Protection Autonomous knee protector with support straps Homologation Knee and shin EN 1621-1 Comes in pairs Patent Chest and neck protector (Community Designs n 000528153) Biomechanical protector (PCT Patent Peding)
These protectors are strong and have a slim profile. They fit comfortably under riding jeans without sticking out and making them look puffy, while providing a lot of reassurance that in the event of a spill, your knees and shins are protected. I've worn them under jeans for hours after getting off the bike, and people had no idea that I had them on until I took them off. When I do that, I'm never in a rush to get them off as soon as I get off the bike because they're comfortable. The foam between the hard plastic and your legs is soft, but substantial enough that it feels like it can disperse impact.
Aside from the slim profile, the top strap really sets this pair apart from its competitors. It keeps the top of the protectors in place, allowing for them to move with you as you flex and straighten your legs. A lot of the competitors only have straps that go around your calves, which means that they have to be very tight in order for them to stay in place through the movement and also means that they're more likely to move in a slide. You don't have to worry about that here.
I'm tall enough that I can wear these and full boots without running into a problem, but I suspect that if you are anywhere under 6 feet tall, and you have full boots, you may end up getting some interference between the bottom of these protectors and the top of your boots. That's the only drawback to these. Dainese lives up to its reputation as being the best in the business.
Fit/Comfort: The Dyno is the most comfortable riding shoe I've tried. I've ridden in temps down around 50 and my feet have stayed warm, even without socks made for cold weather riding. That leads me to wonder how cool they will be in warmer temperatures, but I got them in December, so I can't call it quite yet. In terms of feel, they are a tight fit with a narrow footbed. This works out great for me because I have narrow feet, but if you have even average width feet, these might be uncomfortably narrow. For me, the fit gives the shoes a secure feeling, like I have the freedom to flex my ankles without worrying about the shoes coming off in a slide. They have a speed lace system which is also great for security. The Dynos also have a good amount of padding inside the shoe, so after a few wears, they don't feel as tight as they do out of the box. I wear a 12.5-13 depending on the maker and a 46 was the right fit for me here. They're also comfortable to walk around in off of the bike. I have ridden places, walked around for a few hours, and ridden home without any discomfort or the desire to change shoes. They're not going to look like sneakers the way say a Flat 2 V2 will, but they will feel sturdier. They are also not going to give great airflow. I'm not sure if that's a function of the moisture wicking interior, or the protective infrastructure, or both, but I've never felt the air flowing in these. It hasn't been a problem, because the temperature inside the shoes has stayed pretty comfortable, but I haven't taken them out at high temps yet.
Protection: First off, these things feel like the bike can turn over on your foot and you'll come out unscathed. I don't know what the reinforcement along the front half of the foot is made of, but it's among the sturdiest toe boxes I've tried and doesn't look or feel like a steel boot. The sole, while giving just enough flex to walk around in, feels like it will keep your foot safe. With respect to the lateral ankle protection, it's great for a shoe, but of course, it's not as comprehensive as a full boot would be. Ideally, it would have a bit more resistance from being pushed in, but in all reality, expecting more from a shoe is just nit-picking. Even though it flexes, if feels substantive enough to protect the ankle. Short of a full boot, I question whether you're going to find a shoe that gives you more protection than the Dyno.
Appearance: Stylish, duh. But seriously, it's a good looking shoe. What you may not be able to tell from the picture is that the black material that makes up the base of the shoe is really unique. I've never seen it on any other shoe, and it completes the look well without going overboard. It makes it look more like a shoe than strictly leather would. I think that the stainless steel sliders as a standard part might have been better, but not having seen them together, the black plastic MIGHT actually be better looking. Until RevZilla gets the SS kit in stock, we'll never know.
Overall, if you want a shoe that's comfortable for riding around town and then walking around, but is also doesn't skimp on protection, this is a great option. Many of the others out there are notably more lacking in the ankle protection, toe protection, or both. If you like the style and the narrow fit isn't a problem, get the Dyno.
