Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers

Table of contents

#image.jpg
Rossen Gargolov

#image.jpg

#image.jpg

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers

10 pictures

#image.jpg
Rossen Gargolov

1/10
The tested textile combinations: Dainese Carve 2 Lady, Buse Highland, Dainese Racing 3 D-Dry, Modeka Panamericana, FLM Reise Textilkombi 1.0 and Stadler 4All Pro.

#image.jpg
Rossen Gargolov

2/10
For nine days, the Alpine Masters is up and down the passes: the best starting point for a textile combination test.

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers
Rossen Gargolov

3/10
The Dainese Carve Master 2 Lady pleases with its wide weatherability and useful features. The non-adjustable collar, which is prone to moisture without the very warm insert, as well as the security can still be upgraded.

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers
Rossen Gargolov

4/10
The foam on the back gives the impression of a real protector, but
this is deceptive. Otherwise, the Buse Highland does a lot of things right, but unfortunately bothers with one or the other pressure point.

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers
Rossen Gargolov

5/10
Compared to the Dainese Carve Master, the Dainese Racing 3 D-Dry is a bit sportier in terms of materials, fit and appearance. Although it also has a thermal lining, it is generally recommended for warmer temperatures.

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers
Rossen Gargolov

6/10
For well under 1,000 euros, the Modeka Panamericana impresses with its neat and well thought-out furnishings and a pleasantly subtle, yet dynamic look. Exemplary when it comes to safety, storage options and suitability for the weather.

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers
Rossen Gargolov

7/10
The name says it all: The FLM travel textile combination 1.0. It is more suitable for long journeys, it seems a bit too touristy for narrow mountain passes. More flexibility in cold and hot conditions would be desirable.

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers
Rossen Gargolov

8/10
With the minimum price of 1,778 euros, the Stadler 4ALL Pro is absolutely not a bargain. On the other hand, she is very good at a lot, the Alpine tour is almost too easy an exercise for her.

#image.jpg
Rossen Gargolov

9/10
Sun, rain, snow. The Alps demanded a lot from station wagons and testers.

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers
Rossen Gargolov

10/10
The MOTORRAD Alpen-Masters is the largest professional motorcycle comparison test in the world.

clothing

Station wagons, jackets & pants

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers

Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers
Dainese, Buse, Modeka, FLM and Stadler at the Alpen Masters

As part of the Alpine Masters, we tested six textile suits for nine days in continuous use. Dainese Carve 2 Lady, Buse Highland, Dainese Racing 3 D-Dry, Modeka Panamericana, FLM Reise Textilkombi 1.0 and Stadler 4All Pro had to prove themselves in sun, rain and snow.


Tobias Beyl

05/09/2019

It doesn’t even include bad luck. It’s just the Alps. Rain, snow, wind and weather – the alpine climate is not all just sunshine. Anyone who, like us at the Alpine Masters, commutes up and down passes for nine or ten days, possibly even traveling on the road, would do well to invest in suitable clothing in advance. Rain trousers over biker jeans or newspaper in a leather suit may work if necessary, but it is not comfortable.

But the clothes should not only be comfortable, they should also be practical and versatile – all core competencies of textile suits. In contrast to leather, the outer material made of polyamide or polyurethane is insensitive to rain, unlike jeans or cotton, a climate membrane does not let water through – at least not in liquid form. In turn, sweat can be transported away as water vapor. With generous ventilation openings you stay cool in warm temperatures, a removable thermal lining provides an additional layer for cozy warmth even at temperatures below ten degrees. This means that you are prepared for almost anything when it comes to weather. A sufficient number of sensibly placed and partly waterproof pockets as well as width adjustments, stretch inserts and storm collars round off the appearance of a textile combination.

However, there are differences: from available sizes to the fit to the visual design, from the actual weather protection in practice to the execution of the membrane as an extra layer or direct laminate to the protection equipment – and of course the price. Six textile suits had to prove themselves at this year’s Alpen Masters. We tell you their special features, the advantages and of course also disadvantages. In the following, we will show you what you also have to pay attention to when choosing a textile suit.


Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers


Rossen Gargolov

What to look for when buying?

Collar: A high degree with a tight transition to the helmet is important. The collar should be easy to open and close, even when wearing gloves.

Modification options: Thermal lining and climate membrane (with the exception of direct laminate) should be removable. Large air inlets, which can also be operated with gloves, and adjustable straps for adjusting the width of the sleeves, legs and hips are also compulsory.

Bags: Numerous storage options just make it unnecessarily difficult to find. It should be at least two large, waterproof outer pockets plus padded inner pockets on the jacket.

Sleeve: Depending on whether the glove cuffs are to be stowed under or over the sleeves, a rather wide or narrow opening is recommended.

Front zip: One of the neuralgic points for water ingress. Make sure that it is well covered by a labyrinth that is not too bulky.

