Aerostitch suits and jackets

[rdover]

Anyone got a view on the Aerostitch stuff. I've just bought a Darien jacket from SteveGS and it seems brill although not tested it yet.

Thing is you can easily spend £500 - £600 on BMW or rukka stuff but the aerostitch roadcrafter suit is only £450 or £500. DOes anyone have one adn could give me some feedback. I'm looking for a suit with armour (that I could fit HG stuff to) that is quick and easy to to get on and off without removing boots but is still totally waterproof.

Am I asking too much?

 

[RichieS]

aerostich

Right.

I have an Aerostich suit, a full set of gortex Rukkas, and a savanna 2 jacket so i think i am qualified to have an opinion here!!

I have been using the Rukka stuff for 4 years all year round in my job as a bike cop. It has to be IMO the BEST motorcycle kit going, and plenty warm enough in the winter.

The aerostich hasnt really had a good run out in the cold stuff as yet, but i bought it to commute on so i can just wear work kit underneath when attending training courses when i hjave to wear shirt etc. For this it is excellant, but i would make sure you get it big enough to wear fleece etc undermneath. It seems waterproof enough but lucky enough not to have been cought in a good down pour yet.

The savanna i mainly use for summer because of the good vents and it certainly does a good job at keeping you cool.

They all have their place, but if i had to own just one bit of kit, it would be the Rukka. If you cant take clothes etc with you to change into, the Aerostich is good (and a bit cheaper if you can avoid the import tax).

At the end of the day, you pay ya money and take ya choice.

 

[Deleted Member I]

BUY AEROSTITCH!

I got an roadcrafter thingy and recommended steptoe to get one (actually was trying to sell him my one ... but he is "slightly larger" build than me )

I have ridden in it in the pouring rain when I was training with this summer. I was totally dry inside.
It's my main touring suit. I don't trust my other kit as much.

You need to make sure you do it up properly, not exposing the zips. Also after washing .. reproof it with Nikwax stuff (the outer pockets will stay dry too). It will then look after you.

Trust the advice of the lady taking your order. They know what they are talking about. My biggest concern when buying was ordering by mail order and getting the size wrong. I spoke to the customer service person, and they asked a few simple question. i got a suit that fits very well. If you are able to goto the US. You can probably get it customised to fit you even better.

Given the $2 to £1 exchange rate. They are a bargain. $799 = £400. That's the price of ONE BMW jacket!!

I am a big fan.

I believe the Rukka stuff is as good (some say better). Also less hassle getting it. I just prefer the wear regular clothes underneath design.

DON'T BUY THE IMITATION CRAP!!! There is a copy of the roadcrafter that I have seen in the UK. IT IS A PILE OF >>>>>


Also if you are my size, you can always buy a lovely second hand red one from a reputable member of this board

 

[nleader]

I've used Rukka for 8-9 years now and I'm 100% satisfied that I have the best textile-based kit money can buy. Never leaked in any weather. Fantastic 'soft' armour that is comfortable to wear and CE-approved. They (like B*W) do have a suit in their range with the Goretex bonded into the shell of the Cordura so the water just beads up and runs off - unlike my RVP Pro and Airflow suits, where the shell absorbs water but the lining keeps you dry.

I have several friends who own Aerostich Roadcrafters. Convenient to use - especially with conventional clothes underneath (Rukka trousers are not overtrousers - apart from thermals underneath they ARE the trouser). The common complaint for all Aerostich owners I know is that they leak from day 1 in heavy rain after about 20 minutes - through those convenient zips.

Riding all day? Rukka. Commuting? Aerostich might be fine if you can stand getting wet once or twice a year - and I think I could live with that for the other conveniences it brings. However, I ride all day, so not an option.

Norman

 

[rdover]

Thanks guys.

I spent about 30 mins on the phone to the US yesterday discussing options and they are really helpful.

I think I'd be better with the 2 piece as I'm a funny shape (keep it clean!) with 46" chest, 36" waist 6' tall but 31" legs.

I do a mixture of long runs and commuting all year round and the bike is my Company Car, so the convenience of arriving at a business meeting, peeling off the suit and walking in is very attractive.

I am concerned at what I though would be a problem ie the wet crotch issue, but I can live with some minor leaking for the rest of the convenience.

I may be interested in a 2nd hand one at the right price. I've pm'd you.

 

[simonm]

Custom Sizing

Is one of the the greatest advantages I can see for the Aerostitch. Its possible to get upto a couple of inches added above and\or below the elbow\knee.
My Darien has been completely waterproof - I have heard about issues with the Roadcrafter one-piece leaking at the crotch.
If you can work a way round the Customs duties they are pretty reasonable value at the moment, especially when pricing against the Rukka kit.
Overall I dont think there is a lot of difference between the Aerostitch and Rukka kit but if you're an "odd size" go with the Aerostitch

 

[Steptoe]

Aerostich roadcrafter suit - i love it, wear my everyday clothes underneth, with a heated jacket, and thats all i need. Its got so many useful pockets --

Before i got the roadcrafter suit, i wore a BM madison suit, its 7 years old, still completely waterproof ( even the outside pockets), and the warmest ( without heated clothing) suit i've ever worn, never ever been cold in the coldest weather.

If the roadcrafter is still as good after 7 years i'll be a happy man

 

[rdover]

Well with excahnge rates at $1.92 to the £, I thought buggerit, I've been looking at these suits for years and now's the time.

So having spent almost an hour on the phone to Duluth, MN, I've opted for the roadcrafter 2 piece in blue and silver. Cos I'm a funny shape and I want to wear my klan heated vest underneath, I've goe for a slightly larger jacket than trousers and remembering that when I had 1 piece leathers (or rather befoer they shrank from lack of use!) that I didn't like not ahving a waistband I tjougth that the 2 piece was the better option.

So total cost was $825 inc UPS and I cheekily asked if it could be marked as 'exchange goods' and got a non comittal answer so we'll see if I get humped on duty. Vat is irrelevent cos I can reclaim it (legit business expense! WOOHOO) so overall cost will be about £425. Not too shabby.

I reckon there's a way to avoid the wet crotch by sealing up the zip edge material adn doing loads of crotch rubbing to close the velcro but that's enough of my pecidillos!

Anyone fancy a Darien jacket in yellow, no fleece? Size XL (46)