Icon Overlord Textile Jacket With all the pattern engineering of the Overlord leather, but executed in a nylon chassis, the Overlord textile represents possibly the best value in textile motorcycle jackets. The durable nylon chassis, combined with large panels of breathable Fighter mesh, provides valuable protection while maintaining comfort. A full complement of internal CE impact protectors confirm the jackets legitamacy. Finally, the Overlord's precurved arms and strategic flex zones position the rider in an sportbike oriented attack posture. The Overlord textile - ready for whatever the streets may hold. Icon attack fit Durable nylon textile chassis Removable Icon CE field armor impact protector elbow and shoulder Removable Icon dual-density foam back pad Gathered elastic flex panels on elbows and shoulders Strategically placed fighter mesh panels for ventilation Removable insulated wind resistat vest Upgradable to stryker CE back protector
Fit/Comfort: I'll start by saying that this jacket fits large, both in width and length, so if you're between sizes, I'd recommend going down one. I'm 6'5" with a 41-42" chest and a Large gives me good length on the arms and has some space to spare in the chest (so much so that I would appreciate the option to cinch in the waist and chest some). This jacket is lightweight and stays pretty cool, so it's a good summer option. It comes with a thin, quilted, vest-style removable liner, but it's not going to do much to keep you warm in cooler temperatures. You might catch a chill in anything under 65 degree weather, so I'd reserve this for warmer summer temperatures. The internal elbow and shoulder protection is a little stiff when you just have the jacket on, but not so much that you feel distracted while you ride. Overall, it's pretty light and comfortable.
Protection: The jacket seems to be protective. The removable CE armor in the shoulders and elbows can have a tendency to move around on you if you have thinner arms, so keep that in mind as you purchase, but it can be remedied with a couple of stick-on or sew-on velcro patches inside the armor pockets. The standard back pad is your typical foam (better than nothing, slightly), but is upgradable to the icon stryker hard CE rated back pad. It's an easy swap and the pad fits perfectly in the pocket without making the jacket feel too tight. Also, unlike many jackets, the back protection extends down to the bottom of the back, so the coverage is great. As I understand it, the textile fabric is almost as protective as leathers in a slide and will keep you from getting rashed, but as I have been fortunate enough not to go down in this jacket, I can't speak to personal experience here. Because of the lightweight material, I would like to see some sort of chest protection in this jacket, but overall, I'm satisfied with how protective this one feels.
Appearance: I'm not really a fan of the icon name plastered all over this jacket, but it's minimal compared to a lot of the other textiles out there and it was a worthwhile trade-off for me to have a jacket with a white base that is easily visible. That's something you can judge for yourself based on the pictures here. The jacket also extends down in the back, which gives you a nice feeling of coverage while you ride.
Overall, I'd say that this it a good summer jacket, especially for taller riders. It will keep you cool in warm weather while giving you good protection at the same time with more durability than the mesh jackets out there. At the price point, I'm not sure that you'll find a better option.
Scorpion Eternity Phantom Jacket Constructed of top-grain leather 1.2-1.4mm Everheat Thermal-Liner fully-sleeved with knitted cuff Exo-Tec CE approved ventilated armor for elbows/shoulder Back protector compartment with P.E. foam pad included Airguard- Windproof liner Kevlar Stretch panels on sleeves for optimal flexibility Pockets include 2 hand warmer pockets and 2 internal pockets. NightViz reflective trim on rear for improved night time visibility Stretch panels on sides, back and elbows for added comfort Belt loop for pant attachment White version is perforated Black version is non perforated
Fit/Comfort: I'm tall and slim (6'5" with a 42" chest and 32" waist). Large Tall fit the bill perfectly. The adjustable sides work wonders and the sleeve length is right, even in a full tuck. The leather is soft and feels protective. The zip vents on the front and back allow for surprisingly nice air flow (Note: the black version has the zip vents in the front, the white version has full perf in the front). The full liner is exceptionally warm and easily removable with a zip and a couple of snaps. With the liner in, the air flow is dramatically reduced, but seriously, if you have the liner in, you're probably not in weather where you're too concerned with air flow. The kevlar weave (not sure the proprietary name) in the inner arm allows for great comfort in accommodating different arm sizes and arm movement, providing air flow, and ensuring protection in a slide. *Note: I listed the fit as true to size. I have a Large Tall. The width is what I expect from a Large, and the length is what I've come to love from a Tall size.
