IXS gear & Alpinestars Drystar

[Ripp3rCrust]

Hi,

Does anybody have any opinions on IXS gear? I have had a look on the internet and can't seem to see any reviews or much information at all on their products.

I am looking to buy some waterproof textiles for winter (to go with my ex-police high via GoreTex trousers), as my current ones are awful and have seen some decent looking IXS GoreTex ones online.

Alternatively, does anybody have any experience with the Alpinestars Drystar products in terms of waterproofing? As I have seen trousers in this range for slightly cheaper. From what I have read this seems to be Alpinestars' version of GoreTex.

Thanks
____________________
Current: '05 CBR600F - Previous: '01 GSF600S Bandit, '06 XR125

[Shaft]

You might not find too many reviews in the UK, because IXS is imported by and exclusive to J&S.

I've got an IXS textile jacket and it seems very good value; it's been waterproof so far, but it's not Goretex and I haven't been out in heavy rain.
____________________
Things get better with age; I'm close to being magnificent........
20 RE Interceptor, 83 Z1100A3, 83 GS650 Katana
WooHoo, I'm a Man Point Millionaire! https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=234035

[SinceNow]

I have IXS textiles trousers, boots and summer gloves. I've had them for about 3 years now. Boots need resoled but the rest have held up well.

[wots]

I've had an IXS textile jacket for a year. Through everything last winter, never leaked. My Richa textile trousers on the other hand, leave me looking like I've peed myself. Always use waterproof over trousers, but jacket has been just fine. Hang it over the bath and it dries in an hour or two. IXS has the rubber leakproof zips on the pockets, along with flip over velcro covers.

Bought a lightweight short jacket for the summer, another unknown brand, it leaked a bit in a heavy shower.
____________________
Currently: Yamaha DT 125 LC2,Repsol Fireblade, and Bumblebee MSX 125

[Islander]

I've had an IXS textile jacket I bought second hand off of eBay for a few years now. It's warm and waterproof and hasn't let me down so far. The only minor gripe I have is that the cuffs can become pretty wet - although I doubt that's exceptional really. It's overall well constructed and although there's a tiny bit of wear on it it's holding up nicely. I'd have another.

[Ripp3rCrust]

Thanks for the replies everyone, they have been quite useful.

I am actually looking just for the trousers but I would assume that the manufacturing quality of the jackets and trousers will be fairly similar anyway. I will probably will go for the IXS trousers due to the feedback here and the fact that they are GoreTex, gives me more confidence that they will fare better in heavy rain. Hoping to head over to the J&S store though and take a closer look first though.

Has anybody tried out any of the Alpinestars Drystar products? It would be interesting to see how they performed when compared to GoreTex
____________________
Current: '05 CBR600F - Previous: '01 GSF600S Bandit, '06 XR125

[MarkJ]

I have drystar trousers. I bought a jacket and trouser combo in summer last year - ST5 trouser (drystar) and RK5 Jacket (goretex)
Mine look like this:
https://my.frooition.com/110103/images/Drystar%20Trouser%201.jpg
https://www.hayabusa.org/forum/attachments/riding-gear/125447d1231288953-fs-alpinestars-rk5-jacket-3kf3mc3pf1101f11418cu9c1add9fd4161225.jpg

I think Alpinestars still make these models but they've been revamped - I saw the same model numbers in J&S a few months ago and they appear to be made out of a thicker outer material. My version's outer fabric is quite thin so I think this is a good thing.

Waterproof wise, I haven't had a drop come through either the jacket or trousers and I've been in some torrential downpours in them. I commute year round and they're nice and warm in the winter. I have quite an athletic build and have a long inside leg length (30" waist, 37" inside leg") and these trousers are perfect for me - very long and a fairly narrow waist. If you have a bit of girth they might be quite tight/long in the leg. The come with spongey hip protectors too.

I like

[sabian92]

[Recluso]

I've got the IXS Paraguay for women and it's made me a huge fan of the whole range. I'm a bit of a chubster and HATE having to try on men's stuff as it's proportionally wrong so I was thrilled to find that IXS stock slightly bigger sizes for women. For me this has been a huge factor not to mention that I've found it toasty warm with only minimal layers and so far, has proven entirely waterproof. It also has 20 billion vents that can be unzipped and tucked away to make very large vented spaces on hotter days.

I've also found the prices very reasonable. A comfortable mid-range that gives you good value for money.

I would seriously recommend IXS to people, especially for women struggling to find larger sizes. They're also very generously sized for men too.

So the good points are:

- Good range of sizes
- Well vented for when it's warm and good quality removable thermal layer for when it's cold.
- Holds up well in the rain.
- Reasonable prices.
____________________
'Just erotic. Nothing kinky. It's the difference between using a feather and using a chicken.'
Honda PS125i > Yamaha YBR125 > Yamaha XJ6 Diversion > Yamaha Tracer 900

[Confusion]

[Rowey]

I've had a few of the Goretex copys now. They all perform well at keeping the water out. I've still got a five year old cheap Frank Thomas jacket that got used almost every mild-cold day of the year. I wash it with Nikwax once or twice a year and water proof the out side with tent water proofer a few times a year. It still works perfectly.

I often thought what the big deal is with Goretex until I tried it. It's just as waterproof as Shelltex or Drytech but much more breathable. I found I got far less hot and sweaty in Goretex. It is great for mild and humid days or when you've put too many layers on.

I guess my point is, if you can, look for a Goretex jacket. Hein Gericke sell jackets for under £200. You get a superior product and warranty against leaking. You'll also be more comfortable the rest of the year.
____________________
ZX6R C6F.
Never argue with an idiot. They'll only bring you down to their level, and beat you with experience.

[Ariel Badger]

I had IXS lobsters and they were superb but I lost one walking through the Bullring in Brum
I have never lost any other make of glove so this may be a design fault with IXS.
____________________
Bikers make great organ donors, get 115 on your licence today.

[Ripp3rCrust]

Thanks guys, sounds like both products are rated quite highly.

I am going to head in over to J&S at some point today to see which fit best and go from there.

Cheers
____________________
Current: '05 CBR600F - Previous: '01 GSF600S Bandit, '06 XR125

[sabian92]