Anyone with personal experience of both?
I'm seriously contemplating the A* SG-1 suit that's available for ~$500.
At the same time, I'm still lusting after the Dainese suits that occasionally pop up on eBay for not much more.
Thoughts one way or another?
What I've noticed is that the dainese leather is so much softer and lighter than other companies--including that of alpinestars. However, alpinestars is far from shabby and well worth the money too. not sure that helps.. good luck either way [thumbsup]
I wanted a Dainese suit so bad, but they weren't fitting me.
I eventually went with the A* SG-1 I got from parts411.com for just a little over $400 last summer. I'm 6'2" and 180-ish pounds so size 46/56 in A*. I need a race fit if it's going to fit right. The Dainese felt baggy everywhere. If they felt tight, then everything was too short.
Dana
I think that it is all a matter of fit.
I am very small (5'6", 135 lbs) and I found that the Dainese 46 fits much better than the Arlen Ness 48, while the legs of the Alpinestars where just too thick for me. But even fit is a matter of taste. At the local track, you see everything from guys who have suits that appear to be painted-on them (a la Valentino Rossi), to guys who could fit a cat between them and their suit.
I am lucky to live in city where we have stores of each of the major apparel companies at one location, and I took advantage of that to size at the store and purchase on the web. Don't forget to take your back protector to the store when you try them on - it makes some difference.
In the end, I bought a Dainese Laguna Seca from www.motowheels.com (http://www.motowheels.com) for $800.
Quote from: pespina on February 14, 2009, 05:46:18 AM
I am very small (5'6", 135 lbs) and I found that the Dainese 46 fits much better than the Arlen Ness 48, while the legs of the Alpinestars where just too thick for me. But even fit is a matter of taste. At the local track, you see everything from guys who have suits that appear to be painted-on them (a la Valentino Rossi), to guys who could fit a cat between them and their suit.
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
I just got a great visual of a guy in full leathers and helmet running around screaming because the cat wants out of his leathers.
Thanks. [thumbsup]
Quote from: pespina on February 14, 2009, 05:46:18 AM
I think that it is all a matter of fit.
But even fit is a matter of taste. At the local track, you see everything from guys who have suits that appear to be painted-on them (a la Valentino Rossi), to guys who could fit a cat between them and their suit.
I am lucky to live in city where we have stores of each of the major apparel companies at one location, and I took advantage of that to size at the store and purchase on the web. Don't forget to take your back protector to the store when you try them on - it makes some difference.
In the end, I bought a Dainese Laguna Seca from www.motowheels.com (http://www.motowheels.com) for $800.
Fit may be a matter of taste as far as comfort...
I'll bet there's a reason Rossis leathers fit that way.
Quote from: ducpainter on February 14, 2009, 06:17:28 AM
Fit may be a matter of taste as far as comfort...
I'll bet there's a reason Rossis leathers fit that way.
Arguably, the tighter the fit, the greater the chance that protective equipment will stay in place during a crash. For that reason I wear mine "painted-on-me" but I know that many people do not like the "constrictive" feeling that results. Further, many people chose their suits based on brand name loyalty or money considerations (e.g., the suit they bought was the best deal they found at that time).
Cheers, Pedro
Go with what fits you the best regardless of the brand.
yeah go with what fits. my experience is that Dainese leather is very soft and supple from the get go. A* stuff will break in though so its not a huge deal. I also prefer Dainese styling... its not as outlandish.
that said, they both make high quality stuff so saftey is pretty equal among the two.
Pespina are you wearing 46 euro or american???
Quote from: He Man on February 18, 2009, 09:02:40 PM
Pespina are you wearing 46 euro or american???
I am an American but I live in Paris (yes, I know... it is a
cliché). I am 5'6" and I weight about 140 lbs. I wear business suits 38 (American) but I wear 46 Dainese (European). The Ducati (Dainese) jacket that I use on a daily basis is 48, but it fits more loosely on me. I have lowsided twice while wearing my Ducati jacket and on both occasions the jacket saved my skin. But from the damage, you could see that the jacket slit on top of me. The race suit cannot slide over me - period - which is what I was looking for. I must admit that it is a pain to get out of the race suit (I cannot get out of it without someone pulling on at least the first sleeve), but I take that to be kind of normal.
Cheers, Pedro
I had an A* suit a few years back. i forget which model. I never was able to wear their boots though (damn thick calved from soccer). When I went to get my new suit, I couldnt even fit into the A* suit i ordered...
So i ordered a Dainese Laguna 1pc... and it fits perfect.
The Dainese suits seem to be cut a bit more generous through the midsection and shoulders so someone thats a little stockier (i'm 5'10 and 227lbs) can fit into the suit without having to get one with arms and legs that are a foot too long. the build quality is a few notches above the A* suit i tried on too... leather is better, the stitching is better... i could go on and on but until they give me a sponsorship check i'm shutting up
One thing I notice that's making me want to get rid of all my Dainese gear in favor of a few particular Alpinestar stuff is that A*, besides having similar quality, have some models that are made to fit a rider in riding position. Smaller chest area, shorter front hem, curved back, arms forward, etc.. My Dainese TraxS and Horizon jacket feel great, but the front ripples and back stretches alot when I get into position. Id say get whatever you fits you but if you can, get into position on a bike to see how you feel on them.
Check out SBTG. They have their Alpine* s leather including race gloves reduced substantially.
