One-piece leather suits for the racetrack

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One-piece leather suits for the racetrack
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One-piece leather suits for the racetrack

Product test: One-piece leather suits over 800 euros
Motorcycle suits for the racetrack

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In the second part of the large horsepower leather suit test, high-end one-piece suits for over 800 euros have to show whether they are suitable for the racetrack. So much in advance: Sometimes it is worth spending a little more money.

Mathias Heerwagen

04/18/2012

Skill-Skin expert Stefan Rottger takes action first Alpinestars Racing replica. With a street price of around 1500 euros, depending on the model year, it belongs to the middle price range. A real racing cut, not too wide, not too tight, just a little too much material on the abdomen – the basic fit is right. The combination of knee and lower leg is built to perfection. “Fits like a glove, the calf stretch is where it needs to be and the protector encloses the entire knee and cannot slip,” says Rottger happily. Great leather, abrasion-resistant Schoeller stretch and clean workmanship complete the positive impression. But where there is light, there is also shadow. The separate back protector achieves good values ​​in the shock absorption test, unfortunately it is much too short – the lower back and tailbone would be unprotected. The same applies to the elbow, because if the forearm is too wide, the protector would slip in the event of an impact. Hip protector? Nothing. Basically, the Racing Replica lives up to its name, it is also suitable for the racetrack. For the price, one should expect more.

Namely what Arlen Ness offers. A consistent, tailored racing cut with pre-shaped extremities, great lower leg fit, a non-slip knee protector, the comfortable collar, abrasion-resistant stretch, a modern 3D inner lining and metal caps on the shoulders, elbows and knees make the Arlen Ness Mission absolutely suitable for the race track . It’s a shame that only type A protectors are installed on the shoulders and knees – these are too small. In addition, their residual strength values ​​are not intoxicatingly good, but okay. As with Alpinestars, the forearm is too wide and the protector slips. Nevertheless: Even with 30 percent kangaroo leather, the station wagon offers a decent price-performance ratio at 1099 euros.

Stefan Rottger joins the Berik Master. He noted a comfortable sports driver cut with a stomach that was a little too long and wrinkled in the driving position. While the back length is correct, as is so often the case here, the forearm is too wide. Good leather, neat workmanship, comfortable neoprene cuffs on the cuffs, magnesium caps on the shoulder, the 3D inner lining and abrasion-resistant Schoeller stretch are the hallmarks of the Masters. Protectors of type A that are too small are found on the shoulders and knees, and the correct ones of type B in the hips and elbows.

The BMW DoubleR costs a full 700 euros more than the Berik Master, namely 1700 euros. Our expert is in the suit, looks skeptical and would like to know the size of the suit again. 52, should fit. But it doesn’t. Everything is too wide and limp, especially the thighs and shins – and thus also the knee, which can be twisted very far even when standing. There can be no question of “body-hugging”, as it is called on the BMW Motorrad website. In addition, the sleeves are clearly too short. All of this is amazing, because only the best is used when it comes to the material: high-quality kangaroo leather and Sas-Tec type B protectors including a huge back protector. Clean seams and shoulder and elbow caps complete the package. The only thing that makes us a little puzzled is that the knee protector is cut to size so that it fits in the protector pocket. Stefan Rottger sums it up: “Great material, great protectors, but unfortunately the combination is cut.”


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


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Professional racing drivers have perfectly fitted, tailor-made leather suits.

As always, Dainese impresses with its clean workmanship, sporty cut and high-quality material. Our expert is less satisfied with the protection. True delivers Dainese with a separate back protector, but this is a bit short and hardly protects the lower back. As usual with the Italians, hard shell protectors are also used in the D-Air. In the shock absorption test, it is only sufficient for average values, and type A protectors that are too small are installed on the elbows and shoulders. It is also questionable why the shoulder protectors in a station wagon for 2900 euros are only attached to the inner lining and not sewn firmly. The knee / leg protector is a specialty: It is certified as knee and leg protector type B (K + L type B), but only the knee protector is CE-marked – the thin hard plastic shin protection does not count according to the standard, either if Dainese sees it differently. The photo on page 70 above shows the size of the knee protector and the correct size of the test template K + L type B for the impact test. Does not fit? Right. We therefore ask TuV Rheinland whether the protector can actually be certified and tested in this way. The statement of the TuV: In Germany this protector would not receive any approval. Since at least two hits would fail in the impact test, the protector fails. What are CE standards for if a manufacturer does not adhere to them? The airbag, which gives the D-Air its name, should be noted on the positive side. It should inflate within 15 milliseconds and protect the collarbone, neck and shoulder from injuries. At least the shoulder protectors that are too small are compensated for by the airbag. The required electronics and the gas generator are located in the hump of the station wagon, the weight of the airbag system should be 650 grams. In one of the next issues we will deal with the subject of airbag combos and systems in more detail.

