Special clothing comparison test leather suits

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Special clothing<br>Comparison test leather suits

Special clothing
Comparison test leather suits

Get to the leather

Six two-piece leather suits up to 750 euros and eight candidates over 1000 euros had to show their colors in tough practical tests. What about the suitability for everyday use and the safety of the 14 models?

Holger Hertneck

05/13/2002

Despite the intensive efforts of the textile suit manufacturers, clothing experts agree: Nothing protects motorcyclists better from injuries in the event of a fall than a protective leather suit. With a market share of over 90 percent, the two-part series are extremely popular here. Thanks to all-round connection zips, they make it easier to put on and for the same reason allow you to at least take off your jacket during breaks in your journey or coffee breaks.
MOTORRAD picked 14 popular two-piece models from the huge range and subjected them to a comparison test. The selected test candidates are divided into two price categories: six mid-range station wagons from 500 to 750 euros and eight upper-range cars from 1000 euros.
The test procedure of this practical test was identical for all models: The most important results were provided by extensive test drives with several riders on different motorcycles in order to check the comfort of the leather suits on the motorcycle. In addition to a large proportion of country roads in all categories, the test round included a few kilometers of city traffic and several kilometers of motorway without speed restrictions.
During the driving tests, the testers rated, among other things, the ventilation function or wind protection, the tendency to flutter at high speeds, the fit in the knee and hollow of the knee, the crook of the arm and on the collar. In addition, the seat of the protectors, the arm and leg ends, the function of the zippers and the freedom of movement when driving. Station wagons, with which the legs can only be spread a crack from the tank in the driving position, convey a tight feeling and receive a correspondingly worse rating on this point. The company shows that the freedom of movement does not necessarily have to do with the station wagon width, but that tight suits can also leave a lot of freedom Swabian leather with their Aero Sport Supertec model. It is very close to the body and still offers the best mobility for the driver. Perfectly pre-shaped body parts and specifically processed stretch zones at all important points are responsible for this.
After the driving tests, a fitting took place in the editorial conference room, during which all suitable MOTORRAD employees had to wrap themselves in the different suits and submit subjective assessments regarding dressing, undressing and fit. These sometimes exhausting “dry runs” showed clear differences: sometimes a broad-shouldered colleague had comfortable space, sometimes his armpits were pinched. Sometimes the trouser leg fit over tight cyclist calves, sometimes it didn’t. So that the protective clothing is neither too tight and squeezing everywhere nor comes too far and flutters on the driver’s body, only the test helps, and it also shows whether zippers only slip, or whether they are constantly hooking (see box “Fitting”).
The most noticeable positive and negative practical characteristics can be found in the data boxes of the individual station wagons under “Plus” and “Minus”. The overall evaluation also includes the assessment of the design and number of all seams as well as the type and positioning of all protectors. For example, Kushitani and Hein Gericke A high rating for the sub-item comfort of wearing, because the elastomer protectors used adapt perfectly to the body shape, regardless of the outside temperature. Erbo and Schwabenleder get deductions for this criterion, as their PU foam protectors harden in the cold and behave somewhat stubbornly. On the other hand, the two score points because of the very good fixation of the protective protectors, which Kushitani does less well with the attachment in the removable inner lining.
The covering of the individual protectors is not insignificant for safety. For example, points are deducted if back protectors are not available. MOTORRAD recommends a separate back armor from the aftermarket for those who wear the station wagons in question. They are already available for less than 50 euros, when buying them, make sure they are long enough (up to the rump). The partially used soft foam back protectors of some test candidates are of little use and should be exchanged for separately worn ones.
Overall, the 14 test combinations made a good impression. The upper class from 1000 euros stands out from the station wagons up to 750 euros with visibly and noticeably higher quality workmanship and equipment. But that doesn’t necessarily mean less security for the thrifty in the country: Even in the middle class, CE-approved or similarly high-quality protectors are often used in exposed areas such as knees and shoulders. After all the experience that MOTORRAD has been able to gain so far, that guarantees ?? correct seating of the potentiometers required ?? a pretty good protection.
So it remains true that the purchase of a leather suit can generally be recommended. After all, it is an investment in your own safety. Smart contemporaries make this investment before their own damage made them realize that nothing protects better against injury.

