I was trying on suits today at the Dainese store. The one that seemed to fit my body the best was a size 46 (Euro) Stripes suit. The sleeves and legs were an inch or two shorter than what I would expect. It was explained to me, and it makes perfect sense, that my boots and gloves would cover up that extra inch or two, so it doesn't matter. I'm starting to wonder now, though, why not a single video review or anything I've seen while researching suits shows someone with sleeves that short on them. Would you buy a suit an inch or two short in the sleeves and legs? I know the body fitting tight is important. Also, anyone have any thoughts on the Speed and Strength Twist of Fate 2.0 suit? I think I could get a really good deal on that suit.
That is exactly the suit I have - in white!! I am a girl and 5' 7.5" - not exactly short - and I got their smallest size offered (38). I still had to send it off to Alexa/spyderworks and get both the arms and legs cut 2" shorter. Without that, I couldn't zip my boots up all the way and I couldn't get the gauntlet gloves on. Keep that in mind - where the rest of your gear is going to attach and tighten up on you. As for the suit, I got an incredible deal on it so I couldn't pass it up. I like it and it fits me well - if not perfect. I like the protection it offers. As to comparison of others, I've only ever had a race replica Alpinestars, and that suit offered way more protection so no comparison there of course. However, comparing the S&S to others at the local motorcycle superstore, well on par with typical A*s. I also have a 2-piece Teknic that hasn't seen the road once since the protection really sucks. Below are links on Speed and Strength. From sportbiketrackgear: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yiwO8W9Xps from S&S: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFiTk0FeBFk this was the model before the 2.0 crash tested: (5 times) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DhPMLSrqqc0
I didn't think to ask if they have a size 48. I guess I will when I go back next weekend. They seemed to have a limited selection of sizes in stock. I read that you should get the smallest size you can fit into, because it stretches as you break it in. I first tried on a 42 US, and I think that even seemed a little short to me. No tall sizes?
I sat on their bike in the store and everything seemed to be in the right place, and the saleswoman seemed to think so as well. I didn't try the tuck position, though, just sat in a normal riding position.
Twist of Fate 2.0 seems to be a very well-made suit. We haven't tested one yet but looked one over carefully at Dealer Expo and were quite impressed.
Remember these things are not designed to fit better on the bike than off of it. How was it with gloves and boots on? As long as the armor is in the right place and the suit is not so loose that you can wiggle the armor around too much, it is probably good. I'm 6'2" 200lbs and where a 46. It should be tight so but not too uncomfortable. Remember if you have an off you don't want it moving around. I'd also recommend trying it on with a back protector and chest protector on.
Is that 46 US or Euro? For a 56 Euro, your height would be within an inch on the Dainese sizing chart. For a 46 Euro, I'm about 4 inches too tall according to their sizing chart. I plan on stopping at the Dainese store again today on the way home from work to see if I can try on some larger sizes with a back and chest protector on. I think I will have to get back and chest protectors to help fill out the suit. It doesn't look like Speed and Strength will be an option for me. Their sizing chart has the waist about 5 inches larger than the inseam. Dainese and Alpine Stars has the waist about the same as the inseam. I'll definitely need a European fit. Which sucks, because I could get the Speed and Strength one really cheap.
Don't forget to try the suits on with a Back and/or chest protector ON! That was my big mistake with my first suit - Fit great until I tried to get in it with back protector on!
This is the fit I was expecting, but not even close. The sleeves were a little shorter than this guy's Those are the shortest sleeves I have found on the web. Anyone have sleeves that short?
The 46 with the back protector was pretty tight. I could barely get it zipped and couldn't move very well. I think the 48 was better and is probably my correct size. Now I just have to find a size 48 Euro suit in my price range, or cave and buy the one at the D store which is pretty far out of my price range. Thanks for the help.
Hey cdenley, I actually saw you at the Dstore last weekend. That strips suit looks like it fit you just fine even with the length a bit short your boots and gloves should cover it just fine. However you'd definately would want a back protector and if you couldn't even zip it up than I think the 48 would fit better. I know they had some 48s at the Dstore but not in the stripes. You should be glad you are a EURO cut as most of these suits are made for skinney european Pedrosa body figures!
Thanks. When I went back yesterday and tried it on again, the sleeves didn't seem so bad. Both salespeople said it fit correctly, so I guess I've had enough reassurance. I just don't want to make any expensive mistakes. They had a size 48 "W Frame" on clearance half off, but $1100 is still too expensive for me. I will probably get an Alpine Stars CR on closeout online somewhere.
It's an Alpinestars 46 US, 56 Euro. If you've never worn one before they feel a bit uncomfortable until you get used to them.
I strongly disagree. the suits are designed for sitting on the bike, not for walking around in leathers. 48 seems to be a good fit, cdenley. when it comes to suits, remember, you get what you paid for. Dainese is top of the line and fits like a glove. If you are looking for alternatives, look into Arlen Ness. Kannichmotorsports.com has last year's models on sale. That is the best you will get in that price range. Look at M3 magnesium suit, if you are not going to go with Dainese.
Looking at a sizing chart, I think Arlen Ness might be more of an American fit: larger waist and chest with shorter inseam. I think I need a European fit to have it tall enough without being too loose. Know of anywhere closer to Chicago that might have one I could try on?
I like my Ness Suit (09 Kangeroo); they have more of an American fit, and I REALLY like the 3d Liner. After 09 they made some improvements with neoprene sleve and collar (which is the only think I do NOT like about my suit as the collar tears my neck and wrist up. That's a great price on a 2011 highly recommend!
well, my boyfriend is tall and skinny and he fits a 52 perfectly. D-store has one 52 arlen ness roo suit in stock right now that you can try on. we will be there this weekend and we can bring 2011 M3 suit in 52 as well for you to try on.
I tried on a 42/52 suit at the D store, and it was a little loose in the body. Of course that was before I started wearing a back protector underneath. I believe it was a Teknic, though. When I looked at Arlen Ness's sizing chart, it may have been a little misleading. I usually compare the waist to the inseam to get an idea of the type of fit. I think their inseam is the actual inseam of the suit rather than a measurement to the ankle like I think Dainese's chart has. Maybe I will stop at the D store again to try on that roo suit with a back protector. I've already been there twice trying on suits and I haven't bought anything from them yet. I'm sure they're getting annoyed with me.