Which Leather Suit?

bwhip · 12-09-2003, 9:03 AM

AlpineStars GPU or AGV Aegis?

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a one-piece leather suit purchase, and I've narrowed it down to two models in my (cheap) price range. Does anyone have a particular recommendation on either of these suits that you could help me with? I'm looking for something ventilated with great protection at a modest price.

Thanks!

ND4SPD · 12-09-2003, 9:08 AM

I've been very happy with every Alpinestars purchase I've made. Very high quality stuff!

ccwilli3 · 12-09-2003, 9:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

I've been very happy with every Alpinestars purchase I've made. Very high quality stuff!

But I've only bought their boots. I have a full vanson, but every alpinestar suit/glove/boot I have seen has been awesome.

ND4SPD · 12-09-2003, 9:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bwhip

AlpineStars GPU or AGV Aegis?

I'm about ready to pull the trigger on a one-piece leather suit purchase, and I've narrowed it down to two models in my (cheap) price range. Does anyone have a particular recommendation on either of these suits that you could help me with? I'm looking for something ventilated with great protection at a modest price.

Thanks!

I don't know what size you are but I posted a link in the For Sale section to an SMX+ suit that's for sale for $600, mint condition.

HondaGal · 12-09-2003, 10:09 AM

Go with the Alpinestars. You'll find that they make quality stuff. Take a look at the stitching and the finishing of the suit from the inside, for instance AGV stuff is notoriously in the bottom of the heap.

bwhip · 12-09-2003, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

I don't know what size you are but I posted a link in the For Sale section to an SMX+ suit that's for sale for $600, mint condition.

Wow - that's a great suit for an amazing price, but being 6' 2" I need a size 48 (58 Euro). Thanks anyway.

Pete · 12-09-2003, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HondaGal

Go with the Alpinestars.

Ditto.

Heavy-Dee · 12-09-2003, 12:09 PM

FWIW, I just bought the AGV from a guy on wera.com and although it was too small to actually try on, I was impressed w/ the suit after seeing it in person. Also, I think the leather is thicker on the AGV than most Alpinstars models. You would have to research that though, as I'm not sure and it probably varies between models.

Mat Mladin wore the AGV's so they can't be THAT bad, and probably signifigantly cheaper. However, if you get the AGV, get the top of the line model. I wouldn't trust anything lower. Alpinstars, you could probably get a lower end model and be good.

My .02.

HD

ND4SPD · 12-09-2003, 12:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

Mat Mladin wore the AGV's so they can't be THAT bad
HD

He also rides a zook

Heavy-Dee · 12-09-2003, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ND4SPD

He also rides a zook

"Not that bad" is relative to the needs us mortals have. I would gladly take any of Maty's "hand me downs" even though I'm not a fan.

HD

Sinister Racing · 12-18-2003, 12:50 PM

Check out our prices for Alpinestars, if you have any questions, feel free to give me a call.

02FBlade · 12-18-2003, 2:30 PM

No complaints with my P1 two-piece & smx boots...except my rearsets are eating my threads on the boots.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sinister Racing

Check out our prices for Alpinestars, if you have any questions, feel free to give me a call.

Pretty good prices on the AS gear!

Do you match prices? Looking at the chicken hawk pole warmers. I can get them from sportbiketracktime.com for 485$ How long is your shipping special running? Looking to buy a lot of misc. parts/tools for the upcoming season.

Also, what can you tell me about the new AS racing suit? I hear it's a revaped SMX suit but prefrorated???

Thanks.

Sinister Racing · 12-18-2003, 3:39 PM

We will definately match prices. We can do the Chicken Hawk Pole Position warmers for $485 shipped. We will probably always have the free shipping deal as it has worked well. The new Alpinestars Racing Replica leathers are similar to the current SX-1 with the aero hump and traditional zipper. I will know definate release dates and prices soon.

tigerblade · 12-18-2003, 3:51 PM

Remember that you can probably go too cheap with leathers and poor quality ones will end up costing you more in the long run. How are you going to be using them? Racing? Track days? Street?

