Wife needs all new gear ... HELP!

[Spaarky]

Alright... my wife is starting to ride again, and she needs all new gear. I think we have the clothes portion narrowed down. We have it down to a Klim or Scott coat, and I think Klim Allure pants, we might go a little cheaper just because she doesnt get the chance to ride a lot. ... boots, she will probably get Klim too..

The place I am struggling is with the helmet. I want to make sure a get her a good SAFE quality helmet. Plus she likes to be a little "trendy" and not have exactly what everyone else has.

I went here...
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/6/1/0/0/DEPARTMENT/Dirt-Bike-Motocross-Helmets-Mens-Riding-Gear.aspx

and here....

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/7/17/1/0/0/DEPARTMENT/Dirt-Bike-Motocross-Helmets-Womens-Riding-Gear.aspx

there is just so many brands... I dont know what are quality, and what is not... I would hate for her to wack a tree and get a injury because of a half azz helmet... we dont want to spend $500 though either...

HJC
Thor
SixSixOne
RockHard
Shark
Bell
Shift
Fly

 

[EagleRiverDee]

HJC and Bell both have good deals on some sporty looking helmets. Both make fairly lightweight helmets, also, which is nice.

 

[Robs Crazy Wife]

I just got a new helmet for Christmas. Was wearing an HJC for the past 10+ years.

Anyway, Shadetree Power Sports has these THH motocross style helmets for around $59 (if I remember correctly). Mine is mirrored chrome and orange flames. they come in other colors as well.

I was able to find a breath deflector (youth size) that fit it well and it actually is working better for me than my old helmet.

The only thing is that the snaps on the inside are plastic, so they might break someday, I suppose.

They SAY that their sizes run big (I usually wear a M and the chart showed I needed a Small), but that's not true. In fact, I would say they run a little on the small side - I got a medium and it's just a skosh tighter than my old medium....although...the padding in my old one is probably sacked out a bit.

I dunno - no one has ever heard of them, but I really like mine.

plus, with the mirrored chrome, you can check your hair and makeup...JUST KIDDING!
ha ha ha

good luck!

 

[Top Notch]

Klim Gear

We bought my girlfriend the Klim Allure coat and bibs last year, She doesn't ride alot either but having her warm and dry is worth every penny to me. Were are you thinking about getting your klim stuff from?

 

[CatWoman]

There was an excellent thread on here some time back about helmets. I can't find it, and I can't remember if it was before or after the change from Fusetalk.

Having both the DOT and SNELL ratings is a good thing. One is far better than the other, but again I can't remember which it is.....so I always go for both when looking at a helmet to purchase.

I'll take a look through all of my bookmarks on my old computer and see if I can find the article (the thread had a link to an article elsewhere).

And LOL.......just what I needed, links to more helmets.

Edit: Link to updated article. It IS a long, but good read.

 

[Spaarky]

We bought my girlfriend the Klim Allure coat and bibs last year, She doesn't ride alot either but having her warm and dry is worth every penny to me. Were are you thinking about getting your klim stuff from?

Yeah.. that was the same thought for me... Happy Wife=Happy Life!!!!!! She just thinks the Allure coat is a little plain. Seems like its really plain or god aweful gawdy. She understand it has to function though.

Where it get the Klim... probably not around here. MidAmerica wanted a 30% restocking fee if it came and didnt fit. They didnt even have anything for her to try on. I laughed and said we were leaving....

I know a nice lady in Oregon that all my gear came from that will take good care of us.

I like these helmets... see what the boss says when she gets home...

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/7/17/16179/ITEM/Fox-Racing-Womens-V-1-Reward-Helmet.aspx

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/7/17/22403/ITEM/Shift-Racing-Womens-Riot-Helmet.aspx

http://www.firstplaceparts.com/0110-1601.html


Top Notch..... send me a PM, how much do you get for polishing a tunnel? Lenny @ Extreme Polishing has done ours the last couple years.

 

[RaggedEdgePerformance]

I have a HJC helmet and absolutely love it. I ride in KLIM freeride pants, and have never been wet yet. Boots are of high importance, the feet have to be warm and dry I ride with smart wool socks and HMK boots,(the boots are mens HMK, the womens HMK boots are useless - freeze your feet off!) I'm sure that my husband will fully agree HAPPY WIFE-HAPPY LIFE!

 

[ccoleman77]

509..

 

[Top Notch]

I second the 509 helmet. Girlfriend and I both bought them this year. She likes hers, goggles fit good and after finding a balaclava she likes there isn't a fogging issue. I haven't got to try mine yet, still is getting painted. Tom's customer service is very good, I've used his goggles for three years and have not had a problem with his product.

