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Fresnobuell
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 02:33 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Hey I am looking for a full textile suit for the few days I commute to work. Preferable something I can easily take on and off with work clothes underneath....it would be real nice if I could keep my shoes on as well when slipping into and out of the suit.

I was looking at the Olympia Phantom suit:

http://www.olympiamotosports.com/phantom/phantom.h tm

Any thoughts on the Phantom or recommendations for another suit which might fit the bill?

Thanks.
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Slaughter
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 02:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Contact Rob Weaver -- Rodrob on Badweb -- he has a full textile suit with armor that is even AMA-legal. PM him. I talked to him about it this weekend - and it's likely to be my next street suit. Good urban stealth - not a "Power Ranger" suit.
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Bigblock
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 02:40 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Aerostich.
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Raceautobody
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 02:55 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have a lombard from here. http://www.teizms.com/index.php?osCsid=9c8bvihajib rbtq8jbg81ta804


Al
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Jaimec
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 03:01 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Bigblock said it all. There is no substitute.
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Kenm123t
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 03:05 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Aerostich
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Scooter808484
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 03:06 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Motoport Air mesh Kevlar
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Fresnobuell
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 03:11 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Good urban stealth - not a "Power Ranger" suit.

I have been inclined these days to go with high viz colors. I sacrifice the cool look for a safer ride. That being said I will PM Rodrob and see what's up.

}
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Fresnobuell
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 03:12 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Aerostich

Why exactly?
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99savage
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 03:15 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I'm a cheap bastard, just ask my wife.

When I worked in an office a flight suit did just fine (+ fire retardant & gangs of pockets)

http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=7 73012


http://shop.sportsmansguide.com/net/cb/cb.aspx?a=6 04903
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Jerry_haughton
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 03:19 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I was looking at the Olympia Phantom suit...

I've told the story on BWB several times before, but Olympia products are made cheaply, offshore, by folks who have likely never even seen a motorcycle, and the people running Olympia here in the US could give a rats ass about you after the sale. They took a big steaming dump on a good friend of mine during an around-the-country motorcycle ride, and I vowed then to take every opportunity to repay them in kind. Consider this one of those opportunities.

FB

PS: The Aerostich Roadcrafter and Darien are high quality, American-made, gladly custom-tailored to your exact shape if necessary, made by folks who are passionate about motorcycles, and they WILL care about you after the sale. Like, what else is there?
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Pkforbes87
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 03:39 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have a Teiz Lombard suit I'd sell. It's too big for me, and I've since opted for a 2-piece option instead. I wore it for one road trip.. 1500 miles or so total.

It's blue in color, and a size medium. If you're interested, it's yours for $150 + shipping.

It's this suit:
http://www.teizms.com/lombard-p-2.html?osCsid=9c8b vihajibrbtq8jbg81ta804

but the color is the same as the blue suit in some of the pictures on this page:
http://www.teizms.com/lombardv3-one-piece-riding-s uit-p-53.html?osCsid=9c8bvihajibrbtq8jbg81ta804
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Dnlink
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 03:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've been wearing a Tourmaster Flex II suit(2 piece) since the summer of 2008, well I have taken it off occasionally, : ) I really like it for its 3 season abilities. The mesh rocks in the summer. The suit has good rain proofing, pants have the rain liner on the inside which sucks a little but for the money it hard to beat. Plus I was able to get it in silver, I didnt want power ranger colors or to cook in black in the summer.

(Message edited by dnlink on May 17, 2011)
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Pkforbes87
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 04:07 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Just my $0.02 .. since buying my Tourmaster Transition jacket in Hi-Viz Yellow, I've been in FAR fewer situations where I felt like another driver didn't see me.

Riding motorcycles is risky. My goal every time I ride is to minimize that risk (bright colors) and to stay as well prepared for an accident as I can be. (proper PPE, armor, helmet, etc)

Plus, wearing bright colors attracts some interesting comments. While on that road trip wearing the Teiz Lombard suit, a waitress asked me,
"Are you a pilot?"
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Doerman
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 04:35 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I do not have an Aerostitch, my wife does. She used it on the "circumnavigate the US trip" last year.

Her impressions:
- Too hot when ambient is above 85F
- Stiff and uncomfortable (didn't break in after 11,000 miles
- totally waterproof
- Cold under 55F

She went with new gear from Bilt (CycleGear) a few weeks ago and so far, she's really pleased with it.