Protection: First off, the elbow and shoulder protection is SAS-TEC (top of the line), which was a welcome surprise. It's soft and molds to a perfect fit with your body heat. The shoulder and elbow sliders really complete it. The locking YKK on the sleeves is also a nice touch. The jacket also has a snap that allows you to connect it to belt loops on jeans. It feels like a good way to keep the back of the jacket connected to the pants in a slide, but in reality, I'm not sure whether it would stay connected in an actual slide (and hopefully, I'll never find out). The stock back protection is the usual perfed foam pad that comes with most jackets, but it's upgradable to the Knox TP2 pad (CE rated). I also hear that a SAS-TEC SC 1/12 pad can be cut to fit the back pad pocket (check out the 1/12 video review), but I haven't done it, so I can't speak to it. The one downside is that the back protection only goes down about 2/3 of the way down the back. The lower back is unprotected.
Appearance: What can I say, you can look at it and judge this part for yourself. The elbow and shoulder sliders really give the jacket a completed look. It could use a couple more reflective strips on the back of the jacket, maybe in line with the white stripes on the back, but otherwise, I wouldn't change a thing (on the Phantom, that is).
This jacket is great. It may seem a bit pricey at first, but I for what you're getting, it's a good deal. I'd challenge you to find another jacket where you get this much and are not paying substantially more. The tall sizes are a huge bonus. Not a lot of leathers out there fit us tall guys as tightly as they should. If you're on the fence, get it. You won't be sorry. Scorpion hit a home run with this one.
Fit/Comfort: First, let me say that I tried SEVERAL pairs of gloves before settling on this pair. I tried the Dainese Gaskets and Four-Stroke, Held Namib, REV'IT Curb, and the AStars SP-X. I ran into the same problem with each of them...they were too wide in an XL or 2XL and too short in a M or L. The Fly FL1 in an XL was the perfect combination of width and length. (Note: I have the fit as running a bit small. That is, to say, narrow, not short). I get contact with the saddle between my thumb and forefinger, even when I reach for the levers; I can also easily move my left thumb to hit the lights/turn signals. The external stitching along the fingers keeps the glove from pressuring my fingertips (if you have long fingers, look for external stitching). Airflow doesn't seem great. I've worn them into the 50s and my hands have not been cold, so I question whether I'll be able to wear them into the 90s without my hands being hot. *Bonus: the goatskin is soft and supple. Feels great on.
Protection: The knuckle protection seems sufficient. I haven't had cause to test it, but it seems like it would hold up in a fall. The finger joints also have added padding, which also seems like it would be good in a fall. The heel of the hand has extra padding, which doesn't do much for fatigue on the grips (doesn't quite line up), but may add some protection in a slide situation.
Appearance: Looks aggressive. The wrist has reflective strips on it, which is a plus and I'm sure is great for people who signal with their hands.
All-in all, a great purchase, and at the price point, probably your best bet. I've continued to try on "more technical" gloves during various trips to apparel stores and still haven't found any better. If you have long fingers, these need to be on your short list.
Fox Racing Shuttle 180 Gearbag Haul all of your gear without breaking the bank. The Fox Shuttle 180 Gearbag features a huge main compartment with a large helmet compartment at the front and a boot compartment at the rear. Built on a roller system, the Shuttle 180 is the only way to travel. Features Durable urethane wheels Large main compartment Large boot compartment Large Helmet compartment Durable 600D polyester fabric
I'm deciding between this and the Klim Team Gearbag. What are the overall dimensions of this one, and how do the internal compartments compare? Thanks.
