As part of our 2011 Warm Weather Motorcycle Gear Guide series, this segment breaks down our top picks for hitting the tarmac. For our Motorcycle Race Suit Guide, we carved out three categories, based on level of technicality, features and price point, and picked out our top three race suits within each segment. The result is our top nine suits for 2011, broken down by class into mid-range, hardcore, and pro-level. The reasons we picked these suits vary specifically for each one, be it features-to-price ratio, style and technicality, or futuristic technologies.
First in our mid-rage suit picks is the Teknic Violator Race Suit, the most inexpensive in the bunch, but a suit that simply offers a ton of bang for the buck as is the usual case for gear from Teknic. The Violator is a premium 1.4mm Brazilian cowhide construction with lightweight stretch Cordura paneling in the inner arms, inner legs and seat for unmatched range of motion while retaining abrasion resistant properties. The CE rated armor is Knox's upgraded V2 Air in the elbows and Flexiform in the knee/shin with the proprietary Teknic Airblade system at the shoulders. The seams are stitched using the TASC safety system and the thorough perf scheme and 3M moisture-wicking antibacterial mesh liner will keep you cool and comfortable. There is a ton
of value in this suit.
Next up is the AGV Sport Monza Race Suit, which offers slick style with advanced features at a reasonable price point. The Monza is a 1.2-1.4mm premium top-grain cowhide chassis with Teramid Kevlar stretch panels inside the arms, in the crotch and down the legs for comfort and mobility. CE rated dual density protectors are found in the shoulders, elbows and knees with a 10mm foam back pad and an aerodynamic GP-style speed hump. At $799, it's almost absurd that AGV Sport was able to use titanium in this suit, but they've done so via the external titanium shoulder sliders. A moisture-wicking removable washable liner, YKK zippers, safety stitching, a neoprene comfort collar, and a huge perf scheme with added zip open vents
round out the features of the Monza.
Last in the first segment of this guide is the Alpinestars Trigger Race Suit. The first thing we should note about the Trigger is that it uses a sport hump rather than a full GP hump to help the track day beginner stay safe in a get-off scenario. Otherwise, the Trigger is a full-grain leather construction with Kevlar stretch panels at the inner arms, groin, and inner legs. Alpinestars CE rated armor is found in the shoulders, elbows and knees, while the back and chest can be upgraded to AStars advanced protectors. The Trigger features YKK autolock zippers on the cuffs and calves, a removable washable liner, and replaceable PU GP-style knee pucks. Accordion stretch panels at the lower back and above the knees ensure full range of movement.
A big value here from AStars.
First up in our hardcore run of suits is the Alpinestars GP Pro Race Suit. Brand new for Fall 2010, the GP Pro is a 1.3mm full grain leather construction with Aramid stretch zones for mobility and air flow. GP-style CE rated armor is found in the shoulders, elbows and knees with external PU sliders atop the suit in the shoulders, knees and elbows. A standout feature of the GP Pro is the huge U-shaped accordion stretch panels at the back which allow for unparalleled movement. There is a GP-style speed hump, replaceable GP knee pucks, YKK autolock zippers and a multi-snap connection system for the Bionic Race Back Protector from Alpinestars. The mesh lining is removable and washable, featuring stretch panels that work with outer
stretch zones for mobility. This is simply an excellent suit for $999.
"If Batman rode a motorcycle, this is the suit he would wear" says Anthony about the brand new REV'IT! Tarmac Race Suit, which for $1149 packs an absurdly solid feature set. X-lite cowhide which is lightweight and strong, dual-compound protectors at the shoulders at elbows with aluminum sliders, ProLife CE rated armor at the shoulders, elbows and knees, a Hydrabag ready aerodynamic and ventilated speed hump, dual-compound GP-style knee pucks, safety stitching throughout, with a double leather seat and a comfort collar and cuffs. The ventilation scheme on this suit is enormous and the moisture-wicking liner is removable and washable. The style of this suit can't go unmentioned as this is one of the sickest styles in a race suit
we've seen in a while.
Last in the mid-range is the Dainese Laguna Seca Pro Race Suit, which is set apart from the competition by the use of D-Skin leather, Dainese's proprietary leather that utilizes a specific tanning process and treatment that gives the leather significantly higher tensile strength and abrasion resistance ratings. CE rated armor is found in the shoulders, elbows and knees with replaceable knee sliders and co-injected aluminum shoulder sliders. The NanoFeel liner is moisture-wicking, antibacterial and removable washable. The GP hump is aerodynamic and ventilated, there is a significant perf scheme in addition to bi-elasticated stretch panels throughout. This suit has been enormously popular at RevZilla.com since its release.
First up in our pro-level range is the REV'IT! Victory Race Suit, currently worn by Randy De Puniet in MotoGP (albeit with a customized fit). The Victory is also an X-lite cowhide construction with PWRKevlar stretch and PWRShell stretch for mobility and comfort. The external dual-compound aluminum sliders at the shoulders and elbows in addition to the dual-comp knee pucks combine with the ProLife CE rated shoulder, elbow and knee armor for serious protection in a fall. The huge perf scheme combines with the removable AeroCool 3D mesh lining to create a microclimate within the suit for ridiculous levels of comfort on the hot track. The GP-style speed hump is aerodynamic and ventilated for high performance.
Next is the Alpinestars Tech 1-R Race Suit, which dropped in Fall of 2010. The Tech 1-R has 1.3mm premium leather with Aramidic stretch panels on the sleeves and inner legs for mobility. CE rated GP series protectors are found at the shoulders, elbows and knees in addition to PU shoulder and knee sliders, a MotoGP perforated aerodynamic speed hump and replaceable PU knee pucks. The perf scheme is huge, and the U-shape accordion stretch at the back combines with accordion panels at the knees and elbows for unrestrained movement. Internally, the removable mesh liner utilizes 3D mesh at the back for comfort. Finally, there is the multiple snap system for a CE 2 Bionic Back Protector and compartments for Bionic Chest Protectors.
Last up is the Dainese Avro Race Suit, brand new for 2011 and featuring a technology we're witnessing for the first time in the industry. Dainese's Second Skin construction is essentially S1 stretch paneling at the full torso and upper legs with D-Skin leather laminated on top in strategic impact areas. This gives a ridiculous range of motion but also keeps you protected from abrasion. It's next-level, period. CE rated shoulder, elbow, and knee armor combine with co-injected titanium shoulder protectors, replaceable knee pucks and a ventilated GP speed hump for protection and performance. Bi-elasticated panels add to the already-extensive mobility capabilities and the NanoFeel removable washable liner keeps you cool and comfortable. Dainese has
given us a glimpse into the future with the Avro.
Check out all the options out there by visiting our Motorcycle Race Suit section.
No comments:
Post a Comment