That's just one perspective on Aerostitch. Your perspectives might be different.
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Froggy
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 04:52 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have an Aerostich Roadcrafter 1 piece

Pros-
  • Great year round, I am comfortable in it from near zero to 120°F.
  • Fantastic build quality
  • Comfortable
  • Custom tailoring available
  • Pockets
  • Accessories
  • Everybody has one so it must make you about 20% cooler
  • Repairable if you tear it up in a wreck


Cons:
  • Not very waterproof, and after each storm it gets less and less waterproof. Wash in treatments seem to help, but isn't enough.
  • Zipper leaks. All the water runs down the suit and puddles and leaks through the zipper at your crotch. Makes a nice long stream going down your leg which starts interesting conversations at work. Allegedly the new zipper on the 2011 model suits is better, I will be sending mine in for a retrofit among other repairs.
  • Lack of protection. It only comes with shoulder and knee pads. Back and hip pads are sold seperate, and it still feels unprotected compared to other suits.
  • Everyone will now mistake your Buell for a BMW.
  • You still need at least 4 Aerostich suits to get into a BMW convention.
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Fresnobuell
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 05:02 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

That Lombard 3 seems more sportbikey than the Phantom suit. Leaning that way.

Haven't had time to look into Aerostich, but I know they are pricey. Since I sorta look at these suits as a one and done in an event of a get off, the Aerostich is a bit much IMO.
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Fresnobuell
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 05:04 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Your perspectives might be different.

Yes and the multiple perspectives are great.
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2008xb12scg
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 05:43 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/motorcycl e+rain+gear/fieldsheer_cyclone+suit+-+one+piece

I have this one and really like it. Can't beat the price
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Scooter808484
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 06:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

Motoport Air mesh Kevlar

Sorry not a full suit. But very high quality, very, very waterproof (with liners) and with liners out flows a lot of air so you can avoid that "wearing a garbage bag" feel.

The stuff is stiff and takes a while to break in. I suspect that anything that will save your hide is the same.
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Daggar
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 07:03 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I have a Phantom. It's ok. My next suit will be Motoport. Super expensive but should last my lifetime, I think. Hard to beat their guarantee.
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Court
Posted on Tuesday, May 17, 2011 - 11:10 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

Haven't had time to look into Aerostich, but I know they are pricey. Since I sorta look at these suits as a one and done in an event of a get off, the Aerostich is a bit much IMO.




Look at the Aerostich.

It's worth every penny.

It's VERY repairable.

I've got 4 . . everything is measured by how it stacks up against an Aerostich.
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Kenm123t
Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 01:10 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I live in rain prone so fla I have a 2 piece hiviz roadcrafter mine is very water proof must be the 2 peice folds different and no pockets for the rain water too pool. I have added all the extra armour they have. I also have the First gear mesh 2 piece for summer over 85 weather. We wear insulated boots in summer to keep the pavement from burning your feet in the day time.
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Xl1200r
Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 11:11 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I was looking at the Olympia Phantom suit

STOP

I've told the story on BWB several times before, but Olympia products are made cheaply, offshore, by folks who have likely never even seen a motorcycle, and the people running Olympia here in the US could give a rats ass about you after the sale. They took a big steaming dump on a good friend of mine during an around-the-country motorcycle ride, and I vowed then to take every opportunity to repay them in kind. Consider this one of those opportunities.

This is right on. I'd add that the fit is crap - baggy but short in the torso and the legs are too short as well. Biggest issue? It's about as waterproof as a paper towel. In moderate rain, you can expect to be soaked to the bone on every part of your body except your back within an hour. When this happened on a trip where I was staying at a place with no internet access, I called Olympia for some help. I got the owner of the company on the phone - he told me to take a look at the website for the special page on how to keep the suit waterproof. I explained I was on a trip and didn't have internet access. I was told to, "find a friend who does." Are you kidding me?

I now use a Joe Rocket survivor and I like it MUCH more. The fit is fantastic compared to the Olympia, and while not 100% waterproof, it is much better. It breathes better than the Olympia as well. The only downside is getting in and out with shoes/boots on is a little tricky, and impossible with the liner in. The only issue I had was one of the adjustment straps pulled out of the stitching when I had it too tight while winter riding with all the layers under it. I wore this suit last year from NY to CA and had no complaints.

Aerostich makes a good product, but... they're very expensive, very ugly, and while well made, I hear too much about how the zipper leaks, or they don't vent enough, aren't insulated enough... seems to me for the money the thing should be just about flawless. Anyways, who wants a suit for a lifetime? I LIKE buying new gear, haha.

All this said, I've overall liked my "1-piece experience", but the next set of gear will be a jacket/pants combo. I like the 1 piece when I'm just riding, but when I'm on a long trip, I like to stop, get off the bike, go for a hike and what not, and the one piece makes this more difficult.
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Slaughter
Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 11:46 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

The Motoport Airmesh Kevlar is what Rob races with.

Not only is is well-ventilated, he has now had at least two racing crashes in it. It has protected him very well, and has very impressive armor.

I have to add that is IS US-Made!
The ONLY thing is for cold weather - it's maybe a little too ventilated, you'd need a wind break of some sort.

