Product test: One-piece rain suits

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Product test: One-piece rain suits
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Product test: One-piece rain suits

Product test: rain suits
One-piece rain suits in comparison

It is hard to believe that in the age of ultra-modern textile fibers and waterproof leather suits there are still thin plastic covers for wet days. For 10 rain suits in one-piece form it is now: water on!

Jorg Lohse, Klaus Herder

10/28/2010

Do you still have the picture vividly before your eyes? A group of motorcyclists huddled together in the spray under the motorway bridge and wriggled more or less elegantly in rain suits? But now you think hard and say when you last saw this scene? You’re right, that was a long damned time ago. Because the touring professional is now almost without exception in all-weather textiles. If rain threatens, he has to stop as much as possible to close his ventilation zips.

Ideally, it moves from good to bad weather and back without stopping. The leather fraction hardly has to give up when it comes to all-weather suitability. Because here, too, the waterproof climate membrane technology from Gore-Tex and Co. has meanwhile found its way (comparative test in MOTORRAD 26/2009).

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One-piece rain suits in comparison

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But that doesn’t mean that hardly any motorcyclist buys the classic rain suit anymore. There is a wide range of products, and sales are particularly good in the lower price segment of up to 50 euros. This makes it difficult to get someone excited about a rather sparingly equipped rain cover. Especially high-priced products such as the IXS combination Niagara for just under 100 euros have to compete with inexpensive textile combinations in this field. Accordingly, one tries to give the more expensive rain suits one or two delicacies on the way. With the Difi Sirocco, for example, people thought about the easiest possible entry: The trouser legs can be fixed to the thigh with Velcro so that you can climb through even with bulky boots without bothering too much. At the same time, the stowage option has been considered and the transport bag has been integrated into the station wagon in the form of an oversized pocket – a strap included.

The also offers the same Hein Gericke Competition. Another equipment highlight here: the extremely high collar that extends far below the helmet. The developer must have been a practical man who has probably already dribbled wet soup down his collar from behind. With the FLM combinations of polo you go one step further and have a tight-fitting helmet hood stowed in the collar. In addition, attempts are being made to top the category of rain suits with the FLM Stormchaser model by integrating a climate membrane. You won’t find this luxury in the rest of the test field. In order to be able to use this equipment gimmick really meaningfully (and to feel it effectively), the leather combination worn underneath should be perforated as large as possible. However, the Stormchaser, which weighs just under one kilogram, is much more comfortable to carry than the Tornado model from the same company, which is twice as heavy. A look at the test field shows anyway: The genre “heavy oilskins” is out. No matter how extensively or economically the rain suit is equipped.

The bottom line is that there is only one thing that counts, and that is waterproofness. Heavy continuous rain was simulated in the shower, which all suits were supposed to withstand ten minutes. The whole thing is not standing, but in a typical motorcycle sitting position. The failures were at 30 percent for the one-piece suits, fortunately there were no failures for the two-piece suits. The weak point at which there is usually a risk of water ingress is the entrance opening.

For reasons of comfort, diagonal entry that reaches far over the leg is now common. It is problematic if the zipper is not backed from the inside with a correspondingly raised bib. Water collects in the seat fold and seeps through the zipper despite the labyrinth cover with a continuous Velcro strip. Absolute care is required when putting on the bib: fix the bib as high up as possible (with some providers it can even be fixed with a press stud), close the zipper and cover it with the Velcro strip without wrinkles. Anyone who consciously opted for the two-part form of the rain suit, however, elegantly bypasses this neuralgic weak point. The trousers usually have an extremely high waistband (à la Obelix model), and the overlap with the jacket is correspondingly wide.

The test with a zero percent failure rate in this segment shows more than impressively that you can go on a wet and happy ride with it in a much more relaxed manner. In addition, the two-piece suits can be put on much more relaxed and – like the IXS Horton combination – shine with an extremely compact pack size that can be easily stowed in a tank bag. An argument that should not be neglected. Because especially with rain suits, the principle applies: Being there is everything.

