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Rain suits

Blue Star

New member
Was going to PM BajaRon, but figured maybe others would want to know this too. BajaRon, do you sell a rain coat that keeps a person dry like the thermo suit does, but not so warm/hot? The thermo suit I bought from you is great for keeping me dry, but I also get too hot in it when it is not that cold. I like how easy the thermo is to get on and off, so would like something like that.
 
Great question! :2thumbs:
When I needed a rainsuit (I prefer one-piece), I was considering the Firstgear suit and Tourmaster due to previous experience with their suits. I went with Tourmaster since I didn't need the cold weather capability of the Firstgear suit... But as a Season-Stretcher; Firstgear is tough to beat! :thumbup:
 
If you are interested in a one-piece suit like the Thermo suit, consider the BMW cover-all. It is a splendid rainsuit...my choice for long, wet rides. There are lots of other rainsuits out there, both one-piece and two-piece. Preferences are as varied as the type of oil a rider likes. FirstGear, Tourmaster, and Frogg Togg have fine examples. The HD suits are top notch, too.
 
FirstGear, Tourmaster, and Frogg Togg all leak for me. :banghead:
There is the real rub. How a suit performs seems to be a pretty individual thing. I am not a fan of Frogg Toggs, myself. The big neck without a velcro flap to snug it down does not suit my skinny neck. They do seem to have one of the better zipper rain flaps, but I prefer full length velcro for the outer closure to individual snaps. Many of the suits, especially the low-end suits, seem to lack sufficient depth to the zipper rain flap for it to be folded over adequately to keep out a hard or lengthy rain. A number of low end suits also do no have an adjustable (velco) closure at the neck. I'll guarantee that these will get you wet. Searching for the best rainsuit is certainly a matter of both personal preference, the rider's body type and riding habits, and the suit's features. Most riders go through a variety of suits before they find one that works. I have two good ones, an old Teknic, and my BMW Cover-all.

The Tourmaster suits never worked for me, but do well for Nancy as long as she doesn't allow her riding apparel to protrude outside the suit neck. That wicks in water every time. One thing I have found is that you must be sure to adjust the suit after you sit on the machine...each and every time. When you sit down, the suit tends to form folds in the front as you bend. If these folds are located above the suit gusset, they will collect water, force it past the rain flap, and it will run in over the gusset. If the fold is lower, but the valley created points up, it will puddle and leak. I always make sure the folds are pointed downward and are lower than the crotch gusset or pants top.

BTW, for light rain a standard textile riding suit works pretty well.
 
It's like oil, everyone has a favorite. I do sell Firstgear rain gear. I haven't tried a lot of different brands but I have tried some and the Firstgear Rainman is the one I've settled on.

No matter what rain gear you get I highly recommend the built in hood feature. I can't see getting rain gear without this as you're going to get water running down your neck and down your back if you don't have this feature.

I don't like the Firstgear Spash rain suit (which is Firstgear's cheaper version) but I think it's as good as anything out there for the same money.

The only leakage I've had with the Rainman is the common crotch seep, which I experienced on all the raingear I've tried. Most rain gear is designed to shed water, but if you're sitting in a puddle you're going to get wet. The more dished your seat, the greater chance water will get through.

I've solved this problem with a beaded seat cover. The beads keep my hinder parts above water and I've had no leakage with this approach in some very heavy downpours. I can recommend the Bead Rider no matter what rainsuit you wear.

k1200lt.jpg



Firstgear no longer makes the Rainman in Red but I do have a few of the Small size left in the red color.


RainmanJktPntsWeb.jpg
 
HD Rain suit best by far for us. We had the Frogg Togg Road Toads suit and for riding in the light rain where not bad, but in heavy down pours and prolong riding we got soaked (crotch and rump first ) We had a cheap Tourmaster two piece as well that wasn't much better . Took us 3 tries but we are very happy with the HD suits.
 
Frogg Toggs

Febail and I went to his boat at the marina near LAX yesterday. Morning ride down was fine. Then the rain started. He had his rain gear and I had the Frogg Toggs. Riding home we went through lots of hard rain on the 405 and some standing water on side streets. The :spyder2: 's looked like PWC sending wakes and waves in some of the deep puddles. Very happy with the way the :spyder:handled in the water. Arrive home and except for my feet and gloves I was warm and dry. He was wet up his arms, pant legs and when he took off the pants it looked like he had an accident inside the rain gear. I vote for Frogg Toggs. Light weight and stores easily in the trunk.
 
HD Rain suit best by far for us. We had the Frogg Togg Road Toads suit and for riding in the light rain where not bad, but in heavy down pours and prolong riding we got soaked (crotch and rump first ) We had a cheap Tourmaster two piece as well that wasn't much better . Took us 3 tries but we are very happy with the HD suits.