 

[CoyoteGirl]

I've gone to a 661 mountain bike helmet. They aren't SNELL or DOT rated, but I've seen the crazy things that downhill mountain bike dudes (and dudettes) bounce their heads off of and I'm comfy with that level of protection. Biggest reason for the switch to this style helmet is venting (which is probably way to much for many) and the lightness.

You said you think you have gear covered.. but just in case.

The Allure pants are insulated and kind of "poofy". It seems as though the ladies are concerned about "do these pants make my butt look big" issue.... so added insulation doesn't help in that department, but keeps you warm (for some TOO warm).

I like how the HMK Ascent pant fits, no diaper bottom issue here. They aren't insulated, but are windproof and waterproof. But if she's tall she'll need to go with the men's line.

Jackets- It isn't women's (because I've got long arms...) but I'm diggin' my HMK Outlaw jacket. With the liner out it is nice and toasty. Has several pockets that are nicely located and venting.

Wearing a shell (both jacket and pant) give you control over your temps by layering.

Boots, there is no match for the BOA system. Not having to mess with laces is PRICELESS IMO. This will be my 7th year in HMK boots and the only issue I seem to have is sweating.

 

[SledsWest]

Get her a pink 509 helmet....guarantee there aint many out there with that helmet. I love my 509 helmet, best fitting helmet I've ever had! ( got the black matte one, not the pink one )

http://www.509films.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=159

 

[IowaSnowCat]

cost efficiency: castle clothing - all good - coat, pants, boots.... but gloves suck.... go with another brand & leather. helmet - love my fulmer or HJC. take time to look into goggles.... padding, screens- yellow, clear, tinted. Just my opinion.

 

[mtnjunkie]

I have an HJC helmet that I have actually tested. Not on purpose, but it did the job it was meant to. Hit my head on the side full on into a tree, not exactly going slow. Blacked out, severe head and neck pain for days. Not a crack in the helmet or anything. It fits nicely, and I like it. Plus it kept me from possibly dying from that stupid tree!
For gear, I would go uninsulated or at least very light insulation. Anything above 20-25 degrees and it's just way too hot. That way they can be winter or spring riding gear, and layer accordingly. I personally don't like bibs, pants are way better and more convenient.

 

[sledchick]

I know you just got new gear, I noticed your comment about clothing being either plain Jane or too gaudy..which I agree. Why I noticed HMK gear..the best gear I've owned probably ever. As far as lids, I've worn HJC for many years. Last year I got a new Fly helmet, I think its the Kinetic..and it's SUPER light, and fits my noggin really well! I don't think you can go wrong with helmets these days, as most are DOT or SNELL approved. I feel whatever fits your head best, and fits your style..Good luck!!
-Jack

 

[Spaarky]

Lots of good replies... now its just trying to drag her away from the Intervention show and Teen Moms to get her to decide.

She found a Fox helmet she really likes... and a Fly Kenetic.

I will check out the HMK gear... We were leaning towards Klim cause its a safe choice..

 

[CatWoman]

So did you get it figured out? Did your wife pick out a helmet she likes?

 

[Top Notch]

If you want to take a look at the 509 helmets send me a pm michelle's helmet is a women's med. She can try that on if you'd like. I just got mine back from paint today, will put some time in it this weekend before it goes to the airbrush shop. light and comfy helmets, plus the googles fit perfect.

 

[Spaarky]

So did you get it figured out? Did your wife pick out a helmet she likes?

OMG... no. After deciding what she wanted for gear, she changed her mind and is looking at everything all over again. Now she is leaning towards HMK coat and pants.. A couple people that she has talked to say that the womens Klim gear is just too bulky. She is torn between a couple HMK coats.. She really likes the Accent coat, but it has a hood. The other coat seems like it needs to be a bit longer. I told her to get the Outlaw coat, but she wants something that is built for a woman.

Helmets.. she had her heart set on the Fox. She was told that there has been some issues with them, and they only carry parts for them a couple years. She has a couple in mind again.

The biggest problem here is it would be easier to find a greenie on a snowmobile than a good selection of gear around here. She cant go through a catalog or a website and pick things out like I can.

She just hasnt had a lot of time. Crazy at work, and we have a 2 year old with RSV... I think this weekend she will nail it down.

I am just glad she is excited to ride again. It is suppose to be warm here this weekend, so I am hoping we can put together so she can "boondock" around the house. We have one spot its over the hood in the trees behind the house.

Top Notch... thanks for the offer, I dont think she is leaning that direction. I will mention it to her though.

I told her get whatever you want.

Justin

 

[sledchick]

hahaha Guess shouldn't have mentioned HMK eh?? I have the Ascent jacket, all my gear is actually mens..I liked the color choices better. I guess the hood doesn't bother me too much, unless I'm trying to look back. Otherwise the length is perfect. And I bought the Ascent pant, mens sizing, just worried about them not being the right length!
Hopefully she can figure something out!

 

[CatWoman]

Still undecided.....or are you making progress?