(Message edited by slaughter on May 18, 2011)
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Slaughter
Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 11:58 am:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

“We are the only motorcycle apparel company in the world that replaces a crashed jacket or pant if we can’t repair it ... FOR FREE. This sets us apart. All other synthetic apparel made today is normally thrown in the garbage, even after a 10mph crash! We can ship all over the world, and we can build any size no matter how big or small!"


Wayne Boyer
CEO Motoport USA.


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Jerry_haughton
Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 12:56 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

...I got the owner of the company on the phone - he told me to take a look at the website for the special page on how to keep the suit waterproof. I explained I was on a trip and didn't have internet access. I was told to, "find a friend who does."

Gentleman Jim and I were riding, at least initially, from California to South Carolina, to visit my son at Fort Jackson. Jim's brand-new Olympia suit blew out the crotch not long into the trip. Well, that's not entirely accurate. The person who had sewn the suit missed the material all together with the thread - the crotch area was wide open. Not good in the rain (or, heaven forbid, in a crash).

We called Olympia from New Mexico, explained the problem, and said we'd be heading right by their HQ in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and could we pick up a new suit?

Nope, go find somebody to fix it and send us a bill.

What?!?

I got the owner on the phone and vented on him some. How 'bout we bring it by and you have one of your seamsters sew it up? Can't, he said, we don't make the stuff here. Where do you make it, I asked. Um, offshore.

To be blunt, he really didn't much care about Jim's problem, and I REALLY didn't care for his attitude.

So, several days later, we end up in Hendersonville at just after 5 in the afternoon. We get the owner on the phone, tell him we're in town, and we'd like to show him the suit.

Sorry, he said, I'm on my way home. Come back another time.

What?!? Like, we just rode clear across the country, and you want us to come back another time?

Jim persisted (he didn't dare let me get on the phone at this point), and the owner finally relented, made Jim make a frikkin' appointment several days later (Jim had to leave the group as we rode up the Blue Ridge Parkway and spend a night in Hendersonville so he could be there at the appointed hour). My take in talking to Jim later was that he was treated as a problem, not an opportunity. I wasn't surprised at this point.

The whole "don't give a rat's ass" attitude and "made somewhere offshore" dealio really left a sour taste in my mouth, and I've steered several people away from Olympia over the years as a result. From their website: OMS gear is owner designed, field tested and built to last. As a family owned and operated business, we take personal pride in every product we deliver. Customer satisfaction is our number one concern.

Yeah, right.

FB
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Crusty
Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 03:08 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

I've had textile riding gear from Motoport, the original Buell Adventure suit (1999), Fieldsheer, Tourmaster and Olympia.
The best of the bunch was the Buell Adventure Suit. I wish I knew who made it for Buell. The worst P.O.S. was the Tourmaster Transition jacket. Thank god I never fell down in it. I think it had the abrasion resistance of soggy Scott Toilet Tissue. I know it wasn't quite as water resistant. (no insult to Scott is intended).
My wife and I have been wearing Olympia AST Jackets and Ranger pants. We had to cut the stitching on the lining and use seam sealer on all the seams, because they leaked profusely.(There's a thread over on ADVRider that details how to do this) When we bought them, we thought we were getting top quality suits at reasonable prices. We were mistaken.
My next suit is going to come from Duluth. I am going to ride there, and have the professionals at Aerostich measure and fit me for a Roadcrafter.
I still remember talking with somebody at Homecoming 1999 who was wearing a Roadcrafter that he had crashed in at 60 MPH, and the suit hadn't worn through. Hell, it was just scuffed up a bit, but that's all. That, and the large number of riders who I respect who have owned the same suits for years, has convinced me to spend the extra money and buy a 'Stich.
Sometimes the object that costs more initially is much cheaper in the long run.
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Buellerxt
Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 03:28 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)

There are a lot of 'ex.' stich wearers riding with Motoport gear today and writing testimonials on Motoports' website. It is the best, most protective gear available and as Slaughter posted:

quote:

“We are the only motorcycle apparel company in the world that replaces a crashed jacket or pant if we can’t repair it ... FOR FREE. This sets us apart. All other synthetic apparel made today is normally thrown in the garbage, even after a 10mph crash! We can ship all over the world, and we can build any size no matter how big or small!"


Wayne Boyer
CEO Motoport USA.
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Froggy
Posted on Wednesday, May 18, 2011 - 03:41 pm:   Edit Post Delete Post View Post/Check IP Print Post    Move Post (Custodian/Admin Only) Ban Poster IP (Custodian/Admin only)


quote:

The best of the bunch was the Buell Adventure Suit. I wish I knew who made it for Buell.




http://joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/121/Tex tile_Jackets/Rasp_[hybrid]
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