Sinecure
08-30-2006, 08:56 AM
I've worn this suit once. Unfortunately, I ran off the track and crashed lightly in the dirt while wearing it. There was minimal damage, but worth mentioning. There is a slight scuff on the left knee and on the pleated elastic panel just above the butt. I've included pictures showing this damage. The suit is perfectly intact and has no other damage. I wore this for about 4 laps around Thunderhill before I crashed in the dirt off Turn 1. I didn't even scrape the knee pucks. Size 44. I'm 5'10" and around 200lbs. Its a bit snug on me around the midsection. This size would be perfect for someone around my height (not much taller) and a few pounds lighter than me.
$550
Description and review from Helmet Harbor web site:
+ Made with durable, lightweight Kangaroo leather-almost twice the abrasion-resistance of cowhide.
+ Perforated panels.
+ Schoeller Keprotec stretch fabric at crotch and inner thigh for comfort.
+ Pre-curved sleeves and knees.
+ Elastic-pleated, kangaroo leather in lumber area.
+ Elastic material at calf, back of knees and inner sleeves for comfort and fit.
+ CE approved protection for shoulders and elbows.
+ EVA foam padding in side and hip area.
+ Aerodynamic wedge on back.
+ Tailbone padding.
+ Pro knee sliders.
+ YKK zippers.
MotoGP Compression One-Piece "Kangaroo" Leather Suit
OK, like us, you've been waiting around for a Kangaroo suit that the common man can afford. MotoGP seems to have figured it out, and offers the Compression.
Evaluation: We brought this suit into the store to evaluate, and honestly we weren't sure what to expect. Kangaroo can be a challenge to manufacture into a race suit, since the leather is very ridged, and will not stretch like cowhide. If the suit is designed incorrectly, the rider would be stuck with a suit that will never fit. A cowhide suit will stretch, and fit issues can be "worked out" with extended use. While Kangaroo isn't like iron, it is very resistant to break in.
Sizing: The Compression appears to run very close to that of many other European cut suits. Thin, which makes for a VERY snug fit. As an example, if you are between 5'11"-6'2, and between 180lbs-210lbs you should get a snug but comfortable fit in a size 46. If you're near the upper end, expect to wrestle with the shoulders. Once the suit is on, arm and leg length was excellent, even for the taller riders. Crotch to shoulder length was also fine for the taller riders. While it may be a "bit" snug while standing, on the bike it wasn't an issue. The hip area was also very snug, but the inner leg stretch panels did a great job of allowing the legs to extend to the side in the riding position. The larger riders will find a need to go with a thinner back protector, since in the forward lean the suit can appear to run out of back stretch panel. The waist is narrow, so if you're 5'11" and 220lbs, (or more rounded in the mid-section) this might be an issue.
Weight: Kangaroo leather is known for being thinner than cowhide, therefore lighter. Our 46 demo suit tipped the scale about 5lbs lighter than the same size Alpinestars SMX2. Not bad. If you're expecting a paper thin suit, you will be disappointed. As we mention, Kangaroo is thinner, but still has mass. Also, in the high abrasion areas the leather is doubled up for added protection. This gives the impression that much of the advantage has been lost. This isn't true. While the suit may "feel" or "look" as thick as a similar cowhide suit, when compared side by side, the Kangaroo suit is noticeably thinner.
Overall Impressions: For $899.95 (Retail $999.95) this is a great suit. It's light, perforated, and feels great on the bike. Also, the lower leg is actually silver, which is hard to point out from a photo. A different look, but we feel it adds some character in the right location. Also, the lower leg "feels" massive. When standing upright, the knee area protrudes outward making for an interesting view when looking down from above. There is no doubt that there is armor in the knee area. When on the bike, or with a bent leg, this look melts away.
Advise: If you're looking for a suit under $1000.00, uses the lightest leather on the planet, and has an overall great look, the Compression is the way to go. At this price point, the Compression does battle with the Joe Rocket Speedmaster, and Alpinestars SX-1. Who has the edge? It would be a tough call, but the Compression holds it's own. The lack of weight might possibly push me in this suits direction...
NOTE: If you're a little heavy through the mid-section, and not willing to "crawl" into your suit, it might be tough to make this suit work.
