Are you a "Brand Junkie"? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Are you a "Brand Junkie"?

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flexrider

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So i'm reading a few posts and seeing that there are tons of opinions about various brands of bikes, helmets, jackets and accessories. I tend to 'self educate' on the various products but like to get reviews based on those that have used the product. Which leads me to the question, "Are you a brand junkie"? (one who virtually pledges loyalty to a brand of product)
If so , what brand?

Side Note: The basis of this question also derives from my research into finding a helmet, i came across AFX FX --- helmets.
Any thoughts? (the prices are pretty awesome http://www.afxhelmets.com)
 
I bought a cheap helmet...and now after lots of reading I want an Arai...stupid forum!!!
 
I bought an Arai Vector 2 and after talking to friends, I'm told I should get another one for the track (mine has a camera mount and BT headset)
 
some people either just want to have the best of the best gear because its saftey equipment so spare no expense. or because they want to wear whats cool and popular with riders these days. , dianese, Taichi, Shoei, Arai etc. all high quality gear, but not saying other brands arnt just as good.

but I really love brands like Teknic and AGV just because I like the style and quality of the gear and its reasonably priced. i do have a couple Shoei Helmets though.
 
If it protects well...feels good and is well made I don't care about brand. I have a pair of no-big-name gloves that have lasted me for years, my HJC helmet fits me well and is my back up helmet (Shark is just amazing though)...I have untrendy BMW Motorad Goretex boots that are completely waterproof and comfy with good protection and I have closeout and bargain jackets and pants that are comfy and fit me well and have great protection.
 
I'm a hands-on kind of person.... I buy products based on what has crashed well with me. I have a closet of alpinestars and agv. I crash a lot.
 
I wear the best SOA hoodie, chain wallet, skull bandana that money can buy.
 
onecartel said:
I'm a hands-on kind of person.... I buy products based on what has crashed well with me. I have a closet of alpinestars and agv. I crash a lot.
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Good to know. Thanks for being the lab rat. Have you considered writing a blog?? I for one need to know these things :D
 
I fell into that trap and got myself a Shoei Qwest without even trying on anything different.......

I've learnt it the hard way that some helmets just don't fit you no matter what size lol

A $100 Zox helmet fits me much better I find, and it is much quieter too. A bit heavier tho, but still no dealbreaker.

Also, the instructor at RTI during in-class said that the protection doesn't go up as the price increases. He said there would be barely any difference if any. But then he had a $800 Arai Corsair V himself LOL
 
Red695 said:
Good to know. Thanks for being the lab rat. Have you considered writing a blog?? I for one need to know these things :D
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I'm getting older and am trying to do less 'real world' tests. ..... but last season, SMX5 boots, 09 SP2 gloves, SMX2 gloves, CR-1 1pc leathers, Stage jacket and 2 AGV K3s passed. HJC CL X6 failed.

Hopefully I don't have any thing new to add this season.

Come to think of it, I could probably make a huge list of **** ups. Too bad most of the gear would be outdated ****ing 90s leathers no one cares about anymore.
 
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I think with big brands you get good quality worry free without having to do a lot of research. With smaller brands, you have to do a lot more research and it can be a hit or miss. With a lot of research you can have great value for the money.
 
unoR said:
I like Alpinestars, I have the Air flow stunt jacket and SMX2 Carbon gloves and will be picking up a pair of there SMX2 Boots.

Alpinestars FTW.
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I like arai because it fits me well. I am a brand whore but I really do wish I wasn't
 
ThrottleThrow said:
some people either just want to have the best of the best gear because its saftey equipment so spare no expense.
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Safety was definitely my goal, and I budgeted for it when I bought my bike. I spoke to friends and read reviews before buying my gear. I ended up with...

Arai Vector II
SIDI ST boots
Icon Victory Hero Leather Jacket
Fox Creek Leather Overpants
Rev'it SRS gauntlet gloves

No brand loyalty, just wanted the best I could afford.
 
Red695 said:
I bought a cheap helmet...and now after lots of reading I want an Arai...stupid forum!!!
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I went from a $100 helmet, to a $200 to an Arai RX-Q $650 helmet.

I've been using the Arai RX-Q since last season and this year, the side pod broke so I had to send the helmet in. While my helmet was in for repairs, I had to use my Scorpion EXO-700 and oh my god, what a crappy helmet!!! I hated wearing it; it was heavy, wind noise, wasn't comfortable turning my head, wind would come up underneath the chin and hit my eye lashes-- most annoying thing ever!

Thankfully I got my Arai back and I think I might pick up another RX-Q because it's honestly the nicest helmet I've ever worn. The Shoei Qwest was another one that I really liked but I opted for the Arai and now I understand why they are so expensive!
 
With gear, I suppose I'm an Alpinestars junkie....jacket, pants, boots. What can I say....I like their stuff. It's generally of top quality and fairly-priced. I would have bought A* gloves too, until I stumbled across Velocity Racing and their superb VR-Pro gloves.
 
I'm more a junkie against brands I WON'T buy.

As for what I do buy, I tend to be middle of the road, refusing to pay top dollar for a name but staying away from the bargain bin (albeit there are some great products in there).
Currently;
helmet - Bell Star Speed Freak
leathers - JR GPX
jacket/pants (commuting/around town) - JR Ballistic (old) jacket/pants but I usually wear Draggin Jeans in place of the pants
gloves - JR GPX
boots - Sidi Vertigo, Roadkrome (cheap, comfortable leather riding boot that doesn't look like a riding boot for commuting/around town)
 
Red695 said:
I bought a cheap helmet...and now after lots of reading I want an Arai...stupid forum!!!
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lol..see the peer pressure..makes you second guess your purchases. Thats exactly what i'm talking about.
But you cant put a price on your noggin
 
I'll admit to not caring most of the time but then feeling self-conscious about my JR lid when I pull up to a group cuz it's not spensive enough. Sure it's a bit noisy and heavy but the price was right and it protects my melon.
 
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