The new top model from is available for less than half the price of the D-Air hero – the Race Evo. With it, Held shows that there is also great performance for 1300 euros. The Held Race-Evo has pretty much all of the safety features that can currently be found on a station wagon without an airbag: 70 percent kangaroo leather, abrasion-resistant ray skin on forearms and shoulders, caps on knees, shoulders and elbows, all around Sas-Tec Protectors, even on the ribs, Schoeller stretch – this is what safe suits should look like. There’s nothing to complain about the fit either. A comfortable racing cut with correctly positioned stretch inserts and close-fitting knee protectors complete the package. Overall, there is little criticism. The knee slider is not positioned optimally, it should sit closer to the knee. And the forearm is cut a little too wide on the Race-Evo too. For the offered safety and fit, 1300 euros is a fair price – that’s why we choose the Held as a buyer’s tip.

The top model from Ixs, the Torro Pro, costs almost 1000 euros more. It impresses with its abrasion-resistant kangaroo leather and high-quality Schoeller stretch. Despite the racing cut, the suit is astonishingly comfortable. However, the comfort is bought at the cost of extensive use of the stretch material. Questionable: The Ixs Torro Pro, which costs 2250 euros, has poorer protectors installed than the Ixs Jerez for around 680 euros from the previous test. Can’t the customer expect the best protectors currently on the market for so much money? Especially since neither back nor hip protectors are installed, and the Ixs loses further points as a result. With the Torro Pro you can confidently venture out onto the racetrack, but the station wagon is by no means a price-performance hit.

The only station wagon made in Germany comes from Baden-Wurttemberg, but there is no trace of Swabian frugality. Before the Swabian leather Even the critical Stefan Rottger has to take his hat off to K-Frame: “The best leather, the best material, the best workmanship – plus a perfect cut, combined with the highest level of comfort.” Noticeable: The K-Frame does not require shoulder stretch because the Seams are set perfectly. The hip protector is not certified, but extends far back and partially protects the buttocks – very well. But even the best product can be optimized: The knee protector should be a bit larger – BMW and Held also have Sas-Tec protectors on board, but a larger version. And according to Rottger, a spiral zipper can withstand more tensile force than the individual teeth of the metal zipper. Well. Nevertheless, the Schwabenleder K-Frame offers maximum comfort and safety for 1798 euros.

Kangaroo leather also offers that Spidi T-2 kangaroo. Unfortunately, the fit is not right at the back and front, everything is cut too wide, which also affects the protectors. None of the protectors, which are already too small (all only type A), sit correctly at joint height – this also means that the Spidi loses numerous points. Similar to BMW, there is nothing wrong with the material itself: great leather, clean workmanship, a modern 3D inner lining and high-quality stretch are impressive. For 1500 euros, however, the Spidi offers less than the competition, especially, and that’s the tragic thing when it comes to protection.

Last but not least, the Rev’it Sting-ray has to endure the judgment of the expert. With “very nice leather, good upper class stretch and great workmanship”, the compliments have already been exhausted. Stefan Rottger can only shake his head about fit and protection. Far too wide cut calves, wrongly cut knees and elbows as well as insufficient arm stretch make the combination almost unbearable. The shoulder protector sits far too far back and exposes the joint – in short: with the Rev’it Stingray you definitely don’t want to fall.


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


MPS photo studio

Alpinestars Racing Replica.

Contact 
FC-Moto motorcycle clothing, 52146 Wurselen, Tel. 0 24 05/4 95 00 50 www.fc-moto.de
price 
from 1599 euros, depending on the model year
material 
Cowhide
Sizes 
46 to 58
Protectors
E, S, K, R *

Conclusion 
Thanks to the many safety features, the Racing Replica is absolutely suitable for the race track. Workmanship and material leave nothing to be desired, the protector equipment is okay, but should be better for the price. The abdomen is a little too long, the forearm a little too wide – otherwise a very good racing cut. Absolutely exemplary: the knee is completely wrapped up, the protector sits where it belongs.