Cardo Systems Scala Rider G4 The scala rider G4 redenes the notion of high-end communication for motorcycle helmets. Encased in a rugged yet streamlined body, the scala rider G4 offers Bike-to-Bike Intercom at a remarkable range of up to ONE MILE! The G4 also features unique 4-way Intercom between two bikers and two passengers or 3-way Intercom among three separate bikers. Multi Device Connectivity, including mobile phone, A2DP(Bluetooth stereo), FM radio with RDS, intuitive button controls, wire connectivity to iPod/ MP3 player, and much more, make the G4 the worlds most feature rich communication and entertainment device for bikers. The scala rider G4 offers Multilingual status announcements allowing bikers to maintain smooth and safe handsfree communication while on the move. The device transmits useful information regarding connectivity status to other bikers, to your mobile phone, the FM station you are listening to and more. The G4 is truly the most biker friendly headset on the market! Download the Scala Rider G4 Manual (pdf) FEATURES Bike-to-bike intercom communication with 3 other headsets, with a remarkable range of up to 1mile Link together for 4-way intercom conference calling between 2 couples riding on 2 motorcycles VOX activation intercom calls, answer, voice dial, redial, and call reject functions Includes an embedded FM radio with scan/seek features and 6 station channel memory Individual audio sources - each G4 headset can conduct mobile phone calls or listen to Fm radio or MP3 audio independently Full Duplex allows simultaneous talking and listening when using intercom connections Talk time up to 10 hours, standby time up to 10 days AGC Technology - headset automatically adjusts its own volume based on ambient noise anhd driving speed Noise cancelling microphone Weather resistant design Rechargeable Li-Polymer Battery (for use in North American style Type A electrical outlets) Fits virtually all 3/4 and full face helmets Note Range may vary according to terrain Scala Rider G4 Headset is compatible with the following Bluetooth enabled mobile phone Both Stereo and non-stereo Bluetooth enabled mp3 player, adapter, or mobile phone Bluetooth enabled GPS unit Scala Rider Q2 headset Scala Rider Solo/FM/Teamset
Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon Gloves With carbon protection and motocross inspired styling and comfort, the Alpinestars SMX2 Air Carbon glove makes an excellent choice for summer motorcycle riding Utilizing an advanced leather and mesh hybrid construction, Alpinestars SMX-2 Air Carbon Glove offers the street rider superior comfort and performance while the carbon fiber knuckle and Clarino reinforced palm ensures high levels of protection. Lightweight hybrid leather and mesh upper construction offers the ideal combination of durability, abrasion resistance and comfort. Synthetic leather palm construction with Clarino reinforcements provides extra durability and protection where it is needed most. Reinforced landing zone with built in foam padding offers additional impact protection
How do these two compare? I'm looking for a pair of street riding gloves but I have long and narrow fingers (8.5" around knuckles, but 8.25" from wrist crease to tip of middle finger). I tried on the FL1 in an XL and liked the length, but was a little wider than ideal for my hand. Is the AStars a good alternative?
Dainese Hard Shorts Features Perforated plates in Astronmemory and polypropylene sandwich on the thigh Polypropylene and polyethylene sandwich plate on the coccyx Soft protectors certified to Standard EN 1621.1/97 at sides Coarse mesh elasticated trousers Elasticated inserts in silicone rubber on the thighs Perforated plates Soft inserts on the sides and buttocks. PCT Patent Pending
What will be the major differences between the Dainese Hard Short and the Alpinestars Bionic Freeride? They both seem to have hard protection at the thigh and coccyx and soft padding at the hip. At similar pricepoints, which is more protective at the hip? Which is more comfortable (riding and walking)?
Alpinestars Indy Leather Jacket Full-grain 1.1mm leather with extended perforated panels on the front and sleeves Improved fit and flexibility from longitudinal sleeve and armpit aramidic stretch panels Wrist zippers have micro hook-and-loop flap covers for a more secure fit D-ring waist adjustment YKK zippers CE-certified Bio-Armor elbow and shoulder protectors are removable Chest pad compartment with PE padding Back compartment with PE padding RC-certified armor available separately Waist connection zipper allows attachment to select Alpinestars leather and textile pants Available in men's even European sizes 46-60 (black available in European sizes 46-64)
Every other pair of motorcycle boots I have is a 45 (Sidi, Tourmaster, Icon) 10.5-11 US, but going by the US side of the size chart I'd be a 44 (11) in these. Which side is right?
That depends on the width of your foot. These run pretty true to size in terms of length, but have a narrow footbed. If you don't have narrow feet, you might want to go one size up (45).
