New Aerostich / RiderWearHouse Catalog
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I just went to the website and found them using the "PRODUCT SEARCH" link on the left column. After searching for "JEANS" it came back with three different manufacturers, including the new Arborwear jeans.
I have had recent experience with the armoured Aerostich riding suit (with electical heating). My first crosscountry ride was 27 years ago(CA to FL). I thought I had riding comfort figured out, (layered clothing with waterproofing) I was wrong. This suit is a revelation in comfort and perceived protection. I think that any motorcyclist, in my opiion, would be well served to take a good look at their products.
Anyone have alot of experience with Aerostitch? Particularly going down in one? I need to get some better riding gear, but riding in leather in the summer can be unbearable.
I was looking into Joe Rocket, but I have read some poor opinions of it. How well does Aerostitch do protectionwise and comfortablewise?
Jeremy
I was looking into Joe Rocket, but I have read some poor opinions of it. How well does Aerostitch do protectionwise and comfortablewise?
Jeremy
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236 Posts
I can tell you this about the 'stich. It holds up better than the cylinder heads of a BMW GS during a 50mph asphalt slide. They can even repair most damage, but if anything gets blood soaked, they won't touch it.
Given the option, I'd rather go down in leather. I'd never wear a full leather suit other than at the track, though, so the 'stich is the next best thing.
Given the option, I'd rather go down in leather. I'd never wear a full leather suit other than at the track, though, so the 'stich is the next best thing.
Re: Experience
I've had a two-piece Roadcrafter for about four years now and I love it. I have the regular hard-shell pads in shoulders, elbows, and knees, plus the optional back and hip pads.
I've had two low-speed incidents in it (once catching a rut in dirt at about 25mph; once lowsiding on rainy oily pavement at about 15mph). Both times my body was totally protected and I had to look hard for scuffs on the suit. The armor did its job well too. The cheaper suits often have much crappier, simple closed-cell foam armor.
Re comfort, I added the optional "ellipse" insert which allows more forward lean -- essential for sportbike riders. In general I think you have better mobility in a 'stich than in most leathers. (See the picture of me on the cover of the new catalog push-starting my old Nighthawk S
A 'stich doesn't offer as much abrasion protection as leathers. However, if you are more likely to wear the suit than your leathers, then you have a net increase in safety.
The suit also isn't particularly great in hot weather. It does have pit zips and a back vent (for better convection), but above 85 or 90 degrees it gets kind of toasty in there. I think perforated leathers may be more comfortable in the heat.
Overall, though, I think the Roadcrafter is the best suit you can buy. The only thing I would change if I were doing it over again is to get a one-piece, for the sake of convenience and reduced bulk.
I've had a two-piece Roadcrafter for about four years now and I love it. I have the regular hard-shell pads in shoulders, elbows, and knees, plus the optional back and hip pads.
I've had two low-speed incidents in it (once catching a rut in dirt at about 25mph; once lowsiding on rainy oily pavement at about 15mph). Both times my body was totally protected and I had to look hard for scuffs on the suit. The armor did its job well too. The cheaper suits often have much crappier, simple closed-cell foam armor.
Re comfort, I added the optional "ellipse" insert which allows more forward lean -- essential for sportbike riders. In general I think you have better mobility in a 'stich than in most leathers. (See the picture of me on the cover of the new catalog push-starting my old Nighthawk S
A 'stich doesn't offer as much abrasion protection as leathers. However, if you are more likely to wear the suit than your leathers, then you have a net increase in safety.
The suit also isn't particularly great in hot weather. It does have pit zips and a back vent (for better convection), but above 85 or 90 degrees it gets kind of toasty in there. I think perforated leathers may be more comfortable in the heat.
Overall, though, I think the Roadcrafter is the best suit you can buy. The only thing I would change if I were doing it over again is to get a one-piece, for the sake of convenience and reduced bulk.
Last June my wife and I got hit by a car and sent flying off of the bike. We were doing about 20 mph. She had leathers and I had my 'stich. I flew further than her and had some severe bruising, internal bleeding and a strained back. No road rash but a little minor suit rash. Most if not all of my damage can from the impact as the car literally hit my body from the side and I am reasonable sure that the suit kept my leg from getting broken. the suit itself has a minor tear on the back where I slid to a stop. My wife ended up with a broken collar bone and nerve damage to her knee, which the suit probably would have prevented.
I love my suit. I don't find it outrageously hot in the summer (and I am in DC). Sure, jeans and a t-shirt would not be as warm, but it wouldn't be as smart. I just never consider not wearing the appropriate gear. I just wear shorts and a t-shirt enderneath and open the vents.
There is no doubt that the suit is expensive. I think it is worth the price. "Buy the best and cry once" I once read and subscribe to that when it comes to motorcycle gear.
Shane
I love my suit. I don't find it outrageously hot in the summer (and I am in DC). Sure, jeans and a t-shirt would not be as warm, but it wouldn't be as smart. I just never consider not wearing the appropriate gear. I just wear shorts and a t-shirt enderneath and open the vents.
There is no doubt that the suit is expensive. I think it is worth the price. "Buy the best and cry once" I once read and subscribe to that when it comes to motorcycle gear.
Shane
In addition to my previous comments I would like to add that the suit appears very well made. It seems like it will last for years of heavy use. The suit was also obviously designed by someone that rides (maybe ALOT). It's versatility and utility took awhile to get used to. In my limited contact with the manufacturer I have found them to be positive and professional. GREAT SUIT.