Louis Vanucci Art VI

Vanucci Art VI

Price: 599 EuroSizes: 48 to 58 Colors: black / silver, blue metallic / silver Weight1: 4.65 kilogramsMaterial: cowhideFeatures: jacket with one inside zip pocket and one inside pocket with Velcro fastener Special features: detachable neoprene collar; Vents on shoulder; Jacket perforated in the chest and back area; Foam protectors on the elbows, shoulders, hips and back; Reflective piping; Knee slider for 19.95 euros surcharge Safety protectors: removable hard shell protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees; removable foam protectors in the back, on the hips (both removable) and on the shins Comments: all zippers made of plastic; due to the strong perforation of the jacket there is an increased risk of tearing in the event of a fall Abrasion test: satisfactory PraxisPlus very good freedom of movement; good fit; good protection seat; back protection that is much too short; Collar pinches when sitting in a sporty posture; Very wide upper arms Conclusion: well-made combination with a good fit and freedom of movement as well as decent abrasion values, but a connection zipper that needs improvement and inadequate back protection. MOTORRAD judgment is recommended

Kushitani Kamisori

Kamisori

Price: 1129.95 eurosSizes: 48 to 60 Colors: black / red, black / blue Weight1: 5.75 kilogramsMaterial: cowhideFeatures: removable inner lining; two zipped inner pockets in the jacketSpecial features: transport bag; also available as a one-piece with perforation at the same price; Knee sliders cost 29.95 euros surcharge Safety protectors: removable elastomer protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees connected to the inner lining; removable hard shell protector in the back; Hip protectors made of a foam-leather mix; various foam protectors in the chest, back and rump area Comments: all zippers (except for those of the inner lining) made of metal Abrasion test: goodPraxisPlus is very pleasant and comfortable to wear; very good freedom of movement and fit; stable, smooth-running metal zippers minus relatively heavy; back protector too short; Pants zipper cannot be reached when the combination is closed; extremely tight overlap jacket / pants; Shoulder protector too far back, knee protector too deep; Arm ends very long, rough and scratchy. Conclusion: very comfortable and pleasant to wear combination with a good fit and good abrasion values, but not perfectly fitting elastomer protectors MOTORRAD recommendation recommendable

Erbo Pro Flame

Pro flame

Price: 1084 euros Sizes: H 42-72, 90-122; D 36-54, 76-96 colors: three-color design; Colors can be selected as desiredWeight1: 4.6 kilogramsMaterial: cowhideFeatures: two zipped inner pockets in the jacket; Pants with two zipped outer pocketsSpecial features: knee sliders cost 49.80 euros extra; Made-to-measure for a surcharge of 210 euros; further Keprotec inserts (apart from the standard in the hollow of the knee) in the arm and crotch area possible for an extra charge Safety protectors: PU foam protectors on shoulders, elbows, back, hips, knees (removable) and shins Comments: all metal zips; Jacket and trousers with additional Velcro fastener Abrasion test: satisfactory PraxisPlus very stable, well-running zippers; high-cut pants; gives a very secure wearing comfort Minus protectors are extremely stiff at low temperatures; back protector a little too short; Conclusion: well-made combination made of sturdy leather with high-quality protectors, but a somewhat outdated design. Weaknesses in the seam strength test MOTORRAD judgment is recommended

Alpinestars TLD 2PC

TLD 2PC

Price: 1149.95 eurosSizes: 46 to 60 Colors: red / black / white, blue / black / white Weight1: 4.65 kilogramsMaterial: cowhide Features: two inside pockets with Velcro in the jacket; Knee slider Special features: also available as a one-piece with removable lining and aero hump for 1199.95 euros Safety protectors: removable hard shell protectors on shoulders, knees and shins; Hard shell protectors on the elbows; Hip protectors made of PU foam Comments: all zippers made of plastic; no back protector Abrasion test: unsatisfactory PraxisPlus pleasantly soft leather; very good collar finish; Stretch zone above the knee ensures a perfect fit of the combined knee / shin protectors. Minus shoulder protectors can twist when they are put on; Calves cut very tight; Conclusion: supple combination with soft, but not particularly abrasion-resistant leather and a connection zip made of plastic not worthy of this price range MOTORRAD judgment still recommended // footnote // 1) size 52 (with protectors, without knee sliders)