Just a side note. I don't own any Alpine* leather Pants, Jackets or Suits . I do wear their SMX Plus Race Boots and GP Tech Race Gloves. I have a lot of Dainese leather Short Jackets and Pants and they are all just exceptional. Can't find a flaw in any of them . Dolph :)
A* and Dainese are two great brands. You really cant go wrong with either of them.
I wouldnt go as far as saying ANY brand is good... some brands are made more for squids.
My personal preference is dainese.. the leather is just amazingly soft brand new and it just feels like quality. A* isnt *lower* by any means but the leather does require a break in period and as far as styling goes... A* can be a little too out there for me. Dainese makes very simple but sexy leathers.
We sell Dainese and Alpinestar. When our customers try both on side by side, they usually go with the Dainese. Because Dainese has so many stretch panels, you can often go one size smaller than normal to get a tighter fit. All the guys at the shop wear Dainese. We now stock a minimum amount of Alpinestar...
-M
Quote from: moto on March 15, 2009, 12:20:09 PM
We sell Dainese and Alpinestar. When our customers try both on side by side, they usually go with the Dainese. Because Dainese has so many stretch panels, you can often go one size smaller than normal to get a tighter fit. All the guys at the shop wear Dainese. We now stock a minimum amount of Alpinestar...
-M
yep, i actually bought my jacket from you guys. Its nice having yall local for me. [thumbsup]
I finally found a silver lining in this whole economic meltdown thingy.
I was able to purchase a 2-piece Dainese suit off fleabay for under $250.
Supposedly never worn, just bought and hung in a closet.
I'll post up when it arrives.
Well, they can't say they didn't notice me!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3379161247_8b1fb0ac45.jpg)
Quote from: Bun-bun on March 23, 2009, 11:21:37 AM
Well, they can't say they didn't notice me!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3379161247_8b1fb0ac45.jpg)
And I thought that Dainese had
more subtle styling [laugh]
mitt
Wow. That's an oldy. Good suit though as long as you can tolerate the 80's flashbacks that may occampany it. [laugh]
Yeah, My wife says it should have a cape. A buddy who saw it said he thinks he saw me on Saturday morning TV.
I figure it fits, and it'll keep my goodies together in a spill, I can take the abuse. [roll]
so what exactly ARE your superpowers?
did the ad say ONLY WORN TO BREAKDANCE?
it's definitely a good grab for the price. [beer]
Although I work at the Dainese Store (San Francisco), I own both Alpinestars and Dainese gear. I like both brands for various reasons. It all comes down to what fits your body type best.
Quote from: redxblack on March 24, 2009, 07:52:27 PM
so what exactly ARE your superpowers?
I made the most beautiful woman in the world marry me.
I raised a son to 23 years old without a criminal record.
I have successfully put a roof over our heads and food on our table for 24 years.
I make it warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
And I cook a mean rack of pork ribs!
I am . . . . FAMILY MAN!
[laugh] Sorry, I was thinking it looked more like something Randy Jackson would have worn onstage with Journey
Quote from: Bun-bun on March 23, 2009, 11:21:37 AM
Well, they can't say they didn't notice me!
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3379161247_8b1fb0ac45.jpg)
Nice....... I'm sending that to I Spy Camel Toe.com................. [cheeky]
Quote from: DLSGAP on February 20, 2009, 07:38:25 AM
I had an A* suit a few years back. i forget which model. I never was able to wear their boots though (damn thick calved from soccer). When I went to get my new suit, I couldnt even fit into the A* suit i ordered...
So i ordered a Dainese Laguna 1pc... and it fits perfect.
The Dainese suits seem to be cut a bit more generous through the midsection and shoulders so someone thats a little stockier (i'm 5'10 and 227lbs) can fit into the suit without having to get one with arms and legs that are a foot too long. the build quality is a few notches above the A* suit i tried on too... leather is better, the stitching is better... i could go on and on but until they give me a sponsorship check i'm shutting up
What size Dainese are you wearing ??? 56 ???
Quote from: mitt on March 24, 2009, 10:17:38 AM
And I thought that Dainese had more subtle styling [laugh]
mitt
Shazzam!!!:)
Quote from: Gus Duc on March 25, 2009, 10:20:54 PM
What size Dainese are you wearing ??? 56 ???
the 56 didnt fit across the shoulders well... went with the 58 and it still fits me snug enough you can see my nuts through them... I'll post pics if you guys really want lol
Another vote for the Dainese suits here.
The lower end a* stuff didn't seem much different than a Berick or MotoGP suit. The higher end stuff didn't fit as well and the leather was much stiffer.
That being said if I was spending the dollars on another high end suit I'd probably end up with a Kushitani. When I put my jacket on and zip it up it's like sliding into a new set of skin but doesn't feel restrictive in the least. It's my best fitting and most used daily jacket (dragon perf). For weekend rides when I'm wearing full gear -- I switch to my Dainese Bora/Dragonfly combo which I like very much as well.
Quote from: DLSGAP on March 30, 2009, 01:35:54 PM
the 56 didnt fit across the shoulders well... went with the 58 and it still fits me snug enough you can see my nuts through them... I'll post pics if you guys really want lol
Absolutely!
(After all, why should I hog all the abuse!)
<coming late to the game, as usual>
having just tried on both brands (jacket only) i can actually add some insight.
(what you make of it is another story)
both are well made and were a good fit for me (EURO 54). the dainese seemed a little more supple. the deciding factors for me was that i did no like the reversed zipper on the dainese (and i got the A* for 215.00) [moto]