Table of contents
- Product test Signal clothing: jackets, vests and more
- BF Hardwear – Flow G3
- Hein Gericke – Cruise
- Hero – Splendid
- Ixs – Starlight
- Stadler – Hi-Vis
- Difi – Xenon Ax
- Macna – Traveler
- Rukka – Nico
- Stadler tour
- BF Hardwear – Ride’n Safe
- Dane – Flashlite
- Hero – Flashlight
- Ixs – neon
- Kushitani – reflex
- Macna – Vision 4All
- Oxford – Active Top
- Probiker – Neon Reflex
- Reusch – neon
- More signaling devices
- Warn according to the norm
fact
accesories
Product test: signal clothing
Product test
Signal clothing: jackets, vests and more
No swine flu and mad cow disease: highly infectious yellow fever is rampant in the German motorcycle scene. Hosts of neon yellow rocked bikers populate the streets between Flensburg and Garmisch. MOTORRAD has tested in practice how contagious safety vests and signal jackets actually are.
Jorg Lohse
08/10/2009
The representative survey of personal acquaintances turns out to be unequivocal: “If this should actually become compulsory motorcycle riding equipment”, says photographer Dave “fact” Schahl, “I’ll stop immediately.” MOTORRAD fleet manager Rainer Froberg, really tough, flickers his eyes as he inspects the sprinter’s hold with the test equipment: “Are you going to the construction site?”
In fact, you could safely do without the driving lights on the Suzuki Gladius during the first test drives with the signal clothing, because the luminosity of the fluorescent colored fabrics is enormous. And that where the German motorcycle scene was considered to be the people of fare dodgers for decades. “Colorful dots”, says Jorg Wurgler, Germany boss of the clothing brand IXS, “at the very most it is the south.”
Why the rest of the country is now not only colorful, but also glaring at the same time, makes even the most experienced motorcycle manufacturers wonder. With a shrug, Klaus Rohrbach, PR man at the Motoport shop chain, noted the trend towards neon yellow & Co: “That the signal vests of our brands Dane and Kushitani would develop into top sellers, we would never have thought at the beginning of the season. “Anselm Zessler from Polo reports something similar:” Customers are tearing our safety vests off Reusch out of the hands. “
The massive upgrade of daytime running lights on cars has certainly sparked an additional fire. Since then, the diodes in the E-Class & Co. glow in permanent position, the motorcyclist has fallen far behind with his permanent driving lights, but he can strike a massive backlash. In any case, the range is noticeably well stocked. In a practical test, MOTORRAD put nine textile jackets and vests each with a signal function under the microscope. In any case, the test quickly showed one thing: the trend towards whitewashing must be followed by regular care if you don’t want to be seen as a dirty child within a very short time: every stain immediately shines on the conspicuous fabric!
BF Hardwear – Flow G3
fact
BF Hardwear – Flow G3.
Providers:
BF Hardwear, phone: 04421/500166, www.bf-hardwear.de
Price: 129.90 euros
Sizes: S to XXXL
Material: polyester
To dye: Black / neon yellow
Weight: 2.3 kilograms (size L)
Furnishing:
Climate membrane or similar, CE protectors in shoulders, elbows and back, removable thermal lining with safety vest function, all-round connection zip.
Plus:
Equipped with wide reflective strips in addition to the signal color.
Minus:
Moderately isolated; Trunk slides high up when driving; unpleasant drafts in the back; Sleeves too short; Width adjuster practically inoperative, shoulder protector shifts, back protector against it
different product description not available.
Conclusion:
The cheapest jacket in the test, although many technical weaknesses are annoying. What is particularly lacking is a decent fit, practical width adjustment and effective thermal insulation.
MOTORRAD verdict: Sufficient
Hein Gericke – Cruise
fact
Hein Gericke – Cruise.
Providers:
Hein Gericke, phone 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de
Price: 429.95 euros
Sizes: 48 to 58
Outer material: Polyamide / polyester mix
Colour: Black / neon yellow
Weight: 3.3 kilograms (size 52)
Furnishing:
Climate membrane from Gore-Tex, CE protectors in shoulders, elbows and back, removable thermal lining, removable storm collar, all-round connection zip, seat bridge, removable back pocket.
Plus:
Great fit, fits snugly and does not flutter; top insulated; effectively ventilated; eye-catching reflective piping, waterproof stretch cuffs on the sleeves; well-functioning width adjusters; practical pocket arrangement, useful material reinforcements.
Minus:
Weakly adhering Velcro fasteners, fiddly zippers; Thermal collar difficult to close; high weight.
