Long term comparisons on Aerostich/Olympia suits

[rockmurf]

Anyone have any long term info on the one piece riding suits from aerostich and olympia and also the pants from bohn armor and forcefield? I did the search and checked out other sites but more interested in how they fit on our bikes and the pros and cons. Thanks in advance. I have an olympia jacket which i like so I would prefer to just get matching pants but if the suits are the bomb I would just sell the jacket.

 

[bmwhd]

I've owned both a 1 pc Roadcrafter and a Phantom. Both are excellent pieces of gear with similar function but subtle differences that may be important to you:

1) Fit - the RC tends to be a better fit simply because it's available with alterations. If you're odd sized, the RC may be the best bet.

2) Ease of entry/use. The RC is slightly easier to get into and out of. When not using the Phantom's liner, the difference is small. With the liner, the Phantom takes several min. longer to enter exit. Since I never use the liner, this is a wash to me now. The main difference is that to get into the Phantom as quickly as the RC, I have to leave my boots off until after I'm in the Phantom. With the RC, you can put them on first.

3) Venting - Phantom wins hands down. Much cooler without the liner. Much warmer with it in so the Phantom covers a wider temp range.

4) Waterproofing - The Phantom is 100% waterproof with the vents closed correctly (i.e. plenty of slack on the cinch straps) and no crotch leak like the RC.

5) Padding - RC has better pads and overall feels more stout but the Phantom provides excellent protection too so the trade offs (better venting, fully waterproof, etc.) are worth it to me.

 

[Beamer Reamer]

That was an excellent comparison, thanks for summing up your experience so clearly.

 

[rockmurf]

what he said.

 

[Aasland]

2) Ease of entry/use. The RC is slightly easier to get into and out of. When not using the Phantom's liner, the difference is small. With the liner, the Phantom takes several min. longer to enter exit. Since I never use the liner, this is a wash to me now. The main difference is that to get into the Phantom as quickly as the RC, I have to leave my boots off until after I'm in the Phantom. With the RC, you can leave put them on first.
4) Waterproofing - The Phantom is 100% waterproof with the vents closed correctly (i.e. plenty of slack on the cinch straps) and no crotch leak like the RC.

Disclaimer: I have a RC.

I'm trying to find a 1-pc suit for my wife, and since the RC's don't fit her we're looking at alternatives. One of them was the Olympia suit. One of the things I really like about the RC is that I can get in/out of it without taking my boots off, and the inability to do this with the Olympia is a Big Deal. In the hot summer months I ride with nearly nothing underneath .. just biker shorts and a wicking shirt. When we stop I can get out of the RC very quickly and prance around unemcumbered. Plus, the ability to ride to work or a client with minimal hassle to get the gear on/off is a huge plus for me.

I guess it comes down to which you value more: More comfort when riding vs. practicality.

For the record, I've never had the crotch-leak on the FJR. A couple times on the VFR, but that's it.

They make the RC out of material that has pores that open up when warm so when warm = more airflow, cold/wet = seal up more. Ok .. back to reality and heated gear ...

 

[irishcurtis]

I cannot agree with the claim that you can't get into a Phantom with boots on. I wear size 12EE Danner boots and I have no problem getting into the Phantom unless I leave the leg zippers down too low. Unzip those sides all the way and my boots just slide right through. Sometimes the super velcro gives me a bit of trouble, but suiting up in the Olympia is never more than a 90 second affair (without the liner, of course).

Curtis

 

[Shane Stump]

I don't have the Aerostitch, but I do have the Phantom and I recently replaced it with the Rev'it Infinity

https://www.beachmoto.com/revit/suits/infinity.php

I bought the Infinity before several hundred dollar price increase. The difference in quality / comfort / fit between it and the Phantom is night / day! The Infinity is the best one-piece suit I have ever owned!

Webbikeworld has a great review of it below:

https://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/rev-it/infinity-suit/

Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[RiderCoach Lar]

One of the things I really like about the RC is that I can get in/out of it without taking my boots off, and the inability to do this with the Olympia is a Big Deal.

I agree with irishcurtis. There is no reason in the world you should have an issue getting the Phantom on or off with boots on unless you don't unzip the leg zippers far enough. For the money, the Phantom is VERY tough to beat unless (as mentioned above) you're an odd size.

 

[Zorlac]

"In the hot summer months I ride with nearly nothing underneath .. just biker shorts and a wicking shirt. When we stop I can get out of the RC very quickly and prance around unencumbered."

Hmmm, When I tried that once I forgot to bring a pair of sneakers so the women there said the riding boots with the shorts had a nice porn star look to it. B)

Of course I shy away from "prancing" whenever possible. <_<

 

[ALDAWG]

Have you guys seen this suit---click me

 

[Scottyfizz]

I hate to derail this thread,but. Has anyone had an Olympia Stealth for awhile now? Any pluses or minuses to this suit? I'm really thinking of making my credit card cry.

Sorry for the hijack.

 

[ionbeam]

Have you guys seen this suit---click me

What type of cotton burlap canvas material did they say these suits are made from in Pakistan? Material and denier would be good to know.

 

[ALDAWG]

Have you guys seen this suit---click me

What type of cotton burlap canvas material did they say these suits are made from in Pakistan? Material and denier would be good to know.

