Pilot Leathers

[rwalterk]

April, this question is more for you.  What have you heard about Pilot's quality?  If I'm not mistaken, I think Kent used their leathers and I know other magazine riders have as well.  They also have a decent list of racers who have worn their stuff.  I haven't seen how their two piece leathers look, but for $850 for a custom suit I'm curious.

[pshaw118]

sounds to me like I have a new wish list item. 

[rwalterk]

wtf, they must have just changed pricing in the last few days!  Now it says:

1pc Suit - Standard Fit $700.00
1pc Suit - Custom Fit  $1000.00
   
2pc Suit - Standard Fit  $750.00
2pc Suit - Custom Fit  $1050.00

Anyway this pricing is still pretty good.  April, I await your opinion.   

[aprilmaybe]

I'll check on it tomorrow.

They have actually been around for awhile, they just didn't sell to the public. They mainly make custom suits for racers and branded gear for OEMs.

[aprilmaybe]

Talked to Troy about them--he wore Pilot leathers in the 250 race story.

He really likes them--great bang for the buck and the people are easy to work with. Kent has also crashed a set with zero problems.

[rwalterk]

Thanks April!  They're the first custom maker (in a decent price range) that I actually like the designs from.  I think they'll be next set if the 2-piece looks okay.

[rwalterk]

I was cleaning/conditioning my suit yesterday after Saturday's "butterfly extermination" ride and lamenting how beat up it is.  As a result I called Pilot today and found out that they hardly (if ever) make 2 piece suits and didn't even have any pictures to show me.  I did find out though that I would fit nicely into one of their off-the-rack sizes for 1 piece suits, so I could get one for $700.  The bad news is I'd be that dude at Nuke's with the top half of my leathers hanging off me.

Basically the only 2-piece suit out there I like is the Dainese, but my bro and I would look like the Dork Twins.  $700 is tempting though, and I could get those random patches put on there so people think I'm sponsored by odd consumer goods companies (Palmolive, Maytag, Oscar Mayer, Shamwow, etc.).  In any case due to the lack of cool 2-piece suits that aren't identical to what my bro has, I'm officially considering a 1-piece Pilot.  At least they have some designs I actually like and are relatively local if I need repairs.

Apryl - I checked out BKS, but they're not perforated.   

[pshaw118]

you might end up liking the 1 piece.  My one piece really feels awkward when I'm trying to walk around with it zipped up, but it feels really good when I'm riding.  I can't explain it any other way than it just feels more right to me.  It kind of pulls your upper body towards the bars.  It's a $700 gamble, but I can't say enough how much I like my 1 piece.

[rwalterk]

you might end up liking the 1 piece.  My one piece really feels awkward when I'm trying to walk around with it zipped up, but it feels really good when I'm riding.  I can't explain it any other way than it just feels more right to me.  It kind of pulls your upper body towards the bars.  It's a $700 gamble, but I can't say enough how much I like my 1 piece.

Did you have a 2 piece before?  I can't say my 2 piece has ever felt like it hindered my mobility on the bike, but it'll be interesting to compare if I do get the 1 piece.

[Beefmaster_Mark]

You guys are funny - they're leathers, they're not supposed to be convenient! 

I love my one piece - bathroom and mobility issues be damned!

[aprilmaybe]

I don't generally see you riding the street in the one-piece though!

Ray--Have you considered separates rather than something that is sold as a suit?

[Beefmaster_Mark]

I know, seriously it's only because I found my leather pants for such a smokin' price right after (like a day after) I had purchased the suit.

I will wear my 1 piece out the next time, for all you naysayers!

[rwalterk]

I don't generally see you riding the street in the one-piece though!

Ray--Have you considered separates rather than something that is sold as a suit?

The separates I've seen are cut differently than 2 piece suits, and in a bad way.  Generally speaking the jacket from a 2 piece suit is shorter; the jackets from separates are longer and bulkier.  Not quite what I'm looking for.

Would I ride the street in a 1 piece?  Maybe.  Probably.  There might be some days when I use the street gear, but I'd probably do the leathers most of the time.

[pshaw118]

you might end up liking the 1 piece.  My one piece really feels awkward when I'm trying to walk around with it zipped up, but it feels really good when I'm riding.  I can't explain it any other way than it just feels more right to me.  It kind of pulls your upper body towards the bars.  It's a $700 gamble, but I can't say enough how much I like my 1 piece.

Did you have a 2 piece before?  I can't say my 2 piece has ever felt like it hindered my mobility on the bike, but it'll be interesting to compare if I do get the 1 piece.

I had an AGVSport 2 piece before.  I bought it, took it out for the first time, then promptly ended up face first into a pile of rocks.  I remember it like it was yesterday. 

I never wear the 1 piece outside of track and canyon, but that's where I do the majority of my riding.  You can pick up leather jackets for $100 on closeout if you want street gear (in fact, newenough has a teknic leather jacket for $99).  That's what I payed for my Shift jacket.

[rwalterk]

already have street gear, that's not a problem.