Akito spray


Product test: One-piece rain suits


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Akito spray

providers: BF-Hardwear, Tel. 04421/500166, www.bf-hardwear.de
price: 49.90 euros
Sizes: S to 3XL
colour: Black silver
material (Outer fabric / lining): nylon / polyester
Weight*: 1365 grams
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
Diagonal zip with labyrinth and continuous Velcro strip; Lining on the upper body; Bib with snap fastener; Collar with Velcro fastener; Waist with elastic band; Cuffs with elastic band; Leg ends with elastic band; Reflex trimmings; one inside pocket (turned inside out transport bag with waist belt)

Watertightness: absolutely tight

plus:
Entry with wide leg opening; Bib fixation (push button) very practical; close-fitting leg ends; good leg length

minus:
The diagonal zipper should only be closed slowly and very carefully, as otherwise the bib can easily get caught; Lining at the waist badly fixed; Sleeves too short; Neck end cannot be closed very tightly (Velcro a little too short); Waist not adjustable, elastic band very tight; Sleeve ends only with elastic band; only lined on the upper body

Conclusion:
Quickly crossing under the motorway bridge is not his thing. But the no-frills one-piece keeps it tight in the rain.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Buse rain overall


Product test: One-piece rain suits


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Buse rain overall

providers: Buse, Tel. 02471/12690, www.buese.com
price: 64.95 euros
Sizes: S to 5XL
To dye: Black / neon yellow, black / gray
material (Outer fabric / lining): polyester / polyester
Weight*: 970 grams
Country of Manufacture: Pakistan

Furnishing:
Diagonal zip with labyrinth and continuous Velcro strip; Lining on the upper body; Bib with snap fastener; Collar with Velcro fastener; Waist with elastic band; Cuffs with elastic band; Leg ends with elastic band, zip and Velcro fastener; Reflex trimmings; an inside pocket

Watertightness: after 2.5 minutes, strong water ingress at the seat fold at abdominal level

plus:
Easy entry; good, close-fitting leg ends; Bib fixation (push button) very practical; Diagonal zip fast and easy to close; Collar is tight; Lining well fixed; Arm and leg length fit

minus:
Sleeve ends only with elastic band; only lined on the upper body; somewhat poor equipment; Water resistance weaknesses

Conclusion:
Minimalistic overcoat with shortcomings in the wetness test. But it can shine with good carrying comfort and small pack size.

MOTORRAD verdict: Sufficient

Difi Sirocco Flash


Product test: One-piece rain suits


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Difi Sirocco Flash

providers: Motoport, Tel. 04451/915200, www.motoport.de
price: 74.95 euros
Sizes: XS to 3XL
colour: Black / neon yellow / silver
material (Outer fabric / lining): polyamide with PVC coating / polyester
Weight*: 1340 grams
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
Diagonal zip with labyrinth and continuous Velcro strip; continuous lining; Width adjustment on the legs (Velcro straps) and upper arms (Velcro straps); lined collar; Waist with elastic band; Cuffs with elastic band; Leg ends with elastic band, zip and Velcro fastener; Reflex trimmings; one inside pocket (turned inside out transport bag with waist belt)

Watertightness: absolutely tight

plus:
Easy entry with dressing aid; close-fitting leg ends; Lining well fixed; Diagonal zipper can be closed easily; comfortable, soft and sufficiently tight-fitting collar; Arm and leg length fit; good equipment

minus:
Sleeve ends only with elastic band; no Velcro strap on the collar; Bib cannot be fixed; Lining at the bottom of the leg is easily caught in the zipper

Conclusion:
Difi is not only airtight, but also has extras such as the integrated packing bag and a practical aid to put on the legs.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Hein Gericke Competition


Product test: One-piece rain suits


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Hein Gericke Competition

providers: Hein Gericke, Tel. 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de
price: 69.95 euros
Sizes: S to XXL
colour: Black / neon yellow / silver
material (Outer fabric / lining): nylon with PVC coating / polyester
Weight*: 1440 grams
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
Diagonal zip with labyrinth and continuous Velcro strip; continuous lining; Width adjustment on the upper arms (Velcro straps); lined collar with Velcro fastener; Waist with elastic band; Cuffs with elastic band; Leg ends with elastic band and zip; Reflex trimmings; an inside pocket (turned inside out as a transport bag); an outside pocket; separate transport bag

Watertightness: absolutely tight

plus:
Easy entry; handy zip-zipper; very high, comfortable collar with a good finish; Leg length is correct

minus:
Sleeve ends only with elastic band; Bib jams easily in the diagonal zip; Lining is easily pulled out when it is put on; Arm length a little too short; Elastic band at the leg ends a little weak

Conclusion:
Except for the small weaknesses when putting on and closing it, it is a comfortably fitting suit with good reserves on wet days