Aerostich prices
For those of you who lust after the mighty roadcrafter but can't stomach the price, good used specimens can be had from Ebay. I managed to buy a 2-pc roadcrafter along with a pair of Alpinestars boots and some tourmaster winter gloves for $240 shipped. CAVEAT: the suit was about 5 years old and a little faded on the jacket portion. Oh, and it's red with blue trim (think Superman colors). Ironically, the faded red matches my bike better than the original color.
Still, there are good deals out there. Now that I have mine, I would pay full price for another one like it -- it really is that comfortable.
Jim
For those of you who lust after the mighty roadcrafter but can't stomach the price, good used specimens can be had from Ebay. I managed to buy a 2-pc roadcrafter along with a pair of Alpinestars boots and some tourmaster winter gloves for $240 shipped. CAVEAT: the suit was about 5 years old and a little faded on the jacket portion. Oh, and it's red with blue trim (think Superman colors). Ironically, the faded red matches my bike better than the original color.
Still, there are good deals out there. Now that I have mine, I would pay full price for another one like it -- it really is that comfortable.
Jim
I've been down twice in an Aerostich Darien, once in a low-speed lowside on oil and once being rear-ended at a stoplight. I was thrown about 15 feet when rear-ended, landing on my right arm and shoulder. I didn't even have a bruise. I sprained my ankle in the lowside, but the parts of me that skidded along the pavement protected by the suit were completely unharmed. The suit has a slight scuff mark from the slide, which was about 10 feet. The suit is comfortable in the cold down to about 20 degrees F with just the liner and is good up to about 85 degrees with the vents open. It is virtually waterproof, even after two hours riding in a torrential downpour, though it needs to be treated when washed to retain water repelence. The only thng I don't like about the suit is the collar. It sticks up into my neck when closed and makes it difficult to turn my head. Other than that, the suit has held up very well over the four years I have owned it.
I've been wearing an Aerostitch Darien for about a year now, and have had one low-side slide in it at low MPH. The suit didn't suffer any damage from the impact, but it did suffer a stain from spilled fuel about 1 inch wide and 6 inches long. The fuel being on the fabric doesn't seem to have changed it's ability to protect, however. I live in Tucson, Arizona, and have already pulled my perforated Vanson out of the closet for the summer-the Darien and pants are way too warm to wear around here in May!
Jon
Jon
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911 Posts
The only experience I have with Aerostich is with the unobtainium electric vest, and it is a negative one, it just simply does not get hot enough to offer comfort when the temperature goes below 50 degrees F.
I used to have an Eclipse vest that got very warm and comfortable, and after reading about how great the Aerostich was, sold it to buy the unobtainium. Bad move!
When I contacted Aerostich about my problems, I was told that their product is designed not ot be as warm as the competition and that I was going to have to live with it.
Needless to say I'm not a very happy camper, or a warm one for that matter, and will never buy another product from them. Beware what you read in magazines, they get all of the freebies from the manufacturers, so their opinion is biased, with the exception of Motorcycle Consumer News who do not accept paid ads.
Aerostich you can kiss my *&*%.
I used to have an Eclipse vest that got very warm and comfortable, and after reading about how great the Aerostich was, sold it to buy the unobtainium. Bad move!
When I contacted Aerostich about my problems, I was told that their product is designed not ot be as warm as the competition and that I was going to have to live with it.
Needless to say I'm not a very happy camper, or a warm one for that matter, and will never buy another product from them. Beware what you read in magazines, they get all of the freebies from the manufacturers, so their opinion is biased, with the exception of Motorcycle Consumer News who do not accept paid ads.
Aerostich you can kiss my *&*%.
I have to admit that I don't have experience with electric vests (I have considered getting one from time to time and I consider your experience before purchase) I do, however, have experience with cold weather riding. 50 degrees is a pretty warm temperature to be cold in, even with or without an electric vest. Just curious if you were wearing anything besides the vest. BTW I live in Minnesota, 50 is balmy here this time of year.
-Andy
-Andy
Ebay...
During my last semester of college, as I was fixing up the $950 1978 GL1000 I had bought for a post graduation June trip from MN to Alaska (via ferry) and back via highway (through Arizona) with my wife, I learned about Aerostich. I started checking ebay, and within 2 weeks I found two Roadcrafter auctions from the same guy in California. He was my size, and his wife was my wife's size. I got his phone number, and pursuaded him to sell us the two suits for $800. Best $800 I ever spent. Combined with our Arais, we were wearing more money than we were riding.
The suits were awesome, except for the stretch across Nevada's Highway 50, when it was 99 F. A totally soaked t-shirt dried out in about 20 miles. Toasty. Incredible storage and quality build.
During my last semester of college, as I was fixing up the $950 1978 GL1000 I had bought for a post graduation June trip from MN to Alaska (via ferry) and back via highway (through Arizona) with my wife, I learned about Aerostich. I started checking ebay, and within 2 weeks I found two Roadcrafter auctions from the same guy in California. He was my size, and his wife was my wife's size. I got his phone number, and pursuaded him to sell us the two suits for $800. Best $800 I ever spent. Combined with our Arais, we were wearing more money than we were riding.
The suits were awesome, except for the stretch across Nevada's Highway 50, when it was 99 F. A totally soaked t-shirt dried out in about 20 miles. Toasty. Incredible storage and quality build.
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