I'm trying to buy my first set of gear and I'm staring at the total in my checkout and I really don't like it. But I don't have much of a choice because I don't know any better. I've been doing much research for the past few weeks but it's very hard because people are quite biased. I'm just starting out with a Ninja 250R and I don't plan on going on the highway until I completely trust my abilities. To me, if I'm going to buy gear, I might as well spend money on good gear, but do I really need it? All I keep reading everywhere is "shoei shoei arai shoei arai!" and it's hard to look into anything else. The local shop workers tell me "yeah icon sucks, yeah scorpion sucks, go with joe rocket, go with shoei, etc etc." Most of what I've seen people say online are about the same as well.

I understand you can't put a price tag on your safety, but do I really need to get the best gear seeing as how I don't even plan on going on the highway or driving too fast until I'm experienced? I'd really love some opinions on the more price efficient gear rather than biased "sucky sucky crap" opinions.


Modified by yed at 7:36 PM 9/18/2006

Edit:Boo, changing the title didn't really change the topic title



Modified by yed at 7:44 PM 9/18/2006

 

bump for topic/post change

 

nice choice of words. lol.

honestly, when i started buying gear, i didnt want to break the bank either. but then i sat back and really thought about it. i didnt want to suffer more serious injuries just because i was too 'cheap' to buy better gear.

if all i could afford was the cheaper stuff, then i wouldnt have a problem buying it (im as broke as the next guy). but from my standpoint, i had to pay to play.

and i dont regret it one bit

.02

 

i've been happy with my hjc ac-11. got it on close out for less than $150. it is light, comfortable, and not *too* loud on the highway.

my jacket is a joe rocket blaster 3.0. i like it, but it was a bit pricey at around 280ish. a friend has a blaster 2.0, he got it on special at newenough for pretty cheap.

gloves are joe rocket phoenix, but i might pick up something a little tougher/warmer now that its getting cool.

i bought some barely used sidi B2s from ebay, and i love them.


you can get good quality gear as long as you're willing to look/wait for deals to come along. i check the 'specials' on newenough about once a week. still looking for a deal on pants...