Good Brands?

[JamminJonah]

What are some trustworthy and effective brands in the world of safety gear?

I guess I'm just nervous whose product to trust with my well being.

Who makes good helmets?

Who makes good Jackets/Pants/Chaps?

Who makes good gloves?

Who makes good boots?

I've been browsing a lot but can't find much rating information and you all seem to be a very informed and experienced group! Help a brotha out!

That Joe Rocket stuff looks pretty cool (esp. some of the pants)

[Keyoke]

Who makes good helmets?

Shoei, HJC, Nolan, Suomy, Simpson - all well known brands, all worth a look! Take a trip down to your local m/c dealer try them on, see what's most comfortable.

Who makes good Jackets/Pants/Chaps?

Joe rocket, as you've already said also Belstaff and Dianese are trusted makes

Who makes good gloves?

Frank Thomas are one of the best i know- again, see what's on offer at your local dealer also Akito are quality at a low price

Who makes good boots?

Sidi, Akito and JTS are the ones i've had myself - all worth a look...

Hope this helps. Best thing to look for is How it feels - go to a dealer that will let you try stuff on - make sure all the armour sits in the right place etc. Some of the "shop brands" can also be good - Hein Gerike for example. Just make sure you look for Dot/Snell certs where helmets are concerned, and CS verification on Armour in Jackets etc.

[oldnslo]

Arai helmets should be at or near the top of your list. Firstgear leathers. Shop for gear at big Honda stores and the like to avoid the cheap junk. Chicago should have a lot of good stores with good sales help and lots of brands of everything in stock.

[Keyoke]

Arai helmets .

Not quite sure how I forgot about that one! - cheers, John!

[oldnslo]

If you find a dealer in Chicago stocking Bates boots, try them on. Absolutely the most comfortable--garment leather, feel like second skin in a couple wearings, and durable. Mine are almost 18 years old, been resoled/reheeled once, and you can wear them with street clothes and be comfortable walking around all day, all for about $185.

[Gadjet]

For jackets, see if the dealership will let you sit on your bike with the jacket on. It doesn't matter how comfortable the jacket is when you are standing up and walking around the store, if it isn't comfortable when you are on your bike in riding position then it's just a waste of money.

I liked the JR jackets as well when I was shopping for a new jacket last spring, but I found that as soon as I sat on my bike the material was so stiff that the collar jammed into my throat and was very uncomfortable. Tried on a Rhyno X4 jacket which was a similar cut and style to the JR and it was way more comfortable on the bike. This also goes for any kind of riding pants that have armor in them. you want to make sure that the armor sits in the right places when you are on your bike with your knees bent.