Unofficial Royal Enfield Community Forum

General Discussion => Campfire Talk => Topic started by: Slider on November 06, 2009, 08:41:26 pm

Title: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Slider on November 06, 2009, 08:41:26 pm
I bought a new winter suit last week, and I posted a review of it on another forum. I thought you guys might like to see it as well. It's going for a fantastic price and I'm really happy with it. Here's a link to it...

http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/hot+deals/hot+deals+-+cruiser/fieldsheer_cyclone+suit+-+one+piece (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/hot+deals/hot+deals+-+cruiser/fieldsheer_cyclone+suit+-+one+piece)

On with my review. Here's the front and back of the suit. You can see the reflective material in the pictures. It has cargo pockets on the thighs and one on the chest...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4360.jpg)

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4361.jpg)



There are stretch panels across the lower back and the knees...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4351.jpg)



The sleeves have snaps to adjust for different arm sizes and a strap to secure the cuff (and the left sleeve has a zippered pocket)...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4350.jpg)



The front zipper goes all the way down to the crotch, and it has a velcro-secured flap over it all the way up; there are waist straps to secure the suit tighter around the middle, and there's a flap across the lower half of the front opening...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4347.jpg)



The legs have a strap to secure the bottom around your ankle, and they unzip all the way up to the waist (the leg zippers also have a velcro-secured rain flap over them)...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4352.jpg)



The leg of the liner also unzips...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4354.jpg)



The hip protection is nothing special, just a flat pad. But it's better than nothing. It's held in place with velcro so you can remove it...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4355.jpg)



It has Armadillo armor in pockets over the elbows and knees...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4356.jpg)



And the shoulders...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4366.jpg)



This is the back pad (which I'll leave out because I always wear my Spidi back protector)...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4368.jpg)



The liner is secured in place with a combination of zippers, snaps, and velcro, and it has a breast pocket on the inside. It has a full-circumference zipper around the waist so you can separate it into upper and lower halves...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4373.jpg)



There's a neck warmer/windbreak that attaches to the outside back of the collar with a zipper, secures in the front with a snap, and the end wraps around and secures with velcro. Here it is separated from the collar...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4374.jpg)



And attached and done up (it covers my whole neck and it's very comfortable)...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4372.jpg)



There are zippered vents with mesh inside on the chest and the front of the shoulders...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4365.jpg)




And on the back of the shoulders and the middle back...

(http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc298/Jumpshot2755/IMG_4363.jpg)



It's made of something they call Carbolex, supposed to be super tough (according to the literature, it's more than twice as tough as nylon in an abrasion test and a tear test), and waterproof/breathable like Gore-Tex.

I couldn't make much sense of the sizing chart because the numbers didn't seem to match up with my measurements, so I just made an educated guess based on my usual clothing sizes, and it turned out to be the perfect size. I'm 5' 10", 210 lbs, and I ordered an XL. In the riding position, the length is perfect: the end of the legs and sleeves are right at my ankles and wrists.

The location of the knee armor concerned me at first. They were too low. But when I removed them to take pictures of them, I realized the pocket is adjustable up/down for three positions. I moved them up into the middle spot and now they're correctly positioned over my knees. It covers my knee and about 1/3 of the way down my shin. Same with the elbow/forearm.

I tried it on how I think I would be dressed for cold weather, with regular long johns, a set of fleece thermals over that, then the suit with liner (there would still be room for a set of sweats as well, but I didn't try that). It fits good all over (although I have no use for those two waist straps until I lose a few pounds >:( ). It was very toasty; I started getting pretty warm after having it on for a minute or two. With the removeable liner and using various layering (or none), it should do fine throughout all the winter temperature ranges.

I wore it riding in the rain last night (without the liner, as it was a bit cold but not cold enough to need it; I just wore my long johns instead). It kept me dry, not a single wet spot anywhere inside the suit. I had my cell phone and wallet in the cargo pockets and they came out dry. I also used the neck warmer/windbreak, it did a good job of keeping the wind out and keeping my neck dry and warm.

At the price they're selling it for, I think this suit is a steal and I'd recommend it to anyone looking for something for the cold/wet weather.

And yes, I know I have an ugly carpet.


Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: PhilJ on November 06, 2009, 10:11:40 pm
By the time I got all that together it would be spring time.  ::)

Newspapers stuffed in all the appropriate places.   :D
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on November 06, 2009, 10:19:04 pm
By the time I got all that together it would be spring time.  ::)

Newspapers stuffed in all the appropriate places.   :D

 ;D :D ;D
I bought the surplus "Swedish Military Motorcycle Suit". It took 20 minutes to get the pants on it had so many buttons. I felt like the Michelin Man when done up. I prayed I didn't have to pee. The first bum I come across with a "will work for food" sign at the corner is going to get it tossed at him from a moving car.
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: ERC on November 06, 2009, 11:18:39 pm
I may have to finally dump my 50 yr old leather jacket.  ERC   ;D
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: The Garbone on November 07, 2009, 02:15:37 am
Shines... 8)
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Slider on November 07, 2009, 02:45:48 am
By the time I got all that together it would be spring time.  ::)



It's just a suit and a liner. Takes about 30 seconds to slip it on, zip up the front and legs, and tighten the cuffs. All the features don't mean making adjustments every time you put it on.


Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: REpozer on November 07, 2009, 05:49:10 am
Thanks for that.

If you are on a budget, you can wear your favorite winter hunting clothes ,with  rain gear over that as a wind breaker, of course it has no body armor.
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: thefieldworker on November 08, 2009, 03:57:26 am
Slider:

Thanks for the post. With the XL, can you wear it over street clothes (without the liner)? I'm guessing not, since you said you wore it over your long johns.

With the vents, do you think you can wear it in the summer?
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: scoTTy on November 08, 2009, 04:15:16 am
I've gone through so many winter wears and years

  I've used newspaper like others have..  when the time called..  coldest I ever put myself through without electric clothing was 15 below.. not counting wind chill factor..

Hands shook so hard in oklahoma the waitress took my coffee to where i set drenched dripping water all over the floor..

warmed up with soup and the coffee..  and padded myself for the ride sothwest

what can I say I was so much older then

i'm younger then than now

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VsfashDI6vU

found whisky works well in new mexico with snow on the ground..

I found I was always the most healthy when I rode year round..

Barbour A7 And A8 with sweaters is all I use now..  no armour.. I go out of my way not to fall..

have had lots of practice

only 50 years and not counting or at least forgetting as far as riding a MC goes
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Slider on November 08, 2009, 04:20:26 am
Slider:

Thanks for the post. With the XL, can you wear it over street clothes (without the liner)? I'm guessing not, since you said you wore it over your long johns.

With the vents, do you think you can wear it in the summer?



When I said I just wore my long johns when I rode in the rain the other night, I meant that was the only cold weather item I wore under the suit. I also had on my jeans and a t-shirt. There would have been room to wear a sweat shirt or light jacket if I wanted to, so there's no problem wearing the suit over street clothes.

I don't know about summer. The vents should help, but there's no ventilation from the waist down. Until I can actually try it in warm weather, I'm guessing spring would be the latest into the warmer months I would wear it. But I'm not really concerned about that because I didn't want it for summer anyway, just cold and/or wet weather. For summer, I wear my Joe Rocket mesh jacket.

Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: ace.cafe on November 08, 2009, 04:46:45 pm
Looks good and warm.
I like that.

I, like Scotty and probably many of the rest of us, have frozen my ass off riding motorycycles.
I'm done with that.

Give me a nice warm coverall anyday, when it's really cold out.
That one looks like it would do the job just fine.
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Slider on November 08, 2009, 05:07:05 pm
I, like Scotty and probably many of the rest of us, have frozen my ass off riding motorycycles.
I'm done with that.


Same here, back in my early days of riding. I had no gear other than my helmet, some cheap gloves, and a leather jacket I borrowed from a friend for a while. I used the old newspaper trick my dad told told me about, and I rode constantly in the rain, hail, fog, sleet, icy roads, you name it. My bike was my only transportation for a few years, so I was always out there regardless of the weather. I spent entire winters continually soaked and freezing. This was college and I was too busy partying to spend money on ridiculous things like winter riding gear. Beer was my first priority.

But that was twenty years ago. I was much younger and tougher then and I don't think my body could handle that kind of abuse now. Like you said, I'm done with that.

I know of some who bought this suit at the earlier price of $350. With the reduced price, it's a $200 investment I'm glad I made. I think it's a great deal for dealing with the cold/wet.
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: UncleErnie on November 08, 2009, 10:28:30 pm
What colour shoes would go with that?
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Blue Ridge Wheeltor on November 08, 2009, 11:40:00 pm
What colour shoes would go with that?

Always a leader in style, Uncle prefers a riding suit that matches his personality:

Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Slider on November 09, 2009, 12:29:18 am
What colour shoes would go with that?


I wear these...


