Recommendations for 2 piece perfed leathers

[MagnaMan]

I wear mesh gear during the summer but would like to start doing track days during the hot months and wouldn't mind better protection for street riding. My Teknic cruiser leathers have CE armor and zippered vents but they're only comfortable in the 30 to 78 degree range.

So I'm looking for perforated leathers. Since I plan to use them for commuting and the track I'm thinking a 2 piece would be more accommodating. I've been reading up and I'd like to get some opinions:

1. New Enough and a few other sources say the perfed Vansons flow great -- like mesh. I wouldn't mind buying American made. Are the Vansons all they're cracked up to be?
2. Are there any track day programs that would not let me wear two piece leathers that zip together?
3. Any other suggested brands? (I'd prefer something that was not made in China.)

[TexasShadow]

I 1. New Enough and a few other sources say the perfed Vansons flow great -- like mesh. I wouldn't mind buying American made. Are the Vansons all they're cracked up to be?Because I am looking for the same, I'm asking similar questions. Many people I've talked to praise the Vansons; they are one of the few that offer fully perfed leathers. Most others offer only partially perfed: two front panels or sleeves perforated only.

One friend is adamant that buffalo hide is superior, but beware of water buffalo hide.

Here is my plan of attack:
Go to various dealers and larger bike stores to see what leathers are available, examine quality, cut, colors, fit and cost. Some places have used leathers (which is what I am looking for).

Put the word out with your preferences, size, color choices and see what bites you get.

Surf the Internet: some places online have used leathers, many have new leathers. And, of course, there's always ebay.

[1TallTXn]

I wore a borrowed set of FieldSheer Revo's perf'd leather 2pc suit at a track day back in May. it was warm standing in the paddock, but it was great on the track.
The Revo is ~$450 MSRP and I've seen it for much less then that.

The Vanson's are much thicker leather (~1mm more IIRC) but just a jacket is more then the full FS suit. :doh:

[MagnaMan]

Thanks.

On another forum, the Fieldsheer suit has been recommended a number of times for being a good value, although not as well made as a Vanson. And I can purchase about 3 Fieldsheer suits for the cost of a Vanson.

However, my main problem with Fieldsheer is that it's make in Pakistan. I don't want to make this a political issue, but that country is a hot bed of terrorism support right now and I'd hate be funding the very thing I'm asking the troops to protect me from. I realize not everyone there supports Al Qaeda but how do I know who supports whom? At the end of the day, I'll err on the side of my conscience.

I have started researching Fieldsheer on the 'net and also written the US office of the company directly. I will post any response if anyone is interested.

In the mean time I am still open to any other brand recommendations.

[1TallTXn]

Hmm, hadn't thought about that aspect of it. :ponder:

I'd be interested in hearing what FS has to say

[dutchinterceptor]

I also am in the market for a perf'd two piece but have found that I will have to go the custom route due to my extra muscular....err...uhh fat body.

Here's a place that has used leathers along with new stuff: Motorcycle Leather Exchange (http://www.motorcycleleatherexchange.com/used_pantschaps.html)

Here are some places if you are willing to spend $1000 - $2000. The benefit is that you won't have to buy another suit for several years. All the places offer alterations if you get skinnier or taller and will also clean or repair if needed. I've been going over this for about a year now but haven't been able to part with the money even though I know it's my best option. I've always drooled over the Vanson stuff but after seeing a Syed suit recently I may have changed my mind. Hope this helps.

Vanson Leathers (http://www.vansonleathers.com/)
Syed Leathers (http://www.syedleathers.com/)
Barnacle Bill's Leathers (http://www.racingleather.com/)
Z Custom Leathers (http://www.zcustom.com/)
Bates Leathers (http://www.batesleathers.com/race_suits/twopiece.php)
Helimot Leathers (https://shop.helimot.com/)

[badcarma]

I have s set of vanson pref.i bought very lightly used couldnt tell except no tags and i got the key ring that comes with it.great price at moto liberty in Dallas. verry comfy but warmer then tex mesh on the hot days.while rideing felt good.

[MagnaMan]

Vanson Leathers (http://www.vansonleathers.com/)
Syed Leathers (http://www.syedleathers.com/)
Barnacle Bill's Leathers (http://www.racingleather.com/)
Z Custom Leathers (http://www.zcustom.com/)
Bates Leathers (http://www.batesleathers.com/race_suits/twopiece.php)
Helimot Leathers (https://shop.helimot.com/)

Thanks for all the great links. This is a big help.

[Red5]

Alpinestars Stage 2-piece leather suit. Fully perforated with zip-around connection. Since the model is being discontinued for this year, you may find some at close-out prices (around $450-$550). I have the Stage jacket and the airflow is considerable. And the black version is fairly discreet for commuting duty.

Fieldsheer and AGV are other brands I have seen tossed around for its price point and features, but I have no first-hand experience with their products.

For Vanson, Syed, Barnacle Bill, etc... if you don't mind spending that amount of money for a suit, by all means go ahead. With what I paid for my recent 1-piece, I'd probably go with custom next time anyway. Not much more $ and the fit should be better. The break-in period for the suits are longer though; my last Vanson jacket took forever to break in.

As far as your aversion to suits made in Pakistan, China, etc., it'll be quite difficult to find any mass-produced products not made in one of those countries. Simple ecomomics have provided the bigger company names to have most of their product lines made over there.

[MagnaMan]

As far as your aversion to suits made in Pakistan, China, etc., it'll be quite difficult to find any mass-produced products not made in one of those countries. Simple ecomomics have provided the bigger company names to have most of their product lines made over there.

