Whats the best piece of equipment you've ever bought?

[Ritchard]

Best bit of gear for me is my BMW Santiago boots, hands down.

All day comfort, build quality, protection.

And they look stomptastic in a bar.

[RoyB]

GPS 2730 + Amplirider + earbuds = +100

[Craigart14]

Originally Posted by mike1952

a sybius for my wife

So when do we get a review?

Craig

[matthewp]

If any of these items don't fit right they aren't worth a crap. Sidis might have the best support, protection, and build quality but they dont cause me anything but pain. Same thing for Arai helmets. What I'm trying to say here is that that fit beats reputation, price, and especially other people's recommendations.

[Andrew]

Originally Posted by matthewp

If any of these items don't fit right they aren't worth a crap. Sidis might have the best support, protection, and build quality but they dont cause me anything but pain. Same thing for Arai helmets. What I'm trying to say here is that that fit beats reputation, price, and especially other people's recommendations.

Welcome, Noob! Are you saying you choose fit over crash-worthiness?

[Sir Denis Eton-Hogg]

[omnivore]

When I was 18, I got caught in a wicked storm on my 89 CBR600. I was in a bike shop when the storm hit. The owner asked me if I had a rain suit, and I said no. He had me try on a few till he found my size. I was shocked when I found the price was over $100 for a really nice Fieldsheer 2 pc that matched my bike and helmet exactly. I couldn't afford it that day.

He told me to take it and return it next time. I did. But upon my return I paid for it, as it was great, and before trying it I never would have believed it and wouldn't have bothered to spend coin on it. That was 18 yrs ago. That same rain suit, while looking worse for wear, still works great, has not tears and is 100% waterproof still.

[tomcatmouse]

Dainesse jaket
Shoei XSpirit helmet

[pman13]

This was pretty easy, and includes some of backpacking gear that I can't live without:

Garmin 60CSX: It simply has allowed me to focus on finding good roads instead of getting to the destination.
Camelbak: I've had a Hawg since '93 but I accidently leaned it against the exhaust on the last ride of the year and melted off the strap. Even though I wasn't planning to ride for another 3 months I went out and bought one immediately.
IMS Fuel Tank: It solved the biggest problem with the BRP, running out of gas every 65-70 miles. Now I can easily hit 135 miles and I can see how much I have left with a glance.
Quick-Strap: It is incredibly simple, but really helped with taking off my goggles when I stop in the heat. I always buy one when I replace my dirt helmet.
Colemn Sleeping Bag: I've owned/borrowed several very nice sleeping bags, but nothing comes close to the value of it. It packs extremely small, and works down to 30F without a problem. With the additional liner I've taken it down 0F and been warm and toasty.

Based on everyone's feedback (I just finished reading the entire thread), it looks like I need to poney up for a new jacket to replace my Joe Rocket.

[BimotaBoy]

SOG Multitool!

[davsato]

Originally Posted by mike1952

a sybius for my wife

youporn has a lot to say about those............

[catweasel67]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Welcome, Noob! Are you saying you choose fit over crash-worthiness?

I chose fit before everything..and then I find something that offers crash protection. I don't compromise either but if it doesn't fit, I'm not wearing it.

As for best biking gear..I'm gonna throw in my Long Way Round special edition 3 DVD set, and membership of this forum, as they've both kept me amused during the snowy season.

[Otis the Sasquatch]

Originally Posted by Andrew

Welcome, Noob! Are you saying you choose fit over crash-worthiness?

Maybe that's not what he's saying, (Welcome matthewp! ) but that is what I'm saying!
I'm 6'7", 270lbs, and hard to fit. Especially in boots & gloves. Size 15-to-15+ feet with wide, splayed-out toes, and VERY long fingers (sorry ladies, I'm "taken" ).
Example; Sidi does NOT make a boot that fits me. Period.

If the gear dosen't fit, either you won't wear it, or next-to-worst case, it'll drive you to distraction on the road/trail. I'll take "2nd Best" that FITS over Daylong Torture anytime.

I buy "the Best that Fits me". Even if it's not what "everyone" says is the Best.





Otis

[cccbarkbuster]

Originally Posted by linny999

that is one nicely preserved unit

[joentess]

Marsee magnetic tank bag has really impressed me with it's quality for the last 8 years. Also, the magnets are so strong, I've never even used the safety clip on type harness for it. There was a terribly strong side wind one time that actually ripped the map out of the clear pocket on top of the tankbag a while ago, but the bag stayed put just fine.

The thing about my Aerostich Roadcrafter 1 piece I like is that after emailing the company with my measurements and answering all their questions, I found that the size of suit they recommended feels like it was custom made for me. It feels great.

I don't know that I think my Arai helmet is worth the premium they charge for their helmets, but I will say that I have never tried on a helmet that fit my head better. It too feels like it was custom made for me. It feels great also. Even after 8 years, it still feels better on my head than my 1 yr old KBC.

What good is protective equipment that you don't wear because it isn't comfortable?