| Author | Message | ||
     Rodrob |
There are solutions Kevlar K-29 – in industrial applications, such as cables, asbestos replacement, brake linings, and body/vehicle armor. Kevlar KM2 – enhanced ballistic resistance for armor applications[12] The ultraviolet component of sunlight degrades and decomposes Kevlar, a problem known as UV degradation, and so it is rarely used outdoors without protection against sunlight. By encapsulating the kevlar in lycra and nylon threads, it is protected from UV. Kevlar is insoluble in water so I do not know why that would be a problem. It can be degraded with fairly strong acids or bases, so maybe repeated harsh military washings, and/or repeated exposure to alkali sand or dust would create issues. For more info - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevlar | ||
| Ratsmc |
Wow. That's exciting. Why are you telling us this? Edit: sorry, that sounded way more rude than intended. Not intended but I am wondering why you posted this? (Message edited by RatsMC on February 28, 2011) | ||
| Jules |
Ummm.. I'm with Ratsmc on this - So? Just one thing, if you do buy a kevlar lined hoody/top don't wash it in a washing machine. My buddy wears one for his work (it's stab resistant/slash proof) and the outer material shrank but the kevlar didn't so it now has inner sleeves waaay longer than outer.. | ||
| Marcodesade |
Not sure, but there is a parallel thread about what to wear under leathers . . . maybe he botched adding this thought to that discussion? | ||
| Rodrob |
Please excuse the miscommunication. I felt like I was getting too off topic in the leathers thread. I made the move to this thread clear in the leathers thread, but did not make it clear hear. The above post was in response to the following question - We replace our vests as UV, Sweat, cleaning and water exposure reduces the performance and life span. Id be curious how they get around the UV and water issues with a Kevlar riding suit. The gist of my posts are that IMHO, I have gotten better protection out of my Motoport kevlar racing suit than I did with leathers, based on similar crashes racing in both. (Message edited by Rodrob on February 28, 2011) (Message edited by Rodrob on February 28, 2011) | ||
| Ratsmc |
Okay. I understand now. Kevlar vs. leather is a religious issue with both side absolutely certain of their conviction and endless "personal experience" to support their belief. Personally, I think the quality of the gear is a more critical issue and choosing leather or kevlar is a matter of aesthetics. There, now both sides can tell me I'm wrong =P (Message edited by RatsMC on February 28, 2011) | ||
| Pmjolly |
Does anyone ever mix Kevlar and leather? For example, a leather jacket with kevlar pants? | ||
| Blake |
I have leather pants that I wear with a textile jacket. I don't have any kevlar gear. | ||
| Rodrob |
Personally, I think the quality of the gear is a more critical issue and choosing leather or kevlar is a matter of aesthetics. I agree. Mostly. I think it goes beyond just aesthetics, but is more of a matter of focus. As an old fart, I am more concerned with impact protection as I just don't heal as fast as I used to. The kevlar I wear has far better armor coverage than any leather suit that I have looked into. Also I am not as svelt as I once was and can use any weight savings that I can get. And being on a tight budget, I need one suit that I can wear in hot or cold and on street or track. Given all that, the Motoport GP2 works best for me. Others may have a different focus. | ||
| Dannybuell |
I have leather over pants and rarely wear them, the leather sticks on the vinyl seat and you invariably bake your nads in warmer weather. Aerostitch? | ||
| Wastegate |
Rob the answer is right on Motoport's page. "If the Kevlar Shirt is worn alone the Kevlar will degrade rapidly when exposed directly to UV rays. All the Kevlar threads in Motoport's apparel are exposed on the inside only. To damage our apparel the gear would have to be turned inside out and hung in the sun for two months or more with the inner mesh lining cut out, exposing the Kevlar." | ||
| Jules |
Does anyone ever mix Kevlar and leather? For example, a leather jacket with kevlar pants? I do - I have a Buell Leather Jacket and Kevlar lined Jeans and cargo pants (both armoured). I find leather pants stick to the seat and cook parts best left uncooked (as Dannybuell states) | ||
| Ezblast |
What about those fire-hose jeans? EZ | ||
| Slaughter |
Rob is racing with Kevlar protective gear and (unfortunately) he has "tested" it at Willow Springs and has turned a few of us around in our opinions. Protective gear has to pass tech inspection so it's not just a personal choice, the list of acceptable Kevlar pants/jackets is a small list - but it is WAY beyond "textile" in protection. The ONLY shortcoming is that it's not as easy to attach advertising logos and text as are leathers. NOT an issue with street riding as it is with racing. | ||
| Pmjolly |
So, where does one find the list of acceptable Kevlar pants? I'm just curious what's out there. I'm sure there is nothing that will zip into my Vanson jacket, except the vanson pants. | ||
| Jules |
I'm sure there is nothing that will zip into my Vanson jacket, except the vanson pants. Any half-decent seamstress could change the zip in the jacket to match any trousers you like.. | ||
| Rodrob |
www.motoport.com They custom make everything. | ||
| Bahnzii |
I started off wearing full leather (jacket & pants) more than a decade ago. 4 years ago, I came across Motoport in advrider. I called the owner, had a long chat, he sent me some samples and I was very impressed. I ordered up the kevlar mesh jacket and pants. When it arrived I was blown away at how much armor protection the jacket and pants had...the percentage of my body that is not covered is much more than any other gear I have worn. I have been down in leather a few times and each time I was always surprised at how the 'hide' would abrade so quickly. Knock on wood, I have not been down since getting this gear but I have no doubt it would fare better in a slide then any of my past leathers. Check out some of the crash pics on advrider, it's amazing how unblemished the jacket or pants look after some pretty bad slides/get offs. This is not an ad for motoport, just my 2 cents on how I got sold on kevlar gear. Oh, one interesting thing, you can take the jacket or pants and throw them in the washer if they get too dirty for you...try that with your leathers next time :P | ||
| Froggy |
Those Motoport suits look cool, I might have to pick one up to try out. | ||
| Ratsmc |
Yep, that's pretty cool :P  (Message edited by RatsMC on March 04, 2011) | ||
| Ezblast |
lol | ||
| Kinder |
Well there's SuperFabrics out there now as well. http://www.technovelgy.com/ct/Science-Fiction-News .asp?NewsNum=2416 http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-gear-videos-rev iews?start=164&videos=60,431,445,399,98,444,440,49 2,479,401,639,475,259,452,430,474,280,493,164,63 3do stuff it really neat at well. |