Conclusion:
Functional year-round jacket with high-quality Gore-Tex equipment. Can be converted from an airy summer jacket to a cozy, warm winter jacket in a matter of minutes. The price is reasonable considering the equipment.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
Hero – Splendid
fact
Hero – Splendid.
Providers:
Held, phone 08321/66460, www.held.de
Price: 159.95 euros
Sizes: XS to 3XL
Outer material: polyester
To dye: Neon yellow / black
Weight: 2.2 kilograms (size L)
Furnishing:
Reissa climate membrane, CE protectors in shoulders and elbows, retrofit option for back protector, removable thermal lining, all-round connection zip.
Plus:
Tailored cut, fits well; quickly dressed and quickly locked; reflective piping conspicuously radiating on all sides; practical width adjusters on the sleeves; effective ventilation zips on the front and back.
Minus:
Thinly insulated, a slight feeling of coldness can be felt in the chest area even at moderate temperatures and when driving in the rain; strong feeling of tension on the sleeves; Shoulder protectors slip easily.
Conclusion:
Light touring jacket in blouson cut. Kneels quickly on cold and wet days despite the weatherproof equipment. Properly processed for the price, offers the class-standard equipment.
MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory
Ixs – Starlight
fact
Ixs – Starlight.
Providers:
Hostettler, phone 07631/18040, www.ixs.de
Price: 229.90 euros
Sizes: Men S to XL, women DS to D2XL
Material: Polyamide (Cordura)
Colour: Neon yellow / black
Weight: 2.2 kilograms (size L)
Furnishing:
Climate membrane from Soltotex, CE protectors in shoulders and elbows, retrofit option for back protector, all-round connection zip, waterproof outer pockets, removable thermal lining.
Plus:
Stable, tight-fitting and flutter-free fit; absolutely windproof finish on the collar and sleeves; fully adhering Velcro fasteners; Width adjusters on the sleeves with a practical adjustment range.
Minus:
Cuts in the armpits; rubs on the elbow protectors; Insulation at moderate temperatures is just as moderate; little reflectors.
Conclusion:
Touring jacket with decent features, good workmanship and good fit, which shows weaknesses in comfort due to pressure points. There is also potential for expansion with the reflectors.
MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory
Stadler – Hi-Vis
fact
Stadler – Hi-Vis.
Providers:
Stadler, phone 08543/96200, www.stadler-bekleidung.de
Price: 599 euros
Sizes: Men 48 to 62 plus intermediate sizes 98 to 118, 25 to 31, women 38 to 46
Material: Polyamide (Cordura)
Colour: Neon yellow
Weight: 2.8 kilograms
Furnishing:
Climate membrane from Gore-Tex, CE protectors in shoulders, elbows and back, two waterproof outer pockets, removable thermal lining, all-round connection zip.
Plus:
Excellent fit; stable and flutter-free seat; extra-wide, all-round reflective strips with extremely high radiance; top insulated and absolutely draft-free from the sleeves to the collar; Pressure-free and slip-proof protectors.
Minus:
Little ventilation options available.
Conclusion:
The Hi-Vis shines not only with its perfect wearing comfort, but also with well thought-out details. Although the price is in the premium league, it offers high-quality and complete equipment.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip
Difi – Xenon Ax
fact
Difi – Xenon Ax.
Providers:
Motoport, phone 04451/915200, www.motoport.eu
Price: 259.95 euros
Sizes: XS to XXXL
Material: polyamide
To dye: Black / anthracite, black / red / gray, gray / black / anthracite
Weight: 2.4 kilograms
Furnishing:
Aerotex climate membrane, CE protectors in shoulders and elbows; Retrofit option for back protector, removable thermal lining, short and all-round connection zip, back pocket for signal cover.
Plus:
Supple fitting, feather-light wearing comfort, well proportioned; absolutely windproof and convincingly insulated; Smart hem width adjustment by means of an internal cord.
Minus:
It takes a lot of effort to stow glove cuffs under the sleeves; Economical ventilation option, with the exception of the coverable signal insert, only a little reflective material available.
Conclusion:
Optional with signal. The highlight of the Xenon AX is the large neon orange signal surface that can be quickly opened or covered. Otherwise, class and price-standard comfort is offered. Very good wind and weather protection.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip
Macna – Traveler
fact
Macna – Traveler.
Providers:
Dieter Braun motorcycle clothing, phone 07322/22509, www.dieterbraun.de
Price: 258.90 euros including Vision Vest
Sizes: S to XXXL
Material: k. A..
