Recently passed the MSF course and got my endorsement, now in the process of buying gear and I'm having a hard time. If money was no object I'd get a full set of race leathers (and textiles) for every condition, but like everyone I'm trying to walk the line between risking myself unnecessarily by being cheap, and paying thousands on gear that is the equivalent of a five point harness nomex suit and fire suppression system in the family minivan. And unlike most products it's hard to find either quality lab testing or enough anecdotal evidence to be statistically significant.
I have a Snell rated full face helmet, and a sturdy Alpinestars leather jacket with some armor. However, I'm having trouble filling in the rest of the slots.
Gloves: I've been looking at full gauntlets with hard armor. 1. is that level of protection overkill 2. I've tried on a few different brands/models and I'm having trouble getting a good fit. I've read a lot of reviews, but given the trouble I've had finding a comfortable pair I'm reluctant to buy online.
Pants: I'd planned on getting a pair of lower grade textiles with some armor, but after reading through some crash reports on the forums I'm wondering if I should get either a one piece suit or pants made to attach to the jacket. Also, what are some well thought of brands?
Boots: again, I had been planning on using my hiking boots but now I'm wondering if I need some type of specialty gear with hard armor?
Finally, where do you all buy your gear? I have no issue with buying good quality older gear on closeout/ebay etc.
I have a Snell rated full face helmet, and a sturdy Alpinestars leather jacket with some armor. However, I'm having trouble filling in the rest of the slots.
Gloves: I've been looking at full gauntlets with hard armor. 1. is that level of protection overkill 2. I've tried on a few different brands/models and I'm having trouble getting a good fit. I've read a lot of reviews, but given the trouble I've had finding a comfortable pair I'm reluctant to buy online.
Pants: I'd planned on getting a pair of lower grade textiles with some armor, but after reading through some crash reports on the forums I'm wondering if I should get either a one piece suit or pants made to attach to the jacket. Also, what are some well thought of brands?
Boots: again, I had been planning on using my hiking boots but now I'm wondering if I need some type of specialty gear with hard armor?
Finally, where do you all buy your gear? I have no issue with buying good quality older gear on closeout/ebay etc.