What is the proper fit for a one piece suit?

[afinepoint]

Never worn one before. Mine is an Alpinestar Trigger. How snug should a new suit be? How loose?

I have worn it indoors for about two hours. The suit still makes me walk like a gorilla and is quite tight in the crotch but the it is comfortable on the bike with the exception of tightness in the shoulders. I can grab a small bit of leather and pull it away from my chest. I can take it off alone but not put on by self. Help is required I am told. Plan to by an undersuit like Pysclesuits.

I'm 6'2" and weigh 205 lbs. Per the salesman these suits are a size off. Mine is a 54 (Euro) but per them it will fit like a 56 - which is what I need.

Many on NESBA think it is too small and one or two amazed I can put it on. A couple of guys say the suit is fitting like it should.

I thought I would get more opinions here.

Thanks,

Reg

2007 Honda VFR Interceptor ABS

[azoomm]

there should be no camel toe...

[afinepoint]

Guess I'll be ordering a larger suit. Can't stand (easily) and causes shallow breathing (when standing). My wife asks, "Are you OK?"

Will it stretch?

Thanks for feedback.

Reg

[Trip]

It will stretch some. You don't want it unbearably tight, but not real loose either.

[Porkchop]

Yea, "when" you hit the ground.... you dont want alot of suit movement. You don't want extra suit to snag something either. Snagging causes flipping at higher speeds, and flipping causes more injuries.

Is this mainly for street or track use??? Sorry I don't pay attention.

[afinepoint]

Track use but if tolerable I would use it on the street.

Is this snagging issue why one piece are more common than two piece?

The suit isn't crippling just very tight.

Per sales they want the suit tight because it will stretch some but not enough to fold or roll up in a crash. If it is comfortable off the rack then they say it will be too loose when it does stretch.

I'm just trying to figure out if I need to order a larger suit. As is now the zippers are tight, I pant while standing and there is no way I could get anything else between it and my skin.

Reg

[Homeslice]

Suits are for riding, not walking, so yes it should be tight in the crotch, and everywhere else, frankly. The only place it should have extra space is in the butt/lower back, so that it can flex when you get into a tuck on the bike.

With that being said, an Alpinestars 54 seems like it would be one size too small for someone of your build.

[azoomm]

My suits have never stretched that much.... snug is one thing. It shouldn't be tight to where it restricts your movement. Breathing is important, and your suit's fit shouldn't be distracting.

Sounds to me like you need a size up and the salesperson didn't have one a size up....

[afinepoint]

Like I said it is (relatively) comfortable on the bike although tight in the shoulders. The tightness in the chest is relieved.

I will order a 56 to see if it does fit better. Don't see how it can't.

I agree about comfort. That is the number one rule of a high performance driving instructor and author.

Reg

[Homeslice]

If it feels ok on the bike, and lets you move around on the bike, that's all that matters. Doesn't matter what it feels like off the bike, since you will be unzipping it anyway.

[afinepoint]

How will I fit armor beneath? And breathe?

[Amber Lamps]

Just a thought, but if you can get your money back AND you have the time. I would look into a Pilot suit. The cost will be close to the A*s suit and it will be custom made just for you. Otherwise, I bought off the rack and took it to a tailor who made any necessary adjustments...Just a couple of ideas.:idk:



http://www.pilotleathers.com/

[Trip]

My suits have never stretched that much.... snug is one thing. It shouldn't be tight to where it restricts your movement. Breathing is important, and your suit's fit shouldn't be distracting.

Sounds to me like you need a size up and the salesperson didn't have one a size up....

Part of my breakin when I wore leathers involved getting it a little wet and trying to run in it. It will stretch some, not a lot, but it will stretch to a more natural fit.

[afinepoint]

$200 more but something to think about. If this A*s doesn't work out or I every buy another suit I will seriously check out Pilot .

[Homeslice]

How will I fit armor beneath? And breathe?

Doesn't it already have armor?:?:

[afinepoint]

yes it does but there's no way I can fit a chest or back protector under this.

[racedoll]

I will order a 56 to see if it does fit better. Don't see how it can't.
Reg

First off - I would say a size up based on your comments.
Second - Going up a sign might not work because of the way A* fit. Some people can wear then and some can't (like my hubby). No matter what size he tries, it just never fits quite right. This might be you too.

yes it does but there's no way I can fit a chest or back protector under this.

