Alpinestars Trigger
For leathers at the lower end of the Alpinestars price range, this suit feels really well made and close fitting.
They’re simple to get on and off and feel comfortable to move around in. The Trigger certainly doesn’t feel heavy, and will definitely make the wearer get noticed due to its bright colourscheme.
The aerodynamic hump is unobtrusive, and there are also two inside pockets. For a mid-priced suit buyers could do a lot worse than to give this one a go.
Price: £599.95
Arlen Ness 7864
Arlen Ness 7864
Pretty standard design but that’s definitely no bad thing and the impression of quality gets better when they’re worn.
They feel snug without being restrictive, with room for movement. They’re a little tricky to get on due to the close fit, but not too bad.
There are magnesium sliders covering shoulders and elbows, and a bubble mesh lining to regulate temperature.
Not the cheapest leathers, but considering the quality they’re fantastic value for money if you’re a track regular.
Price: £799.99
Berik 7880
Berik 7880
Motorcycling marmite - some love the colourscheme and some hate it.
It’s a shame wearing the suit is so difficult, from the lining catching arms as they pass through the sleeves when getting into it, to the chest and shoulders feeling too restrictive when its being worn.
The hump on the back is huge, and there are all sorts of perforated panels. Wrists are nice and tight fitting and the calves have plenty of adjustment. Strange body shape - try before you buy.
Price: £649.99
BKS Silverstone
BKS Silverstone
The premium stable mate to the XTi has a real quality appearance straight from the off.
A class look to it with large areas of colour. Wearing the Silverstone is a pleasant experience once it’s on, but that in itself is a struggle as it’s a tight fit.
Tight calves make them difficult to zip up. An inside pocket gives it some practicality, but the closure tag on the cuffs is so chunky it can be a chore to get gloves over the top.
An aero hump is included to finish the track-inspired look.
Price: £599.99
Dainese Mission
Dainese Mission
The Mission is the most expensive suit on test, so it has to be a knockout product; but can it justify its sky-high price tag?
Well, all the plus points that would be expected at such a cost are present – stunning looks, excellent stitching, tough-yet-light leather, titanium sliders on shoulders, elbows and knees – though whether you’d want to write off the thick end of £1500 putting these safety features to the test, is still very much open to debate...
Price: £1479.99
Frank Thomas XTi
Frank Thomas XTi
Another lower priced suit that has an issue with proportions, though not quite as much as the Spada.
The XTi is loose fitting, which does make it easy to get in and out of but moves about too much.
The XTi does look pretty impressive as it feels chunky and includes sliders on the shoulders and an aero hump. Soft stretchy areas around the wrists and neck make them comfortable.
Stitching looks good all over. For the price they’re worth a look.
Price: £399.99
Furygan Dirt
Furygan Dirt
Surprising suit this – it feels tough when picked up, but when worn it hardly feels like it’s there, while giving confidence about its strength.
Close fitting without being restrictive, and is easy to get on and off. There’s a subtle look to the suit overall, with a few splashes of chrome to prevent it being too plain.
Touches like aluminium sliders on the elbows prevent the arms gripping tarmac in the event of a crash. An aero hump features, but there’s no pockets so this is aimed at a track rider.
Price: £599.99
Furygan UK: 01604 811 965
Gear Monza
Gear Monza
The cheapest leathers on test, and they feel it.
The style of the suit looks a little unadventurous, which will appeal to some riders but does nothing to stand out in this crowd.
There are good proportions to the Monza, but no areas seem to fit perfectly, suffering as it does with the same problem as the other budget suits on test.
As with those suits, it would be hard to recommend the Monza for regular track use. There’s no aero hump but there is space for a back protector.
Price: £299.99
M-Tech NKP EVO
M-Tech NKP EVO
The award for craziest kneesliders goes to M-Tech for this effort, with jagged edges everywhere.
The suit itself is pretty classy, with thick feeling leather held together with excellent stitching.
There are plenty of perforations to keep cool in summer, but if it is hot the wearer will struggle to get them on or off – the downside to such a close fit.
There’s an aero hump here, and plenty of stretch panels make it accommodating for most shapes.
Price: £948.99
Spada Predator
Spada Predator
The Predator is aimed at riders who want protection on a budget, and as a suit for the odd weekend ride it has a place.
It’s difficult to recommend it for track addicts, as it doesn’t quite live up to the other suits standards. It’s easy to get on and has a light feel with neat stitching and an aerodynamic hump.
It seems to be loose in some areas and tighter in others, and the zips on the wrists are uncomfortable. The design is tasteful, bar the animal head on the back.
Price: £354.95
Spidi GP Wind Pro
Spidi GP Wind Pro
The GP Wind Pro includes a hollow aero hump and allows a drinks bottle to be fitted to give the rider on-the-move refreshment.
The leathers themselves feel sturdy and tough, but are quite loose fitting – great for getting on and off, but can be a little uncomfortable.
Plenty of stretch panels and perforations keep the rider comfortable and included is an internal pocket. A nice looking suit overall, It’s just a shame the fit doesn’t feel quite right when it’s on.
Price: £799.99
Spyke Logos
Spyke Logos
Great look to these leathers, the touches of carbon on the aero hump, shoulders, elbows and knees add to the quality.
The fit is excellent too, really snug and you don’t have to be a gymnast to be able to get into them. A bit of a disappointment is the join between the carbon and the leather, which looks a bit unfinished, but the stitching on the rest of the suit appears good.
There’s a gap on the cuffs, which can irritate. These little niggles shouldn’t detract though from what is a good suit.
Price: £799.99
Wolf KS1P
Wolf KS1P
Wolf have been producing some great products lately and the KS1P follows suit.
A classy understated design that is practical for road use. A small ‘aero hump’ doesn’t shout ‘racer’, and there are two inside pockets.
Not a great deal of perforated panels. The kangaroo leather feels soft and supple, which aids comfort and it’s even pretty easy to get in and out of: no bizarre contortions required.
It’s a suit that feels good to wear, and gives the rider confidence.
Price: £749.99
