Finally saved up enough cash to buy a nice, leather one-piece? These are the suits that will give you the most bang for your buck, keep you safe, comfortable, looking good and facilitating the sport of motorcycle riding. This is the best value one-piece motorcycle race suits.
What To Look For In A One-Piece Suit
Fit will be your biggest compromise. No suit fits perfectly. They’re made to meet the needs of the average size male in the U.S. For whatever reason, the manufacturers think we all have a 36 in. and upwards waistline with skinny arms and legs. Thin guys with broad shoulders are left to deal with the baggy-diaper-butt look or dish out extra cash for a custom suit. Make sure when getting fit for your suit you figure in the extra room necessary for the back and chest protector you intend to wear. It is advisable to take them along to try on with the suit if possible.
This purchase is going to live with you for a very long time. So make sure you’ve saved up enough money to buy what you really want. You don’t want to be limited to the entry-level suits, which cost under $900. Not that they’re bad, but the budget items just aren’t as…performance driven as their more expensive counterparts. Cheaper suits are constructed with heavier, lower-quality hides and most aren’t as well ventilated either. A few C-notes extra will get you into one of these mid-tier suits, which are more than enough to meet all of your needs concerning protection, style and fit.
Why a one-piece? Well, like a set of football pads, hockey skates or a catcher’s mask, they’re a high-tech item of sporting gear that you need if you’re going to play this sport for real. Not only are they the safest thing you can possibly put on your body, but they allow the greatest freedom of movement and on-bike comfort too. They are particularly good in hot weather or while riding hard, where their perforations and ventilation channels flow cooling air around your entire body.
Dainese Laguna Seca Evo P. Estiva (Perforated) — $1,199.95
The Laguna Seca is my favorite suit at any price level. Its minimal display of color and logos coupled with it’s clean silhouette make it the first go-to choice on my suit rack. Break-in period is nonexistent, the suit exhibits excellent ergonomics on and off the bike due to microelastic inserts perfectly placed on the legs, back and elbows.
Dainese Aero Evo P — $1,549.95
The Aero Evo is an exceptional suit, fitting perfectly when tucked in thanks to its patented, elasticated abdominal section. It also carries the aluminum inserts over the shoulder/knee/elbow like the top-of-the-line, $2,000 Team Suit. The back hump also accommodates an optional hydropack.
Alpinestars Atem Suit — $1,499.95
I reviewed this suit on video last year. It comes with the same bells and whistles as Alpinestars top of line Race Replica suit ($2,900), minus the compatibility with the TechAir airbag system.
SPIDI Track Wind Pro — $1,299.95
SPIDI suits aren’t commonly seen in the states. But, they do have a strong presence in the world scene of motorcycle racing. Some of their most recognizable sponsored riders are Marco Melandri, Andrea Dovisioso and Cal Crutchlow. Having owned one for a short period, I can attest firsthand that the Italian leather hides used on their suit and gloves are probably the most supple I’ve ever felt. The race hump also accommodates an optional hydropack.
I prefer to use what is tried and tested by the best athletes in our sport. How about you? What brand of suit do you wear? And why?