Tag: motorcycle gear

  • Is it Worth Buying A Motorcycle Airbag Vest? (What You Need To Know)

    Is it Worth Buying A Motorcycle Airbag Vest? (What You Need To Know)

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    When it comes to motorcycle airbag vets or jackets they are designed with the purpose of saving your life and preventing injury in an accident. However very few riders own them, and even fewer use them. Considering its purpose and benefits, are they worth the money or another gimmick made to take more of your money?

    Motorcycle airbag vests & jackets are worth the money. Your life is priceless and airbag vests are worth the buy if you’re going on any serious touring or track days. A motorcycle airbag vest or motorcycle airbag jacket has an airbag system made with coiled wire pulls for the safety and comfort of riders.

    Does this mean that I ride with an airbag best all the time? Of course not, but no one can deny that they offer infinitely more protection than without.

    Whether you are a newbie or an avid rider, while riding your motorcycle, safety is of utmost importance. Undoubtedly, every rider loves the thrill of speed and the rush of open air, but what happens if you suddenly face an accident? Let’s face the truth. Unlike cars, motorcycles do not come with airbags, sheet metals, or seat belts to shield you from injury. However, with an airbag system, you can minimize the risk of injury and ensure greater safety. 

    What is an Airbag Vest? 

    motorcycle airbag vest

    An airbag vest is a kind of apparel designed for motorcycle riders to reduce injuries in the case of a crash. It is one of those gears that can be worn under or over a jacket or any other clothing. These vests are inflated using a CO2 cartridge that protects your body parts that are vulnerable in a motorcycle accident. The vest comes with a cord tied to it. On getting into an accident, when a rider gets separated from the bike, the tether gets activated and causes inflation of the vest. On inflation, the vest provides a cushion around the rider’s shoulder, neck, spine, chest, and other important parts of the body, minimizing the chances of injury. 

    Every accident applies a force to the rider’s body that causes injuries. However, vests effectively distribute such forces across the airbag, reducing or avoiding injuries. So, if you are looking for gear that can provide your upper body optimum protection against motorcycle crashes, motorcycle airbags are the best investment option. 

    How Efficient are Airbag Vests? 

    motorcycle airbag vest

    The efficiency of an airbag vest varies from brand to brand. As effectiveness is quite a broad term, you have to keep your eyes wide open while purchasing one for yourself. There are airbag jackets available in the market, known as seven back protectors. While they efficiently protect your spine from injury, they are not enough to protect your neck and shoulders. Like other motorcycle gears, a race suit and motorcycle vest have their own strengths and weaknesses. So, while investing in such protective gear, look for models that can provide you protection as a whole. From the back and rib cage to the neck and collarbone, an airbag should be able to protect each of your vulnerable body parts from injury. However, no matter how much you invest in safety gear and how well it is designed, remember no airbag guarantees survival. So, without making any excuse, never ride beyond your limits.  

    How Does an Airbag Vest Work? 

    Airbag vests strike a nice balance between comfort and safety. Lighter than riding jackets, airbags offer better protection and can be easily worn over jackets. Designed to offer maximum protection, airbags need a deployment system to function. The functionality of this protective gear is controlled by a coiled tether attached to the vest. Quite simple in its operation, an airbag vest consists of an air cushion along with a ball-style valve, CO2 cartridge and tether system to control the functionality. 

    While riding, to enjoy the maximum protection of an airbag vest, you need to attach your vest to the frame of your bike using the tether. On crashing or facing an accident when the rider falls, the release valve of the motorcycle jacket and activates in a fraction of a second and the inert gas inflates the air cushions. 

    The Dainese smart jacket offers impact protection in life-risking sports like MotoGP. There are electronic airbags with high battery life. It has tethered systems with a micro USB charger and a coiled wire system. The smart jacket is the ultimate protective equipment. The full riding suits are made with abrasion resistant material, have a back protector, integrated sensors, reflective stripes, mechanical trigger and track mode for comprehensive protection of riders. Motorcycle airbags have a gas release system that offers protection to both the motorcycle and the rider. The Honda Gold Wings is the latest addition of a superbike with a tech air system. The Alpinestars tech air motorcycle vests protect stationary riders on all types of bikes.

    There are other airbag vest systems as well that you can consider in your checklist, which is technologically advanced and regulated by sensors. These vests make use of microprocessors, telemetry or accelerometers to detect a crash and accordingly deploy the airbags. These airbag vests are lighter in weight and highly convenient to carry. However, they are high-end products and might cost you more than $2000. 

    Most airbag vests need a chassis to hold all the components and protect the rider’s body completely. Thus, to enjoy the most out of an airbag vest, it is important to wear the apparel properly. Whether you are mounting it in a standalone vest or sewing it into a jacket, ensure that the systems of an airbag vest stay in place to offer you effective protection in the event of a crash. 

