[RideFlySC]

Which maker is better in terms of quality of construction, ability to resist abrasion, protective armor and fit? I have an Alpinestars V4 jacket that is great but I may sell it to my brother so that I can get a 2 piece jacket and pants combo. I like the quality of A-stars but I have no experience with Joe Rockets (have never seen their stuff at the shops I frequent). I have found some great deals on the web and I am considering these options: Joe Rocket Speedmaster jacket and pants for $680; Joe Rocket GPX 2 pc for $520; and A-stars GPU 2 pc for $610. Just from looking at the pics, the JR Speedmaster looks awesome and tops the other 2. The GPX and the GPU look about the same with the GPX edging out the GPU because of the $90 price difference. Help me decide! Seriously, any info, opinions, insights are appreciated. BTW, I know some of you may ask, "why not just get A-stars Track pants to match with my current jacket?" Well, the V4 does not have a full zipper and so I don't know how well it would work. Besides that, I want my brother to have it so that he'll always ride with solid protection. Thanks again!! Ride ON!!

 

[Gas Man]

I see that you're a newbie to TWF so :welcome: if I missed you b4!

You can't go wrong with either. I know many people that have the A* stuff and love it. I have a JR speedmaster 2 piece and crashed in it last year at about 55mph and had not a scratch on me.

Twisty had a JR jacket that he crashed, no joke, like 12 times or somin and it held up GREAT!!

 

[RideFlySC]

Thanks Gas Man

You posted a reply on my first ever post here. I see you are the king of all posters here at TWF!! Where do you find the time?? Re: A* and Joe Rockets, like I mentioned b4, I like the Speedmaster 2 pc the best. I'm leaning towards it. What kind of armor does JRs use?? The A* has decent hardshell armor but they aren't the cutting edge of body armor. Do you know much about Vanson armor? Read that they are great. Thanks again. Ride ON!!

 

[SpeedWerks.com]

Alpinestars. Period. There's really no comparison in terms of overall quality (and consistancy of quality).

Also - don't go by advertised prices on Alpinestars. Call the places you are interested in purchasing from. Alpinestars has a VERY restrictive advertising policy that all their retailers must abide by (but if you call them and ask what their "best price" is, they can sell you the products at whatever price they want).

- Roach

 

[Grafixx01]

I was going to go with Alpinestars but I'm gonna get AGV Sport when I get the money. I'll be contacting Speedwerks for them.

 

[snadamo]

when "winter" in AZ rolls around...

I might get an A* leather jacket. People tell me it is seriously COLD when riding in the winter. I'm going to wait and see before I shell out $200+. Ill stick to my Motoboss (made by JR) textile jacket.

 

[Gas Man]

ride... glad I could attempt to help. I find the time when I'm at work or at home and suppose to be sleeping...

Anyway, Roach is right, A* is GREAT products. However, like I said. I love my JR jacket. But JR changes their types of armor and it is different armor in alot of their jackets. Most of the time JR uses the hard shell armor in their speedmaster gear. And they use the softer armor in many of their other jackets.

Last year I had a chance to talk to one of JR's top designers at Rec. See the guy lives in Michigan. He said that the reason they were changing from hard to soft armor is for a more proper fit. That for some reason people like to buy their jackets loose, which isn't the best for a down. So they use the soft armor and the clip straps on the forearms, to help place the armor in the correct position.

And I wouldn't say that A* isn't on top of their game. They are a good company that has some of the best quality gear out. For example I tried on every large companies set of 3/4 gloves. I found that the A* gloves were the best fit and even the best bang for the buck.

The bottom line is that you need to go and try this stuff on. You may like the way it looks and sounds but until you try it on, you really have no clue.

 

[Windigo]

1 of my body crashed is R1 doing a wheelie at 185km/h (115 mi/h), he fell on his a$$ and stayed on it for a while until he started tumbling on the road, he went through is leather pants on one side and had a little burn on his a$$, he also had a few bruises on his left forearm and that is it, no wounds no broken bones or dislocated limbs, he just need to buy another pair of pants for is JR 2 pieces suit. that incident convinced me to buy a leather suit, I tried A-Stars, Ixon, Teknic & JR stuff. I choose a JR GPX2 because it fits me better then the others but my first idea was on A-star.

 

[Gas Man]

Exactly...it's all about trying the stuff on!

 

[Todd]

Chris, you probably spoke with Marc at Joe Rocket. I know he lives in MI.

I cast my vote for either, although I've recently been eyeing the new Joe Rocket line. :thumbs:

 

[R1up0n1]

I like the A*, however they are a bit more $ than JR stuff, The quality of the A* are top notch. If I had the money I'd buy A*. Also like mentioned above..ya gotta try this kind of stuff on, everyone is shaped different..not every manufacture's gear fits the same. :2cents: :luck:

 

[SpeedWerks.com]

I like the A*, however they are a bit more $ than JR stuff

That's what Roach was hinting at. Alpinestars forces retailers to show you guys a certain price if they sell A* in their online store or in print ads. I think you'd be very surprised if you picked up the phone and called retailers and asked what their best price is for whatever product you are interested in...it won't be the same as what is advertised on their site. You'd be surprised how affordable A* stuff is if you place a few phone calls.

Some retailers may choose to sell it to you for what is advertised on their site, but the majority will give you a heck of a deal. Just a little inside tip for those who weren't aware that A* has a very specific pricing policy they give to their retailers. The whole key to the situation is that you have to personally initiate that phone call and make that request.

Laura

 

[SpeedWerks.com]

A-Stars, Ixon, Teknic & JR stuff. I choose a JR GPX2 because it fits me better then the others but my first idea was on A-star.

Very smart! Joe Rocket is a great brand and as Gas Man said, no matter what brand you choose, even if it is the best made product out there, if it doesn't fit you properly, it won't work properly...therefore, you might has well have put on junk. Go with the best gear that you can afford, that you like, and that fits well.

Laura

 

[Gas Man]

Very smart! Joe Rocket is a great brand and as Gas Man said, no matter what brand you choose, even if it is the best made product out there, if it doesn't fit you properly, it won't work properly...therefore, you might has well have put on junk. Go with the best gear that you can afford, that you like, and that fits well.

Laura

:withstupi

And yes Todd that is him! I also spoke with some of his people that are in charge of the design or construction of the gear. and she was SMOKIN HOTT!!! :drool: x 100,000!!

 

[600RR Uo1]

Ask around to see if anyone is selling Dianese suits. My buddy was getting a new one and sold me his old one for way less that $680. Its kind of a long shot to find them really cheap but if you can they are incredible