Does more money always mean better gear?

[jack_zxr400]

Just bought some Sidi Vertigo Corsa boots

But I duno really if they are worth the extra money, I doubt they offer much more protection.. saying that theres another model below (Vertigo's) and above them (Vortice)

So does more mean better?
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Previous Bike: ZXR 400
Current Bike: R6
Test Date: 8/8/2008-PASSED

[Ste]

More means better, but from Sidis point of view, better can be the latest design, colours, race replica, pointless gadget added that you'll never use, a couple of carbon fibre effect areas on the boots, and other such stuff that doesn't make the boots any better.

So it all depends on what you count as being better.

[jack_zxr400]

Well I bought a cheaper helmet about a year ago after reading a review that it did better in a test again a 350 quid AGV helmet

As well as leathers and stuff.. just think your buying the name with a lot of it
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Previous Bike: ZXR 400
Current Bike: R6
Test Date: 8/8/2008-PASSED

[Seb]

Depends on the gear, comparing my SMX4s to my Supertech-Rs pretty clearly shows where the extra money went between the two, but then I'd wager a fair bit of it is simply 'wasted' on fashion compared to a pair of Daytona boots.

I imagine the gulf in lid prices would be more down to materials as well as the R&D behind them, not to mention the royalties attached to some of the paint jobs out there.
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2010 Triumph 1050 Sprint ST

[bunglehaze]

When I was selling bike leathers the biggest issue I had was explaining that the price you pay generally does not represent the price of the leathers - cheap can still be good quality if you take into consideration the markup just for the brand name before any features or innovations.

After all your Stoner's and Rossi's are paid silly money to wear a brand and there are hundreds - if not thousands of these racers and professionals adding to overhead before a unit is even sold.

Usually a better known brand name will produce above average to good products but you should not discount a lesser known brand without trying it for yourself.

leigh
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[Ariel Badger]

More cash = more identifiable label.
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[mooserx]

I don't think more money eqquals better gear, i had a pair of sidi's and within a week the zip puller had broken and the zipper itself had ripped away from the boot, went back got a pair of frank thomas boots and about £150 back, they are more comfy and seemingly put together than the sidis. Also my jacket was only 45 quid full armour and all the gubbind like everything else hanging up on the racks in the shops but for like a tenth of the price, held up well in my recent spill aswell.
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TL1000r-handful.

[supZ]

more gadgets and funky colour schemes but not always 'better' quality.

however the better known brands are better known for a reason so you do feel a bit more confident about their performance.
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[the grim reaper]

There is some very expensive gear out there that probably won't protect you any more than a cheaper mid range bit of kit. However, there is also a hell of a lot of cheap tat on the market that will not do the job it's supposed to.

Look at Hein Gericke leathers, for example, they're about the third of the price of a Dainese T-Age off-the-peg suit and I very much doubt they'll do much better in a crash. You might find that the Hein Gericke takes longer to bed in, being cow instead of Kangaroo, or that the Dainese wears a little better due to quality of the leather treatment but both have CE armour and will do the job.

Compare the Hein Gericke to a cheap set of leathers fomr the NEC and you will find a gulf in quality.

Cheers

Grim
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[evoboy]

Got to admit, Sidi boots (apart from the very latest pair they have out) arent all that great when it comes to protection...

On the vertigo boots you can bend the top of the boot over onto itself, just like you can on a cheaper set of boots...put me right off them so went out and got a set of TCX Competizone GTX for £160 instead.

Leathers wise, if you want protection, go and get hold of a set of leathers from a few years ago. Very heavy, but your looking at 3mm or so of leather as oposed to the 1.2 - 1.8 ( at the needed parts of the jacket/trousers) like on some of the latest, greatest gear!

Im useing a set of old Akito leathers at the moment, crashed in them twice, only slightly scuffed. They look like a shell suit, but they work!!

[bazza]

Absolutely. If you spend £1000 on a pair of boots, you could walk through a lava stream with no ill effects. Similarly, a £600 crash helmet will allow you to base-jump without a parachute - provided you land on your head, you'll be able to walk away unscathed.

Take no notice of all this "brand whore" talk, they're just jealous.
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[SamJL]

Ive also got both SMX4's and Supertech R's and the Supertech's are miles better. There better quality, alot comfier and they have alot more features that the cheaper boot doesn't have.

Also, Ive got a cheap pair of Alpinestar gloves and Ive got some GP Plus gloves, again, the GP Plus gloves are miles better, they feel more supportive, there comfier and they have more features again.

So yes, in my case more money does mean better gear.

[Devils Advocate]

More money gets you the latest gear...but not necassarily the best gear.
If you consider the best gear to be the newest designs and spec...then yes more money gets the best gear

[Mystery]

for me if my helmet is a half good brand with a good fit its fine, as along as my leathers are cowhide and 1.4mm+ then its good enough for me same with jacket and if my boots offer ankle and toe protection thats all i need
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[truslack]

Answer to title: no.

I would trust my £5 second hand leather jacket more than I would my £90 textile jacket. Would probably also trust my £20 assault boots more than most bike boots.
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