To dye: Black / gray, light gray / black, gray / blue / black, black / sand / neon
Weight: 2.2 kilograms (size L)
Furnishing:
Removable climate membrane from Raintex, CE protectors in shoulders and elbows, retrofit option for back protector, short connection zip, removable thermal lining, ventilation zips.
Plus:
Well insulated for winter and autumn trips; Can be converted into a summer jacket thanks to the removable membrane jacket and ventilation zips.
Minus:
Cuts in the armpits, tightens the back; Shoulder protectors slip; laborious to close; Signal vest flutters at high speed.
Conclusion:
In terms of workmanship, a textile jacket that is well worth seeing, which can be used in summer and winter thanks to its modular structure, but shows clearly noticeable weaknesses in terms of comfort.
MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfying
Rukka – Nico
fact
Rukka – Nico.
Providers:
Rukka, phone 040/5511055, www.rukka.de
Price: 499 euros
Sizes: 46 to 62
Material: Polyamide (Cordura)
To dye: black
Weight: 2.5 kilograms (size 52)
Furnishing:
Gore-Tex climate membrane, CE protectors in shoulders, elbows and back, removable thermal lining, long connection zip, crotch strap; also available as a women’s Nina jacket.
Plus:
Very cleanly processed; top insulated, is absolutely windproof at the collar and sleeves, glove cuffs can be stowed perfectly under the sleeves; bright reflective print and striking reflective logos on the sides and back.
Minus:
Width adjusters on the sleeves with a narrow adjustment range; no ventilation zips.
Conclusion:
Nocturnal contribution from Rukka. Thanks to the large reflective print, Nico can only play to its strengths in the dark. During the day it remains black as the night. Fit, comfort and features are successful.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
Stadler tour
fact
Providers:
Stadler, phone 08543/96200, www.stadler-bekleidung.de
Price: 999 euros
Sizes: Gentlemen 48 to 62, 98 to 118, 25 to 30; Ladies 38 to 46, 76 to 84, 20 to 24
Material: Polyamide (Cordura)
To dye: Black; Black red
Weight: 4.1 kilograms (size 52)
Furnishing:
Removable climate membrane from Gore-Tex, CE protectors in shoulders, elbows and back, waterproof outer pockets, reversible back pocket, reversible vest with signal optics,
Storm collar, extra windstopper jacket; all-round connection zipper.
Plus:
Great fit, effective insulation; perfectly fitting protectors; The wide waist belt doubles as a kidney belt; thanks to the modular structure (rain and windstopper jacket that can be used separately), it can be converted from a pleasantly warming bad weather jacket to an airy summer jacket.
Minus:
high weight; fiddly to use.
Conclusion:
Motorcycle jacket that leaves nothing to be desired. Versatile, perfectly equipped, first class to wear. In addition to the high price, however, there is also an extremely high weight, and you need to be patient when it comes to locking.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
BF Hardwear – Ride’n Safe
fact
BF Hardwear – Ride’n Safe.
Providers:
BF Hardwear, phone 04421/500166, www.bf-hardwear.de
Price: 39.90 euros
Sizes: S / M to XXL / 3XL
Plus:
Very good fit; is very tight thanks to the high percentage of stretch; does not flutter even at high freeway speeds; equipped with clearly visible reflectors in addition to the signal color; Mesh lining.
Minus:
Does not meet the EN 471 standard; Zipper pulls open easily.
Conclusion:
Although it does not warn according to the standard, it meets the motorcycle test thanks to its tight fit. Price still acceptable.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
Dane – Flashlite
fact
Dane – Flashlite.
Providers:
Motoport, phone 04451/915200, www.motoport.eu
Price: 54 euros
Sizes: XS to 4XL
Plus:
Available in many sizes; noticeable reflectors; neatly processed; Equipped with a sturdy zipper and mesh lining.
Minus:
Low stretch content; tends to flutter above the recommended motorway speed; high price; does not meet the EN 471 standard
Conclusion:
Expensive warning from Dane. Equivalent: Very noticeable vest with a tendency to flutter.
MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfying
Hero – Flashlight
fact
Hero – Flashlight.
Providers:
Held, phone 08321/66460, www.held.de
Price: 39.95 euros
Sizes: XS to 5XL
Plus:
Available in many sizes; very stable zipper; top processed; thick material with a firm grip; Mesh lining; Inside pocket with Velcro fastener.
Minus:
Little reflective material; does not meet the EN 471 standard; flutters on the shoulders and back from 130 km / h
Conclusion:
Here the warns hero in yellow, but largely dispenses with reflective stripes. In return, very valuable processing.
MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfying
Ixs – neon
fact
Ixs – neon.