PS judgment: Good


* E = elbow, S = shoulder, K = knee, R = back, H = hip, Ri = ribs

One-piece leather suits for the racetrack

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One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


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Arlen Ness Mission.

Contact 
Sales by Held GmbH, 87545 Burgberg, Tel. 0 83 21/6 64 60 www.held.de
price 
1099 euros
material 
Cowhide, kangaroo leather
Sizes 
48 to 62
Protectors 
E, S, K *

Conclusion 
The Arlen Ness Mission offers great performance at a relatively low price. A consistent racing cut combined with high-quality materials, the whole thing neatly processed – that’s how we like it. But when it comes to protection, the Mission loses important points: Neither hip, rib or back protector, plus the forearms that are too wide – that adds up eight points deduction. Still, the Mission is a good combination.

PS judgment: Good

* E = elbow, S = shoulder, K = knee, R = back, H = hip, Ri = ribs


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


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BMW Double R..

Contact 
BMW Motorrad, 80809 Munich, Tel. 0 89/9 50 90 77 78 shop.bmw-motorrad.com
price 
1700 euros
material 
Kangaroo leather
Sizes 
46 to 116
Protectors 
E, S, K, H, R *

Conclusion
Here there is only light and shadow, nothing in between. Best material, excellent protectors, clean workmanship. Cut and fit, however, are not worthy of a BMW station wagon. It also loses points because arm and knee protectors can be twisted quite easily due to the wide cut. If BMW is already launching a racing suit, it should also have a tight-fitting racing cut. 

PS judgment: Good

* E = elbow, S = shoulder, K = knee, R = back, H = hip, Ri = ribs


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


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Berik Master.

Contact 
Sales by Held GmbH, 87545 Burgberg, Tel. 0 83 21/6 64 60 www.held.de
price 
999 euros
material 
Cowhide, kangaroo leather
Sizes 
48 to 58
Protectors 
E, S, K, H *

Conclusion 
30 percent kangaroo leather, hip protectors, great workmanship, all for around 1000 euros – not bad. The fit is orientated towards touring sports, i.e. rather comfortable and not consistently trimmed for racing. Due to its slight weaknesses, it ends up on the points just behind the Arlen Ness Mission, which in our opinion is the better offer for 100 euros more.

PS judgment: Satisfactory

* E = elbow, S = shoulder, K = knee, R = back, H = hip, Ri = ribs


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


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Dainese D-Air.

Contact 
Dainese Deutschland GmbH, 80807 Munich, Tel. 0 89/35 39 67 66 www.dainese.com
price 
2899 euros
material 
Cowhide
Sizes 
44 to 60
Protectors 
E, S, K, R *

Conclusion 
The D-Air scores extremely well in three out of five categories. In terms of residual force values ​​as well as the fit, size and number of protectors, the station wagon does not currently offer the best possible protection. Sure, the airbag is in and scores points. Everyone has to decide for themselves whether it is worth the steep surcharge compared to other Dainese station wagons. Because for less than half the price, the Italians also have good station wagons in their range.

PS judgment: Good

* E = elbow, S = shoulder, K = knee, R = back, H = hip, Ri = ribs


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


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Hero Race Evo.

Contact 
Sales by Held GmbH, 87545 Burgberg, Tel. 0 83 21/6 64 60 www.held.de
price 
1299 euros
material 
Cowhide, kangaroo leather
Sizes 
48 to 60
Protectors 
E, S, K, H, R, Ri *

Conclusion 
The Held Race-Evo almost knocked the Swabians off their throne. High-quality protectors wherever you touch, the best material all around and a great racing cut give the station wagon many points. The fit is also impressive. It only has to admit defeat, because the fit and workmanship of the Swabian leather continue to set standards. The Race-Evo is 500 euros cheaper than the K-Frame and therefore our best buy.

PS judgment: very good

* E = elbow, S = shoulder, K = knee, R = back, H = hip, Ri = ribs


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


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IXS Torro Pro.

Contact 
Hostettler GmbH, 79379 Mullheim, Tel. 0 76 31/1 80 40 www.ixs.com
price 
2250 euros
material 
Cowhide
Sizes 
46 to 110
Protectors
S, E, K *

Conclusion 
The most comfortable combination of all candidates buys comfort through a generous stretch insert, especially on the back of the legs. Otherwise: hardly any highlights, hardly any shortcomings. The protectors are no longer up to date, especially not in this price range. For almost 1000 euros less, Held also offers kangaroo leather, plus significantly better and more protectors. Therefore, the price-performance ratio of the Ixs is unsatisfactory.

