Dainese leathers

[snoggin]

Hay all, I'm wanting to get some feedback on one piece leathers. I currently have a two piece Hein Geriche setup which is great when just buzzing around but as I'm planning on alot of trackdays this coming year I'm thinking of getting something more substantial. The Dainese look great but are pretty much twice the price of most of the other ones around. I don't mind putting out the cash if its justified by the product and so far I've just been looking on line but I'd like to think(hope) you get what you pay for. Protection is worth alot tome at this stage of life:D .

[stinky]

I've had mine for three years now, and I'm very happy with them. Haven't crash tested them (knocks wood), but they're comfortable, still have all the stitching, and still look good after a bunch of track days and many, many weekend rides in the twisties with the year-round riding weather here. The only thing I've replaced is the included back protector - bought a Knox for a little more protection. No plans to replace leathers any time soon.

[RVZoo]

I’ve had my one-piece leather suit from Dainese since 1991. I have crash tested it a couple of time. Once at a pretty high speed. Only a few stitches to redo. I highly recommend it.

[Ricky J]

For the price you might consider some local leather makers that do custom work. Helimot in San Jose and nearby Zooni Leathers do real nice suits, and proper fit is always important.

[antz]

ive got a hein gericke 1 piece, brand new from a hein gericke warehouse, 200quid (bout 300usd) was mcn's suit of the year 2 years ago, couldnt miss the opportunity, better than any other gear ive ever worn. really cheap aswell, sport pro (i think)............ummm, thats pretty off topic actually, sorry

[ApexMolester]

have had mine for 3yrs now, and have never felt beter then they do today. bought them form road rider in san jose, and listed for $1800 and they sold them to me for $1200.

www.roadridermca.com

BUT!

Helimot in San Jose and nearby Zooni Leathers do real nice suits too, like Rick J say's:)

[lunchbox]

vanson leathers are top notch. i got my 1 piece custom taylored for something like $1250 last year and i love it. at vanson you can get anything you want, i got all black with white vanson letters but you can get anything.

[theImmoralist]

I wholeheartedly recommend Helimot leathers. Helimot is a small shop in San Jose where they make top quality custom leathers. If you go to an AFM race many of the top racers are wearing Helimot leathers, as well as the staffs of several of the bigger local track schools.

They are expensive, but the protection, fit, and personal attention are absolutely worth it in my opinion.

Since you are in NorCal you could take a drive down there someday and talk to Helmut, the owner. He is a motorcycle fanatic, and it is fun to talk with him about all the suits that he's made for big shot racers.

He also will let you compare the armor that he uses with the armor from Dainese, Kushitani, Alpinestars, and other suits. Helmut uses a hard/soft armor that he designed himself. You can go in the workshop and put different armor over your hand and drop a weight on it to see how much force is transfered through the armor. Once I compared the armor I ordered two of his suits and couldn't be more satisfied with them.

www.helimot.com

[clarkie49]

how about the new Aprilia race leathers?

they are a good 1 piece, made by Technik, they run about $900 which isnt bad for a 1-piece

[snoggin]

I think I will look into a custom suit at Helimot.

the dainese I want would run about 1700 bucks from kneedraggers probably cause the dollar sucks compared to euro right now. I'm going to try going down there on sat. Thanks for the feedback , Tim.

[theImmoralist]

Originally posted by snoggin
I think I will look into a custom suit at Helimot.
I'm going to try going down there on sat. Thanks for the feedback , Tim.

And there's a really cute girl that works there too! But I don't know if she works on Saturday. :(

Whoever you talk to, (Helmut, James, or the cute girl) ask to go in the back and compare the armor. They will also show you different brands of suits that they are repairing and what problems those suits have and how their designs are different.

I support Helmut because he is like an old-world craftsman--very passionate about his work and his products.

Have fun there. :peace: