbikerbabe]

I am soooo happy to have found this...I was getting so angry the other day, standing in a motorcycle shop, and looking at all the top notch protection in all the men's jackets and nothing but pooh pooh fluffly mesh coloured up like a popsicle gear for women, as if women aren't supposed to fall off bikes or maybe they are just supposed to sit on the back and look pretty...uh-uh...not me!

I ended up having a long conversation with the sales girl who by the way whole heartedly agreed with me that there is just not enough protective gear for women...I mean REAL protection, like the men do! I have to roll up the sleeves on the jacket I currently wear, looks NOT cool at all if you look like you are freakin Frodo in a long sleeved man's jacket!

I have a mind to design a suit and a whole line of women's gear and sell that shit myself, as most of these bike companies forget that women have boobs, and we don't like them to be suffocated by a jacket made to fit a flat chested man!! IMost woman want to look like women on bikes not men!!! ARgh...I am getting angry just typing this!

[Rogue Rider]

wow, i just checked out one of the website, shoo industries, and i emiled them for a price list. they replied and i cant believe the prices.............soooo cheap.....are they just nasty shit though?

ive always bought good quality, name brand gear for my biking clothes, which costs a lorra dorra!

so have people bought gear from shoo industres and found it good / comparable to regular stuff we are used to seeing for sale?

more importantly, has anyone crashed in it?

I have had 4 shipments from SHOO, all great stuff, the leather is heavy weight, and they will rebrand it for you to whatever label you want. I have an RJ's jacket from them that is the best jacket I have ever had. It is heavy, snug fitting, and 7 years old with no wear. I just re valcro'd it last month for $25. Worth every cent.

I can understand sellers of gear not liking this post, however, I stress, both SHOO Industries and Leatherstuff are very large companies, and they supply to several imported brands here in NZ. They are very high quality, AND, I know of 6 internet and NZ wholesalers that use these firms. I know this first hand....
They are safe, and they also supply to UK and USA. They use USA leather from a reputable distributer there. If you do your homework, you can save heaps and not have to pay retail. Retail is for nupties who are lazy and impatient. Nothing wrong with that, I just choose value.
Both SHOO and Leatherstuff have guaranties and I can vouch for out of 22+ shipments I haven't had a defective garment yet. Only people who have miss measured there size. If you use accurate measurements, you will be a very happy customer, and won't be deprived of funds better spent elsewhere.

[willytheekid]

Might be some keen deals on water damaged stock soon eh?

LOL!! ....ohh, to soon?

[Bikemad]

thought cows were sacred in that part of the world.................how do the workers feel about handling dead cows hides.........

[Rogue Rider]

thought cows were sacred in that part of the world.................how do the workers feel about handling dead cows hides.........

LoL, if you google earth them, you can actually see where they are. They are not flooded, and they also eat beef....... Some Muslims don't, Hindi don't but thats india I think. In saying that you can buy leather in India too...... Ask a poor man for something and I guess even his mother in law and 6 children are forsale......

All that aside, the products are as good as you get in retail here, alot of what you buy here comes from there anyway, and mugs pay full retail for it. I have a 7 year old set of leathers: jacket and pants, and both are in excellent condition, and will go another 10 years easily. Both supplied under $100 shipped. NZ you pay $199 for pants and $599 for the RJays jacket as I have. They are the same, right down to the stitching, style and design.

Go figure.......

[Quasievil]

They are the same, right down to the stitching, style and design.

Go figure.......

Just to balance the discussion a bit

Tell us about the Stitching type cotton? polyester, nylon or kevlar? and Quantity of stitching rows, on each area?
Tell us about the leather Grade buffalo or Cow? what grade within these options are being used?
(there are many types) the chemicals used to process the leather, skin safe chemicals?
What about the Zips, are they genuine YKK or fake, are they V.S 5 coil or 10 Coil?
Armour type, genuine ? did they provide you a certificate from Satra? or from Cambridge? is it soft or hard, composite ?
Thermal Lining, any? what material is used in the thermal lining.
Zips ? full circumference?
Back Up service ? if it blows apart on the road or track are they going to help you in repair or show interest in the problem, do they care?
Do they offer a fitment guarantee with the products? do you have recourse under the guarantees act?

Frankly speaking I doubt you would actually know most of the above accurately, or if you did it would only be in relation to what you have been told, which is sadly not to be trusted (from Experience)

Why am I saying this, of course I have a vested interest in the market, but I also know what Im talking about in relation to the above having been in the business for many years, I understand that you can get cheap product direct, however Im going to add some balance to your comments as I can assure you the quality variable is massive, and unless you have a direct influence over the specification and other quality aspects of the product you WILL be getting low quality product which in my opinion shouldnt be offered for sale in the NZ market from a safety perspective.