Front:
http://i3.tinypic.com/261k94i.jpg
Rear:
http://i3.tinypic.com/261k9ch.jpg
Side:
http://i2.tinypic.com/261kbwn.jpg
The knee with the scuff:
http://i6.tinypic.com/261kc5w.jpg
http://i8.tinypic.com/261kcvp.jpg
The scuffs on the rear pleated panel:
http://i3.tinypic.com/261kd1e.jpg
http://i3.tinypic.com/261kdac.jpg
PM or call me. Phone is SixFifty-291-8582
-Randy
$550
Description and review from Helmet Harbor web site:
+ Made with durable, lightweight Kangaroo leather-almost twice the abrasion-resistance of cowhide.
+ Perforated panels.
+ Schoeller Keprotec stretch fabric at crotch and inner thigh for comfort.
+ Pre-curved sleeves and knees.
+ Elastic-pleated, kangaroo leather in lumber area.
+ Elastic material at calf, back of knees and inner sleeves for comfort and fit.
+ CE approved protection for shoulders and elbows.
+ EVA foam padding in side and hip area.
+ Aerodynamic wedge on back.
+ Tailbone padding.
+ Pro knee sliders.
+ YKK zippers.
MotoGP Compression One-Piece "Kangaroo" Leather Suit
OK, like us, you've been waiting around for a Kangaroo suit that the common man can afford. MotoGP seems to have figured it out, and offers the Compression.
Evaluation: We brought this suit into the store to evaluate, and honestly we weren't sure what to expect. Kangaroo can be a challenge to manufacture into a race suit, since the leather is very ridged, and will not stretch like cowhide. If the suit is designed incorrectly, the rider would be stuck with a suit that will never fit. A cowhide suit will stretch, and fit issues can be "worked out" with extended use. While Kangaroo isn't like iron, it is very resistant to break in.
Sizing: The Compression appears to run very close to that of many other European cut suits. Thin, which makes for a VERY snug fit. As an example, if you are between 5'11"-6'2, and between 180lbs-210lbs you should get a snug but comfortable fit in a size 46. If you're near the upper end, expect to wrestle with the shoulders. Once the suit is on, arm and leg length was excellent, even for the taller riders. Crotch to shoulder length was also fine for the taller riders. While it may be a "bit" snug while standing, on the bike it wasn't an issue. The hip area was also very snug, but the inner leg stretch panels did a great job of allowing the legs to extend to the side in the riding position. The larger riders will find a need to go with a thinner back protector, since in the forward lean the suit can appear to run out of back stretch panel. The waist is narrow, so if you're 5'11" and 220lbs, (or more rounded in the mid-section) this might be an issue.
Weight: Kangaroo leather is known for being thinner than cowhide, therefore lighter. Our 46 demo suit tipped the scale about 5lbs lighter than the same size Alpinestars SMX2. Not bad. If you're expecting a paper thin suit, you will be disappointed. As we mention, Kangaroo is thinner, but still has mass. Also, in the high abrasion areas the leather is doubled up for added protection. This gives the impression that much of the advantage has been lost. This isn't true. While the suit may "feel" or "look" as thick as a similar cowhide suit, when compared side by side, the Kangaroo suit is noticeably thinner.
Overall Impressions: For $899.95 (Retail $999.95) this is a great suit. It's light, perforated, and feels great on the bike. Also, the lower leg is actually silver, which is hard to point out from a photo. A different look, but we feel it adds some character in the right location. Also, the lower leg "feels" massive. When standing upright, the knee area protrudes outward making for an interesting view when looking down from above. There is no doubt that there is armor in the knee area. When on the bike, or with a bent leg, this look melts away.
Advise: If you're looking for a suit under $1000.00, uses the lightest leather on the planet, and has an overall great look, the Compression is the way to go. At this price point, the Compression does battle with the Joe Rocket Speedmaster, and Alpinestars SX-1. Who has the edge? It would be a tough call, but the Compression holds it's own. The lack of weight might possibly push me in this suits direction...
NOTE: If you're a little heavy through the mid-section, and not willing to "crawl" into your suit, it might be tough to make this suit work.
Front:
http://i3.tinypic.com/261k94i.jpg
Rear:
http://i3.tinypic.com/261k9ch.jpg
Side:
http://i2.tinypic.com/261kbwn.jpg
The knee with the scuff:
http://i6.tinypic.com/261kc5w.jpg
http://i8.tinypic.com/261kcvp.jpg
The scuffs on the rear pleated panel:
http://i3.tinypic.com/261kd1e.jpg
http://i3.tinypic.com/261kdac.jpg
PM or call me. Phone is SixFifty-291-8582
-Randy