Baketech · 12-18-2003, 4:05 PM

I picked up an A/S GPU this spring. I wrote a review and gave it two thumbs for a mid range suit...Old Thread

I was looking for a 1pc for occasional track days, and it seems to fit the bill. It fits well, good armor, and a full liner. As far as I could tell in a side by side comparison, the GPU is the same construction as the TZ (1 notch up in price) but lacks the graphics. (feel free to correct me if this is wrong)
Get it large enough to accept a back protector.....

Edit:
If I ever find myself doing more track days, I will probably upgrade to a more high end suit, but for now, I am happy with the combination of the GPU and A/S Tech back protector.

bwhip · 12-18-2003, 11:31 PM

Thanks, Bake. Yeah - it'll be for occasional track days and aggressive canyon carving. I definitely need ventilation, and would prefer red/black, but the GPU only comes vented in black/gray. I've been trying to find a good deal on the AlpineStars P1 suit, which looks really nice, but apparently it's been discontinued. I'll check the prices at Sinister and see what they've got to offer as suggested.

Sinister Racing · 12-19-2003, 12:10 AM

Alpinestars has discontinued the P1 suit, but most of the sizes and colors are still available. The best thing about that is that the price is discounted considerably.

bloodso · 12-19-2003, 2:52 PM

I just got my Aegis and love it. There is one thing I don't like about it. The shoulder armor attatches by velcro to the outside of the liner. This can make it kind of difficult to get the suit all the way on because the armor likes to roll over. I would rather the liner have a pocket for the armor.

Chris

GhostRider · 12-19-2003, 3:05 PM

I have the AGV Apache 2pc and am very happy with it. AGV told me that it's the same quality as the Aegis suit.

nhfirefighter13 · 12-19-2003, 4:32 PM

Carefull on the sizing with Alpinestars. I tried on a size 58 jacket and it was too small for me at the shoulders and arms (at 6'tall 210lbs.)

The pants were about right, though.

zenblader · 12-22-2003, 11:33 AM

bwhip,

I just ordered an Aegis and it's on it's way. Have heard really good things about it but won't know for sure until it gets here. I have had some negative experience lately with helmet and boot sizing, so I ordered the Aegis thru Dennis Kirk. Paid more for it but they have an easy return policy with no restocking fee. That was very important to me because I'm a picky bastard when it comes to sizing. If I don't like it for any reason, I can always exchange it for an Alpinestars suit or get a complete refund. Also, I tried on a Joe Rocket Speedmaster suit size 46. Fit nice and snug (6', 205).
I didn't like the design of the new suit at all. Looked like pajamas. But last year's Speedmaster looks great and quality is apparent. Nicely ventilated too. I think you can pick them up in the $7-800. range. I still may end up with the Speedmaster.

luvtolean · 12-22-2003, 11:35 AM

Alpinestars.

Heavy-Dee · 12-22-2003, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zenblader

bwhip,

I just ordered an Aegis and it's on it's way. Have heard really good things about it but won't know for sure until it gets here. I have had some negative experience lately with helmet and boot sizing, so I ordered the Aegis thru Dennis Kirk. Paid more for it but they have an easy return policy with no restocking fee. That was very important to me because I'm a picky bastard when it comes to sizing. If I don't like it for any reason, I can always exchange it for an Alpinestars suit or get a complete refund. Also, I tried on a Joe Rocket Speedmaster suit size 46. Fit nice and snug (6', 205).
I didn't like the design of the new suit at all. Looked like pajamas. But last year's Speedmaster looks great and quality is apparent. Nicely ventilated too. I think you can pick them up in the $7-800. range. I still may end up with the Speedmaster.

What size/color did you order the Aegis? Curious to see how it fits you. Can I ask what you paid for it?

HD

bloodso · 12-22-2003, 1:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heavy-Dee

What size/color did you order the Aegis? Curious to see how it fits you. Can I ask what you paid for it?
HD

I have a size 46 Aegis and am 6' tall 175lbs. It fits me pretty good, a little baggy around the mid section, and I should have enough room for a pack protector, which is next on my list of things to get. Oh, and I paid ~500.

Chris