Track Suit Purchase Stress

Discussion in 'STT General Discussion' started by LowSparkChris, Dec 28, 2019.

  1. LowSparkChris

    LowSparkChris Rides with no training wheels

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    Why can't we just have custom track suit shops available in every town? Or at least a motorcycle gear shop that has more than a few to try on??

    I wanted an Alpinestars suit...but after my wife getting my measurements and remembering that I'm a) not tall b) too heavy and c) have a barrel chest...I knew it wasn't in the cards for me.

    I just ordered a Joe Rocket Speedmaster 6.0 per the recommendation of the "Gear Geek" on Revzilla.com live chat. I had to actually get it from Amazon because revzilla didn't have a size 50.

    I am still not sure this thing is going to fit me right, or at least close enough to work...we shall see. It comes the first week of January...I'm shooting to get my first track day in early March...so I guess I have time to audible and go another route if need be...but man, wish this wasn't so stressful...lol

    Anyone have any opinions on the Joe Rocket suit mentioned above?

    Also - I'm wondering if I did get it and say, the legs were too baggy/long...would a local leather repair/alteration shop have the skill to alter a race suit? Seems like it's a little more to it than say a normal leather jacket worn for fashion purposes only
     
  2. mattinrsm

    mattinrsm Old dude

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    Where are you located? Sport bike leather service can do alterations in Michigan, and there are others depending on where you live.

    You have plenty of time. I’ve literally had a custom suit FedExd to me at the track on race day. I don’t have any experience with the current Joe Rocket stuff, so I can’t offer an opinion there.

    One step at a time, you’ll get there.

    Matt
     
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  3. LowSparkChris

    LowSparkChris Rides with no training wheels

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    Roger that...I'm going to await delivery, see how it fits and adjust accordingly. I've already reached out to a few leather tailors in Atlanta that may be able to assist if needed (just for minor stuff like shortening the bottom of the legs in the suit.
     
  4. bigshow

    bigshow Rides with no training wheels

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    Hey as a 6 ft 6 guy I get it as well, it can be a real crapshoot. I rode Astars a long time but could not get a Tech Air as they dont make one large enough for me. That led me to these guys....https://www.mithos-usa.com/

    I have seen their suits in person and they are really well made. Everything gets custom-fitted via a skype call and you can design as you like and fit with a Tech Air vest if you want.....The guy had my wife take about 30 measurements and was real thorough.

    Just another option.....

    Also, what Matt said is spot on, STG is amazing with shipping and returning etc to get you what you need.

    Good luck.
     
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  5. LowSparkChris

    LowSparkChris Rides with no training wheels

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    Thank you for the recommendation. I have found a local alterations place that feels like they can alter my Joe Rocket suit when it comes in this coming weekend. I am hopeful it's going to fit in all spots but my legs...so hopefully just taking an inch or two off the bottom of the suit will get it doable for my needs in the short-term. I will need some track time under my belt to warrant a custom suit and the costs for that.
     
  6. indy

    indy What's an apex?

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    IMO, it's easier for alterations to have material removed then added.

    SO go big and long, they can snip and cut putting the seams back easier than trying to piece in material.
     
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  7. LowSparkChris

    LowSparkChris Rides with no training wheels

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    Well, just my luck...suit came today, doesn't fit. No idea what I am gonna do now to be able to make the 3/7 track day I've already paid for...ideas welcome...
     
  8. jcrich

    jcrich What's an apex?

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    Depending on how it does not fit, contact:
    barnacle bill's Leathers
    1106 logan road
    springfield, ky 40069
    859 336 7375
    billdarethea@gmail.com
    He maybe able to alter it.
     
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  9. tnskydivr

    tnskydivr Shut up and Jump!
    STT Staff

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    I hate to do this to you, but.....did you buy the suit sized to include chest/back protector?

    First suit I bought I didn't, and regretted it as I moved up....
     
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  10. mattinrsm

    mattinrsm Old dude

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  11. LowSparkChris

    LowSparkChris Rides with no training wheels

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    Already returned the suit...so can't alter and where it was not fitting would have been tough to probably
     
  12. LowSparkChris

    LowSparkChris Rides with no training wheels

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  13. LowSparkChris

    LowSparkChris Rides with no training wheels

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    I purchased based on my measurements and recommended size...my chest/shoulder area is the biggest issue (although I thought it would be my gut, and I am sure that plays a role too)
     
  14. thecurvecarver

    thecurvecarver What's an apex?

