More expensive / higher-end suits will generally have lighter weight / higher performance materials that still meet the same safety performance requirements. They may be more breathable and offer more features or higher quality construction. One drawback, though, is that they may wear out more quickly. You can see the Challenge suit looks like it’s made of “sturdy” fabric, and, while slightly heavier, it will wear better over the long haul.
Plus, it’s black, and I’m a slob, so it’s likely to hide stains.
If you’re a pro-level driver with sponsors who gets free suits with tons of logos embroidered and your suit replaced every year, go for the good stuff. For me, I needed to make things last on a budget.
Most safety retailers will carry several lines of protective clothing. Just like with helmets, there are quite a number of brands. Each manufacturer has their own style and features. Alpinestars is known for their more aggressive “x-games” / action sports styling.
While the boot-cut is a style that Alpinestars embraces, notice that it isn’t truly a boot cut. The certification requirements mandate “elastic” cuffs, so, under the pant leg is the same elastic cuff as on something like the Sabelt Challenge TS-3.
Alpinestars focuses a lot on the style and appearance of their garments, and it shows. That doesn’t mean that the Sabelt is ugly. It’s just raw and functional at the entry level. Ultimately it’s a matter of preference. And, honestly, the Sabelt looks less dainty and like it will survive better. This is purely an observational opinion — there’s no science or fact to it.
In the shoulder detail as well, both manufacturers feature floating arm construction with elastic fabric between the arm and the torso. This aids in flexibility and movement of the suit which ultimately prevents restriction of movement. Higher quality suits also feature elastic panels in the lumbar area as well, to help the upper part of the suit move better when you’re in the seated position.
On these areas, as well, the Alpinestars tends to look more stylish with the piping, whereas the Sabelt is a little less decorated. I’m partial to massive quantities of fluorescent color, though.
1 comment
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