Yeah. I've known that for quite awhile. It's just now I'm in a position to do more about it. ;-)

Thanks for the tips on the Vanson and the Alpine Stars. I am slowly but surely looking. I'm still leaning toward Vanson, but want to actually try some on and look at them up close. There's a few dealers listed here in Houston.

[poser]

I have also been looking at suits for a few eeks now
though I'm just looking for a 1 peice for the track [I want to start doing track days]
I think I've about decided to wait till this racing season is over and pick one up used, I would imagine there will be a better selection and less demand at the end of the season.
I saw one on ebay that I really liked, it was a teknic 1 peice perfed suit, and was primarily white, wich would probably make a difference in keeping cool over black
I've seen some shift ones for pretty good deals but noticed they don't have a spot for pucks

[MagnaMan]

Well I never heard back from Fieldsheer regarding whether their gear was made in Pakistan... or even China for that matter. Not a good sign. :-(

I really wanted to buy American to make sure I knew where my money was going. So today I took the plunge and went with Vanson because I found a great deal.

I tried Vansons on last Saturday at Northwest Honda in Houston. Mike in the accessories department was extremely helpful and I really liked how the Vansons fit me whether I was sitting cruiser style or sports bike style.

I happened to find the exact same jacket on clearance from an ebay seller for $300 (about half price). I went back to Mike since he had helped me and he said, "That's a great deal. Don't pass it up." (Gotta like that from a sales person.) But he didn't totally miss out. Mike was able to set me up with a good deal on the pants and all the body armor.

So all in all I've made a good investment in some great leathers that fit well and should last me a long time for about $800. Sure I could have gotten something for about half that price but I think the workmanship and quality on the Vansons make up for it.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback. I really appreciated it.

[1TallTXn]

nice find Jesse. enjoy those leathers

[MagnaMan]

Thanks, Nathan. I'm watching the UPS tracking history with anticipation. he he. I should get the jacket tomorrow! Then I'll get the pants and armor this weekend, hopefully.

[Faylaricia]

Thanks, Nathan. I'm watching the UPS tracking history with anticipation. he he. I should get the jacket tomorrow! Then I'll get the pants and armor this weekend, hopefully.

And then we'll crashtest it on the xr100. :rofl:

[MagnaMan]

Noooooo! I don't want to do that. Ha ha.:rofl: I think my leathers and armor cost more than the bike!:eek2:

[Don_Alejo]

Shortly ago I bought a Frank Thomas 2 piece suit from Cycle Gear.

Except from some stiching issues on the right calf zipper (I wear my leathers rather snug) I am very pleased with the leathers. I prefer them over a Roadcrafter because it is evident that the armor in the FT's will be more likely to stay put in the event of a spill than the Roadcrafter armor.

To try them and to walk out of the store with the leathers on and my Roadcrafter in the panniers was a 20 minute affair.

My only beef with the leathers is that I would have to add, modify, or somewhat alter some of the pannels to add some reflective material for visibility sakes.

[MagnaMan]

My Vansons are "Don't run me over" yellow and a black combination. They'll be quite visible during the day but at night I'm considering a thrown on reflective vest or maybe one the airbag vests with reflective piping.

[britishsteele71]

I wear mesh gear during the summer but would like to start doing track days during the hot months and wouldn't mind better protection for street riding. My Teknic cruiser leathers have CE armor and zippered vents but they're only comfortable in the 30 to 78 degree range.

So I'm looking for perforated leathers. Since I plan to use them for commuting and the track I'm thinking a 2 piece would be more accommodating. I've been reading up and I'd like to get some opinions:

1. New Enough and a few other sources say the perfed Vansons flow great -- like mesh. I wouldn't mind buying American made. Are the Vansons all they're cracked up to be?
2. Are there any track day programs that would not let me wear two piece leathers that zip together?
3. Any other suggested brands? (I'd prefer something that was not made in China.)

My sister gave me a set of Vansen two piece leathers. They are perf. and really comfy. Personally, I feel that they are a bit hot for the summer here in El Paso when it is 106 out side :sun: however, everything is hot here!!! Also they are all black. They do breathe really well when I am riding, it's just the stopping part that gets me. If all you are going to use them for is track day, then I think they will do great. Just my personal opinion!!!

[MagnaMan]

Thanks. I'm looking forward to it. I'm still waiting on my body armor for the Vansons to arrive. I won't ride with it until I get it. I want to wear the Vansons for more than just the track but if it gets too hot, I always have my mesh gear.

So your sister gave you a set of Vanson two piece perfed leathers? That's some sister. Does she want to adopt another brother? :rofl:

[britishsteele71]

Thanks. I'm looking forward to it. I'm still waiting on my body armor for the Vansons to arrive. I won't ride with it until I get it. I want to wear the Vansons for more than just the track but if it gets too hot, I always have my mesh gear.

So your sister gave you a set of Vanson two piece perfed leathers? That's some sister. Does she want to adopt another brother? :rofl:

Well, after her bike got lifted for the 3rd time, she just kind of gave up. (yes, she had a lock on it but that didn't keep them from picking it up and taking it away) She hadn't raced in a while and since she and her hubby decided to start a family, the gear went into a box!!!

they are a bit tight in the shoulders. i'm not as small as she was!! But, nothing that is too uncomfortable. They were pretty stiff at first as she only had a few days in them at the track. The more I wear them, the softer they get.