I think you answered your own question with this comment here - go up a size to see if it helps.

[101lifts2]

I just bought my second custom suit made by NJK leathers in San Clemente, CA. The dude made the suit start to finish in 3 weeks.

Suits are supposed to fit snugly from the beginning and take about 2 months to fully break in. Many off the shelf suits, since not designed to fit you perfectly, will be loose or tight in various areas. The custom suits will be tight in ALL areas, but once broken in will fit like a glove. I took mine to the canyons for the first time today and it was tight as shit, especially from the crotch to the shoulders. I could barely get the thing on in the AM, but was acceptable in the PM when I got home. Another 10 or so rides and it should be good.

IMO...my next suit is going to be more loose because I'm not all that flexible to begin with so I'll take the suit tearing after a crash for more flexiblity.

[the chi]

It's supposed to be snug, and most comfortable when sitting on the bike. Getting it wet is a great idea, my racing friends recommend that and it will help it stretch out some.

The suit should be snug not to prevent your suit from tearing, but to prevent it from rashing you from the inside.

[afinepoint]

Sounds to me like you need a size up and the salesperson didn't have one a size up....


Called sportbiketrackgear. Size 56 are out of stock. Hmmmm.

Told him I would continue to try stretching the 54 but don't want to run out of grace on the return. He stated STG would work with me.

I am off tomorrow so I plan to wear the suit for a couple of hours. Sucks that I can't go outside or get on bike for and risk getting suit dirty.

Trip, wet leather will stretch so wetting is a good idea but I will definitely own it then.

Reg

[Sean]

You should be trying on suits with a back protector in place. It should be snug but not restrictive. It will stretch to fit a little bit (most do, Dainese don't in my experience). As long as it's tight enough that the armor that's in there doesn't shift around even when torqued violently or the leather fold over or bind when pulled, it should be enough.

[Homeslice]

Getting leather wet usually makes it more brittle, because you lose some of the natural oils as the water evaporates.

[Sean]

Wetting a suit is a terrible idea, it dries it out and makes it more prone to tearing and cracking. If you find yourself in a rainstorm moisturize the suit after to keep the leather supple.

[CrazyKell]

Leather conditioner!

[afinepoint]

I told the saleman to let me know when the 56's are in stock.

I'm going to order one and try on. He is trying his best to talk me out of the 56.

Reg

[afinepoint]

I told him I would give the 54 a two hour try tomorrow to see if it will stretch some. My worry is can the zipper(s) hold?

Reg

[azoomm]

I told him I would give the 54 a two hour try tomorrow to see if it will stretch some. My worry is can the zipper(s) hold?

Reg
Reg, for a suit that you can't get armor under.... forget it. Contact Pilot. They're really great.

Not every "deal" is a good deal.

[afinepoint]

Returned. Talk about high pressure sales. Sheesh!

Size 56 won't be in til end of month. Another website doesn't have the 56s either. Will look at custom. Wife is on board in paying more for custom. She's a keeper.

Reg

[afinepoint]

Pilot suit on way to check fit. Josh there agrees Alpinestar suit probably two sizes to small and states leather does not stretch.

Reg

[racedoll]

Good call. I think you will be happier with a suit that you don't have to "break in" and that shouldn't really need broken in.

[Amber Lamps]

Good call. I think you will be happier with a suit that you don't have to "break in" and that shouldn't really need broken in.

Wait... Did azoom and race doll both agree with me? Holy crap the Aztecs were right, the world is coming to an end...

[Sean]

High pressure sales on a piece of safety equipment is a warning sign IMO.

[azoomm]

Wait... Did azoom and race doll both agree with me? Holy crap the Aztecs were right, the world is coming to an end...

Mayans :nee:

Sean, I agree - fit should be more important than the sale.

[afinepoint]

SED is May 13th. Suit build time 4 to 8 weeks. Currently 4 weeks per Josh.

Don't think I'm going to make it.

Reg

[Amber Lamps]

SED is May 13th. Suit build time 4 to 8 weeks. Currently 4 weeks per Josh.

Don't think I'm going to make it.