Transition jacket / pants: With good suits, jacket and trousers overlap generously on the back – even if you sit in a sporty posture. Ideals Coupling: a long connection zipper all around.

Protectors: The minimum equipment is certified protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees. Better: also on the hips and back. Check the correct seat on your own motorcycle!

Leg end: Generous opening so that the trousers can be worn over the boot shaft.

Dainese Carve Master 2 Lady


Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers


Rossen Gargolov

  • Price: Jacket 519.95 euros, pants 399.95 euros
  • Sizes: Women 40 to 44, trousers 40 to 46
  • To dye: Jacket in black, black / light gray / red and black / dark gray / yellow, pants in black and black / red
  • Weight: 4.1 kg (size 42)
  • Materials: Outer fabric as a 3-layer laminate made of nylon and elastane, removable thermal insulation made of polyester
  • Climate membrane: Gore-Tex
  • Country of Manufacture: Armenia
  • Fit / comfort: As is typical for Dainese, the cut and proportions are a bit crisper, but nothing flutters and the protectors are in the right place. The mobility on the motorcycle is good.
  • Weather protection: The storm collar and thermal lining can be removed, but rain can then penetrate the neck. The rest of the suit is waterproof thanks to the permanently integrated Gore-Tex membrane, but the ventilation slots should be larger.
  • Security: Shoulders, elbows, knees and hips are equipped with Dainese’s own Level 1 protectors.
  • Equipment / processing: Easily accessible and securely closable bags, high quality workmanship.

Conclusion: The Carve Master 2 pleases with its wide weatherability and useful features. The non-adjustable collar, which is prone to moisture without the very warm insert, as well as the security can still be upgraded.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Buse Highland


Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers


Rossen Gargolov

  • Price: Jacket EUR 249.95, trousers EUR 199.95
  • Sizes: Jacket: 28 to 32, 48 to 64, 98 to 110, 7XL to 12XL (women: 36-58), pants: 24 to 32, 44 to 64, 98 to 114 (women: 19 to 24, 34 to 48, 72 up to 84)
  • To dye: Jacket light gray / blue, or black with anthracite, light gray, neon yellow, orange or red, pants in black
  • Weight: 4.2 kg (size 52)
  • Materials: Outer fabric made of polyamide (Tactel), lining and removable thermal lining made of polyester, removable climate membrane made of polyester
  • Country of Manufacture: Pakistan
  • Fit / comfort: The combination is a bit smaller, but is available up to 12XL. The adjustable, but stiff collar restricts head movements and, without a scarf, leaves slight scratches on some testers.
  • Weather protection: Three layers with a removable membrane and thermal lining ensure that it is (in) weatherproof. Well-functioning ventilation slots can be found on the chest, shoulder, back and thighs.
  • Security: Shoulder, elbow and knee protectors are installed as standard, the back and hips have to be retrofitted yourself.
  • Equipment / processing: Solid workmanship and high-quality material selection, the placement of the pockets (e.g. on the left forearm) pleases.

Conclusion: The foam on the back gives the impression of a real protector, but that is deceptive – be sure to note! Otherwise, the Buse station wagon does a lot of things right, but unfortunately it is annoying with one or the other pressure point.

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying

Dainese Racing 3 D-Dry


Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers


Rossen Gargolov

  • Price: Jacket 329.95 euros, pants (Carve Master 2) 399.95 euros
  • Sizes: Men 44 to 64
  • To dye: Jacket in black / white / red, black / red, black / white, black / white / yellow, trousers in black; Weight: 3.9 kg (size 56)
  • Materials: Outer fabric made of nylon, elastane and polyurethane, removable thermal lining made of nylon and polyester
  • Climate membrane: D-Dry (firmly integrated)
  • Country of Manufacture: Armenia
  • Fit / comfort: Apart from the slightly narrow collar, which can only be adjusted twice, the summer jacket inspires with good mobility, proper ventilation and high wearing comfort. Possibly order one size larger.
  • Weather protection: A firmly integrated D-Dry membrane reliably keeps light to medium rain off, while heavy rain and sporty posture occasionally lead to water ingress. The removable inner lining keeps you warm in spring-like weather, but is not for really cold days.
  • Security: As the only station wagon in the test, the Dainese Pockets for chest protectors. They are not included in the delivery, and a back protector is also missing.
  • Equipment / processing: High-quality materials, neat workmanship, but only two (not waterproof) pockets.