Fox Racing Shuttle 180 Gearbag Haul all of your gear without breaking the bank. The Fox Shuttle 180 Gearbag features a huge main compartment with a large helmet compartment at the front and a boot compartment at the rear. Built on a roller system, the Shuttle 180 is the only way to travel. Features Durable urethane wheels Large main compartment Large boot compartment Large Helmet compartment Durable 600D polyester fabric
I'm deciding between this and the Klim Team Gearbag. What are the overall dimensions of this one, and how do the internal compartments compare? Thanks.
I found the specs on a couple of other sites. If they're correct, it's 35"L x 16"W x 18"H, which is about 1" shorter than the Klim bag, and the same height and width.
Couldn't find out what the differences in the internal compartments are though. Any TeamZilla help?
Scorpion Eternity Jacket Constructed of top-grain leather 1.2-1.4mm Everheat Thermal-Liner fully-sleeved with knitted cuff Exo-Tec CE approved ventilated armor for elbows/shoulder Back protector compartment with P.E. foam pad included Airguard- Windproof liner Kevlar Stretch panels on sleeves for optimal flexibility Pockets include 2 hand warmer pockets and 2 internal pockets. NightViz reflective trim on rear for improved night time visibility Stretch panels on sides, back and elbows for added comfort Belt loop for pant attachment
The Knox TP2 Back Protector fits in here well. I have this jacket and it's a nice upgrade to the foam pad that comes in it. However, if you're looking for some hard armor, that won't do it for you. The Knox TP2 is a soft pad (but CE rated).
Cardo Systems Scala Rider G4 The scala rider G4 redenes the notion of high-end communication for motorcycle helmets. Encased in a rugged yet streamlined body, the scala rider G4 offers Bike-to-Bike Intercom at a remarkable range of up to ONE MILE! The G4 also features unique 4-way Intercom between two bikers and two passengers or 3-way Intercom among three separate bikers. Multi Device Connectivity, including mobile phone, A2DP(Bluetooth stereo), FM radio with RDS, intuitive button controls, wire connectivity to iPod/ MP3 player, and much more, make the G4 the worlds most feature rich communication and entertainment device for bikers. The scala rider G4 offers Multilingual status announcements allowing bikers to maintain smooth and safe handsfree communication while on the move. The device transmits useful information regarding connectivity status to other bikers, to your mobile phone, the FM station you are listening to and more. The G4 is truly the most biker friendly headset on the market! Download the Scala Rider G4 Manual (pdf) FEATURES Bike-to-bike intercom communication with 3 other headsets, with a remarkable range of up to 1mile Link together for 4-way intercom conference calling between 2 couples riding on 2 motorcycles VOX activation intercom calls, answer, voice dial, redial, and call reject functions Includes an embedded FM radio with scan/seek features and 6 station channel memory Individual audio sources - each G4 headset can conduct mobile phone calls or listen to Fm radio or MP3 audio independently Full Duplex allows simultaneous talking and listening when using intercom connections Talk time up to 10 hours, standby time up to 10 days AGC Technology - headset automatically adjusts its own volume based on ambient noise anhd driving speed Noise cancelling microphone Weather resistant design Rechargeable Li-Polymer Battery (for use in North American style Type A electrical outlets) Fits virtually all 3/4 and full face helmets Note Range may vary according to terrain Scala Rider G4 Headset is compatible with the following Bluetooth enabled mobile phone Both Stereo and non-stereo Bluetooth enabled mp3 player, adapter, or mobile phone Bluetooth enabled GPS unit Scala Rider Q2 headset Scala Rider Solo/FM/Teamset
Alpinestars Indy Leather Jacket Full-grain 1.1mm leather with extended perforated panels on the front and sleeves Improved fit and flexibility from longitudinal sleeve and armpit aramidic stretch panels Wrist zippers have micro hook-and-loop flap covers for a more secure fit D-ring waist adjustment YKK zippers CE-certified Bio-Armor elbow and shoulder protectors are removable Chest pad compartment with PE padding Back compartment with PE padding RC-certified armor available separately Waist connection zipper allows attachment to select Alpinestars leather and textile pants Available in men's even European sizes 46-60 (black available in European sizes 46-64)
I'm 6'4" my chest is 42 and my sleeve length in shirts is a 36. So in this jacket, it seems like I'd be a 52, but will the sleeves be long enough? I worry about going any larger than a 52 because of a loose fit.