Held Rainstar Gloves An extremely versatile glove excellent for mild-warm weather touring or commuting. With no thermal lining, the Held Rain Star is an excellent summer waterproof glove. With the Gore-Tex waterproof liner this glove will work well in late fall or early spring as well. Outer shell Goatskin palm Supple cowhide back Lining OUTLAST lining (100 polyester), phase change material (PCM) helps regulate temperatures Pique push-pull lining (100 polyester) Membrane GORE-TEX waterproof / breathable membrane (100 polyester with 100 polyurethane coating) Features Special flat seam Velcro adjustment at wrists and cuffs Elasticated leather panels on back, thumb and fingers Perforated leather back Visor wipe Protection Leather covered hard plastic knuckle protection Highly abrasion-resistant stingray leather, underlaid with shock-absorbing gel on ball of thumb 3M SCOTCHLITE reflective piping
Overall rating
4/5
Well constructed- need to test on a big rain ride
PostedSeptember 30, 2012
pedalmike
From Canton
State:CT
Rider Type:Road Warrior
Age:55-64
Gender:male
Bang for the Buck
2/5
Style
4/5
Comfort
4/5
Protection & Durability
5/5
Air Flow
3/5
Features
5/5
Fit
Small
Large
I purchased these gloves so that I have something functional in heavy rain conditions. Up until now I have been using rain covers over my regular gloves and just got tired of dealing with that setup on longer rides in the rain. I normally wear a size 9.5 glove. The size 10 Rainstars are a snug but comfortable fit on me. Construction of the glove appears to be first rate. Use the Held measurement guide and follow the measurement instructions. The lining is constructed so you can pull your hand in and out in rainy conditions without the liner separating from the rest of the glove. The gauntlet is not long on this glove. The gauntlet is not a large diameter either so don't expect that the glove will go over a heavy jacket. My rain jacket has an inner sleeve. The Rainstar gauntlet wlll go over the inner sleeve and under the outer sleeve...should be a good setup to keep water out. I think these will work fine for all three seasons except for winter. The big question at this point is will they maintain their waterproofness over a reasonably long life? That will be the real test.
Arai RX-Q Glaze Helmet Designed for the street without giving up the benefits of a racing helmet. Completely new helmet based on Corsair V shell Same wider eyeport opening as Corsair V Same face shield as the Corsair V Intermediate Oval Fit (same head shape as Quantum 2) Slightly different feel due to new cheek pads. New cheek pads come down further and cradle the head better. Made of a different density material which results in an extremely comfortable and quiet helmet Advanced ventilation Smaller, More Aerodynamic shell shape Hyper-Ridge circles lower shell to improve strength and aerodynamics Retractable chin spoiler Emergency Cheek Pad Removal system along with removable neck roll One piece bottom edge trim Race helmet for the street 5 unique size shells (XS, S, M/L, XL, XXL). Meets or exceeds SNELL 2010 and DOT specifications
I purchased this helmet to replace an Arai Quantum/f which has been one of my favorite street helmets.
Before buying, try to determine your head shape and which Arai model is the best fit for your head. This one fits me great, with no discomfort or hot spots after wearing it for 6 hrs straight on the first ride I used it on. The interior liner feels a bit coarser on texture than the old blue fleece liner arai used. I notice the difference the most when putting the helmet on or removing it, not while in use. I'm looking forward to being able to completely remove the liner for cleaning.
Fit and finish is typical Arai...excellent. All of the catalog photos (including Arai Americs website) show the main color of the helmet as sort of grayish. That is not the case. The helmet body is a brilliant white. See my photo with this review.
Ventilation seems to be much improved over my Quantum/f. I can really feel the airflow when I open the top front vents. the vent buttons are larger than earlier Arai models and are easier to operate with gloved hands.
The new bottom neck roll and lower profile side pods make for a fairly quiet helmet, but your windshield setup can make all the difference in how quiet the RX-Q on your particular bike. I have a whistling noise from the chin vent that goes away if I stand up or scrunch down below the windshield of my 2007 BMW R1200GS.
I notice an improvement in my peripheral vision with the wider eyeport compared to the older Arais.
Dainese Fulcrum Boots This boot is made in soft cowhide and designed for long-range touring use. The elasticated inserts on the back of the foot, the non-slip outsole, and the gear change guard all increase comfort and practicality remarkably both on and off the bike. This boot also features a waterproof Gore-tex membrane that suits it for use in even unfaborable weather conditions. Riders are guaranteed extra safety also by the thermoformed and composite inserts provided on the ankle and shin respectively. Features Thermoformed inserts on the shin and ankle Abrasion and tear resistance Cowhide leather Elasticated bellows Temperature regulation Breathable waterproof Gore-tex membrane Shifter guard Reflective inserts Non-slip sole
I'm tired of putting on overboots when it rains, so I was looking for a waterproof boot. I have a narrow (B width) foot. It seems like every boot I tried had way too much side-to-side room in the forefoot. Other reviewers had mentioned the Fulcrum boot was narrower. The fit is really good on my narrow feet. The boots are pretty easy to get on and off with the side zip and velcro closure. They feel pretty flexible for walking. They will not provide the same level of protection as the Torque Out boot, but I will be more likely to wear these for every ride.
Dainese Fulcrum Boots This boot is made in soft cowhide and designed for long-range touring use. The elasticated inserts on the back of the foot, the non-slip outsole, and the gear change guard all increase comfort and practicality remarkably both on and off the bike. This boot also features a waterproof Gore-tex membrane that suits it for use in even unfaborable weather conditions. Riders are guaranteed extra safety also by the thermoformed and composite inserts provided on the ankle and shin respectively. Features Thermoformed inserts on the shin and ankle Abrasion and tear resistance Cowhide leather Elasticated bellows Temperature regulation Breathable waterproof Gore-tex membrane Shifter guard Reflective inserts Non-slip sole
Dainese Nighthawk Gore-Tex Boots Practicality and style come together in the new Nighthawk ankle boot made with a breathable, waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. Elevated comfort is ensured even under adverse weather conditions thanks to details like the reflecting insets at the heel and sides that can be seen through the cowhide upper and elasticated suede inserts. The special technical solutions adopted satisfy even the most demanding touring motorcycle riders zippers at the sides and velcro for a better fit, nylon inserts over the ankles, thermoformed inserts on the toe and heel, TPU gear change guard, and a non-slip sole with low traction for smoother movement. Protection Thermoformed insert on the tibia. Nylon ankle guard. Cowhide Leather. Comfort Closing with Velcro. Closing with zipper at the side. Temperature Regulation Breathable waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. Perforated leather. Other Features Shifter guard. Non-slip Vibrant sole. Reflective inserts.
I wear a Puma Flat v2 Boots Size 43. What is the recommended size for this boot as I understand it runs a fair bit tighter.
Zeez, I think the length is pretty true to size. My foot is a size 45 and the length was perfect. If you have a wide foot, this is not the boot for you.