PS judgment: Good

* E = elbow, S = shoulder, K = knee, R = back, H = hip, Ri = ribs


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


MPS photo studio

Rev’it Stingray.

Contact 
Rev’it, 5340 Oss (Netherlands), Tel. 00 31/4 12/69 67 40 www.revit.eu
price 
949 euros
material 
Cowhide
Sizes 
46 to 58
Protectors 
S, E, K *

Conclusion 
We cannot reproduce the exact wording of our experts on the Stingray here. Formulated benevolently, the suit offers a sport touring cut that allows plenty of freedom of movement. The suit is cut completely too wide, the protectors don’t sit where they belong, and the residual strength values ​​of the protectors are only average. After all, the beautiful leather is neatly processed.

PS judgment: Sufficient

* E = elbow, S = shoulder, K = knee, R = back, H = hip, Ri = ribs


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


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Swabian leather K-Frama.

Contact 
Schwabenleder motorcycle clothing, 73650 Winterbach, Tel. 0 71 81/96 70 10 www.schwabenleder.de
price 
1798 euros
material 
Kangaroo leather
Sizes 
44 to 60
Protectors 
S, E, K, H, R *

Conclusion 
Let’s make it short: the Schwabenleder K-Frame is the best racing combination that is currently on the market. Here you still think about the perfect cut, the best protectors and the best material. The station wagon is made by hand in Germany at a reasonable price. There is only slight criticism from the experts for missing caps on the joints, which ensure better abrasion in the event of a fall and thus protect the ligaments, and the coarse metal zipper. 

PS judgment: very good

* E = elbow, S = shoulder, K = knee, R = back, H = hip, Ri = ribs


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


MPS photo studio

Spidi T-2 Kangaroo.

Contact 
Represented by Shark-Helme Germany, 21224 Rosengarten, Tel. 0 41 08/4 58 00 14 www.shark-helme.de
price 
1499 euros
material 
Kangaroo leather
Sizes 
46 to 58
Protectors 
S, E, K, H *

Conclusion 
The fact is: the whole suit is cut far too wide and does not correspond to any 52 clothing size. It just doesn’t fit anywhere, and the protectors are loose and twist. No go: In the Spidi, protectors of type A that are too small are installed on all joints – hence the large point deduction in the protector evaluation. Unfortunately, there is not much left when it comes to awarding points, the competition is simply better.

PS judgment: Sufficient

* E = elbow, S = shoulder, K = knee, R = back, H = hip, Ri = ribs

PS rating / judgment


One-piece leather suits for the racetrack


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If you have a choice, you are spoiled for choice.

maximum number of points Alpinestars  Arlen Ness  Berik BMW Dainese hero Ixs Rev’it Swabian leather Spidi Protectors
(Seat, size, number) *		 20th 14th 12th 12th 14th 15 **** 18th 12th 8th 18th 4th
Residual force values 10 6th 6th 6th 10 4th 10 6th 6th 10 6th
Fit / cut 20th 14th 18th 15th 12th 17th 17th 15th 6th 20th 6th
processing 10 9 9 9 8th 10 9 10 8th 10 8th
Material** 10 10 9 8th 9 9 9 8th 7th 9 8th
Total points *** 70 53 54 50 53 55 63 51 35 67 32
placement 5. 4th. 8th. 5. 3. 2. 7th. 9. 1. 10.

* Protectors: badly or incorrectly fitting protectors are deducted 2 points per part of the body; missing hip protector: 2 points deduction, missing rib protector: 2 points deduction, missing back protector: 2 points deduction; Type A protectors that are too small: 2 points deduction per part of the body; ** Leather, stretch and other features are assessed *** 61 – 70 points = very good, 51 – 60 points = good, 41 – 50 points = satisfactory, 31 – 40 points = sufficient, 21 – 30 points = unsatisfactory, 0 – 20 points = unsatisfactory; **** normally 12 points, but an additional 3 points for an existing airbag

PS judgment

With a few exceptions, the station wagons are suitable for the race track and offer a decent fit, comfort and safety at an acceptable price. The Held Race-Evo celebrates a successful debut, for 1300 euros it is unreservedly recommended. However, some producers should reconsider their styles and the prices of their station wagons. Incomprehensible: Better protectors hardly cost more, but most manufacturers still use old models with average residual strength values.

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