What makes a good track racing suit

Hello,

I am hoping this is the correct spot for this post.
I am curious with so many sportbike track suits out there what makes one better than the other?
They ranged from ~$500 - over $~2000.

What sets apart the cheap ones from the expensive ones?

Example of "cheap" one.
http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=7957

 

i'd say that a big part of it depends on how seriously you're going to take riding. the more you ride, the more of a quality suit you will probably want to get. price doesn't necessarily make a suit better. i wrecked once in my Dainese ($1200 suit - got it on ebay for $500) and the elbow and shoulder both had holes in them to the pad after just one crash. most of the instructors have the Hein Gericke and have wrecked multiple times and their suits look rashed, but seem to have held up better than mine. comfort is also a big issue, tryin it on before purchase makes a huge difference. walk around the store in it for llike 15 minutes and see if it's hell on your back. read reviews is all i can suggest, but everyone has their own opinion

 

as long as you get leather you should be good. textile is more of a one time use it seems.

 

Thank you I appreciate the feedback

 

It's to bad the Hein Gericke is no longer available. Killer suit for a great price.

Call STG they can advise on the best suit for your budget.

 

For me it's comfort and flexibility and good fit. Stretch panels and good ventilation go a long way to making a suit that does not restrict your movement or make you uncomfortable. My first 1pc suit was an entry level Alpinestars Trigger when I did not recognize the differences between a high end suit and a low cost one. When I moved to a Dainese Stripes I saw the light. I have a Dainese Laguna Seca now that's even more comfortable than the Stripes due to additional stretch panels. When a suit is fully broken in it's even more comfortable. I wear a 1pc suit even during street riding.

The cheaper the suit "usually" the leather quality is lower and they have less flex panels and other features found in higher end suits.

One disclaimer though. I'm rather new to track riding and have yet to have to experience durability issues due to crashes. My viewpoint might change when having to repair or replace a high end suit after a crash.

 

The leather type and additional safety features are another thing that cause the price to vary so much. Like puc said, it depends on how serious you are going to get into track days. If you aren't sure we do rent suits at the track so that you can try track days out before you make the investment.

 

Much like any cheap to high end item comparison, a high end suit(expensive) will likely have better overall protection due to thicker/higher quality leather, better armour, better construction/stitching methods and better zippers. All this means the expensive suit should last through more crashes. It will likely have better venting, a better liner, better looks and a better fit (more comfortable). When you pick a suit, ask yourself "which suit do I want to wear when crash?" "how much is my skin worth?" and "can I wear this all day?" Then buy the best suit you can afford

 

I'm looking at the http://www.heroicracing.com Heroic suit for next year

 

Are you retiring the Taichi?
If you don't mind me asking, what's your feedback on the Taichi, I noticed it's been used once or twice

 

Where is there a store that actually has suits in stock in multiple sizes and maybe multiple brands to compare and try them on? Most stores I visit don't keep suits in stock because they don't sell enough of them.

 

RS-Taichi for the win. Some companies just don't make a cheap suit (haha) and they're one of 'em in my opinion. Make sure you can fit in one though... wacky Japanese sizing.

 

Sportbike track gear north of Detroit or motorcycle super store outlet center Louisville ky are your best bet to try different suits.
STG having the most.
Low end suits don't have fancy plastic or metal shoulder or knee sliders
Sometimes different armor.
High end often come with spine protectors, more perforation and sometimes light stronger metarials like kangaroo .

I crashed pretty had in a a* trigger it held up well.

Must have for suits is a cycle skin ( one piece under armor type jump suit)

 

Thanks for the continued information.
Sounds like a lot of people crash often?
How often does the average rider lay it down on the track?
once every 50 track days?

 

From what I have seen, it is more often then that; unfortunately.
there is a ratio of skill vs luck (just like anything in life)
then there are personal factors - like how much of a risk taker you are, your sense of self preservation, what type of learner you are, why you want to do trackdays, etc
then there is how much you push your personal limits, which is why we do track days: to explore our limits in a safe, controlled, friendly environment.

If you haven't gone to a track day before... do it! It is the best motorcycle riding and learning money can buy. Stay in the Novice group as long as you feel comfortable doing it, and take the instructors advice on what group of riding skill you fit seriously.

Trackdays are also like a drug...just saying...imp:

 

So very true
I pushed those poker chips all in after my first track day......
Much easier to do w/out wife/gf/ or kids.

 

I had no poker chips so I pushed my wife and kid all in! So far they are 100% supportive.

 

Trying to get ready for my first track day soon as it gets warm out here.

 

I've been wanting one of his suits for awhile. This might be the year I get one. Cool thing is that if you go full custom you get a free pair of gloves and they are really nice stuff.

 

We have a decent selection of "closeout" suits and pretty darn good prices on everything else. I would first consider your price range, determine how much you can afford and go from there. We can pretty much get you into something at any price range.

When you go up in price, the suit gains extra features like stretch panels, extra armor/protection, perforation and higher quality leather. So keep this in mind when looking, etc.

As always, give the shop a call and one of the guys can help with more information...
888-784-4327

Aubs