Fitting

Tailor-made leather suits not only offer better protection than models that are too narrow or too wide, but they also increase the driver’s well-being and ability to concentrate. Buyers should therefore take plenty of time to try them on extensively and pay particular attention to certain details.As a general rule, the station wagon does not have to fit when standing, but when driving. For athletes, this means sharply bent knees, an upper body bent far forward and arms stretched out. In an emergency, it is sufficient to try on a chair on which the customer imitates the driving posture. However, it is far better to put your private motorcycle in front of the shop and test it directly at the “workplace.” Correctly fitting leather suits do not wrinkle in the chest or shoulder area on the motorcycle, nor do they strain the back or press against the motorcycle when bent forward Larynx. In addition, all protectors should sit on the intended body parts without slipping and without pressing. Inflexible hip protectors and poorly fitting knee shells, which press painfully against the kneecap or patellar tendon when driving, are particularly prone to pressure points. The problem with many elbow protectors is the overly generous cut in the arm area, which means that the protectors can slip in all “non-Schwarzeneggers”. Stretch zones in the back, knee and shoulder area and in other areas help to improve the fit, but should they do not lose more than about a third of their elasticity in the driving position. In the case of arm and leg cuffs, make sure that they fit tightly and are long enough. Ideally, the suits end a few centimeters above the ankles and in the area of ​​the wrist. Of course, it only makes sense to try them on if buyers bring the underwear they wear most often while driving and their own back protector to wear underneath. If after a lot of searching and trying you can’t find a suitable off-the-shelf suit, safety-conscious motorcyclists only have to go to the specialist dealer to have a tailor-made suit for a few euros more.

Dainese T-Age

T-Age

Price: 1139.90 EuroSizes: 46 to 60Colors: white, black, red, blue Weight1: 4.5 kilogramsMaterial: cowhideFeatures: two zipped outer pockets and two inner pockets with Velcro in the jacket; two long zippers on the calves so that the suit can also be worn over trousers; additional Velcro on the inside of the leg ends; Knee slider Special features: Aero humps in the neck; Care lotion; also available as a one-piece with titanium inserts for 1839.90 euros Safety protectors: hard shell protectors on shoulders (removable) elbows, knees and shins; Hip protectors made of soft foam; various small soft foam protectors on the thighs, chest, upper arms and in the back area Comments: connection zipper made of metal, all others made of plastic; Jacket with additional Velcro fastener; no back protector; Upper leather looks artificial. Abrasion test: poor PraxisPlus good fit and comfortable wear; good freedom of movement; can be worn both under and over the boots Minus bulging on the knees due to the long calf zips; Collar presses on the larynx in sporty posture. Conclusion: cleanly crafted combination with functional details, very good wearing behavior and attractive design, but poor result in the abrasion tests

Abrasion test

MOTORRAD left the tests to assess the abrasion behavior of the leather suits to the specialists at the Institute for Vehicle Technology at the Technical University of Darmstadt. The slip test rig, which was used in earlier MOTORRAD clothing tests, was given a particularly aggressive asphalt surface before the test runs. Institute employees cut the necessary leather and seam samples from the brand-new station wagons at areas relevant to falls, such as the buttocks, back and thighs. The samples were then clamped to the test stand, accelerated to 105 km / h and then brought into contact with the asphalt, which braked the sample carrier to a standstill. The surface pressure corresponded to the load that occurs with a 75-kilogram driver who slides in a supine position. The test results of the candidates are listed in the adjacent table. Some of the samples show very severe damage. In fairness, it should be pointed out again at this point that, due to the aggressive surface, it was a real endurance test that no textile suit would survive unscathed even for a fraction of the time. Nevertheless, the comparatively poor ones are surprising Abrasion values, for example Alpinestars and Dainese. Both the upper material and the seam samples show severe damage after the test run. Obviously, savings were made in the wrong place. Upper material1Seam damage1Buse2,32,7Hein Gericke3,74,3Ixs24,3Louis2,74Modeka45Polo35Alpinestars54Dainese55Erbo2,75Furygan25Kushitani2,73,3Schwabenleder2,72Spidi2,73,3Spyke2,741, 3 = partial 2, 4 1 = 3 = no visual assessment of the damage: 1 5 = complete

Spidi RS Touring

RS Touring

Price: 1125 EuroSizes: 46 to 58 Colors: white / blue / red, black / green / white, yellow / black / anthracite, blue / blue / white, black / red / whiteWeight1: 4.3 kilogramsMaterial: cowhideFeatures: two inside pockets with Velcro fastener in the jacket; Knee slider special features: small aero hump; closable ventilation openings on the shoulders; Also available at the same price as a one-piece RS Pro with a slightly larger aero hump Safety protectors: removable hard shell protectors on shoulders, knees and shins, hard shell protectors on elbows; Hip protectors made of PU foam Comments: Connection zipper made of metal, all others made of plastic; no back protector abrasion test: good PraxisPlus easy to put on and take off; very little tendency to flutter; good collar finish even when sitting in a sporty position Minus shoulder protectors occasionally twist when put on; pinches the hollow of the knee; Little freedom of movement of the legs due to the lack of stretch insert in the crotch Conclusion: well-made combination with somewhat less freedom of movement, fit takes getting used to. Stable jacket / pants connection and good abrasion values. MOTORRAD judgment is recommended

