Having a hard time finding a good jacket. Any advice on brands/retailers?

Crom

Crom

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I have been using a very old borrowed jacket since I bought my bike almost 2 months ago, and am DYING to buy a new one. But I'm having a real hard time finding one.

I have been to a number of local shops, and only found one that I kind of like. I also made the 1.5 hour drive to Royal Distributing, and came back empty handed. Mind you, while at RD, my mindset was to just buy a cheap ~ $200 textile jacket, and once I decided to consider spending some more, and maybe considering leather, or partial leather, it was nearly closing time.

The only jacket I have liked so far is the Icon Contra. Does anyone have any experience with this jacket? I really liked how it fit with the liner, and it seemed to fit alright without the liner as well. Just not AS snug.

Can anyone recommend a store with a wide selection of jackets I can try to see what I like?

Also, can anyone recommend a sport cut (not long touring style) jacket for under $350? Anyone own the Contra?

Thanks!
 
Crom said:
I have been using a very old borrowed jacket since I bought my bike almost 2 months ago, and am DYING to buy a new one. But I'm having a real hard time finding one.

I have been to a number of local shops, and only found one that I kind of like. I also made the 1.5 hour drive to Royal Distributing, and came back empty handed. Mind you, while at RD, my mindset was to just buy a cheap ~ $200 textile jacket, and once I decided to consider spending some more, and maybe considering leather, or partial leather, it was nearly closing time.

The only jacket I have liked so far is the Icon Contra. Does anyone have any experience with this jacket? I really liked how it fit with the liner, and it seemed to fit alright without the liner as well. Just not AS snug.

Can anyone recommend a store with a wide selection of jackets I can try to see what I like?

Also, can anyone recommend a sport cut (not long touring style) jacket for under $350? Anyone own the Contra?

Thanks!
Click to expand...
I picked up a contra this year, I really like it. Best fitting jacket I've tried, I own 4 different types, and it's my favorite.
So far no probs with it, had a bit of a thread come loose at a pocket a bit.
 
Crom said:
I have been using a very old borrowed jacket since I bought my bike almost 2 months ago, and am DYING to buy a new one. But I'm having a real hard time finding one.

I have been to a number of local shops, and only found one that I kind of like. I also made the 1.5 hour drive to Royal Distributing, and came back empty handed. Mind you, while at RD, my mindset was to just buy a cheap ~ $200 textile jacket, and once I decided to consider spending some more, and maybe considering leather, or partial leather, it was nearly closing time.

The only jacket I have liked so far is the Icon Contra. Does anyone have any experience with this jacket? I really liked how it fit with the liner, and it seemed to fit alright without the liner as well. Just not AS snug.

Can anyone recommend a store with a wide selection of jackets I can try to see what I like?

Also, can anyone recommend a sport cut (not long touring style) jacket for under $350? Anyone own the Contra?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I am assuming that you have been on line. Having done that you do not know how it will fit. Find something you like the look of. Post Sturgess Cycle and see what they can come up with. So far they are the #1 dealer out here and will go out of their way to make you happy.

http://www.gtamotorcycle.com/vbforu...R-s-BIG-OOPS-CLEARANCE-SALE-at-STURGESS-CYCLE
 
Thanks mikbusa, and cycling.

I have been to all the local shops that i know of, plus RD, trying everything on I could with no luck. But Sturgess sounds very promising. I will head there next.
 
^ +1 for Sturgess. Their prices were better than what I could find online from US retailers. And that's for CURRENT year gear....

Plus, Tyler's really quick with responses and can probably help recommend something for you, too.
 
Crom said:
I have been using a very old borrowed jacket since I bought my bike almost 2 months ago, and am DYING to buy a new one. But I'm having a real hard time finding one.

I have been to a number of local shops, and only found one that I kind of like. I also made the 1.5 hour drive to Royal Distributing, and came back empty handed. Mind you, while at RD, my mindset was to just buy a cheap ~ $200 textile jacket, and once I decided to consider spending some more, and maybe considering leather, or partial leather, it was nearly closing time.

The only jacket I have liked so far is the Icon Contra. Does anyone have any experience with this jacket? I really liked how it fit with the liner, and it seemed to fit alright without the liner as well. Just not AS snug.

Can anyone recommend a store with a wide selection of jackets I can try to see what I like?

Also, can anyone recommend a sport cut (not long touring style) jacket for under $350? Anyone own the Contra?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I have this jacket. I swear by it:

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf.../SubProducts/Revit-Tarmac-Leather-Jacket-0002

Aluminium elbow and shoulder sliders. Aero-hump (with camel pack storage). Cool removable weather liner. Zipper for pants. Good perforation. Fits like a Euro jacket would...slender, but longer arms than a Dainese.

