Protective gear questions

[sv-wolf]

Can't help out with the new gear 'cos I'm half a world away and it's all different over here. But...

I remember reading research on riding boots some years ago. Wearing steel-toed boots is apparently a very good way to get all your toes chopped off in an accident. Not recommended in the long term.

Just a thought.

(And no feel, either.)


cheers.

[jonnythan]

Can't help out with the new gear 'cos I'm half a world away and it's all different over here. But...

I remember reading research on riding boots some years ago. Wearing steel-toed boots is apparently a very good way to get all your toes chopped off in an accident. Not recommended in the long term.

Just a thought.

(And no feel, either.)


cheers.

Urban myth.

Any impact that would crush the steel would absolutely destroy your toes.

[Balog]

Mg! Small world man. Any luck selling the Ford?

Anyway, how difficult is it to get in and out of the overpants? I'm looking for something I can just pop off and on quickly.

I considered just wearing my old Corps boots, but the toe leather is pretty darn thin. I may compromise and go with my new hiking boots.

Just got my confirmation letter for the MSF course. Yay! I'm going June 26, 28 & 29. I can't wait!

Been looking on Craig's List for a bike. Not much luck so far. I found a low miles 92 Nighthawk in Tacoma for way under book price, but apparently the guy got a bunch of replies and has jacked the price outta my range. Damn. Found a guy wanting to trade a dual sport for a rifle, but he only wants an sks or 10/22, the weirdo. No appreciation for fine Swiss work.

[sv-wolf]

Can't help out with the new gear 'cos I'm half a world away and it's all different over here. But...

I remember reading research on riding boots some years ago. Wearing steel-toed boots is apparently a very good way to get all your toes chopped off in an accident. Not recommended in the long term.

Just a thought.

(And no feel, either.)


cheers.

Urban myth.

Any impact that would crush the steel would absolutely destroy your toes.

If that was the issue, then I'd agree with you, jonny. But it's not about crushing your toes, it's about turning the metal toe-cap, so that its front edge slices down through the foot like a knife. Unfortunately, the research paper I saw came with a couple of pictures from actual accidents. Not nice.

What I don't recall is just how common this is supposed to be. I suspect, that though it is a danger, it is probably not that frequent an occurence, but who knows!

[fetz]

the jacket i love is a joe rocket that i bought about 5 years ago tons of pockets with a zip out winter liner and of course has body armor
i don't care for leather jackets at all bulky and uncomfortable for me

pants i like kevlar chaps

gloves i have a pair i just love they are actually what the police and prison guards wear they are kevlar lined etc can be bought at security police clothing places i think the online place is called garrett

and shoes black leather lace up boots

[short stop]

Just one thing to keep in mind about the Fox Creek jackets - they don't come with armour. But I do believe they come with inserts which can allow you to add armour on your own. I was also seriously looking at their jackets, but decided on a Joe Rocket Sonic 2.0 instead.

Happy shopping!

[Sandibeach]

Yeah, don't do the steel toe boots... at my MSF they were not allowed... I think those leather boots you were talking about will do just fine for the MSF and then you'll understand the feeling of shifting. You can get decent moto boots for $150.

I have both an AlpineStar and Icon Jacket. They are very well made and durable... take this from a semi-professional sewer... they will hold up if you need them to. My husband has Joe Rocket and he loves it... the mesh one for the summer. All three come with body armour.

The first year we got our bikes was expensive, but this is not stuff you replace often... on our 3rd year and we've bought nothing since the 1st year!

Enjoy!

[mgdavis]

My overpants have zippers that go all the way up to the hip, so they're easy on/off.

I've still got the truck. I started off listing it at the high end of the scale, I'll knock off a couple hundred at a time till it sells.

[Gunslinger]

At the risk of starting another steel toe debate I haven't seen any evidence one way or the other that they offer better protection than a standard boot. The only reason I don't like them is that I can't feel the shift lever as well with that type. They're also IMO not as comfortable to walk around in. I would say if you're comfortable with your workboots then use those.

Also something to think about regarding the leather jackets is that they can get pretty warm in the summertime. They offer the best protection but if it's hanging in the closet because it's too hot to wear that's not good. I have no experience with Fox Creek products but I do have a Shift Dyer jacket that I highly recommend. For overpants check out Firstgear's textile pants. I can't give you any first hand experience with them but from what I've seen the reviews have been positive.

[obfuscate]

Soooo, anyone have any advice about pants? I can try on gloves fairly easily, but I have no idea what to even look for in pants.

I have the Joe Rocket Alter Ego Overpants. I love it. I use it all year round. It has the removable cold weather liner, venting, as well as knee armor and hip padding.

(sorry to thread jack, but...) HYPERR...did you ever wear them in the rain? Were they really waterproof? Been debating picking up a pair to replace my overpants.

In terms of gear learn from a few of my mistakes...
Pants: mgdavis + 1 get long zippers, all the way up if you can. I have 10 inch zips on mine and have to take off my boots before removing them. Less than fun in a parking lot. Zip out liners are also your friend

I originally was very gung ho about leather until I realized that textiles had gotten several friends through crashes just fine and that I don't like being reaaaally hot at the traffic lights.

Good luck with the class and the gear