Body Armor & new helmet

I have a good leather jacket, a bit large in the waist & tight at the neck (a common experience given my body shape) but with summer coming I can't see wearing it on those hot days. Seems like some of the body armor I've seen would be a good idea; light weight and protective but at the local shops it's wicked expensive.

Also, I was given an older helmet, a Max made in 04, full face with the movable visor and the chin part can be released & made to be open face. It reads Harley Davidson on the front. It seems kind of loose and the padding is definitely worn. It whistles when I'm going over 50MPH and I need a better fit and to quiet the whistle. I went to the Harley dealer to get replacement padding and they said it was excessively old and I needed a new one. They pointed out two small abrasions saying the helmet was damaged and that makes it unusable and it needs replaced. Perhaps they are right but the abrasions are not from an accident or being dropped according to the PO. If I need to get a new one, I would like to get another full coverage helmet that also allows me to lift the chin & become open face, that's much more convenient than removing it all the time.

Any suggestions where I can get quality Body armor & helmet at great prices?

If I don't need a new helmet & can just replace the padding, where is the best place to find that affordably?

Thanks

 

Check out the Joe Rocket Ballistic Series jackets. Fairly cheap compared to other jackets. Has padding on the back elbows and shoulders. very protective light weight and breathable. I wear one everyday. Even took a spill in it and didnt get hurt.

 

For gear, ...

http://www.newenough.com

Check out the Close Out and Bargain Basement for budget stuff,

I got Boots, Pants, Gloves and Jacket, delivered to Canada for a bit over $300

They have some armored mesh jackets on for $60 now
And some Killer prices on HJC helmets as well

 

+1 on the Joe Rocket Ballistic jacket from newenough. I know I got mine on sale for $70. Lots of ventilation, have worn it comfortably in 80 degrees + so far. Haven't had the pleasure of "testing" it like 81seca550 8O .

Helmets that don't fit snug are no good. If you get into an accident, the helmet needs to stay in the same spot on your head to take the impact properly. A helmet that flies off you head or spins around after the first impact is not going to do you much good at all. Then there's the whole problem of deterioration. Actually, the same can be said for all riding equipment. If it doesn't fit properly, it can move around or come off, and not protect you like it should.

It's good to try them on or at least work with a supplier that lets you return ones that don't fit right. The padding will mold to YOUR head after some time. Unless you know the PO and can vouch for him, I wouldn't trust anything they say...especially about a piece of safety equipment. What's your budget on a helmet and jacket? I mean I know it's not exactly what you are looking for...but full face HJC (DOT approved) go for $100 or less IN dealerships.

 

http://www.compacc.com/

 

i'd been thinkin' to get something as i would like to lose as little skin as possible if were to dump it.
i got stupid lucky and picked up a joe rocket ballistic kevlar with all inserts (and a liner for more brisk rides) at a garage sale thursday for $40 in like new condition


now i just need to figure out what type of lowers to get

 

leather vest,short sleave shirt,do-rag.
pretty much all you need in summer :wink:

 

Is this a joke? And what's a " do-rag"? A piece of old cloth for a spot of impromptu polishing outside the dealers?

 

I picked up a Scorpion All-In leather jacket for $200.00 last year.
AWSOME jacket! Super thick leather, chest and back vents, removable full-sleeve liner, flexible armor in elbows/shoulders, has a backpad (space for real armor, foam from stock tho).
Currently $149.95 at www.compacc.com
They also make awsome textile/mesh jackets, and if you're into a sportier jacket and don't mind blue or red, the Stinger in perforated leather is available at the same low $149.95 price.
As for a flip up full-face helmet, I'd go try them on at a local shop and then check out compacc again. Find the size/lid that fits you best.
Don't forgot a decent set of gloves tho. If you go down and trash your hands... even a small whack to the back of your left hand makes squeezing that clutch agony... personal experience (not from a crash tho!)

 

All my gear is textile with all the armor. Do try stuff on at a store then buy online saves wicked money. Helmets differ company to company for fit, they use different molds for the foam so that is a must to try on nothing worse than an ill-fitting helmet headache city. Don't overlook gloves and boots they seem less important but if you can't walk or use your hands your screwed until you heal.

 

Thanks for the input. I looked at http://www.compacc.com/ as Polock & Rat suggested and the prices are lower than most anywhere than fleabay but fleabay isn't where I'd expect much customer service if I need it.

That said, I did fleabay bid on an older Neon Blue Joe Rocket Balistic jacket with liner & inserts that was claimed to be & looked to be in pristine shape from a seller with a 100% rating & it came to $50 after shipping. It'll be here this week.

Helmets...

I really didn't expect to have to fork out big money for a helmet but the one I have been given is just too large and it is not only not secure but it's loud, drafty and it whistles over 35mph.

I've looked at the Scorpion EXO900 extra large and it's a pretty nice helmet at a decent price. I tried on the Shoei multitec large & it fit well too, Was a bit lighter as well. At the dealer it was close to 5 C notes but a buck fifty less on the web.

Lighter means a lot to me; back when I was young & immortal I was into Martial arts, surfing & Rugby. Now I have had all my sense knocked out of me I find lighter helmets are more comfortable and heavier ones will give me a neck ache after awhile.

Need to find which helmet is the most comfortable and reliable just for that one time...