Alot of people don't have $1,000.00 to drop on a suit. What do you care where its made? Korea,Japan,Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Pakistan, it's all the same. If you had taken the time to look at the web site you would have found this---Summary:• High performance abrasion resistant PU coated 600 Denier Polyester & 1680 Denier Nylon outer shell

• Removable CE approved armor

• Removable Polar Protection 100g thermal liner

• Drench Quench breathable waterproof liner

• 8 reflective stripes

• Pocket for water pack with drinking tube tab

• Several pockets including a clear map pocket on the left thigh and toll-change pockets on the left arm.

• Waterproof zippers on most pockets and all vents

• 12 Vents

• Stretch material on the knees, elbows and back

 

[ionbeam]

Have you guys seen this suit---click me

What type of cotton burlap canvas material did they say these suits are made from in Pakistan? Material and denier would be good to know.

Alot of people don't have $1,000.00 to drop on a suit. What do you care where its made? Korea,Japan,Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Pakistan, it's all the same.

The following comment is not aimed at Teizms, it is a basic truth when buying any critical motorcycle product that your safety may depend on: There is a difference between cheap and inexpensive. It is the buyers job to determine the difference and how much it matters to you personally.

Should the unthinkable occur I would like to know that the quality of the seam stitching was good and consistent. I would like the thread in the seams to have high abrasion resistance with rip-stop stitching. I would like the armor pockets to stay in place under the stress of sliding. I would like to know that the material used has low or no polyester coating so the suit won't melt into my skin. I would like to know that the cloth used is from the common families of abrasion and tear resistant material. I would like to know that the thread count in the weaving is dense enough to project to a meaningful durometer number. I would like to know that the sheets of fabric are of consistent quality, with no flaws. The suit you listed may very well meet all of these criteria but they aren't mentioned (that I could easily find).

I have farmed out electronic work to other countries. I also have some experience buying critical horse tack from various countries and find some countries generally have better workmanship and material control than others. There are always exceptions, some better, some worse. Teizms really needs more complete technical info on their web site to help judge quality. If I were seriously comparing their product to another manufacturer I would have to call them for better product information. Their product may be as good or better than any of the others.

Edited on 5/8 to note: ALDAWG has edited his previous post to add info that was not available when my reply was written. As my reply stated, I did in fact go to, and read just about the whole Teizms site (did ALDAWG actually read my post?). It would be good form to note when a post has been edited in a significant way, altering the continuity of an evolving thread.

Thanks for adding the technical specs for the riding gear, it puts more info in this thread making it more informative, without having to leave the Forum and do a search.

 

[Aasland]

he women there said the riding boots with the shorts had a nice porn star look to it. B)

pffft .. I'm married. Convenience and comfort now trumps looks every time!

I hadn't considered the pr0nstar look though .. hmmm ...

 

[Shane Stump]

Have you guys seen this suit---click me

What type of cotton burlap canvas material did they say these suits are made from in Pakistan? Material and denier would be good to know.

Alot of people don't have $1,000.00 to drop on a suit. What do you care where its made? Korea,Japan,Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Pakistan, it's all the same. If you had taken the time to look at the web site you would have found this---Summary:• High performance abrasion resistant PU coated 600 Denier Polyester & 1680 Denier Nylon outer shell

• Removable CE approved armor

• Removable Polar Protection 100g thermal liner

• Drench Quench breathable waterproof liner

• 8 reflective stripes

• Pocket for water pack with drinking tube tab

• Several pockets including a clear map pocket on the left thigh and toll-change pockets on the left arm.

• Waterproof zippers on most pockets and all vents

• 12 Vents

• Stretch material on the knees, elbows and back

I agree a $1000 for a suit is expensive.... if the suit falls apart while you are sliding, most people's medical deduction will be more than the cost of the suit!

Please note I am NOT saying that the $289 isn't safe.... I just don't want to be the one to test it :blink: !

Hopefully it is a GREAT suit as the price point is very attractive!

Best Regards,

Shane

 

[dcarver]

CyclePort, because my ass is worth it and the CC was still good back then.. :rofl:

Then again, any suit is better than nothing at all. Good thread, thanks.

 

[JamesK]

I've owned both a 1 pc Roadcrafter and a Phantom. Both are excellent pieces of gear with similar function but subtle differences that may be important to you:
1) Fit - the RC tends to be a better fit simply because it's available with alterations. If you're odd sized, the RC may be the best bet.

2) Ease of entry/use. The RC is slightly easier to get into and out of. When not using the Phantom's liner, the difference is small. With the liner, the Phantom takes several min. longer to enter exit. Since I never use the liner, this is a wash to me now. The main difference is that to get into the Phantom as quickly as the RC, I have to leave my boots off until after I'm in the Phantom. With the RC, you can leave put them on first.

3) Venting - Phantom wins hands down. Much cooler without the liner. Much warmer with it in so the Phantom covers a wider temp range.

4) Waterproofing - The Phantom is 100% waterproof with the vents closed correctly (i.e. plenty of slack on the cinch straps) and no crotch leak like the RC.

5) Padding - RC has better pads and overall feels more stout but the Phantom provides excellent protection too so the trade offs (better venting, fully waterproof, etc.) are worth it to me.

bmwhd from your experience, what's the highest tolerable summer temp you can use either of these two suits in?

 

[BwanaDik]

bmwhd from your experience, what's the highest tolerable summer temp you can use either of these two suits in?

I top out in my Aerostitch at about 90F but the humidity around here may be a factor too (ya think?).

+1 to all the RC comments above. Love mine, just had all the velcro replaced after about 12 years of hard use.