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

IXS Niagara


Product test: One-piece rain suits


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IXS Niagara

providers: Hostettler, Tel. 07631/18040, www.ixs.com
price: 99.95 euros
Sizes: XS to 5XL
To dye: Black, neon yellow / silver
material (Outer fabric / lining): polyester with PU coating / polyester
Weight*: 1194 grams
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
Diagonal zip with labyrinth and continuous Velcro strip; continuous lining; Width adjustment at the waist (hip belt with click fastener) and the upper arms (press button); lined collar with Velcro fastener and helmet hood; Waist with elastic band; Cuffs with elastic band and Velcro fastener; Leg ends with elastic band and zip; Reflex trimmings; Seat with anti-slip trim; separate transport bag with strap

Watertightness: after 1.5 minutes at the seat fold at abdominal level above the bib strong water ingress

plus:
Very easy entry; good width adjustment possible; very good equipment; Arm length is correct

minus:
Legs far too long; Leg ends very wide, elastic band a bit weak; Lining easily gets caught in the zipper at the bottom of the leg; Collar end a little too airy; very ambitious price; Water resistance weaknesses

Conclusion:
Luxury station wagon with a rich equipment package. In practice, however, there is a lack of comfort and suitability for rain

MOTORRAD verdict: Sufficient

IXS Orca


Product test: One-piece rain suits


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IXS Orca

providers: Hostettler, Tel. 07631/18040, www.ixs.com
price: 49.95 euros
Sizes: XS to 5XL
To dye: Black, Black / Red, Black / Blue, Black / Gray, Black / Neon Yellow
material (Outer fabric / lining): nylon with PU coating / nylon
Weight*: 520 grams
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
Diagonal zip with labyrinth and continuous Velcro strip; Lining on the upper body; lined collar with Velcro fastener; Waist with elastic band; Cuffs with elastic band and Velcro fastener; Leg ends with elastic band, zip and Velcro fastener; Reflex trim

Watertightness: absolutely tight

plus:
Extremely light, very small pack size; very easy entry; close-fitting leg ends; comfortable and tight-fitting collar; Arm and leg lengths fit; Zippers without the risk of being trapped

minus:
No pockets; only lined on the upper body; Waist elastic much too weak; baggy fit; poor equipment

Conclusion:
Many sizes, many colors, small pack size and, on top of that, waterproof. The IXS station wagon only has to fit when it comes to the fit

MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory

Louis Proof Splash II


Product test: One-piece rain suits


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Louis Proof Splash II

providers: Detlev Louis, Tel. 040/73419360, www.louis.de
price: 24.95 / 27.95 / 29.95 euros (XS-L / XL-3XL / 4XL-5XL)
Sizes: XS to 5XL
colour: Red / anthracite
material (Outer fabric / lining): polyester with PVC coating / polyester
Weight*: 1384 grams
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
Diagonal zip with labyrinth and continuous Velcro strip; continuous lining; Width adjustment at the waist (Velcro strap), forearms (Velcro straps) and lower legs (Velcro straps); lined collar with Velcro fastener; Waist with elastic band; Cuffs with elastic band and Velcro fastener; Leg ends with elastic band, zip and Velcro fastener; Reflex trimmings; Seat and leg ends with anti-slip trim; two outside pockets; three inside pockets

Watertightness: after 2.5 minutes strong water ingress over the seam at the lower end of the zipper

plus:
Lush furnishings; very good width adjustment; low tendency to flutter; Diagonal zip fastens to close; Leg ends close tightly, elastic bands nice and tight; Arm length fits

minus:
Uncomfortable entry, lining easily catches on the boots; Collar does not close tightly; Water resistance weaknesses

Conclusion:
The equipment miracle at the low budget tariff from the house Louis pleases with the solid fit, but fails when it comes to wet suitability.

MOTORRAD verdict: Sufficient

Modeka Typhoon Rain


Product test: One-piece rain suits


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Modeka Typhoon Rain

providers: Beckumer Leder-Bekleidungswerk, Tel. 02521/85030, www.modeka.de
price: 79.90 euros
Sizes: S to 4XL
To dye: Black / gray, black / neon yellow
material (Outer fabric / lining): polyester / polyester
Weight*: 1010 grams
Country of Manufacture: Pakistan

Furnishing:
Diagonal zip with labyrinth and continuous Velcro strip; Lining on the upper body; Bib with snap fastener; Collar with Velcro fastener; Waist with elastic band; Cuffs with elastic band; Leg ends with elastic and zipper (covered with Velcro strip); Reflex trimmings; an inside pocket