Conclusion: Compared to the Dainese Carve Master, the Racing 3 is a bit sportier in terms of materials, fit and optics. Although it also has a thermal lining, it is generally recommended for warmer temperatures.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Modeka Panamericana


Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers


Rossen Gargolov

  • Price: Jacket 369.90 euros, pants 279.90 euros
  • Sizes: Men S to 5XL, LM to LXL, KL to K3XL, women sizes from 2019
  • To dye: Black / neon yellow, gray / black
  • Weight: 4.5 kg (size S)
  • Materials: Outer fabric made of polyamide (Tactel and Cordura), lining and removable thermal insulation made of polyester
  • Climate membrane: Sympatex, removable
  • Country of Manufacture: Pakistan
  • Fit / comfort: The cut and proportions match the specified size, the suit sits comfortably and – thanks to braces, connection zipper and width adjustments – always stays clean and flutter-free, even at a brisk pace.
  • Weather protection: The climate membrane and thermal lining (that of the jacket can be worn separately during leisure time) are removable and make the combination fit for icy and cold weather. Generous ventilation on the arms, legs, chest and back ensure sufficient fresh air.
  • Security: Complete protection package (back, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee) Level 2 from Sas-Tec.
  • Equipment / processing: A total of eleven easily accessible pockets, useful extras, solid workmanship.

Conclusion: For well under 1,000 euros, the Modeka combination impresses with its neat and well thought-out equipment and a pleasantly discreet, yet dynamic look. Exemplary when it comes to safety, storage options and suitability for the weather!

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

FLM travel textile suit 1.0


Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers


Rossen Gargolov

  • Price: Jacket 329.99 euros, pants 249.99 euros
  • Sizes: S to 3XL, M, L and XL as long sizes, L, XL and XXL as short sizes, trousers also in 4XL
  • To dye: Jacket and pants in black or black / light gray
  • Weight: 4.3 kg (size XL)
  • Materials: Outer fabric made of polyamide (in the dark version with wax coating), lining and removable thermal insulation made of polyester
  • Climate membrane: MVS-1, integrated in the outer material
  • Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
  • Fit / comfort: Thanks to its long, short and intermediate sizes, the FLM-Kombi can be precisely selected. Then it is neither too loose nor too tight and allows a lot of mobility.
  • Weather protection: The firmly integrated membrane protects against rain, and the removable thermal lining offers little additional insulation in the cold. Ventilation that works well and is waterproof when closed can be found on the chest, back, upper arms and thighs.
  • Security: Although the FLM on level 2 joint protectors, but only on the shoulders, elbows and knees. The back and hips remain unprotected.
  • Equipment / processing: Nine pockets offer plenty of storage space, the workmanship is good overall, but not yet perfect.

Conclusion: The name says it all: The FLM textile suit is more suitable for long journeys, but it looks a bit too touristy for narrow mountain passes. More flexibility in cold and hot conditions would be desirable.

MOTORRAD verdict: Good

Stadler 4ALL Pro


Textile suits tested as part of the Alpen-Matsers


Rossen Gargolov

  • Price: Jacket from 1,029 euros, pants from 749 euros, complete from 1,778 euros
  • Sizes: Men 48 to 64, 98 to 122, 25 to 35, women 36 to 46, 76 to 84, 19 to 27, made-to-measure for a surcharge
  • To dye: Black / gray
  • Weight: 4.5 kg (size 50)
  • Materials: Outer fabric as 3-layer laminate, lining made of polyamide, spacer fabric made of polyester, removable thermal insulation made of polyester
  • Climate membrane: Gore-Tex
  • Country of Manufacture: Croatia
  • Fit / comfort: The cut is closer to the body, the very resistant material makes it a bit stiff to wear. The fit itself is very good, with stretch inserts in the middle of the body allowing a lot of mobility.
  • Weather protection: The removable thermal lining enables use at less than ten degrees, and the air conditioning works very well even at 30 degrees thanks to the large ventilation openings with waterproof zippers.
  • Security: Full protection equipment level 2 (back, shoulder, elbow, hip, knee).
  • Equipment / processing: The materials and workmanship are very high quality, meaningful pockets and functional stretch inserts are appreciated.

Conclusion: With the minimum price of 1,778 euros, the Stadler station wagon is by no means a bargain. On the other hand, she is very good at a lot, the Alpine tour is almost too easy an exercise for her.

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

This is how MOTORRAD tests

Nine days of continuous use: All six tested textile suits had to prove themselves in extensive test drives at this year’s Alpen Masters. The editors, test and photo drivers regularly changed the motorcycles and thus received a well-founded impression of fit and comfort. The typical alpine weather conditions also ensured that the weather protection was extensively tested. In addition to the moisture protection, the insulation could be assessed on icy pass heights and the ventilation in the valley at summer temperatures.


#image.jpg


Rossen Gargolov

Aside from the motorcycle, the equipment and workmanship were assessed. This includes, for example, the material used, the quality of seams and zippers or the number of pockets. The testers assessed their accessibility in practice. When it comes to safety, the number of built-in protectors as well as their location and certification are decisive. Also important: the presence of reflectors as well as material doublings and seam reinforcements in places at risk of falling.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *