Leather vs Textile

**kunoichi** · 14th January 2009, 16:48

Hey guys! I'v only been riding for 3 months now and own full gear. However it is in the textile material and i'v been thinking about investing in some more comfortable appearing leathers. I don't really know the advantages/disadvantages of each type of gear. Can u guys help me out with some info? Cheers

**frogfeaturesFZR** · 14th January 2009, 16:57

HEAPS OF THREADS ABOUT THIS, DO A SEARCH. I personally use leather, heaps more protection, but it's hotter than cordura. Depends on the type of riding you do. Good gear is a must.

**James Deuce** · 14th January 2009, 16:58

Hey look! A search function!

There's a huge amount of info and opinions on KB about the relative appeal of each style of protection.

To help, I used your thread title as a search entry. I got this totally awesome result with your thread at the top: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/se...archid=4461029

**Quasievil** · 14th January 2009, 17:06

as above heaps of info, but simply put

Leather gives superior crash protection and warmth (with liner inbuilt)

Textile, gives weather protection/ Warmth and moderate crash protection

Racers wear Leather because its all that will be accepted by race officials (there is a reason for this)

my Opinion, wear leather, and if weather looks crap take a rain suit (cheap as chips) that way you have the best protection and you will remain dry.

Then there is the "whats good leather whats good textile" well buy cheap get cheap, common economical rule of the world.
Research on here and you will find lots of recommendations. beware trademe cheap gear.

Thats it being as unbiased as possible of course

.

**kunoichi** · 14th January 2009, 17:11

LOL, ofcoarse this argument would of been had! But thanks neways guys

Your advice of leather gear with a rain suit sounds good, but i'll do some research. Ta

**chester** · 14th January 2009, 19:42

http://www.quasimoto.co.nz/products/leather-bike-pants

sorry Quasi I had to do it

**Anarkist** · 14th January 2009, 21:15

I saw someone wearing a textile jacket come off during our Northland loop the other weekend. Didn't go down that fast but the textile jacket ripped straight through and he had a decent looking bit of road rash on the elbow/forearm.

That was enough to convince me to start saving for some decent leathers. Probably gonna go with the Quasi gear I think when I have some money.

**Swoop** · 14th January 2009, 21:20

Leathers with a rainsuit is the way to go, as Quasi suggests.

**rie** · 16th January 2009, 11:49

hey kunoichi - i recently bought a leather jacket. far, far superior to my textile one. fits better and looks better. i think the fit really makes the difference. thus far i haven't crash tested it, but the threads mentioned above will tell you everything you need to know)

it's not a problem in the summer as long as you stay away from commuting in the city (gets too hot). i suggest you stick to your textile if you are commuting, and wear your leathers when you go on proper rides.

also, many leather two-pieces now come with all kinds of waterproofing options. leather itself can never be treated to be 100% waterproof but many jackets have waterproof liner and/or waterproof areas. you can still treat the leather so that some rain will bead off it (in other words, water doesn't soak right in [and become waterlogged = Heavy])

see you on a ride!

**Pwalo** · 16th January 2009, 12:02

Check back over the previous threads. Just wear something that's got CE approved armour and fits well, and is comfortable, so that you wear it all the time.

I like textile gear for commuting. It's waterproof, light, and not so 'bikerish' at work.

**discotex** · 16th January 2009, 12:38

I find my leather much cooler than codura.... Might help that it's slightly perforated.

Winter commuting is much easier in codura (over jeans etc) but in summer I wear jeans (usually with kevlar) and leather jacket from my 2pc.

When I hit the open road it's always in full leathers.

**Reido** · 16th January 2009, 13:27

i've crashed tested my Quasi jacket!
it worked a treat. not even a busted seam

oh and i think quasi should give me a big discount on some pants cause i'm giving him good advertising on my profile picture, yes yes

**prettybillie** · 16th January 2009, 13:53

Originally Posted by Swoop

Leathers with a rainsuit is the way to go,

It may cost more but nothing will protect your body like leather

**talbertnz** · 28th January 2009, 08:09

Leather= GO HARD Nice sunny day type riding
(Fast sunday afternoon ride/Sunny holiday)
Fabric= Dont push it to much, but stay DRY And Warm and wear other clothes underneath. (Going somwhere where i need other close underneeth/rain forcast)

I got both

**Morcs** · 28th January 2009, 08:27

Originally Posted by rie

hey kunoichi - i recently bought a leather jacket. far, far superior to my textile one. fits better and looks better. i think the fit really makes the difference. thus far i haven't crash tested it, but the threads mentioned above will tell you everything you need to know)

it's not a problem in the summer as long as you stay away from commuting in the city (gets too hot). i suggest you stick to your textile if you are commuting, and wear your leathers when you go on proper rides.

also, many leather two-pieces now come with all kinds of waterproofing options. leather itself can never be treated to be 100% waterproof but many jackets have waterproof liner and/or waterproof areas. you can still treat the leather so that some rain will bead off it (in other words, water doesn't soak right in [and become waterlogged = Heavy])

see you on a ride!

Originally Posted by kunoichi

LOL, ofcoarse this argument would of been had! But thanks neways guys

Your advice of leather gear with a rain suit sounds good, but i'll do some research. Ta

Not to mention nice chicks look fantastic in good fitting leathers