Gear...

[bdarling]

I am eagerly awaiting my Buddy 125 to be shipped and I have been devouring the information in this forum, but I still have a few questions. When it comes to safety, I'm not taking any chances, but I wonder if I'm going far enough. I bought a jacket with armor in the sleeves and shoulder areas, plus extra padding along the back, but I was concerned about overheating in the summer so my jacket is mesh with a removable liner for wet weather. Will the mesh shell provide enough protection from abrasion in the event of a fall/asphalt slip 'n slide ride?

I also purchased gloves, a FF helmet and a day-glo yellow traffic vest. Should I wear re-inforced pants, or will jeans do the trick? Thanks.

-Blake

[illnoise]

There's some debate about mesh jackets' abrasion resistance, but an armored mesh jacket is much more than a lot of people bother wearing... Different companies make different claims, so look at the documentation for your jacket and see what it says.

Jeans are not very abrasion-resistant at all, they'll fall apart in a crash, but they're a heck of a lot better than shorts. I usually just wear jeans for everyday riding, but of course everyone has an opinion on that. I got blown over by the wind at a stoplight last week (didn't put both feet down and a huge gust whomped me) and my knee just barely brushed the ground, but I ripped a big hole in my jeans, so that gives you an idea, ha.

Several companies make abrasion-resistant, reinforced, and even armored jeans, of varying levels of comfort and "what's up with your pants?"-ness, you might want to look into those. Like most things, the safer they are, the dorkier they look, it's up to you to choose whether form or function is more important.

Also, don't forget footwear, it's the most overlooked safety gear out there, and often your first line of defense.

Bb.

[ericalm]

Well, you're definitely on he right track. The basic tenet is that the more/better gear you can comfortably wear, the more protection you'll have. In general, a mesh jacket does not provide the same protection in a slide—this is something the makers will freely admit. The mesh fabric can come apart. But for the summers, you probably need that level of ventilation. You may want to consider something more solid for the rest of the year. (I can handle temps up to 85 or 90 in my every day riding jacket, so though I'd like a mesh one, it would be for use about 3 months of the year or on longer trips.)

Same goes for pants. The reinforced jeans, I think, are just that—jeans with a light kevlar layer in certain areas. Full riding pants (top to bottom cordura or other material, pads, etc.) offer the best protection but for many people are less convenient, comfortable and usually deemed unnecessary. Most riders wear jeans most of the time. Denim will come apart in a fall. I recently went down at very low speeds—10mph or so—and wound up with holes in my jeans. So you can imagine what a crash at higher speeds might do.

I'm not a practitioner of ATGATT ("all the gear, all the time") but you sound like you may be a prime candidate.

[Dooglas]

You did not mention boots. A sturdy, over the ankle boot should certainly be on your list. Pants are your call. In practice, some folks use padded, ballistic cloth riding pants - most wear jeans or similar sturdy pants.

[schlagle]

Wear what you want to crash in. What exactly that includes is different for each person and circumstances.

I even had my wife tell me to "Wear what I want to crash in" the other day. I think I got through to her

[MikieTaps]

I am also in the wear what you want to wear in a crash group. Since you don’t have your buddy yet, next time you are in a car going 45-60mph, this may be easier if someone else is driving, open you door a little bit, or stick your head out and look down at the pavement… that should help you make up your mind with how far you want to go with gear

[suitupscooter]

first of all, just wanted to say thanks for the advice on the protective gear...i'm going to begin shopping around before my scooter arrives.

but, i'm curious (i know it was mentioned to go through local dealers-try things on and what not) but are there any particular websites you guys look at or would advise a brand new rider in looking at?

thanks a ton!

[MikieTaps]

and I LOVE my Corazzo 5.0 Jacket. There are links to their website on the bottom of pretty much every page on here.

[suitupscooter]

ah, you rock! thanks a ton!!! (obviously i overlook the obvious, ey?) starting to research and check them out now.

thanks again!!!

[bdarling]

Thanks for all the feedback. I realize I forgot to mention boots, but those are in the closet as well. I may look into overpants if they're not too uncomfortable. It would be nice to wear shorts and just throw the overpants on. At least you could cool down when you get to your destination.

-Blake

[MikieTaps]

i love my corazzo so much I wrote a review on it!


topic4623.html

[DennisD]

I consider mesh jackets to be disposable. Use once, throw away. They are not that expensive for the protection they give and if you should shred it in a crash put a positive spin on it and look at it as a buying opportunity.

Dennis

[EP_scoot]

These pants are great: FirstGear HT Air 2.0 Mesh Overpants

They have a removeable , waterproof liner, so they would also work as rain gear, just keeping the liner in the pet carrier.

Unfortunately the kneepads end up in my calfs. So, make sure you try something before you order it online as sizes can be difficult to match.

Helmet, gloves, boots, jacket . . . I'd say you are doing pretty good to begin with. Is it too much? Do you like your skin/chin/head/etc? Why Red is Red !

[illnoise]

I consider mesh jackets to be disposable. Use once, throw away. They are not that expensive for the protection they give and if you should shred it in a crash put a positive spin on it and look at it as a buying opportunity.

Well, most gear (especially a helmet) is designed for one crash. I think the fear is that the mesh wouldn't protect you for one slide, let alone the next one.

[scullyfu]

Unfortunately the kneepads end up in my calfs. So, make sure you try something before you order it online as sizes can be difficult to match.

i have the first gear 2.0 (not mesh) overpants & love them. when i went down at about 25mph, not a rip or a raspberry on my knees. if you are a woman, consider buying a men's size, which come in lengths so you can get a shorter inseam.

[DennisD]

I consider mesh jackets to be disposable. Use once, throw away. They are not that expensive for the protection they give and if you should shred it in a crash put a positive spin on it and look at it as a buying opportunity.

Well, most gear (especially a helmet) is designed for one crash. I think the fear is that the mesh wouldn't protect you for one slide, let alone the next one.

You're correct, but some of the leather loving folks I know seem to believe that only leather should be worn and each crash adds a badge of honor somewhere. Tough crowd.

I always zip my pants to my jacket. IF I crash again, I'll let you know how the First Gear mesh holds up. I added the upgraded armor to the standard in the knees and hips. Hope I don't need it.

Dennis