Aerostich Roadcrafter... Reg vs. Light

[aja1739]

I'm thinking of going over to the Dark Side and getting a Roadcrafter suit. Already have a couple 2-piece combos (Rev'It Sand j&p, and Rev'It Air + Rotor pants). Do I NEED another riding outfit? Probably not, but when has that stopped me.

Question: Opinions on RC vs. RC Light? Specifically - how much cooler is the RC Light vs. the RC? Also, how well do both/either 'vent' when the zippers are opened per the instructions? Would it just be utter folly to wear one in the summer? Any concerns on the lighter (200D) fabric on the light vs. reg? If you have a Light - why did you get that vs. the Reg (or vice-versa)?

I live in NC, where the spring and fall are quite nice, the summers are brutally hot and humid, and the winters are relatively mild. I am an ATGATT type guy, and due to that I don't get to ride to work much in the warmer months - showing up soaking wet with sweat doesn't mix well with accounting/systems consulting work, unfortunately.

If you have a RC suit (reg or light), and especially if you live in the South, I'd love to hear your opinions. Thanks!

Andrew

[Buckster]

Andrew,
Sorry no info on the Stitch. How do you like the Revit Air? I am interested in one. Tried one on and I'm not sure I would get used to the left handed zipper. The sleeves were a little long and I thought they were a little hard to secure. I was wondering how well you like yours. Sorry....not trying to hijack this thread.

[Keppelj]

You might get more action on this post over on the MOA forum under gear. Very big and varied readership there. I was considering a leather jacket and posted there with great results.

[aja1739]

Thanks, guys.
Re: Rev'It Air - love it! It's a great compliment to my Sand jacket - virtually all mesh, so it flows a ton of air, but absolutely no water protection whatsoever - no liner. It's a great day-riding jacket, and fits me perfectly. I'd definitely recommend it.

As an aside: I was a complete idiot and leaned up against my header a few weeks back - melted some of of the material. I sent it out to Rainy Pass in Seattle, and the did a HELL of a job fixing it up. I could definitely recommend them for any repairs should anyone need it!

Take care,
Andrew

[NoRRmad]

I have a Roadcrafter one-piece, with the Cordura heavy nylon, and wear it always. On the road, with vent zippers open, it's usually comfortable -- even in a couple of ninety-plus days this summer. It's got a big back zipper to let air out, armpit zippers, and zippers over the pants-pocket area. You can close the ankles with snaps and unzip the lower legs if you like. When it's hot, I open the front zip a foot or so. When you stop, however, it can get reeeaaaly hot in a couple of minutes in the sun. I've been down once in it, at slow speed, and slid maybe twenty feet on asphalt without any abrasion or ripping. Since it's nylon, it will melt against a header, and they recommend wearing something cotton under it, in case of a long high-speed slide that might melt the suit. (Getting melted nylon out of road rash is nasty.)

I'd say it's not a hot weather suit, but it is nice to see rain ahead, and know you're already protected, so no need to stop and gear up. You can reach every zipper -- except the back, which needn't be closed in rain -- while sitting on the bike. (It's easier to do the side-pocket zips while standing, though.)

I wouldn't expect the light nylon to be any cooler than the heavy stuff; they're both impermeable and gore-tex lined. My suit, with shoulder, elbow and knee armor and optional hip pads and back protector is pretty heavy. It weighs maybe fifteen pounds...

Your milage may vary.

[wncbmw]

I will somewhat agree with NoRRmad. I did the Aerostich thing for a number of years when I decided on more protection than unarmoured leather jacket and jeans. It is a great product, high quality and great at what it does. Yes, it is comforting to see the rain coming and not have to stop and do anything. I think its best niche is for the commuter rider.

That said, I no longer use a 'Stich and will never again rely on any waterproof jacket and pants combo for hot weather riding. Yes, the 'Stich can be used in summer with all the vents and wetting t-shirts and putting ice in the front pockets. But that merely makes it surviveable, not comfortable. I would rather stop to put on rain gear than cook! Much more comfortable and more importantly, safer than heat stroke!

I now have Olympia water proof pants and jacket for fall, winter and early spring riding. My mesh jacket (Olympia), Vanson perforated jacket with armor, Motoport mesh pants and stretch kevlar pants (both with armor) now handle late spring to early fall riding. Except for the hottest of rides (95+), I am comfortable while moving. Above 95, I add the wet shirt thing, which air conditions me for a while.

I think you have the right idea with the two Rev It outfits. There are few products that can comfortably handle true 4 seasons with out compromises in one season or another.

[ebincia]

I'm thinking of going over to the Dark Side and getting a Roadcrafter suit. Already have a couple 2-piece combos (Rev'It Sand j&p, and Rev'It Air + Rotor pants). Do I NEED another riding outfit? Probably not, but when has that stopped me.

Question: Opinions on RC vs. RC Light? Specifically - how much cooler is the RC Light vs. the RC? Also, how well do both/either 'vent' when the zippers are opened per the instructions? Would it just be utter folly to wear one in the summer? Any concerns on the lighter (200D) fabric on the light vs. reg? If you have a Light - why did you get that vs. the Reg (or vice-versa)?

I live in NC, where the spring and fall are quite nice, the summers are brutally hot and humid, and the winters are relatively mild. I am an ATGATT type guy, and due to that I don't get to ride to work much in the warmer months - showing up soaking wet with sweat doesn't mix well with accounting/systems consulting work, unfortunately.

If you have a RC suit (reg or light), and especially if you live in the South, I'd love to hear your opinions. Thanks!

Andrew

One piece Roadcrafter is my choice winter and summer. I've ridden in 49 states in every kind of weather and no problems. However it gets hot inside the Roadcrafter if you stop and the temp is >90f.