    Is it Worth Getting an Airbag Vest?

    Absolutely. Nothing in this world is more important than your life. So, if you love riding, consider investing in a good airbag vest that can protect your upper body from the consequences of a motorcycle crash. The right type of vest, when worn properly, offers maximum protection and makes the odds of surviving an accident better. 

    What Is the Difference Between Tethered Vests and Jackets? 

    In terms of protection, both airbag vests and jackets provide the same amount of safety. Also, when it comes to the shape of the airbag attached, they are similar and provide equal coverage. However, if you are choosing between the two, consider whether you want to replace your regular gear with an airbag jacket or if you are looking for something over the top of your regular riding jacket. An airbag vest can be worn over the top of your current jacket and will stop the exposure of your skin during a crash. 

    Airbag vests are widely available in both traditional and digital marketplaces with different designs and styles. There are a few that come with reflective strips and others with a regular jacket look. Waterproof vests too are available that can protect you during rainy days. There are plenty of options available with airbag vests. You only have to know your purpose for choosing the best one for your ride. 

    What Kinds Of Riders Should Be Using Airbags Vests? 

    No matter if you are a regular street rider or motorsports enthusiast, airbag vests can be used by everyone who loves riding bikes. As these vests are meant for comfort and protection, they can be used in day-to-day life to avoid the consequences of a bike accident. If you have adequate gear that makes you feel safe and comfortable, that’s great. Remember that safety equipment, no matter how expensive, cost less than hospital bills. So it is always advisable to invest in quality airbag vests. 

    Urban riders who love the thrill of aggressive riding should always consider stocking this gear in their wardrobe. Airbag vests are the must-have gear for people who are keen to shine on the road. If you love to push the limits on the motorcycle, the benefits of a quality airbag vest are worth considering to complement other gear.  

    There are a variety of airbag vests available in the market. Choose the one that not only makes you comfortable but also provides maximum protection. Remember, accidents are unexpected events that can result in serious injuries. Thus, it is always a good idea to invest in gear that offers maximum safety. In terms of budget, there are plenty of options to choose from and you need not fear burning a hole in your pocket. Choose your riding gear wisely because, at the end of the day, your life is priceless.

  • Textile Motorcycle Jacket vs Leather Motorcycle Jacket: How to Decide?

    Textile Motorcycle Jacket vs Leather Motorcycle Jacket: How to Decide?

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    While deciding on the type of motorcycle riding jacket, textile motorcycle jackets are the affordable option that offers 90% of the protection of leather. However, leather jackets are going to wear better over time, look cooler and outperform textile jackets when it comes to abrasion resistance and durability. Apart from providing you with optimum safety, these are an obvious choice for those looking to make a worthy investment in terms of motorcycle gear. Both leather and textile jacket have their own set of benefits and drawbacks. Many textile motorcycle jackets have exclusive features for optimal rider safety. Removable thermal liner and reflective elements offer external protection to motorcycles and riders.

    Detachable thermal liner, riding pants, zippered cuffs, breathable liner, shoulder armor, adjustment straps, elbow protectors, mesh panels are an excellent addition for further protection. Reflective detailing, exhaust vents and other gears offer great protection to motorcycles.

    So what are the important factors to consider?

    textile motorcycle jacket

    When deciding on the type of motorcycle riding jacket, it is important to consider that the jacket has ample ventilation. Leather and textile jacket are readily available options. Another important factor that you should keep in mind at the time of purchase is the climate of your area. Choosing a proper breathable jacket prevents excess sweating and thus, helps to maintain the right body temperature while riding. 

    If you are a beginner motorcycle rider who wants to buy their first jacket, the confusion between leather and textile jacket can be very natural. Of course, for most motorcyclists, their riding jacket is one of the protective gear that offers great value. However, while choosing the right jacket, you must also make a purchasing decision from the perspective of aesthetics and comfort. Understanding which material suits you, your style and riding the best, is the most important part of choosing a motorcycle jacket. The textile jacket is cost-effective, easy to maintain, safe and highly durable. Protective riding gear includes external pockets, removable liners and more. Due to different riding positions, riders are prone to road accidents. Relaxed fit jackets with tech air supply and back protector is a top rider choice for off road conditions.

    Still struggling to understand which material, leather or textile makes the best option for you? Don’t worry. We won’t leave you in the dust. Here, we will discuss all the factors that you must consider while picking between leather and textile jackets. 

    What Do You Need to Know About Motorcycle Jackets? 

    The motorcycle industry mostly makes use of three common types of leather –  cowhides, goat hides and kangaroo hides. Each of the leather types makes excellent abrasion resistance and is convenient to carry while riding. Among them, cowhide is one of the widely used leather types, which also makes an economical option for riders on a budget. 