Knock 20% off for German VAT (you will not be charged), then multiply by 1.21 (current Euro x-rate) and thats your price; roughly $300. Shipping was only another $20 for me, and no duty or tax for some reason. Slipped through customs. 1.5 weeks shipping via DHL, not that vile UPS!!!

When I bought it at 399 Euros, it came (all in) to $440 at my door!

Riders Choice has them on for $695 if you want to try on an all black (summer version made for the NA market) for sizing.

Also check out this stores "hot deals" section!!!

http://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.sf...048/Categories/"Hot Deals"/motorradjacken/Men
 
Crom said:
Thanks mikbusa, and cycling.

I have been to all the local shops that i know of, plus RD, trying everything on I could with no luck. But Sturgess sounds very promising. I will head there next.
Click to expand...

Before you go there I would suggest find something you like and see if they can get it for you. They might not have it in stock but are really, really fast getting stuff. Save yourself a wasted journey.
 
Yup they didnt have the jacket i wanted at Sturgess.
I did try another jacket from the same company (A*)

He got it in in 2 business days!!!

And the pricing was same as...say RevZilla, and better than a few other online stores.
If you order/get him to get it for you though i dont know but i think he's expecting you to buy it hehe.
 
If you're looking for textile with smart design, good venting, good protection, etc, try Olympia. TorontoBoy just did some repairs for me after I low-sided & he say's stitching & materials are top quality. Try Snow City for sizing. If they don't have the model you want, try Revzilla. BTW, you've got to look past the cliche models they use on the Olympia web site, Lol!
 
Crom said:
I have been using a very old borrowed jacket since I bought my bike almost 2 months ago, and am DYING to buy a new one. But I'm having a real hard time finding one.

I have been to a number of local shops, and only found one that I kind of like. I also made the 1.5 hour drive to Royal Distributing, and came back empty handed. Mind you, while at RD, my mindset was to just buy a cheap ~ $200 textile jacket, and once I decided to consider spending some more, and maybe considering leather, or partial leather, it was nearly closing time.

The only jacket I have liked so far is the Icon Contra. Does anyone have any experience with this jacket? I really liked how it fit with the liner, and it seemed to fit alright without the liner as well. Just not AS snug.

Can anyone recommend a store with a wide selection of jackets I can try to see what I like?

Also, can anyone recommend a sport cut (not long touring style) jacket for under $350? Anyone own the Contra?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

Try cycle world superstore @4545 sheppard ave east 416 364 8889
 
If I may make a suggestion, take the time to shop around. I don't know your body shape but that plays a key role in what type of jacket that may fit you best. Personally, I wouldn't touch anything but Dainese not so much because i'm a snob or anything but rather because they just fit like no other out there. Pricey but you may find it worth the comfort if their fit suits your body.
 
I have a Icon Overlord leather jacket in black/white that I'm looking to sell. It's cut similarly to the contra, breathes quite well for a leather, and fits slim/stocky/athletic builds. I recommend it and am even considering keeping it for colder months because of the nice liner.

Oh, as for advice...

I found that shopping for gear more tapered and fit for my body shape is difficult and pricy. I find most brands are too big around the waist and often puff up around the entire front while tucked in. Even Icon borders on being a bit too big for me.

From personal experience Euro cut brands like Alpinestars works wonders for my build. Dainese and many Japanese/Korean brands like HYOD also fit me incredibly well but are very pricy and difficult to get.

Try different brands and styles on and go for fit over branding.
 
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I can put in a plug for Rev'it gear. I have the Tornado jacket and the Gear pants. Both are amazingly cool and comfortable, even on the hottest most humid days. Their stuff is European cut and fits a bit small, but the quality is A1. I tried my jacket out on the asphalt just to see, and you can barely even tell it slid 30 or 40 feet with me inside :-) Make sure you buy small enough though. If the jacket doesn't fit tight, the protectors will move around and may not be effective.

In Toronto, Rider's Choice at Dixie & Queensway is your only option for Rev'it. They have the exclusive in the region. They also carry the Dainese if you want to try it out. Otherwise Revzilla will have cheaper prices but not sure how much you save by the time you pay shipping / taxes / etc.

BTW my new favorite shop is Town Moto on Ossington. I have yet to buy any gear (maybe for the fall) but they do stock some alternate lines which are more urban biker / euro / Brit. Some nice leather jackets. http://townmoto.com/ (I have no affiliation, just a fan.)
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