Textile vs. Leather?

[nomaii]

I've searched this forum, and I can't seem to find the answers I am looking for. I apologize, if this has already been covered.

I don't yet have a 'Busa, and I just got rid of my '06 Fat Boy. I hope to join you all on the road soon enough.

I am a firm believer in full protection, but I have a question. How do the textile materials measure up, compared to leathers? I see they're quite a bit cheaper, but you usually get what you pay for. I'd rather pay the cheaper cost of the textiles, but if it doesn't save my @$$ like leather will, then I'd rather pay the higher cost, my own protection.

I'm new to the street bike scene...and have learned a lot of good stuff in lurking around this forum..

 

[dadofthree]

I've got the JR alter ego jacket and pants. Fully armored with the ability to protect you in rain, winter and summer. Mines stripped out for summer right now. I've seen a textile jacket after a 120 MPH + meeting with a jersey bouncer. The jacket was toast, but saved the rider.

 

[nomaii]

lol - I was just looking at one of your pictures on another post. It was the same stance, going the other direction.

I like that style... and am aiming for the black 'Busa myself...

 

[dadofthree]

By the way if you look closely you'll see that the pants and jacket zipper together. No I don't wear pink underwear, well there is that thong; but that was a Busa Bash shirt. I wonder if they still have the one hanging in the CROT

 

[Ludicrous Speed]

Well, there is no question that leather will hold up a lot better than textile, or iwould not be required for racing. Is it worth the money?? IMO, yes, but a tex Jacket is better than a tank top.

I started with a tex jacket, but when I got more serious about drag racing, I bought a set of pants and jacket. To be honest, I like wearing the leather jacket better, and it is more comfortable and cooler.

I usually do not wear the pants unless I am racing or when I went to Deals Gap. I just wear jeans.

 

[rockadaous]

i use textile/mesh for summer &
leather in winter

 

[Rayabusa0818]

(dadofthree @ Jul. 22 2007,00:48) By the way if you look closely you'll see that the pants and jacket zipper together. No I don't wear pink underwear, well there is that thong; but that was a Busa Bash shirt. I wonder if they still have the one hanging in the CROT

I saw it yesterday, prominately displayed.

I prefer leather, but I wear both. My textile suit is weatherproof and works great in the winter and in the rain.

In leather...

 

[Rayabusa0818]

In textile...

 

[Big Red]

for summer it's textiles, shorty vented gloves ,summer boots ; for fall and spring vented leathers w/liners, racing gloves and non vented racing boots. For winter it's Joe Rocket Blaster leather jacket and leather britches, insulated racing gloves with liners and thicker socks under the non vented boots. If it gets real cold,I use a non vented full lenght wind resistant liner . I also have a Widder electric vest and a full face insulated hood.

 

[cosmo]

Leather. One piece. Or it stays in the garage.
I've been down twice.
Episode one was 70-80 mph left hand sweeper in a 2 piece. Walked away without a scratch but the suit was toast.
Episode two I got pinched between two Ricky racers (T10 at Thunderhill) and went over the bars at 60-70. The one piece motogp (Berik) suit had a small abrasion and is still fully useable. My helmet was toast but saved me as I hit head/shoulder first. I walked out of the emergency room.
The extra cost of leather is a fraction of what your first medical bill will be with textile  

.

 

[fstbusa]

leather all the time. If you've been down at all..... you'll want leather IMO.

 

[Cerberus]

I would say leather if you can afford it.  You can find what appears to be quality leather jackets for about the same price as a textile one.  I currently wear an Icon Merc textile jacket.  My problem is that I have a hard time finding a leather jacket that fits me. Textile jackets are made in a larger variety of sizes.  I found a Icon Pursuit jacket that is leather and vented to keep you cool but they only come in 3XL and that is just too small for me but it was about the same cost as some of the textile jackets.  My suggestion is spend a little extra and get leather if you can. Again, you can find good leather apparel at a good price if you search for it.

 

[firebug]

My vote goes to leather.

Try local shops to get a good fit or for online check out newenough.com

Fair prices and they give a description on the fit.

 

[SnapAttack]

I have textile and have worn leather. IMO the textile breathes better for warmer climate. It may just depend on the manufacturer. Leather will typically make you go faster.

 

[SnapAttack]

Decent priced leathers for a starter set...

http://stores.ebay.com/GP-Moto....2QQtZkm

 

[NoFearSpear]

(cosmo @ Jul. 30 2007,21:50) Leather. One piece. Or it stays in the garage.
I've been down twice.
Episode one was 70-80 mph left hand sweeper in a 2 piece. Walked away without a scratch but the suit was toast.
Episode two I got pinched between two Ricky racers (T10 at Thunderhill) and went over the bars at 60-70. The one piece motogp (Berik) suit had a small abrasion and is still fully useable. My helmet was toast but saved me as I hit head/shoulder first. I walked out of the emergency room.
The extra cost of leather is a fraction of what your first medical bill will be with textile  

.

Good point

 

[ranman]

leather is the best. but will you weare it. its to hot here to weare leather in the summer. i have a mesh jacket for when its hott. not as god as leather but at least its something.
my next jacket will be a perf leather.

 

[Over_Easy]

Regardless of the weather (heat, cold or rain) you are wearing gear for one reason and one reason alone: To save your @ss!

In this regard nothing is better than leather...hope that answers the debate on which is better.

 

[fstbusa]

(ranman @ Aug. 13 2007,09) leather is the best. but will you weare it. its to hot here to weare leather in the summer. i have a mesh jacket for when its hott. not as god as leather but at least its something.
my next jacket will be a perf leather.

it is hot in the south but atleast you don't have the humidity we have up here.


I was in south dakota a few weeks back and it was 108 there and it still didn't feel as hot as it does here when its 90 with the humidity we have.

if its too hot, I just won't ride that day.... unless I'm willing to wear the gear.

 

[kaosccw]

(fstbusa @ Aug. 14 2007,07:14) it is hot in the south but atleast you don't have the humidity we have up here.