Aerostich Roadcrafter Suit: Difference between revisions
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====Introduction==== | ====Introduction==== | ||
article by Ian Johnston | |||
In April of 2002, I finally took the plunge and spent $700 on an [http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html Aerostich Roadcrafter] riding suit. I had previously used a few different combinations of riding apparel, including a Teknic textile jacket, First Gear Street Pilot leather jacket, Joe Rocket textile riding pants, and Teknic (I think) textile riding pants. These are all fine, but had a few deficiencies -- the Teknic jacket didn't have any vents, and was unbearable in summer. Both pairs of riding pants weren't particularly water repellent, even after Scotchgarding. The leather jacket, while otherwise ideal, wasn't at all waterproof, and required a secondary jacket when it started raining. | In April of 2002, I finally took the plunge and spent $700 on an [http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/index.html Aerostich Roadcrafter] riding suit. I had previously used a few different combinations of riding apparel, including a Teknic textile jacket, First Gear Street Pilot leather jacket, Joe Rocket textile riding pants, and Teknic (I think) textile riding pants. These are all fine, but had a few deficiencies -- the Teknic jacket didn't have any vents, and was unbearable in summer. Both pairs of riding pants weren't particularly water repellent, even after Scotchgarding. The leather jacket, while otherwise ideal, wasn't at all waterproof, and required a secondary jacket when it started raining. | ||
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I recently replaced the Aerostich back protector with [http://www.actionstation.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=KC17A a Bohn model] specifically designed for the Roadcrafter suit. Its velcro tabs don't quite match up with the velcro in the suit, meaning that it looks like it's always pulling off its velcro a bit. Otherwise, I like the Bohn, and would not spend money on the Aerostich back pad again. The Aerostich-made model is fine, but doesn't appear to be as protective as the Bohn. I would much rather have the Aerostich pad than nothing, but I recommend the Bohn if you're concerned about safety. | I recently replaced the Aerostich back protector with [http://www.actionstation.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=KC17A a Bohn model] specifically designed for the Roadcrafter suit. Its velcro tabs don't quite match up with the velcro in the suit, meaning that it looks like it's always pulling off its velcro a bit. Otherwise, I like the Bohn, and would not spend money on the Aerostich back pad again. The Aerostich-made model is fine, but doesn't appear to be as protective as the Bohn. I would much rather have the Aerostich pad than nothing, but I recommend the Bohn if you're concerned about safety. | ||
I wouldn't trade the Aerostich for anything else I've seen, including the similar suits which have recently come out (I'm guessing Aerostich's patent ran out). Yes, they're cheaper, but I've been so happy with the suit and with the company that it's quite probable that my next motorcycling suit will be another Roadcrafter. That said, if you have $350 and want a suit right now, the Fieldsheer Roadcrafter-alike my friend Jesse has appears to be well made, and it's a great choice if it'll keep you wearing it every time you ride | I wouldn't trade the Aerostich for anything else I've seen, including the similar suits which have recently come out (I'm guessing Aerostich's patent ran out). Yes, they're cheaper, but I've been so happy with the suit and with the company that it's quite probable that my next motorcycling suit will be another Roadcrafter. That said, if you have $350 and want a suit right now, the Fieldsheer Roadcrafter-alike my friend Jesse has appears to be well made, and it's a great choice if it'll keep you wearing it every time you ride. | ||