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Quick question, overall which is better (I hope this doesn't start a flame war), leather or textile riding gear? What advantaged does each hold over the other? Is one really all that much better?

Also, for the record, are there any brands of riding gear that I should steer clear of (those that are more for show than for protection)?

I have heard the rumor that nylon , during the friction endured during a slide on the pavement, for instance, will melt into your skin, making for an unpleasant result. Maybe that's why racers stick with leather.

I asked the very same question not too long ago, before making a purchase -

viewtopic.php?t=5564&highlight=textile

Hope that gives you some more opinions!

textile is usually lighter and cooler. It has good protection properties, but not quite as good as leather. Armored textile jackets are usually pretty good, and I havent heard of it melting on anyone's skin. (not the big name brands anyway).

Leather has better abrasion protection over distance, and is usually thicker. It will keep you warmer. There should be more info on the forums if you search, I know we have had the debates before.

Leather is fantastic... but the best gear is the gear that you'll actually wear every time on the bike! Someone was talking about a full one-piece leather suit the other day... that's the ultimate in protection of course, but I doubt anyone is going to get into a full suit just for a trip up the street to the store. Ride for a while and you'll end up with different sets of gear for the occasion.

oldnslo wrote:I have heard the rumor that nylon , during the friction endured during a slide on the pavement, for instance, will melt into your skin, making for an unpleasant result. Maybe that's why racers stick with leather.

It certainly will. When I made the acquaintance of mother blacktop last year my leathers split above the knee. The hole was just wide enough for my flest to touch down and sustain a bit of surface roadrash. The black synthetic base layer I was wearing underneath my leathers melted into the wound. The wound wouldn't clean out properly. My knee is still healing, over a year later.

Nothing causes the warm fuzzies more than leather....just make sure you get leather made for biking. The dressy stuff has snaps that will open and sleeves that slide up during your time of need. It's also too thin and soft.

Henriettaah wrote:I asked the very same question not too long ago, before making a purchase -

viewtopic.php?t=5564&highlight=textile

Hope that gives you some more opinions!

Good info (and that Draggin Jeans video was just great!)

Looks like either will work quite well (as long as I'm willing to wear it that is).

Still torn though as which would be better. I live in Alabama where the summers are hot, the winters are short...so Textile seems like a good choice...

Leather protects better - Textile breathes more. Most all textile suits/jackets are armored in areas that frequently make contact with the ground, and if you've ever seen a jacket/pants that have touched down - the non-armored areas are pretty well toasted. No matter what you choose, if you go down, it won't be pleasent.

I understand the heat issue, believe me (you know, being from Texas - and deployed to Iraq). While I was home I had on my black leather jacket every time I saddled up. Minimum gear for me is jacket, gloves, helmet, and boots. Period. It was over 100 degrees while I was home on some days, and I've done 136 in full battle rattle. Just depends how much you value that added layer of protection.

That'll be $.02

Just out of interest, why the jacket but not pants?