Can't decide on leathers :( help!

[Leezers]

Hey, just joined up. Currently doing my das course and should be passed for January (just jinxed it) lol

Defo going down the sport bike route when I pass to give an idea of the look I'm going for

Needing some help or advice about which leathers to go for

I want an all black kit (well with as little possible colour,badges ect) and on a bit of a budget, already got a matte black scorpion exo 500 lid, I really like the frank Thomas kinetic 2 piece but keep reading bad reviews about their stuff. Is it really that bad? I really really like the look of the jacket, got that sporty look I want

Tried on the bks vanquish 2 piece too but didn't like the matte black leathers, although I know it was better quality than the ft one

Wouldn't mind ordering online but will e hard to get sizes perfect

Then been told I should maybe go for a textile jacket and leather bottoms??

Any advice, links or thoughts would be great guys

Cheers

[P.addy]

Get textiles and leathers.

I hate leathers in the cold, anything but blistering temps.

[Dave70]

It'd be best to own both leathers and textiles, if you can afford it. Leathers aren't so good for winter weather, whereas textiles will be warmer and more waterproof. Although, you could just get a waterproof oversuit to wear over them and wrap up well underneath.

If you're after some reasonably priced leathers, have you looked at the RST range? I bought an RST two piece back in April and can't fault them (worn almost evey day until last month) I'd steer clear of buying their gloves though, as mine fell to bits in next to no time and I've heard other people have had problems with them too.

I ordered my leathers on line, after using the compaies self measuring guide and they fitted perfectly but, I have tried on other makes of leathers of the "same size" in shops and they've been either too big or too small, so you are probably best to try the ones on that you decide to buy first. Having said that though, most, if not all, online shops are happy for you to return them for a different size, should they not fit.

Also, now is a good time to buy, as there seem to be a few sales on.

HTH

[Leezers]

[-Matt-]

I use leathers all year. You will of course want to keep a rainsuit in your bag [wont take up much space] for days it might/is raining, as wet leathers is not nice, but otherwise they're fine. I use a shirt and jumper underneath in winter, hoodie over the top if dry and particularly cold and its job done

Have a look at RST TracTech - very good leathers, comes with back protector, and probably not TOO much now as the original versions a couple of years old.

I've got an all black size 40 set of frank thomas leathers [with the same backprotector as the RST gear installed in the back pocket] that i'd sell for around 85 if you're interested. Near bristol or bournemouth depending on the day of the week, or can post for an extra 15

[ninja_butler]

Don't forget eBay, loads of cheap secondhand stuff.

[j.silvs]

I have 2 sets.

One is my BKS 2 piece set which I use for rideouts. Also use the jacket with textile trousers to commute in.

But I also have a 2 piece set which cost me £200 in total and not bad quality at all! - mainly use this in the summer or when its not too cold for leathers on the the legs!

https://www.jsaccessories.co.uk/clothing/leather-jackets/j-s-raptor-jacket-in-2009-black.html

https://www.jsaccessories.co.uk/clothing/leather-jeans/j-s-raptor-1071-jeans-in-black.html

[Leezers]

[Leezers]

[-Matt-]

[Leezers]

I think I'd prefer 2 piece tbh mate thanks anyways

Would like to find out people's thoughts on the frank Thomas stuff cos if it's no bad then the kinetic 2 piece is exactly the look I want

[-Matt-]

No worries.

I prefer my RST by a long way personally, they just feel a bit better put together and more comfortable, but it might be because the size of the frank thomas ones although they're both 40 feels more like a 42 to be honest, and i'm skinny which probably amplifies it.

The back protector slot isn't as good on the frank thomas one either, using the - i do use an RST protector in both so obviously its made for the RST suit, but the pocket position regardless of what brand would sit the protector a little bit out of position to where i'd like it ideally.

Haven't tryed any other FT gear though so thats only going by experience with this single one-piece.

[map]

FWIW I now prefer textiles all year round.

Wear waterproof stuff with liners in the winter.
Take liners out around Easter.
Then have some Hein Gericke Air traousers and lightweight jacket ones and also Kevlar jeans for summer.

However, as you say you're getting a sports bike the only option for you is the power ranger one piece look. The only problem is you will need to get the colour to match the bike. The helmet then has to match both.

I'd take a look at Hein Gericke stuff and do a price comparison. I used to think HG were expensive. Then I bought some and found actually quite good value. Middle of the road pricing/quality. Better if you can catch one of their frequent sales. I like the HG Hiprotec bendy armour in my textile stuff, but that's a different topic.
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[Dave70]

I can't speak for Frank Thomas leathers but, I own some FT textiles (jacket and trousers) and to be honest thay are a bit...well....meh.

They're about 18 months old and the jacket is definitely worse for wear, the zip on the trousers has bust and the stitching on the outside of the right leg has come away at the seam.

Not the worst purchase I've ever made but, not the best either, but they have had a fair amount of use over the time I've had them.

[recman]

My FT textiles are still going strong after over 18 months, warm and comfy with the inner linings back in.
I recently bought a two piece FT leather set and while the trousers keep me warm in this weather, the jacket doesn't.
Then again it is one of these.

[Leezers]

[recman]

I certainly think so. I tried on quite a few sets in quite a few shops before I decided to go for these. The jacket will be a godsend if and when the weather warms up again. I remember last summer sweating like a rapist riding around in the textiles.
Price and quality wise these were the ones for me, although I did get a few quid off by asking how much if I bought the trousers and jacket together.

[Leezers]

[recman]

Which trousers are you going for?
I went with these. There's no velcro for sliders to be fitted but then I'm hardly the kd type.

[Leezers]

[recman]

They're not touring specific, at least I don't think so.
Touring gear usually has shed loads of pockets and these have just the two which let you get a condom in one and Rizlas in the other.

[Leezers]

[pinkyfloyd]

It can take ages to build up full biking gear. Best advice is get yourself some textiles first. Then get the leathers when the budget allows. Leather has no thermal properties and in the cold months of now until march you'll freeze your nuts off. Good set of textiles you have a lovely inner liner and they are baggy enough to wear clothing under them.

I have sets of both leathers and textiles and find myself wearing the textile stuff more often than leather. Partly because of the weather but mostly because of the comfort. Textile is far more comfy to wear than leather.

As for price. Being a brand snob is expensive. I've never worn branded gear and I pay around £80 for a jacket and £50 for trousers. All double stitched, all double fastened and all full of padding.
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[clancy]

I have two full sets of gear, leather and textile, different boots helmets gloves etc too

I use different boots etc, but in all honesty I never wear my textiles only ever wear my leathers. Bit nippy in the winter but thermals and jumper and your fine
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[-Matt-]