For a small price variation and all the above attributes covered of you are without doubt better of dealing with a known brand in the NZ market.

dont crash "hoping" crash "knowing"



btw
Shoo is a small office with a grubby man sitting in it, Ive been there.

Know is it fine enough for a ride ????
(checks window)
Nope !!

[Rogue Rider]

Just to balance the discussion a bit

Tell us about the Stitching type cotton? polyester, nylon or kevlar? and Quantity of stitching rows, on each area?
Tell us about the leather Grade buffalo or Cow? what grade within these options are being used?
(there are many types) the chemicals used to process the leather, skin safe chemicals?
What about the Zips, are they genuine YKK or fake, are they V.S 5 coil or 10 Coil?
Armour type, genuine ? did they provide you a certificate from Satra? or from Cambridge? is it soft or hard, composite ?
Thermal Lining, any? what material is used in the thermal lining.
Zips ? full circumference?
Back Up service ? if it blows apart on the road or track are they going to help you in repair or show interest in the problem, do they care?
Do they offer a fitment guarantee with the products? do you have recourse under the guarantees act?

Frankly speaking I doubt you would actually know most of the above accurately, or if you did it would only be in relation to what you have been told, which is sadly not to be trusted (from Experience)

Why am I saying this, of course I have a vested interest in the market, but I also know what Im talking about in relation to the above having been in the business for many years, I understand that you can get cheap product direct, however Im going to add some balance to your comments as I can assure you the quality variable is massive, and unless you have a direct influence over the specification and other quality aspects of the product you WILL be getting low quality product which in my opinion shouldnt be offered for sale in the NZ market from a safety perspective.

For a small price variation and all the above attributes covered of you are without doubt better of dealing with a known brand in the NZ market.

dont crash "hoping" crash "knowing"



btw
Shoo is a small office with a grubby man sitting in it, Ive been there.

Know is it fine enough for a ride ????
(checks window)
Nope !!

Ummmm, well In contrast to your opinion which you are entitled too, SHOO has a good range and good quality products. I never had a return or complaint from his gear from a single customer. His gear never failed, and neither did his stitching. I sold alot of his products into NZ, but he was only one of many manufacturers I used.

Leatherstuff is in my view a better company to deal with. A bit more flexible and will process smaller transactions. I had numerous lots from them also, and still have some gear of his that I use myself. Ideal for someone wanting to buy individual or a few garments.
I have had some from items Quasi, One tonn, and Lifestyle Imports as well which I inspected which were all ok, but no better or worse than anything else I have seen. They are all apples for apples really.
I could go into a retail outlet tomorrow and see products that are from both Shoo and Leatherstuff, as well as 2 other manufacturers from over there. The other 2 I will not name as there products are clearly not to my personal standards.
When you can buy a product for $30us direct, and pay nearly $400-$500 in retail outlet, it makes sense to explore options. Even at $200-$300 the margin is still excessive wouldn't one say?
I have imported extensively over the years with no horror stories. Yes some products are better than others, however there is alot worse available here on the racks than above mentioned. It is safe to say, Quasi, One tonn, and lifestyle Imports all sell products that are good. Their loyal patronage shows that. There are just other options available as well if you are in a tight budget restraint.

I relation to buying a known brand, buying direct you are actually buying a known brand. These wholesalers and a couple of others supply to the market here.......... You're just not paying the middle mans margin of a few hundy...

Just my thoughts, everyone to there own, freedom of choice.

[Quasievil]

When you can buy a product for $30us direct

Eh ??? If only I could do that, my Armour alone COSTS more than that, dude lets look at it another way
Sale price $30 right? now there is a Margin in there right in the transaction from him to you So say it costs him $20 ? a $20 dollar Jacket, good luck with that mate you will need it if you bin it.

With all the Love and best wishes in the world bro, i.e. Im not being a smart arse and bagger or anything but mate $30 will NOT buy you decent protection.

[Rogue Rider]

Eh ??? If only I could do that, my Armour alone COSTS more than that, dude lets look at it another way
Sale price $30 right? now there is a Margin in there right in the transaction from him to you So say it costs him $20 ? a $20 dollar Jacket, good luck with that mate you will need it if you bin it.

With all the Love and best wishes in the world bro, i.e. Im not being a smart arse and bagger or anything but mate $30 will NOT buy you decent protection.

I hear what your saying also, the cost price direct is from $30, I don't sell anything. The products are sold here in NZ on the shelves already, nothing new. People can simply buy direct if they want. The product isn't inferior or superior. The armour is fine, plastic and foam compounds. I have seen your products, it's not better or worse than others I have seen here. Same as One Tone and Lifestyle, RJ's etc...
$30-$50 us will buy a very impressive product with excellent durable protection and comfort. One can also choose there own style, and colours.