Watertightness: absolutely tight

plus:
Easy entry; Bib comfortably high and can be fixed with a press stud; tight elastics; Leg ends with very long zipper; Collar with practical adjustment range, fits tightly; good fit, arm and leg lengths are correct; relatively easy

minus:
Sleeve ends only with elastic band; The bib can get caught in the diagonal zip relatively easily when it is put on; very careful closing required; only lined on the upper body

Conclusion:
Easy to slip on and also waterproof in the MOTORRAD wetness test. Only when it comes to closing is a bit of fiddling around.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

MOTORRAD test winner – Polo FLM Stormchaser


Product test: One-piece rain suits


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Polo FLM Stormchaser

providers: Polo, Tel. 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
price: 69.95 euros
Sizes: S to XXL
colour: Black yellow
material (Outer fabric / lining): polyamide / polyester
Weight*: 1030 grams
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
Diagonal zip with labyrinth and continuous Velcro strip; continuous lining; Climatic membrane; Width adjustment on the upper arms (Velcro straps); Collar with Velcro fastener and helmet hood; Waist with elastic band; Cuffs with elastic band and Velcro fastener; Leg ends with elastic band, zip and Velcro fastener; Reflex trimmings; Seat with anti-slip trim; an outside pocket; two inside pockets

Watertightness: absolutely tight

plus:
Very easy entry, wide leg opening; Diagonal zip fast and easy to close, bib does not get caught; Leg ends to close tightly; Collar fits tightly, practical hood; Arm and leg lengths are correct; good equipment

minus:
Lining can easily get caught in the zipper at the bottom of the leg

Conclusion:
The only rain suit with a climate membrane in the test scores points above all with its features, fit and good moisture protection.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Polo FLM tornado


Product test: One-piece rain suits


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Polo FLM tornado

providers: Polo, Tel. 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
price: 59.95 euros
Sizes: S to XXL
colour: Black red
material (Outer fabric / lining): polyamide / polyester
Weight*: 1908 grams
Country of Manufacture: China

Furnishing:
Diagonal zip with labyrinth and continuous Velcro strip; continuous lining; Width adjustment on the upper arms (Velcro straps); Collar with Velcro fastener and helmet hood; Waist with elastic band; Cuffs with elastic band and Velcro fastener; Leg ends with elastic band, zip and Velcro fastener; Reflex trimmings; Seat with anti-slip trim; an outside pocket; two inside pockets

Watertightness: absolutely tight

plus:
Comfortable entry, boots can get caught in the lining, but legs are wide enough for it “Equalize”; narrow leg ends possible; nice tight elastic cuffs; all zips run easily, lining does not get caught; Sleeves can be made tight; low tendency to flutter (heavy fabric, appearance like “Oilskin”); Arm and leg lengths fit; very good equipment

minus:
Without a hood, the neck is slightly wider, the adjustment range is too small; mixed fit, sits quite baggy

Conclusion:
Rain suit of the type “Oilskins for heavy seas”. Shows small weaknesses in the fit, but there is no nakedness in the rain.

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Conclusion


Product test: One-piece rain suits


Drawing: archive

The final rating of the one-piece.

The main purpose of a rain suit is comprehensive moisture protection. Which is why all test candidates who hold tight in the MOTORRAD wetness test enter the further evaluation with a comfortable cushion of points. If the comfort on board is still right, not much can go wrong. The fact that a small top group of one-piece suits can still stand out is mainly due to the finely thought-out details of the respective combination: Polos Stormchaser with climate membrane and helmet hood, Difis Sirocco with numerous width adjusters or Hein Gericke’s Competition with the high collar. Neat across the board: the two-parter in the test.

What to do in cold, wet weather?


Product test: One-piece rain suits


mps photo studio

Polo’s contribution for winter drivers: the Thermoboy Snowtrooper with diagonal entry. Size M to XXL, protectors can be retrofitted, price: 89.95 euros.

Two decades ago, a decent thermal suit was a must for all year round drivers. The brand name Thermoboy became the generic term for the whole genre, which usually consisted of padded rain suits. The original Thermoboy – once derived from suits for cold store workers by the designer Paul A. Boy – is no longer available. The name is still present, however. Because the mail order and shop chain Polo owns the name rights and uses the name for the in-house winter line including the thermal one-piece “Snowtrooper”, which convinces with good insulation on cold days. Small drawback with the Snowtrooper: the difficult-to-grip zippers, which can also tear off quickly under heavy loads. The editor’s recommendation: Difi Husky II from Motoport with complete protector package (199.95 euros). Almost a classic like the original Thermoboy.

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