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    Man you have plenty time to find one that fits. Just keep researching and trying a few different ones from somewhere that has hassle free returns like Sportbike Track Gear til you find one. Downside to this is the process can either get a little pricey or take a long time, choice is yours. At one time I had paid for 3 different suits before my refund for the first returned suit was processed and given back to me. I was in a hurry like you, so I would just buy another suit then return the one that didn't fit at my convenience. I went through 2 Cortech suits and 1 Joe Rocket before settling on one of the Cortech suits in size 2XL. I am 6'1'' and weigh around 220 with 38x34 pants. The Joe Rocket suit I bought was the 2 piece speedmaster or whatever model, tried size 52 and it was huge on me. The Cortech 2XL 1 piece Latigo suit I have allows for plenty wiggle room even with back protector, but not baggy or anything. Just a comfortable relaxed fit.

    What is your height/weight/pants size? If you don't mind sharing. We're all different shapes and sizes, no judgement here.
     
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  15. LowSparkChris

    LowSparkChris Rides with no training wheels

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    Oh I'm not shy...I'm 5' 9", 230lbs...pant size 38x30...I've got a gut...no doubt, but based on the 50US Joe Rocket I just tried on, the gut isn't going to be the biggest issue (no pun intended)...its my chest/shoulders. When my wife measured my chest it is 50 inches...and putting on that suit I ordered and already returned, it was the attempt to get my right shoulder and right arm in the suit that was a total no-go...it wasn't happening.

    I've been in contact with the guy that runs One-X (he is local to me) and he thinks his 50's may work. I'm hoping to meet him tonight to see if that's the case and if not, may just opt for the custom route...he said during our initial call he could get a custom suit done in 6 weeks for me.

    Outside of that, not sure what options I would have...seems most larger sizes of suits that come close to what "should" fit me are on backorder...and all the Alpinestar, Dainese, etc don't even go high enough in the chest measurements to even try.
     
  16. thecurvecarver

    thecurvecarver What's an apex?

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    Hmm, well... 1 pc suits aren't really meant to be easy to get on, I have issues getting my 2nd arm into mine, but it's probably nowhere near as bad as what you are experiencing. My chest is around 47" and I wear XL regular fit or 2XL slim fit shirts (depending on brand). A 2 pc suit may be a good option if you don't want to drop a lot of coin on a custom suit. Putting on a jacket is much easier than sliding your arms into a 1 pc suit. That size 52 Joe Rocket suit I tried and returned would have probably fit you well, if not being a tad loose. It was significantly larger than my 2XL Cortech suit, mainly the jacket was the big part, which is what you need. Only worry would be sleeve length, but that may not be an issue.

    Also, did he mention how much a custom One X suit would be? I see everyone wearing them at the track, but the brand is new to me since returning to track days after 10 years off. Great looking suits, wouldn't mind having one one of these days, but my Cortech suit works great for now.
     
  17. thecurvecarver

    thecurvecarver What's an apex?

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    Here is the Joe Rocket 2 pc suit I tried in a size 52. Pants were good with my 38 waist, little on the looser side, but jacket was huge on me. Only downfall is it isn't perforated, so it will be a little warmer in the summer months, but nice in the winter months. They still have plenty sizes in stock if you want to try it. Joe Rocket is usually generously cut when compared to others' sizes, I wonder if a size 50 in the 2 piece suit would fit you. Good luck!

    https://www.sportbiketrackgear.com/joe-rocket-speedmaster-5-0-two-piece-race-suit/
     
  18. LowSparkChris

    LowSparkChris Rides with no training wheels

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  19. LowSparkChris

    LowSparkChris Rides with no training wheels

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    Problem solved!! :) I was able to purchase off the rack and not have to go custom...Tulio was great! Once he showed me the way on putting on new leathers, there is probably a small chance I could have wiggled into that Joe Rocket suit I returned...but the stars aligned and I'm much happier with this suit. See ya'll at the track!
     
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  20. thecurvecarver

    thecurvecarver What's an apex?

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    Badass suit dude! Glad you got it worked out! You'll be living the dream when you roll out onto the track for the first time!
     
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