I see Aerostich has a jacket they call Falstaff. A quick Google search reveals opinions that wax cotton smells and is not safe. If you have one, would you mind sharing your opinion?
The reason it comes up is because I'd like a 3/4 length coat. I recently tried the Olympia AST but found it to be a bit like a straitjacket. I remember the wax cotton stuff to be supple and soft, but never owned anything in that material. I am mainly concerned about protection from the wind, fog, maybe light rain, some safety, and comfort (not too heavy, not too bulky) in 30F to 60F. It's rarely colder than that around here, and for warmer temps I have a mesh jacket.
I used to wear, and still have an old Belstaff. Why anyone would want a waxed cotton jacket, except for someone on an antique bike, is beyond me. The jacket needs to be washed and rewaxed at least once a season and everything you lean up against turns black, you can't put it in a closet if it will touch other clothes, when you go down a dusty road you turn the color of the dust. It's nice to have one if your riding an old bike, but their are a lot of nice 3/4 jackets out there. I also have a new Belstall that's cut like the older ones (with the belts and buckles) but made with modern materials and armor, it's decent but the 50 year old design leaves a lot to be desired.
Harry Costello -- Jersey Shore
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hjsbmw wrote: I'd like a 3/4 length coat ... supple and soft. I am mainly concerned about protection from the wind, fog, maybe light rain, some safety, and comfort (not too heavy, not too bulky) in 30F to 60F.
The new BMW Tourance jackets seem quite good and the fabric is quite supple and soft very noticeable up against stiffer Cordura and kelvar offerings - dunno how $449USD translates in your market, but they're $700AUD here which is comparable to other European brands of similar quality. I'd rate them middling quality http://bobsbmw.bmw-riders-gear.com/BMWR ... plo=&bphi=
I have the old Tourguard jacket - a great 3/4 of toop quality (and price - yikes) and all the better because the waterproofing is on the outside the fabric itself doesn't get soaked. But it's discontinued (too expensive to sell, I gather) and it is somewhat stiff because of the robust materials and armacor(kevlar) shoulders and arms.
My concern about a soft jacket would be whether the fabric was also tough enough to resist both abrasion and tearing in a crash. Kevlar can be quite supple, and won't tear - but the fact it doesn't abrade either comes from its low friction - so not a lot of slowing down as you slide down the road in kevlar. Sounds perverse, but I think you want something that will abrade a bit, but not too much ...
Motoport Airmesh II Kevlar. Breaks in easily and is very comfortable, and has the best armor I have found. Great service, and usable in a very wide temperature range, 100+ to freezing temperatures we see in southern Louisiana. I am also very hard to miss when riding :
Thanks for the replies. Doesn't sound that convincing regarding quality of wax cotton gear. I've looked at the Firstgear stuff in the past. Seems like a good balance between price and features. I'll keep looking.
I love my Falstaff, got it on sale from Aerostitch. The most comfortable jacket I own, and I have a few. Probably doesn't have the abrasion resistance of leather or Kevlar, but plenty of impact protection in the shoulders and arms. Mine is big enough to wear a mx style chest protector underneath. Too hot for summer use, great in the winter.
As a born again biker who grew up wearing a Belstaff, IMHO wax cotton went the way of 'tickling the carbs' and kickstarts. Not a lot of use today except to scare the grandchildren.
Good point. I never ride in Levi"s. But the Falstaff is thick. At non race track speeds, I doubt you'd grind thru the protection this jacket offers. And besides, the wax would help you slide down the road...
MattPie wrote:
Cenotaph wrote:Probably doesn't have the abrasion resistance of leather or Kevlar, but plenty of impact protection in the shoulders and arms.
Understatement alert!
I'd think that the wax doesn't help abrasion so you're dealing with heavy cotton, just like denim.
hjsbmw wrote: I am mainly concerned about protection from the wind, fog, maybe light rain, some safety, and comfort (not too heavy, not too bulky) in 30F to 60F. It's rarely colder than that around here, and for warmer temps I have a mesh jacket.
I'd recommend a synthetic textile jacket. Have you heard about the incentive on BMW Rider Gear through the end of the year? Sign up for the forum at http://www.bmwxplor.com/, and they'll mail you a coupon for $100 off a purchase of $300 or more. I'd give you my coupon, but it's non-transferable.
I recommend the Kilimajaro 3/4 jacket made by Firstgear. It save my butt and body from a 60 mph highway spill. I retired it after the accident and bought another one. Only thing, they run small.
websterize wrote:I'd give you my coupon, but it's non-transferable.
Thanks for the kind offer. I signed up for that around Thanksgiving and spent it on the Protouring boots, so my coupon is gone. Is this a one shot deal or does having signed up make us eligible for other seasonal offers?
I bought a new Barbour Suit when I lived in Seattle in 1970. It is still in the family and still serviceable. It kept me warm and dry commuting to UW all the way thru college. Yes it needs to be washed and re-waxed once in a while. Yes synthetics are easier to care for and can be hung in the closet with regular clothes without mishap. Waxed cotton does slide just fine on wet tarmac, though (yes I know this from personal experience), and is superior to leather because it is impervious to water for every day use in wet conditions. In short, if you live in a place with a lot of rain, fog, and temps in the 40s much of the time, it works pretty darn well. If you like old British bikes, the image of waxed cotton is very appealing in my opinion.
One other thing, if you are a fly fisherman or a duck hunter a waxed cotton suit is a mighty nice garment on cold, dank days. Goretex and such garments are not even close to as good for these and similar activities. So add versatility to the list of advantages for waxed cotton. The perfect garment has not been invented yet. There is a place for these old standbys.
If you have one, would you mind sharing your opinion?
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