New suit

[NorthernBoy]

My HG kit has reached the end of the road, so it's time to get something new.

It's performed quite well, but I'd prefer the next set to have a waterproof outer. I won't be wearing it off-road, but will be using it for the commute, touring, popping to the shops, and just going out for a ride, all year round.

I'd like something that's going to work well here, and not be too much trouble if I do head for warmer places, and would love to hear what people recommend. I might well decide to not go too crazy on cost in the end, but if I started from the point of wanting the best for the above, at any cost, what would people recommend?

 

[OscarIndia]

Had this for three horrid winters - best stuff I've ever had, bar none (including Rukka)

http://www.thebikerstore.co.uk/products/Bikers-Suzuka-Gore%252dTex-Jacket.html

 

[NorthernBoy]

Thanks, I'll have a look.

 

[essjay]

I've just ordered the Olympia Phantom one-piece suit from the USA. Looking like it may cost in the region of £350 delivered including VAT charges. Supposed to be waterproof but with lots of vents for the summer.

No first hand experience yet but all the reviews I've read have been positive.

I'm replacing a Streetguard 2 with it so I have high expectations.

 

[Twotter]

The only kit I've ever had which has truly been waterproof is Rukka.

 

[NorthernBoy]

I'm tempted to go for Rukka, or Klim, but if I can get 95% of the performance, for 50% of the price, would probably prefer to take that route.

 

[Schtum]

It's performed quite well, but I'd prefer the next set to have a waterproof outer.

If this is the essential criterion then I believe the only option is Gore-Tex Pro Shell which means BMW, HG, Rukka, Klim, Rev It, Held or Dane (if you can find those). The most reasonably priced of those is the HG Master V which can be purchased for c. £900 at the moment. However, you can easily pay £1300 for just a Rukka jacket.

Having worn a Gore-Tex Pro Shell suit for a few years now, I wouldn't be too keen on going back to anything which offers a lower levels of waterproofing and abrasion protection.

As ever, YMMV.

 

[Dainese Brave]

The Rukka Armas is the best all-round jacket I've ever owned.

Yes they're very very expensive....but they are good!....and buying from Biker-Land.de is an option to reduce the costs.

 

[NorthernBoy]

The Rukka Armas is the best all-round jacket I've ever owned.

Yes they're very very expensive....but they are good!....and buying from Biker-Land.de is an option to reduce the costs.

I really like the look of those. I haven't tried one yet, but if it feels good, I think that I'll likely go that way.

There's not a massive rush to jump in and buy now, so do any shops have them in their sales ever? If so, I'll wait.

 

[Dainese Brave]

I really like the look of those. I haven't tried one yet, but if it feels good, I think that I'll likely go that way.

There's not a massive rush to jump in and buy now, so do any shops have them in their sales ever? If so, I'll wait.

There's very rarely sales on Rukka gear....only when they're due to be discontinued....Infinity are a good place to look when the time comes.

I did see a site offering £100 off an Armas recently....but don't know which one!

WhereI bought mine.....The Motorcycle Clothing Center in Norfolk, they give a 10% discount on everything if you join their discount scheme (which is free). And they're top people to deal with.

As for the jacket?.....it's expensive, but well worth it.

 

[Belizibub]

I've just ordered the Olympia Phantom one-piece suit from the USA. Looking like it may cost in the region of £350 delivered including VAT charges. Supposed to be waterproof but with lots of vents for the summer.

No first hand experience yet but all the reviews I've read have been positive.

I'm replacing a Streetguard 2 with it so I have high expectations.

Sorry to tell you Essjay, my Olympia phantom leaks like a sieve on the arms unless the liner is in which makes it too warm. Only wear mine in warm weather where the vents come into it's own. Any other time it's the stitch.

 

[jefformston]

Olympia Phantom

Sorry to tell you Essjay, my Olympia phantom leaks like a sieve on the arms unless the liner is in which makes it too warm. Only wear mine in warm weather where the vents come into it's own. Any other time it's the stitch.

Had the same problem with my Phantom until I sprayed the sleeve zips with nixwax waterproofing spray and ensured the zips weren't under and stress from adjusting straps, now no more leaks. So good that I've also bought an Olympia AST jacket, for greater flexibility when touring.

 

[jimswms]

So far so good....

http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=679958

PM me through ADVRider if you have any questions as I don't check here too often. This suit has been great so far!

Jim

 

[STUBBS]

klim will be my next choice

 

[NorthernBoy]

I liked the Klim when I tried it at the bike show last year, but is it not more designed for Enduro riding in warmer climates?

Does anyone have an opinion on the pros and cons of it Relative to the Rukka Armas for road use?

 

[OscarIndia]

Klim bargain

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?p=2700919#post2700919

 

[zoltan]

BMW ComfortShell jacket

Underrated kit, had mine for 2 years. Used in 38C to minus -5C ( with a heated jacket and windstoper) massive vents front and back.
They are about £1000 new, but on eBay they don't make 25% of the original price.
It is light, very good fit, one shell system - no gortex linner .
I got mine with a massive discount.
http://www.calmoto.com/SHOP/bmwcomfortshelljacketmens.html

 

[OscarIndia]

By chance the new issue of Ride has the 2011 HG catalogue in it. Flicking through, their "Summit" suit looks great, and is a Gore-Tex Performance Shell effort. Jacket 399, pants 259...
No idea if they're any good, just a suggestion for something else to look at.

 

[NorthernBoy]

If I were to go for Rukka, are the various prices down to increase in quality, or are there actually different design criteria?

The Armas seems to be the most common choice, but there's also the SRO Edison, which is another chunky step up in price. Is this just a better jacket, or is it designed for a different purpose?

 

[Dainese Brave]

If I were to go for Rukka, are the various prices down to increase in quality, or are there actually different design criteria?

The Armas seems to be the most common choice, but there's also the SRO Edison, which is another chunky step up in price. Is this just a better jacket, or is it designed for a different purpose?

You won't see many Edisons in stock...they're too expensive.

I'm not sure what it does above the Armas?....i did look into it, but forget now.

I'd really go and try an Armas....you can feel the quality...and you'd do be hard pressed to want better.