I know HD has $200~$300 rain suits. I never tried anything that expensive but I'll bet they really do work well. I'm usually trying to get away with as cheap as I can. Doens't always work out but it's fun trying.... :ohyea:
 
It's like oil, everyone has a favorite. I do sell Firstgear rain gear. I haven't tried a lot of different brands but I have tried some and the Firstgear Rainman is the one I've settled on.

Firstgear no longer makes the Rainman in Red but I do have a few of the Small size left in the red color.


RainmanJktPntsWeb.jpg

Are these sized to go over existing gear? I'm wondering if a Small would fit me over my riding jacket and pants. :dontknow:
 
Firstgear Textile garments are my choice for riding in the rain. Take the liners out if the temparature is to hot.

Tested well here in AK. Homer to Eagle River in a cloudburst all the way--350 or so miles--My leather gloves got absolutely soaked--went to waterproof gloves after that adventure. My Sidi boots and Firstgear textiles kept the rest of me warm and dry.

Also Valdez AK to Eagle River--350 miles plus--heavy rain for at least 200 miles--same as above.

Yes, I am nuts, I travel in the rain when I have to.
 
Are these sized to go over existing gear? I'm wondering if a Small would fit me over my riding jacket and pants. :dontknow:

Yes, if you normally wear a size small jacket then the size small rain gear is sized to go over your jacket. I wear a size Large jacket so I have size Large rain gear.

Firstgear Textile garments are my choice for riding in the rain. Take the liners out if the temparature is to hot.

Tested well here in AK. Homer to Eagle River in a cloudburst all the way--350 or so miles--My leather gloves got absolutely soaked--went to waterproof gloves after that adventure. My Sidi boots and Firstgear textiles kept the rest of me warm and dry.

Also Valdez AK to Eagle River--350 miles plus--heavy rain for at least 200 miles--same as above.

Yes, I am nuts, I travel in the rain when I have to.

The nice thing about Firstgear (and others of course) are the models that have the rain proof material on the outer shell instead of a 'Rain Proof Liner'. A waterproof liner means the outer material will get soaking wet (and sometimes very heavy). And, if you remove the liner you've lost your waterproofing too. Same with gloves, etc. You have to pay attention or you may be surprised.
 
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I know HD has $200~$300 rain suits. I never tried anything that expensive but I'll bet they really do work well. I'm usually trying to get away with as cheap as I can. Doesn't always work out but it's fun trying.... :ohyea:

Not a big fan of paying big bucks for anything. Got the HD two piece rain suit on a last year model clear out for 180 delivered .But having spent about that already for two different suits that leaked I'm finealy dry when I ride in the rain ! We got caught in the worst storm ever up on the Blue Ridge during the owners event. We spent about 3 hours getting back to Maggie Valley stopping to help cut, pull, lift and drag about 5 large trees in mostly heavy rain and except for our forearms getting wet (mostly from the water wicking up from our gloves ) we where pretty dry. Love the HD suits.:2thumbs:
 
...No matter what rain gear you get I highly recommend the built in hood feature. I can't see getting rain gear without this as you're going to get water running down your neck and down your back if you don't have this feature.../
I really agree with this. My wife and I use 2 piece Goretex rain suits (Columbia, I think) with hoods and they have worked really well in prolonged and heavy rain.
 
Not a big fan of paying big bucks for anything. Got the HD two piece rain suit on a last year model clear out for 180 delivered .But having spent about that already for two different suits that leaked I'm finealy dry when I ride in the rain ! We got caught in the worst storm ever up on the Blue Ridge during the owners event. We spent about 3 hours getting back to Maggie Valley stopping to help cut, pull, lift and drag about 5 large trees in mostly heavy rain and except for our forearms getting wet (mostly from the water wicking up from our gloves ) we where pretty dry. Love the HD suits.:2thumbs:

Yes, I was on the Dragon (at the store) that day when it started to rain and rode home to East Tennessee in that one. I've been in worse but that one was right up there. And you're right, going through a few sets of gear that don't work can be expensive.
 
I'm a fan ...

... of the HD two-piece bibbed stuff, with boots. I bought a lot of cheap rain suits until I got this one. One observation is to get into any rain suit before you get wet ... even a little.

Two weeks ago I left Round Rock at 62 degrees and did 511 miles in rain and snow to Amarillo at 41 degrees. Rain suit over my Tourmaster Intake ... a little cold but completely dry.

thehawk

PS. Fixing the cold thing; just ordered a full set of heated Firstgear from Ron:))).
 
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