    The cost-to-abrasion ratio for this type of jacket is tough to beat. Highly breathable in texture, these jackets are highly comfortable to wear, and when treated properly, last for years. If you are one of those riders who favour a traditional look, leather makes the perfect jacket to suit your style. 

    But there are a few downsides that you need to take into account while purchasing a leather motorcycle jacket. Though such jackets are comfortable to wear, they are not always the best for extreme hot or cold weather conditions. leather is heavier compared to textile, and thus, are not the ideal gear in hotter climates, where the sun is strong. 

    Again, only a few leather jacket types are waterproof. Though there are a few exceptions, waterproof jackets are very costly and thus, cannot be afforded by all. So, if you are buying a budget-friendly jacket, consider carrying a waterproof layer while riding. 

    Pros

    • Highly abrasion-resistant
    • Bestows a stylish look
    • Can be tailored/fitted according to individual measurements 
    • Comes with elbow, shoulder and back armour
    • When properly cared, lasts long. 

    Cons

    • Heavier material to carry
    • Required special treatment like conditioning after exposure 
    • The material is seasonal 
    • Can’t bear heavy rain as most of them are non-waterproof
    • Jackets with features are mostly high-end

    What Do You Need to Know About Textile Motorcycle Jacket? 

    textile motorcycle jacket

    If budget is a concern for you and you are looking for versatility, textile jackets are the best option for you. From good airflow and warmth to waterproofing, textile mostly meets all your needs. One of the types of textile jackets is a four-season jacket, which comes with good ventilation along with removable layers so that a rider can manage to wear it in all kinds of climatic conditions. However, the four-season jackets are better suited to the winter than summer. During summer, these jackets won’t be able to provide you with optimal airflow like summer riding jackets or mesh jackets. 

    Mesh jackets, another type of textile motorcycle jacket is best suited for summer climates. These jackets provide great airflow and many of their kind comes with a removable windproof or waterproof layer that makes the gear more summer-friendly. So, if you mostly ride in tropical climates, a mesh textile jacket is the one you can consider purchasing. 

    Pros of Textile Motorcycle Jacket 

    • Medium abrasion resistance 
    • Versatile features that offer more room and freedom 
    • Wide range of pricing 
    • Mostly windproof and waterproof 
    • Comfortable for all seasons 

    Cons of Textile Motorcycle Jacket 

    • The impact resistance doesn’t match leather jackets
    • Not all jackets come with armour

    Factors to be Considered While Choosing Between Textile and Leather

    textile motorcycle jacket

    Want to make your decision-making process easy and effective? Here are a few factors you can bank upon while choosing between leather and a textile jacket. So, let’s dig deep here. 

    • Durability- While purchasing comfortable motorcycle gear, you must always consider the durability of the fabric to make sure that you are not wasting your hard-earned money. In this regard, textile jackets are easy to clean and maintain. For example, you can toss your textile jacket into your washing machine to revamp its look. On the other hand, these jackets are costly to maintain, as they require professional care and cleaning. However, when professionally cleaned and maintained, such jackets pass the test of time, unlike its counterpart. If a textile jacket gets into an accident, it needs to be replaced by a new one to ensure that the armour is in good condition. These jackets are highly durable and thus, can bear scuffs easily. 
    • Protection- If you are looking for maximum protection, consider investing in leather because it offers high abrasion resistance. Though high-end jackets too provide protection, there’s no comparison with leather. However, while choosing a leather jacket, make sure to check the thickness of the material with the seller. Remember, a minimum of 1.2 mm thick leather serves the best when it comes to resisting abrasion. 
    • Style- Let’s admit the truth. Every rider wants to show off their individuality with their gears and outfit. So, if you are a motorcycle enthusiast who wants to create an individual statement, shop for a jacket that suits your personality and riding style. For riders who prefer a vintage and classic look, leather is the perfect fit. However, for a modern look, you can always go for textile jackets to show off your personal sense of style. 
    • Budget- Both leather and textile motorcycle jackets come with their own set of merits and demerits. Thus, if budget is not an issue for you, you can invest in different types of jackets for the best solution. However, as most of us cannot afford such luxury, pick the ones that suit both your specific needs and budget. The best textile motorcycle jackets are versatile and are less costly than leather ones. However, both the jacket types come in both high-quality and low-quality variants. However, it’s always best to choose the one that provides you with optimum safety. Remember, high-quality jackets might cost you high, but provide maximum safety and are definitely worth the cost. 

    Concluding thoughts…..

    Whilst there are many different factors to consider while choosing the best motorcycle jacket, it is best to work out what pros and cons are important to you. Of course, styling is an important feature that most riders contemplate while purchasing a jacket, but you should never compromise on safety while choosing riding gear. No matter if you are investing in a leather jacket or a textile one, just remember, when it comes to motorcycle safety gear the one you will wear is the best one to choose.