I have a HJC helmet with Joe Rocket Reactor jacket and phoenix gloves.  I like JR a lot.  I also like Icon but heard some bad things about them.  Is there really much difference between brands or is it just product difference.  I guess what I'm really trying to ask is does the "name" count for something? (like BMW/Mercedes for cars)

I think so, yes. Icon gear seems stylish, but I've seen their products and they don't seem all that high quality. JR has some good stuff and they market a lot, but I prefer stuff with armor in it, so I don't go towards them. If you don't mind not having armor, then JR is pretty damn good. Same goes with boots. You hear a lot about Sidi. It's because they are f%$king amazing boots. Compare them with something by Icon and you can see the differences in quality.

David has ranted against JR for not being double-stitched in the past.

Manufacturers who make racing gear (i.e, actually sponsor a guy or gal who races for a living) tend to have at least one line that is decent.  But go by measures of quality - stitching, weight, denier, armor rating - rather than brand.

An E46 325 ain't the Ultimate Driving Machine.

RG, I blame you for making me like Teknic gear so much... given it's really good and fits me great...


She's right though. Go for quality. There are a lot of brands that are consistantly making high quality gear in all their lines.

I usually do.  but this JR reactor has armor and seems like it's built very well.  I do really like the Icon Timax jackets but it seems as though they are really for the looks.  

I am looking for boots so I'm leaning toward Sidi but don't want to spend $200 for boots that I'm only going to wear when riding.  any suggestions?

:dunno:

I have an icon jacket and I like it! (quickly ducks, runs, and hides in the corner in shame)

Quote from: gikim1118I am looking for boots so I'm leaning toward Sidi but don't want to spend $200 for boots that I'm only going to wear when riding.  any suggestions?

They are riding boots, but they're not that bad to wear around when you're off the bike.

You can always get these:
http://www.newenough.com/sidi_scorpion_boots_page.htm

QuoteThink of the Scorpion as the bottom half of a good sport touring boot.

Uh... Yeah.  Exactly what I want.  It's like wearing the top half of a good helmet.  

Look at the Alpinestars lineup on Newenough.  I have Roam and SMX-3.

My JR Reactor S jacket saved my hide, it held up excellent.  But it did enough damage to the jacket that I can't use it again... its pretty much a one use only jacket.

Quote from: RoadstergalDavid has ranted against JR for not being double-stitched in the past.

The first time I went to the gear shop (the shop that is -only- a gear shop...not a dealership), the first thing they told me was to, "get rid of that Joe Rocket crap." (referring to my jacket.)

Quote from: RoadstergalAn E46 325 ain't the Ultimate Driving Machine.

Sure is better than a Daewoo, though.
Badger has an E46 330

I'm not saying it isn't a great, comfy, practical car - I'm just sayin', ad lines are ad lines.  The ultimate driving machine would be a terrible commuter machine.

Quote from: RoadstergalI'm not saying it isn't a great, comfy, practical car - I'm just sayin', ad lines are ad lines.  The ultimate driving machine would be a terrible commuter machine.

psssst....I wasn't disagreeing with you.

Name brands are like stereotypes:  They wouldn't exist if they weren't somewhat true.  More specifically for name brands you develop a reputation for quality cause you produce quality stuff.  This doesn't mean some of the stuff you make isn't crap (Ford Pinto), it just means that in general your stuff is good.

on JR not being armored enough:  my JR meteor 4.0 jacket seems to have a lot of stiff armor - elbows, shoulders, and back.  it feels much tougher (both armor and material) than my buddy's gerrike (sp?) jacket which felt more like a windbreaker with 1/4 inch foam in the shoulders/elbows.

i'll let you know how it holds up when i highside it.

So, I had a lot of gear questions when I got started as well and researched brands.  I think it really does vary product to product.  Check out the armor, the stitching, all that before you buy.  Things I have heard over and over again are the textile and mesh jackets are oftentimes one crash deals.  They should protect you in a crash, but they often won't survive.  
I have tried to do things on the cheap and have been mostly successful.  That being said, I did opt to spend $200 on a pair of Sidi Vertebra's.  I am spending the cash to get myself a leather suit.  Get what you need to begin with that you trust.  For the frist few months I wore just little Joe Rocket summer gloves, a Cortech jacket and work boots.  Then I got some textile pants when I could, then better gloves, better boots.  Now comes the leathers...  Remember, this is your body you are protecting.  How much is it worth to you to be safe and come out of an accident?  
I've been down on the GS and I had a couple sore fingers and a lot of dust on my clothing.  My girlfriend went down at higher speed in leathers.  She had 2 bruises on her leg.  About $1000 worth of damage to the bike, but she was fine....  How much is it worth to be able to say that....  Just make sure the gear you get is protective...

How are the oxtar jupitor street boots?  Does anyone have any experience with this brand or model?
http://www.newenough.com/oxtar_jupiter_goretex_boots_page.htm

JR does have some good stuff out there.  But they also sell some other items that just isn't up to snuff.  There are companies that put out quality products all across their line, and their good reuptation is generally deserved.

Cheap JR stuff is pretty bad, and I wouldn't put any of their mesh gear to a crash test.  Oh wait, I have   and that's why I won't use my hardly used mesh jacket.  I do give JR points for putting extra armor pads in places where the standard shoulder/elbow stuff does not cover.  Dual density foam is on the low end of the armor scale for the stuff you put in the pockets.  I use JR GP armor in my jacket  :dunno:

Quote from: snoweyHow are the oxtar jupitor street boots?  Does anyone have any experience with this brand or model?
http://www.newenough.com/oxtar_jupiter_goretex_boots_page.htm

I'd spring for the extra for the Infinity.  Better shin and ankle protection, and a low-riser boot just isn't going to be waterproof.

Quote from: snoweyHow are the oxtar jupitor street boots?  Does anyone have any experience with this brand or model?
http://www.newenough.com/oxtar_jupiter_goretex_boots_page.htm

I have them, and they seem really confortable and good for walking around in, once broken in.  They don't really have any hard protection for your ankles or shins, but they have good grip and perform adequately for my needs.  The only downside is my new leather pants do not tuck into them very well.  As the cooler weather has come, I occassionally get some cool breezes up my leg.  :lol: