New Jacket time

[mimico_polak]

Forum Sponsor

Tried to put on my older ICON CONTRA jacket and shockingly it's starting to feel a bit tight....and the zipper seems to be going toward the end of it's usable life span (about 10 years now).

Thinking of going for a more touring jacket instead of the mesh. Still have a leather jacket.

Any recommendations on jackets? I've seen a few 'Olympia' ones around and they seem like a good fit for my needs. Would love the KLIM gear...but $.

Will most likely go used as trying to keep it in the 100-150 range if possible.

Something like this...

Kijiji - Buy, Sell & Save with Canada's #1 Local Classifieds

Visit Kijiji Classifieds to buy, sell, or trade almost anything! New and used items, cars, real estate, jobs, services, vacation rentals and more virtually anywhere.

www.kijiji.ca

Or this...

Kijiji - Buy, Sell & Save with Canada's #1 Local Classifieds

Visit Kijiji Classifieds to buy, sell, or trade almost anything! New and used items, cars, real estate, jobs, services, vacation rentals and more virtually anywhere.

www.kijiji.ca

I'm about 5'7" and 180lbs so medium appears to be best option.

EDIT: Also, thoughts on the HIGH-VIZ versions? I'm not against making myself safer.

 

[danp]

If you're buying used you're kinda limited to what you can find. You could check Regear in Oshawa. I'd sell you my old fieldsheer textile jacket real cheap but it's a L.

For my next jacket I'm getting one where the waterproofing is built into the shell rather than the kind with the inner liner.

 

[shanekingsley]

You are more than welcome to come try on my Olympia Jacket to get a feel for their sizing.

I'm also going to be putting up my Motoport Kevlar suit up for sale very cheap, since I just acquired another full Goretex suit and need to thin my closet out. The Motoport Jacket would fit you pretty good, the pants might be a bit long. Come try them on if you like.

 

[mimico_polak]

You are more than welcome to come try on my Olympia Jacket to get a feel for their sizing.

I'm also going to be putting up my Motoport Kevlar suit up for sale very cheap, since I just acquired another full Goretex suit and need to thin my closet out. The Motoport Jacket would fit you pretty good, the pants might be a bit long. Come try them on if you like.

You're a good man @shanekingsley and I'll take you up on that offer. Let me know your availability and I'll pop by.

 

[shanekingsley]

I'm working from home all day today and otherwise free in the evenings this week.

 

[Wingboy]

Klim

 

[mimico_polak]

Klim

Money

EDIT: Biggest issue I ride so seldom nowadays...I can't justify a $500+ jacket no matter how much I'd like it.

 

[Priller]

You may want to have a look at the Euro retailers for some better value. I've done some gear shopping recently, and I never fail to be stunned just how much cheaper they sell things for. Average difference has been 70-80% more expensive at Canadian retailers like Fortnine and local shops. For example, TCX Dartwood WP shoes are $320 CAD in Canada, $178 at FC-Moto.

TCX shoes, Ixon (not Icon) gloves, Shark helmets, Alpinestars mesh jacket, all waaaay cheaper. The other benefit of Euro gear is the new ECE A/AA/AAA ratings give you a much better idea of true crash performance, especially as there's almost no testing elsewhere.

Brands that I've found to be good for stockier builds (raises hand) include Held and RST. RST offers some great value with high ECE ratings, too.

 

[Sochi]

You may want to have a look at the Euro retailers for some better value. I've done some gear shopping recently, and I never fail to be stunned just how much cheaper they sell things for. Average difference has been 70-80% more expensive at Canadian retailers like Fortnine and local shops. For example, TCX Dartwood WP shoes are $320 CAD in Canada, $178 at FC-Moto.

TCX shoes, Ixon (not Icon) gloves, Shark helmets, Alpinestars mesh jacket, all waaaay cheaper. The other benefit of Euro gear is the new ECE A/AA/AAA ratings give you a much better idea of true crash performance, especially as there's almost no testing elsewhere.

Brands that I've found to be good for stockier builds (raises hand) include Held and RST. RST offers some great value with high ECE ratings, too.

+1 on this.
FC-Moto has a lot of good stuff for half the price. Get right sizing could be a challenge though. I found in my case that European sizes fit me spot on, i'd just read forums about general fit as I prefer more fitting/slim style

 

[bigpoppa]

what wingboy said.
They might be pricier, but def worth it.

I've tried many brands, but nothing comes close to klim in terms of comfort, and cooling.

