Why textile?

[1.21GW]

Good point on fit, ducpainter.  But all things being equal, it seems there is debate over the level of protection of various materials. 

Does anyone know of an article or study that tested the puncture protection and abrasion resistance of various materials?  It seems that all there is is anecdotal evidence, which is not entirely consistent.

[ducpainter]

There is no better protection than armored leather, IMO,  with regard to abrasion protection.

There was a fairly non-scientific test done some years ago by a mag. They concluded leather was best IIRC.

No gear will protect in every instance.

Motorcycles are dangerous you know.

[1.21GW]

Motorcycles are dangerous you know.

Haha.  Good point.  I guess the safest gear is a third wheel.

[Triple J]

Leather with full armor offers the best protection without a doubt. That's why racers of all levels wear it.

Street gear is a balance comfort, protection, and functionality though. I'd never wear my full race gear on the street...it's too much of a pain in the ass, despite it being the best option for protection.

[ducpainter]

Leather with full armor offers the best protection without a doubt. That's why racers of all levels wear it.

Street gear is a balance comfort, protection, and functionality though. I'd never wear my full race gear on the street...it's too much of a pain in the ass, despite it being the best option for protection.

I used to wear a one piece on the street...

PITA is an understatement. 

[memper]

Leather with full armor offers the best protection without a doubt. That's why racers of all levels wear it.

Street gear is a balance comfort, protection, and functionality though. I'd never wear my full race gear on the street...it's too much of a pain in the ass, despite it being the best option for protection.

Yet one is more likely to be in a crash on the street. Go figure. Usually not doing 130 on the street though....
My textile jackets purpose is to decorate the hook in my closet. Leather all the time for me.
But here may be a future solution to hot heavy leather that is stronger than leather:
http://www.schoeller-textiles.com/en/technologies/ceraspace.html

[Triple J]

Yet one is more likely to be in a crash on the street. Go figure. Usually not doing 130 on the street though....
My textile jackets purpose is to decorate the hook in my closet. Leather all the time for me.
But here may be a future solution to hot heavy leather that is stronger than leather:
http://www.schoeller-textiles.com/en/technologies/ceraspace.html

I disagree. You're more likely to crash on the track. I don't know anyone that regularly does trackdays (or races) that hasn't crashed (twice for me, and very close to 3-5 times). I know a lot of people who haven't ever crashed on the street though (like me for example). That said, your street crash is likely to be more severe due to other drivers and obstacles...things that gear can't always protect against.

That material looks cool. Someday we should see something better than leather. Aerostitch claims their material is more abrasion resistant than leather; however, leather is thicker so offers better overall protection (which they admit). Leathers thickness is a big part of why it is so good.

[memper]

Not to change the subject, but isnt a rider more at risk on the street simply because there are more factors that can complicate safe riding? On the track you have great pavement, experienced people around you, everyone going in the same direction, no cars, bikes or pedestrians. Basically the best possible conditions. Is this assumption wrong?
(this is my logic I'm using to convince my wife its safer on the track than on the street--she dont want me racing )

[Triple J]

Not to change the subject, but isnt a rider more at risk on the street simply because there are more factors that can complicate safe riding? On the track you have great pavement, experienced people around you, everyone going in the same direction, no cars, bikes or pedestrians. Basically the best possible conditions. Is this assumption wrong?
(this is my logic I'm using to convince my wife its safer on the track than on the street--she dont want me racing )

I agree completely. I even think racing is generally safer than trackdays because there aren't as many amateurs out there doing unpredictable things. That said, you push harder on trackdays, and especially racing, so you crash every so often. Usually the main damage is to your wallet though because of the safety features in place.

Generally speaking you will crash more at the track; however, the less frequent street crashes will usually be more severe.

[memper]

So more often on the track but less dangerous and less often on the street but more dangerous (and unpredictable). Seems like one should take the Boy Scout approach and always be prepared. I vote no to textiles unless tip top quality.

[Slide Panda]

So - i figure one day, one day mind you, that engineered materials will replace leather. These materials may or may not be textile (a flexible woven material consisting of a network fibers). There's been a lot of advances in creating man made protective materials and it's only going to continue. Right now, leather offers a lot for the price. But one day, something will come along offering more at the same price/offer the same for less. It'll be interesting to watch.

Regarding the track - overall it's safer even with the mix of folks at track days vs licensed racers. Points for the wife
- Closed course that is blown free of debris and patrolled by a marshall before it's opened for the day
- All traffic goes the same way
- No autos
- Built in safe run off areas.
- Flaggers to warn of issues ahead
- Same set of turns, over and over. No unpredictable, gravel strewn, off-camber 90 deg right after a blind rise on that new road you're exploring
- EMTs w/ ambulances on site, seconds away who will be mobilized immediately if needed. Not a phone call and X minutes or hours out - if you can get them
- (Generally) rules of conduct and passing - will vary from organization to org and from experience group to group.

Yes there's the potential for a crash at the track - but there's on the roads as well. And on the track you're a lot more in control of the risks than you can be on the streets. Generally at the track, if you crash it's your fault. On the roads there's a lot more of 'the other guy' making for accidents.

[Triple J]

- Built in safe run off areas.

Sometimes. There are some sketchy tracks out there unfortunately.  Many were designed for cars, where a tire barrier is a good thing...not so much for motos. Good organizations have air fences to help a bit.

[Slide Panda]

True. Some tracks are better than others.

But no track will have this

Motorcycle Crashes Into Hillside - July 28, 2012

[jrswanson1]

Someone on another forum asked about textile because he is a vegan and doesn't want anything leather    Sadly, my armored Shift leather jacket isn't as warm as my armored Tourmaster textile jacket with a fleece jacket underneath. 

[Triple J]

True. Some tracks are better than others.

But no track will have this

Turn 6 at Pacific Raceways in Seattle. Running wide here can get ugly quick...look at the hill behind racers (I'm the one chasing). Granted, there is a little more run-off here than in your picture though.