Furygan Manx

Manx

Price: 1000 EuroSizes: 46 to 58 Colors: silver / red / black Weight1: 3.85 kilogramsMaterial: calfskinFeatures: one inside pocket with Velcro in the jacket; Knee slider Special features: A separate foam back protection is included in the purchase price; Jacket and trouser sizes can be combined as required; Also available as a one-piece for the same price and with any perforation on request. Safety protectors: hard shell protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees (removable); separate foam back protection Remarks: all zippers made of plastic; additional Velcro strap on the jacket; no protectors on the hips and in the shin area Abrasion test: satisfactoryPraxisPlus high-reaching trousers; absolutely windproof (can have a negative effect in the heat) Minus back protection that is cumbersome to put on separately; Protectors in the shoulder and elbow area are particularly pressing when exercising; Low mobility in the leg area due to the lack of stretch zones in the crotch Conclusion: a combination made of strong, abrasion-resistant leather that is quite comfortable to wear, but with weaknesses in the seam strength MOTORRAD judgment is recommended

Polo FLM carbon

FLM carbon

Price: 649.90 euros Sizes: H 48 to 58; D 36 to 40 colors: black / red, black / gunmetal / gray Weight1: 4.2 kilogramsMaterial: cowhideFeatures: jacket with one inside zip pocket; Pants with one zipped outer pocket Special features: Carbon shell trimmings on shoulders, elbows and knees; Retaining ring on the front hem of the jacket; Knee slider for 16.95 euros surcharge Safety protectors: removable hard shell protectors on shoulders, elbows, knees and in the back; removable foam protectors on the hip; various, small foam protectors in the chest, shoulder, back and rib area Comments: all zippers made of plastic; Jacket with additional Velcro fastener Abrasion test: sufficient PracticePlus smooth-running zippers; good collar finish; good fit in the knee area; well-fitting hip protectors Minus limited freedom of movement; turns out to be quite small; presses in the armpit area; back protector too short; Too small zipper Conclusion: well-made, somewhat small-looking station wagon with conspicuous carbon shells, but only sufficient abrasion values ​​MOTORRAD judgment is still recommended

IXS Bogo

Bogo

Price: 669 euros Sizes: H 46-58, 98-114; D 36-44Colors: black / red / white, black / blue / white, black / silver / white Weight1: 5.0 kilogramsMaterial: cowhideFeatures: Jacket with a zipped outer and inner pocket and an inner pocket with VelcroSpecial features: no securityProtectors: hard shell protectors on shoulders (removable), elbows and knees (removable); Foam protectors in the back and on the hips; small foam protectors on the chest, the collarbones, in the shoulder and back area Remarks: all zippers made of plastic; additional Velcro straps on jacket and trousers Abrasion test: good PraxisPlus, absolutely windproof (can have a negative effect in the heat); very good collar finish and good fit; smooth-running zippers Minus undersized connection zipper with a zipper that is too small; Shoulder protectors can twist when they are put on; Much too short and too soft back protector Conclusion: properly processed combination with good abrasion values; Restricted freedom of movement due to lack of stretch in the crotch, shoulder protectors are a bit loose. MOTORRAD judgment is recommended

Hein Gericke PSX track

PSX track

Price: 669.90 EuroSizes: 48 to 58 Colors: black, red / silverWeight1: 5.4 kilogramsMaterial: cowhideFeatures: inside pocket with zip in the jacket; removable inner lining Special features: air inlets on the shoulders, thighs and in the back; perforated leather in the chest and back area; Aluminum grille trimmings on shoulders, elbows and knees; removable neoprene collar; Knee slider for 15.95 euros surcharge Safety protectors: Elastomer protectors on shoulders, elbows, hips (removable) and knees, removable hard shell protector in the back; small foam protectors in the shoulder blade area Comments: all zippers made of plastic; no shin protectors Abrasion test: sufficient PraxisPlus very good freedom of movement and, thanks to elastomer protectors, very high wearing comfortMinus undersized connection zipper made of plastic with a zipper that is too small; extremely wind permeable, therefore only suitable for summer temperatures; relatively difficult; short arms Conclusion: eye-catching combination with removable inner lining and high wearing comfort, but only sufficient abrasion values. Only suitable for summer riders because of the extreme ventilation. MOTORRAD judgment is still recommended

