Trackday Leather Requirement

[V8RX7]

I'm buying some leathers for trackdays

I've googled and seen that 2 piece are ok

But are there any more requirements ?

Are the leathers with the cloth sections inner arms etc ok ?

[Cylon2007]

2 piece leathers need to have a 'full' zip not just the short bit at the back. Stretch panels in arms etc are OK. If they are exclusively for track days a 1 piece would be my choice but if you intend to use them on the road as well go for 2 piece.

[Lee540]

Most brand new two piece suits now only have hip to hip zips. My previous Alpinestars two piece went all the way around.

I’ve gone for a one piece for track days and will continue using textile on the road.

[SteveS Cup]

I’m not a fan of how bulky 2 pieces can be around the waist, 1 piece are so much more comfortable when you’re on the bike.

[Triaguar]

SteveS Cup said:

I’m not a fan of how bulky 2 pieces can be around the waist, 1 piece are so much more comfortable when you’re on the bike.

Not in 42 degrees of heat in Aragon they aren't Steve. LOL !!

[Farlig]

SteveS Cup said:

I’m not a fan of how bulky 2 pieces can be around the waist, 1 piece are so much more comfortable when you’re on the bike.

Most modern day 2 pieces are carp - I had a cracking RS Taichi 2-piece in the mid 90´s that zipped together effectively like a one-piece. There was no overhang at the waist just a butt connection, like the front zip. Given, the jacket worn alone was too short but that wasn´t the point - it was the ability to take the jacket off when you pull over for a stop / fag / pint (yes it was ok to have one in the 90´s) what have you... Only thing is the armour wasn´t up to today´s standards

[SteveS Cup]

Triaguar said:

Not in 42 degrees of heat in Aragon they aren't Steve. LOL !!

[zzrman]

V8RX7 said:

I'm buying some leathers for trackdays

I've googled and seen that 2 piece are ok

But are there any more requirements ?

Are the leathers with the cloth sections inner arms etc ok ?

I think you'll find, but you should check, that the stretchy cloth inserts are kevlar reinforced and those are certainly OK.

A heavy duty zip that goes most of the way round is a must. The suits you see with about an 8 to 10 inch zip like you see on your jeans will most likely give way if you have an off, leaving you potentially with a nice case of road rash.

[V8RX7]

I'm aware there are two types of zip a large course zip around 12" and a finer one that's about 3/4 of the way around are you saying they should be 100% around ?

I was looking at used suits - that's how I buy 99% of my stuff (I have a lot of hobbies) I have no issue buying older ones if they are stronger, do leathers / stitching lose strength ?

I suspect the reason most zips aren't 100% is to allow different size jackets / trousers to fit together.

I'm struggling to find a set as I need a 44" chest with a 30/32 waist so I might have to go new.

[Drumroll]

I would always go for a one piece for track days.

[zzrman]

V8RX7 said:

I'm aware there are two types of zip a large course zip around 12" and a finer one that's about 3/4 of the way around are you saying they should be 100% around ?

I was looking at used suits - that's how I buy 99% of my stuff (I have a lot of hobbies) I have no issue buying older ones if they are stronger, do leathers / stitching lose strength ?

I suspect the reason most zips aren't 100% is to allow different size jackets / trousers to fit together.

I'm struggling to find a set as I need a 44" chest with a 30/32 waist so I might have to go new.

Zips can't go all the way round a two piece suit - simply not possible. But if you can find a pair of second hand BKS leathers - the made to measure ones - you'll see what I mean about a heavy duty zip hat goes most of the way round.

[trickywoo]

Two piece are way overrated imo.

As a few others have said a properly fitted one piece has no rival. Even for normal use.

[KurtFlew]

I don't find one piece leathers unbearably hot either, I've never owned the old school stuff...but I have perforated Revit leathers and they're great.

[Triaguar]

KurtFlew said:

I don't find one piece leathers unbearably hot either, I've never owned the old school stuff...but I have perforated Revit leathers and they're great.

And the hottest you have ridden in is? ....but I do agree that one piece is the only way to go on track.

[KurtFlew]

Triaguar said:

And the hottest you have ridden in is? ....but I do agree that one piece is the only way to go on track.

I'm not a walking thermometer but low to mid 30's at a guess.

[mikedxb]

I ride in Dubai and it gets flipping hot here too. I have two piece ventilated AS. I'm sure one piece would provide better ultimate protection and fit (if a good fit can be found with off-the shelf products available here). But life is full of compromises and my two piece seems to do a perfectly adequate job - fit, comfort and practicality (taking jacket off in between track sessions to cool off etc.) are all good enough. I did have a one-piece a few years ago and have no particular desire to go back for the riding I do (street, back of intermediates on track days).

[GYTRDave]

Can't say I've ever really struggled with dealing with heat in a decent 1 piece, either in the UK or doing Euro trackdays, good base layers help loads, never got to an uncomfortable state, even in Carta when it was 34c.

For me i'd always go for a 1 piece, i've used Dainese for a long time, having gone through the normal routes of RST etc, find them the best fit for me, like the D Air tech though thankfully i've never had to use it, the 2D Data recording is cool too although i'm yet to figure out of to use it :P