 

[MacDoc]

I've been very pleased with this gear

https://www.amazon.ca/Adventure-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Waterproof-ADV/dp/B07QHJHZVZ/ref=sr_1_4?crid=DBF1XYL777YP&keywords=hwk%2Bmotorcycle%2Bjacket&qid=1655228825&sprefix=hwk%2Caps%2C682&sr=8-4&th=1&psc=1

The white of course shows some dirt. So many good features and fitment adjustments. I'd not count on water proof but it's cool even in tropical heat thanks to innovative cooling channels.

I've put on 31,000 km over the past 18 months and my only complaint is it's too cool now ( tropical winter ) in 20 degree weather so I'm wearing double layers underneath.

You can see the vents on shoulder and bicep and with the cuffs open over your gloves the airflow is crazy good..
There are a few reviews over on StromTrooper including mine.

HWK

Does anyone have any experience with this Amazon Brand of HWK jacket and pants?

www.stromtrooper.com

and always returnable too and a long warranty.
Sizing is true and flexible fitment the best I've had.

Main caveat is waterproof claim ....it's water resistant.

 

[robertv19]

Excellent value for money. I have the Torque and the Canyon jackets.
@TwistedKestrel can ask speak to their gear.

Protective Motorcycle Gear

Protective motorcycle jackets, pants, gloves and accessories designed for men and women. Riding gear for Any Road - Any Ride

www.gryphonmoto.ca

Sent from my iPhone using GTAMotorcycle.com

 

[TwistedKestrel]

Eh? I'm not familiar with this brand, did you mean to tag someone else?

 

[deejizzle]

another +1 for torque.. i have both the adventure and the supertech but i prefer the white cooler colours of the supertech.. very similar to the hwk stuff.. no complaints here

Search results for: 'torque' | Royal Distributing

Large aftermarket retailer of snowmobile parts and accessories, motorcycle parts and accessories, ATV parts and accessories, motocross parts and accessories.

www.royaldistributing.com

 

[Klaatu]

I agree with the Torque, my friend bought a HWK, not something I would want to go down on. Did not feel very safe IMO.

 

[Lightcycle]

You may want to have a look at the Euro retailers for some better value. I've done some gear shopping recently, and I never fail to be stunned just how much cheaper they sell things for.

Yes! Online Euro retailers are great.

Until they're not.

The prices are much much cheaper, especially if you're buying Euro brands. However, you've got to be certain of your sizing, because the shipping on returns can be quite pricey and eat into any savings you get by not buying local. Also, you're counting on your gear arriving undamaged or in working condition.

I bought a Schuberth helmet from an Italian retailer because it was $500 vs $800 from a Canadian retailer. However, when it arrived, I found that the chin bar was stuck in the closed position, and I had to pay out of my own pocket to ship it back to Italy for warranty repair. They in turn shipped it back to Schuberth in Germany, and then after it was repaired, back it went to Italy and then back to me in Canada. This process took a few months, and I didn't have the helmet for the entire riding season.

To add insult to injury, the Italian retailer did not mark the helmet as "warranty repair" when they shipped it back to me, so CRA dinged me for duty a second time, and I spent weeks co-ordinating between the retailer and CRA to get a refund.

All in all, I didn't come out ahead at all when you factor in time, money and aggravation.

If I had bought defective product from a CDN retailer, RMA returns shipping label would have been free and they would have just sent me a new helmet immediately upon receipt of the damaged merch.

But it's a numbers game though, and I've bought many many items from overseas, saving a bundle from an aggregate standpoint. Wouldn't hesitate to buy from FCMoto, Chromeburner, et al again in the future.

 

[MacDoc]

Both Torque and HWK are out of Pakistan and descriptions/look near identical even to the Airflow on the shoulders. I suspect same factory.

Torque Adventure Jacket

FEATURES Outer-shell is made of 600D polyester fabric. High quality waterproof textile shell. Removable full quilted liner. Body armour for shoulders, elbows and back. Flow through venting system. 360 - degree reflective accents. Adjustable cinch straps

www.royaldistributing.com

HWK is US company manufacturing in Pakistan and the gear obviously designed by riders. 5 year warranty too.

Our Story After paying unrealistically high prices for motorcycle gear, HWK CEO Muhammad Lucman had a desire to make motorcycle apparel affordable.

I suspect either would be fine for Mimico's use ..the HWK less money as no middleman beyond Amazon.

Do you actually own either or just guessing.

 

[Priller]

Yes! Online Euro retailers are great.