Modeka Bol d’Or

Bol d’Or

Price: 538 euros Sizes: H 48 to 58; D 36 to 44 colors: black / gun / black, black / gun / blue, black / gun / red, the jacket also in black / gun / yellowWeight1: 4.9 kilogramsMaterial: cowhideFeatures: jacket with two zipped outer pockets, one zipped inner pocket and one Inside pocket with Velcro fastener; Pants with one zipped outer pocket Special features: two ventilation openings with zipper in the back Safety protectors: removable hard shell protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees; Foam protectors in the back (removable) and on the hips; some small foam protectors in the back area Comments: all zippers made of plastic; additional Velcro strap on the jacket; extremely elastic connection between jacket and pants Abrasion test: poor PraxisPlus very easy to put on and take off; smooth zippers; good fit in the knee area Minus Velcro tab on the neck opens constantly; too elastic connection between jacket and pants ?? At high speeds or in the event of a fall, the jacket can slip up in the back. Conclusion: an average-quality combination with a jacket / pants connection that is far too elastic and inadequate abrasion values

Buse performance

performance

Price: 749 euros Sizes: H 48 to 60; D 36 to 42 colors: black / gray / silver, blue / white / silver / black, black / yellow / silver / gray, red / white / silver / black, green / white / blue / silver Weight1: 4.4 kg Material: Features: removable inner lining; two inside pockets with Velcro in the jacket; Knee sliderSpecial features: carbon cups on the shoulders; also available as a one-piece Performance Race from EUR 769.90 Safety protectors: hard shell protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees (removable); Foam protectors in the back, on the hips and on the shins; small foam protectors in the chest area Comments: connection zipper made of metal, all others made of plastic; additional Velcro strap on the jacket Abrasion test: very good PraxisPlus good collar finish; well-fitting protectors; smooth zippers; stable connection zipper minus slightly short arms and legs; Lining not sufficiently fixed in the area of ​​the calves? can get into the calf zipper; Insufficient overlap of jacket and trousers at the front ?? if sitting upright there is a risk of drafts. Conclusion: well-made, visually striking combination with removable inner lining and very good abrasion values, but a fit that takes getting used to. MOTORRAD judgment is recommended

Spyke 4 Race

4 race

Price: 1099 EuroSizes: 46 to 60 Colors: red / black / white, blue / black / white, black / silver / white Weight1: 4.5 kilogramsMaterial: cowhide Features: one inside pocket with Velcro in the jacket; Knee slider features: Aero humps; also available as a one-piece for 1190 euros; Kayanne trim (Keprotec / aluminum mix) on the thighs; Vents on the shoulders; Button and Velcro tab on the collar Safety protectors: Hard shell protectors on shoulders (removable), elbows, knees and shins; Back protector made of PU foam, soft foam protectors on the hips; various small foam protectors in the shoulder, back and collarbone area Comments: connection zipper made of metal, all others made of plastic; additional Velcro strap on the jacket Abrasion test: satisfactory PraxisPlus thanks to buttons, collar end can be easily fixed; good fit and freedom of movement; absolutely windproof (can have a negative effect in the heat) Minus shoulder protectors can twist when put on; very hooked connection zipper; pinches uncomfortably under the armpits Conclusion: well-made station wagon with eye-catching titanium trimmings on the knees, decent abrasion values, but very hooked connection zipper. MOTORRAD judgment is recommended

Schwabenleder Aero Sport Supertec

Aero Sport Supertec

Price: 1195 EuroSizes: 44-60, 90-110, 48B-56B Colors: freely selectable within the given designWeight1: 4.7 kilogramsMaterial: cowhideFeatures: two inside pockets with Velcro in the jacket; Pants with one zipped outer pocket Special features: Aero hump; Transport bag; three year guarantee; Care lotion; individual lettering and special requests possible for an extra charge; Made to measure from 99 euros surcharge; also available as a one-piece Aero Racing from 1090 euros Safety protectors: PU foam protectors on shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and in the back; removable hard shell protectors on the shins Comments: all zippers made of metal; Jacket with additional Velcro fastener; various PU foam protectors in the following areas: back, shoulder blades, collarbone, coccyx, upper arm; smart, continuous back protector from the neck to the tailbone; the large, very well-fitting protectors convey a feeling of security. Abrasion test: very good PraxisPlus almost perfect metal zips; by far the best back protection; very well-fitting protectors; very good fit; Very good freedom of movement Minus hard protectors at low temperatures Conclusion: superbly crafted combination with large, perfectly fitting protectors. Thanks to the best values ​​in the abrasion test and in practice: the well-deserved test winner MOTORRAD judgment, highly recommended

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