Righto, I thought a motorbike related thread might be a refreshing change. I need some new riding gear (helmet, jacket, possibly pants - my road pants have shrunk in the waist but if I continue to eat less pies and chocolate that might not be a priority.)
Helmet I will purchase locally.. in my view that is one thing you don't buy online i.e. a must try on before purchase item.
Which brings me to jackets. Airbags are the things to have in racing these days and the tech has advanced a LOT. I tried on a Helite leather jacket with built in airbag a few years ago which I was intrigued by but the price, bulk and weight gave me pause. From memory it didnt have any venting at all either.
They do external vests, built into jackets and other options.
So what we are left with is Dainese Smart Jacket vs Alpinestars Tech Air 3 or 5. Both do a vest style and the Tech Air 5 is a T-shirt style with more coverage - which as someone with a fucked shoulder (from a mountainbiking crash not coming off a motorbike) appeals. Also the tech Air seems longer to cover more tailbone/spine but I would have to check them both.
online reviews are good but of course they would be, right?
Pricewise they seem affordable-ish (kind of $1500 or so) and it might give my current gear a new lease of life.
None of them offer elbow/forearm protection which I understand except the Tech Air MX one which might be bulky under a leather jacket.
Like all protective gear, it has to be easy to use and wear, and comfortable in use because otherwise its just "Oh to hell with that".
Anyone using one (on the road, not the track) - pros and cons, please. Are they easy to use and wear? Is it heavy? How is it in Summer? Ever had it deploy i.e. used for its intended purpose? How did it go?
PS if it fitted under my leathers I would likely wear it under them as well provided I could still breathe.....
So, I'm opening the floor to comments. What do you think, callers?
Dainese: https://www.dainese.com/at/en/motorb...201D20039.html
AStars: https://www.alpinestars.com/pages/tech-air-5
Tech Air offroad (elbow + forearm) https://www.alpinestars.com/pages/al...C2%AE-off-road
Helite https://www.helite-oceania.com/motorcycle/
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