Reg

That's why I mentioned "time" in my post...:sorry: Good luck bro!

[OreoGaborio]

there should be no camel toe...
I dunno bout that... My suit gives me mega camel hump.

It should be tight enough to be snug while in the seated position but allow you to move around the bike freely.

Walking should be kind of a pain in the ass.

[afinepoint]

Pilot "sample" suit waiting for me at home. Another 6 hours of work. :(

Amber Lamps, no big deal. I'll rent for the SED. If the sample fits I'll have Pilot produce the suit in time for the next track day plus it gives me more time to finalize the design. Besides if I go down in May at least it won't be in my new suit.

Reg

[Amber Lamps]

Pilot "sample" suit waiting for me at home. Another 6 hours of work. :(

Amber Lamps, no big deal. I'll rent for the SED. If the sample fits I'll have Pilot produce the suit in time for the next track day plus it gives me more time to finalize the design. Besides if I go down in May at least it won't be in my new suit.

Reg

Well you gotta stay positive...I guess...:lol: I'm glad to hear that you took my advice. You will not be sorry, of that I am certain.

[afinepoint]

Comfortable snug fit with back and chest protector in place. Although not easy I can get in and out of suit alone. Feel good on bike.


Reg

[afinepoint]

FYI Pilot wants a quick turnaround on the sample suits. Basically put it on - check size - send it back. The swatches must also be returned or it'll cost you $50.00.

Reg

[racedoll]

Sounds like you have a better fitting suit than the first one. Glad to hear you took the advice and tried something else.

[afinepoint]

Had I been sent the correct size from sportbiketrackgear (not just what they had) the Alpinestar might have done the trick. However, since I had to get another suit shipped anyway I thought I would try the Pilot. Plus Pilot is possibly the only manufacturer to offer free return shipping and no restocking fee.

Now to finalized suit colors. Pilot states they may be able to deliver it prior to my May track date depending on complexity of the design. I'm not worried either way.

Thanks for the suggestion to try Pilot.

Reg

[afinepoint]

Design submitted. Now the waiting begins. =_=

Reg

[Homeslice]

How much extra are they charging to use your design?

[afinepoint]

How much extra are they charging to use your design?

$0.00 But you choose from their colors and fabrics.

Reg

[afinepoint]

With all of the back and forth the suit didn't go into queue until May 7th. Still having to rent. Pilot says it should be done in one to two weeks but that probably doesn't include shipping time.

If it does not get here for my July 3rd track day there will be great unrest in the land.


Reg

[afinepoint]

The suit is here! The fit is more snug than the "sample" but my back protector fit w/o issues.

The renting is over.

Point

[derf]

The suit is here! The fit is more snug than the "sample" but my back protector fit w/o issues.

The renting is over.

Point


Snug is good, tight is bad

[Amber Lamps]

The suit is here! The fit is more snug than the "sample" but my back protector fit w/o issues.

The renting is over.

Point

Well let's see it turkey!:rockwoot:

[afinepoint]

Ha ha.

Work the weekend. I'll try to get a picture Monday.

Reg

[CrazyKell]

I can attest that tight is very bad. Snug is good.

I have two suits. One is a men's A stars and it fits looser than I'd like. The other is a women's Teknic viper and it fits tighter than I'd like.

The Teknic is too tight to get any good laps in with it, but I need to stretch it out. And once I lose a bit more weight it'll be perfect!!!

[afinepoint]

Well let's see it turkey!:rockwoot:

Here it is.

[azoomm]

Here it is.

:dthumb:

[Cutty72]

HEY, you stole my old helmet!!

Looks good

[Amber Lamps]

bad ass dude!:rockwoot:

[the chi]

Helloooooo handsome! There's something to be said for color coordination! Looks great man.

[Particle Man]

I just like the bike :drool:

[racedoll]

Looking good!

[afinepoint]

Helloooooo handsome! There's something to be said for color coordination! Looks great man.

Thanks Chi.

Glad everyone approves. I held my breath a little between approving the final design and receiving the suit. VIR went well July 3rd. No complaints about the suit. All positives so far. Witlhout a removable lining I'm not sure how cleaning will go but the undergarments seem to be doing their job holding back contaminents.

Reg