(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc22/russ5288/IMG_3160-1.jpg)



Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: scoTTy on November 09, 2009, 03:28:29 am
200 ain't a bad price for what you have..  being waterproof is a plus.. you said gore tex like.. sympatex perhaps?  if your boots aren't waterproof  I suggest sno -seal.. I  used it on the toes of my gore-tex boots when I had them to keep the water spray from penetrating  the leather.. and making my toes cold even though they were dry ..
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Slider on November 09, 2009, 05:03:00 am
The boots are waterproof.



Title: 4
Post by: scoTTy on November 09, 2009, 05:33:21 am
but is the leather..?  just saying..  as I am a shoe salesman.. have been for 33 years

boots can have a gore tex liner,, which will keep your feet dry,, 

if the leather hasn't been treated.. it will absorb the water..  and your feet will be dry but cold..

  I only say treat the toes to a leather waterproofer..  so the gore tex will be allowed to let your feet breath,, 

just my 2 cents
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Slider on November 09, 2009, 03:18:12 pm
The leather is waterproofed. I've used them in the rain, the water runs off like they're glass. They're dry as a bone after wiping them off.







Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: scoTTy on November 09, 2009, 05:43:04 pm
ah waterproof leather..  did they tell you how to keep the leather that way?

Once the leather was silicon impregnated , think old Timberland,, some people got carried away with the silicon and dried the leather out and it cracked,,

good looking boots btw..
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Leonard on November 09, 2009, 06:01:10 pm

I wear these...


(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc22/russ5288/IMG_3160-1.jpg)





I've looked all over for boots like that, Tourmaster, Sidi, etc but couldn't find any in a wide size.  Finally found www.cruiserworks.com and while they don't carry your style they do have water proof boots in wide sizes, $269  :-\ 
Then I ran across this on ebay: http://tinyurl.com/ykqpdvx  Against my better judgement I ordered a pair.  I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived and were exactly as advertised.  I guess the deal is that Cruiserworks changed makers and had these left over.
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Slider on November 09, 2009, 06:04:18 pm
ah waterproof leather..  did they tell you how to keep the leather that way?

Once the leather was silicon impregnated , think old Timberland,, some people got carried away with the silicon and dried the leather out and it cracked,,

good looking boots btw..


I haven't added anything to them, but others who own these boots have told me they get good results with mink oil. Would you recommend something else?


Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: Slider on November 09, 2009, 06:13:49 pm
I've looked all over for boots like that, Tourmaster, Sidi, etc but couldn't find any in a wide size.  Finally found www.cruiserworks.com and while they don't carry your style they do have water proof boots in wide sizes, $269  :-\  
Then I ran across this on ebay: http://tinyurl.com/ykqpdvx  Against my better judgement I ordered a pair.  I was pleasantly surprised when they arrived and were exactly as advertised.  I guess the deal is that Cruiserworks changed makers and had these left over.


I also have somewhat wide feet and often have trouble finding shoes/boots to accomodate them. These boots aren't available in wide sizes, but I guess they run naturally wide because they fit me fine, very comfy. I have no problem with the width. Here's a link...

http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=82&cat=7

And this is where I got them...

http://newenough.com/boots/waterproof_sport_street_touring_boots/tour_master/solution_wp_road_motorcycle_boots.html

Also, I don't like boots with a flat toe because I don't like my toes being cramped. These have plenty of toe room, but they're not big and bulky, so they don't make it difficult to get my toe under the shifter.

Something not mentioned in the description is that they have a piece of armor in the upper half of the shin above the flex panel.
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: scoTTy on November 09, 2009, 08:04:08 pm
the way mink oil waterproofs is by penetrating the leather fibers..and that will soften the leather

 try to find out what the factory used in the waterproofing of the leather.. and use their guidlines
Title: Re: Review - my new winter suit
Post by: ace.cafe on November 09, 2009, 08:52:23 pm
The best is Pecards Leather Dressing.

They make the same formulation as motorcycle leather dressing, antique leather dressing, and classic leather dressing, just labled differently for different markets.

The leather dressing is like a paste, and needs to be rubbed in with the fingers, and then needs to be allowed to penetrate the leather for about 6 hours. Then buff it briskly with a clean cotton cloth, and that will buff the residual waxes on the surface, and it will come out looking awesome, and very well protected.

They also make a cream, but that isn't really for heavy duty items, and more for gloves and stuff.
The leather dressing is what's best for leather jackets, leather pants, and boots.

New leather should not need any dressing for at least a year of wear.
Then, maybe once a year after that, if it looks like it is getting dry or scuffed.

I've also used mink oil, and that works too.
But, I think Pecards is better.