Providers:
Hostettler, phone 07631/18040, www.ixs.de
Price: 25 euros
Sizes: XS / S to 3XL / 4XL
Plus:
Very good fit, thanks to the high percentage of stretch it fits tightly; easily visible and all-round reflective stripes; meets the EN 471 standard, small pack size; Transport bag.
Minus:
Low collar with V-neck starts to flutter strongly from a speed of 100 km / h; not fed; moderately processed.
Conclusion:
A real vestibule. The IXS vest in the classic construction site format warns according to the standard, but flutters when biking.
MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory
Kushitani – reflex
fact
Kushitani – reflex.
Providers:
Motoport, phone 04451/915200, www.motoport.eu
Price: 45 euros
Sizes: S to XXXL
Plus:
High percentage of stretch, fits tightly and only starts to flutter a little far beyond the recommended motorway speed; eye-catching and clearly visible reflective stripes; well processed; Mesh lining.
Minus:
Does not meet the EN 471 standard; Zipper pulls open easily.
Conclusion:
Staff-fitting vest that is not the norm, but fits motorcycling. Price hard at the pain limit.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
Macna – Vision 4All
fact
Macna – Vision 4All.
Providers:
Dieter Braun, phone 07322/22509, www.dieterbraun.de
Price: 36 euros
Sizes: S to XL
Plus:
Noticeable reflective stripes; well processed; Zipper with sturdy teeth; Mesh lining, outside pocket with zip.
Minus:
Turns out very large; very large neck and arm cutouts, little stretch, flutters a lot from a speed of 100; does not meet the EN 471 standard.
Conclusion:
Inexpensive warning from Macna. Warns well, but not according to the norm, and annoying due to the volatile structure.
MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory
Oxford – Active Top
fact
Oxford – Active Top.
Providers:
Hein Gericke, phone 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de
Price: 29.95 euros
Sizes: M to XXL
Plus:
Very good fit, thanks to the high percentage of stretch it fits very tightly, only flutters slightly at high speed on the motorway; eye-catching reflectors, complies with EN 1150 (sufficient for private purposes), mesh lining.
Minus:
The zipper gets hooked and does not close properly, pulls open again from below.
Conclusion:
Warns well, sits well. It would definitely have test winner potential. Where is the problem? On the zipper, which is not hooked well.
MOTORRAD verdict: Satisfactory
Probiker – Neon Reflex
fact
Probiker – Neon Reflex.
Providers:
Detlev Louis, phone 040/73419360, www.louis.de
Price: 29.95 euros
Sizes: S to 4XL
Plus:
Noticeable reflective stripes on the front and back; high percentage of stretch, adapts very well and is only minimally fluttering; stable zipper; Mesh lining.
Minus:
Does not meet the EN 471 standard, is very large, make sure to buy a smaller one.
Conclusion:
Inexpensive and good. The Probiker vest does not afford any real weakness and is not that expensive at all. A tip to buy.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip
Reusch – neon
fact
Reusch – neon.
Providers:
Polo, phone 0180/5225785, www.polo-motorrad.de
Price: 24.95 euros
Sizes: S to XXL
Plus:
High percentage of stretch, fits snugly and flutter-free in a suitable size; eye-catching reflective material on the front, side and back; stable zipper; Mesh lining.
Minus:
Does not meet standard 471; runs big, buy smaller.
Conclusion:
Warns well, sits well. And at a reasonable price, there are also handsome details. If that’s not a reason to buy.
MOTORRAD verdict: good
MOTORCYCLE buyer’s tip
More signaling devices
fact
fact
A waterproof warning from Held: Kallis-to touring glove (39.95 euros), leather / textile mix.
fact
Warning of excess baggage? The “Safe” trekking reel from Louis holds 50 liters (29.95 euros).
fact
Bad weather warning: Niagara rain suit from Ixs (99.90 euros). Warns according to standard EN 471: Louis safety sash (19.95 euros).
Warn according to the norm
Really irradiated
Those who want to warn correctly refer to the European standard EN 471, which regulates exactly how high-visibility clothing must be made and what requirements it has to withstand in use. Either fluorescent red, orange or yellow can be used as the basic colors. In addition, so-called “retroreflective material”, commonly known as reflective strips, must also be present. But not somehow and ironed on at your own discretion: Here, too, the standard states exactly in what size and width everything must be available. Depending on the reflective or luminous surface, the high-visibility clothing is divided into three protection classes, with class three having the highest requirements. In numerous European countries, the safety vest has to be slipped on in the event of a breakdown, in some cases by motorcyclists too: You can find out exactly where online at the ADAC (www.adac.de, search for “safety vest”).
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