Until they're not.

The prices are much much cheaper, especially if you're buying Euro brands. However, you've got to be certain of your sizing, because the shipping on returns can be quite pricey and eat into any savings you get by not buying local. Also, you're counting on your gear arriving undamaged or in working condition.

I bought a Schuberth helmet from an Italian retailer because it was $500 vs $800 from a Canadian retailer. However, when it arrived, I found that the chin bar was stuck in the closed position, and I had to pay out of my own pocket to ship it back to Italy for warranty repair. They in turn shipped it back to Schuberth in Germany, and then after it was repaired, back it went to Italy and then back to me in Canada. This process took a few months, and I didn't have the helmet for the entire riding season.

To add insult to injury, the Italian retailer did not mark the helmet as "warranty repair" when they shipped it back to me, so CRA dinged me for duty a second time, and I spent weeks co-ordinating between the retailer and CRA to get a refund.

All in all, I didn't come out ahead at all when you factor in time, money and aggravation.

If I had bought defective product from a CDN retailer, RMA returns shipping label would have been free and they would have just sent me a new helmet immediately upon receipt of the damaged merch.

But it's a numbers game though, and I've bought many many items from overseas, saving a bundle from an aggregate standpoint. Wouldn't hesitate to buy from FCMoto, Chromeburner, et al again in the future.

It is a risk, but the flipside is the Euro websites will accept exchanges on anything you buy if the sizing is wrong. When I was looking for items that weren't volume sellers locally (midrange Bell helmet with MIPS), I was told that there were no returns, no exchanges. Final sale only. I'm also not convinced you wouldn't have had some similar delays with many faulty helmets you buy here, as they'll want to send back to the manufacturer as well, depending on the shop and item.

For me, I've returned items that haven't fit, and while it's a PITA, the costs are still massively outweighed by what you save upfront.

I have to wonder where the system is broken than there's an 80% markup on identical items sold here. The TCX shoes I mentioned above are on the shelf at my local shop, so it's not like they're low volume items (for the record, I did not try them on there and buy online. Not even I'm that low...) Somewhere along the way, there's a ridiculous markup happening, and my money is on the distributors...

 

[jc100]

My Klim gear made me weep when I bought it because of the cost. It’s now 7 years later and it still looks like new, doesn’t leak and I can’t see myself changing it anytime soon.

I’ve never had an Aerostich but from what I read I suspect they are made the same way.

Klim has several levels of clothing. I have the badlands jacket and pants but probably would have been fine with the model one down too. I wash it by hanging it on my garage door and spraying it with a hose and scrubbing it down with a brush. Rinse it and air dry it. I’m scared it will break the washing machine if I put it in as it’s a bit heavy.

I had an Olympia jacket before this. It leaked on me and the outer layer also soaked when it rained. It did the job but the Klim just laughs at any weather. Loads of vents in the Klim.

 

[Lightcycle]

It is a risk, but the flipside is the Euro websites will accept exchanges on anything you buy if the sizing is wrong. When I was looking for items that weren't volume sellers locally (midrange Bell helmet with MIPS), I was told that there were no returns, no exchanges. Final sale only. I'm also not convinced you wouldn't have had some similar delays with many faulty helmets you buy here, as they'll want to send back to the manufacturer as well, depending on the shop and item.

For me, I've returned items that haven't fit, and while it's a PITA, the costs are still massively outweighed by what you save upfront.

Yep, my friend routinely orders three of everything, one of her size, one size up and another size down. Chances are, one of them will fit and she just returns the other two. A little bit more expensive in terms of shipping stuff back, but most online retailers have stopped charging restocking fees, but best of all - no waiting by the mailbox for exchanges.

I have to wonder where the system is broken than there's an 80% markup on identical items sold here. The TCX shoes I mentioned above are on the shelf at my local shop, so it's not like they're low volume items (for the record, I did not try them on there and buy online. Not even I'm that low...) Somewhere along the way, there's a ridiculous markup happening, and my money is on the distributors...

This is unsubstantiated, but I've heard that it's a currency hedge game, especially for European/Japanese stock. Distributors set their prices based on the current exchange rate at the beginning of each fiscal year, but build in a margin to account for FX changes over the year. So if the FX rate fluctuates against their favour 12 months from when they set it, they're still moving merchandise at a (albeit lower) profit.

And because we don't have the economies of scale like they do in EU and the US, our distributors have to make their profits on margin not volume.

Forum Sponsor