Speed & Strength

Well I guess a vest is better than nothing, but seriously, you should consider a full jacket. Arms take a tonne of abrasion in a crash. If you are worried about the heat, there are some textile mesh jackets that could suit hot conditions better.

As for SS, I only have their leather gloves. They look to be well built and have thicker layers in higher risk areas. I imagine that they make good gear across their products since many retailers appear to carry them across north america

I've got a SS Moment of Truth SP mesh jacket and it's pretty nice. Well armored and very well vented for the hot days, which is basically every day here.

It went on closeout a while back and I picked it up for about $80, I think you can still find some at that price. The fit is great, runs a little large. I am normally a medium (38-40" chest) but SS marks their small at 38-40" so keep that in mind if you order, check out their website and see their own size chart.

Their prices are pretty good, the fit, finish, and quality seem great. I haven't been down in it but it seems like it will stand up nicely. It has held up nicely, no loose seems or frays anywhere to be found.

Woomba said:

Well I guess a vest is better than nothing, but seriously, you should consider a full jacket. Arms take a tonne of abrasion in a crash. If you are worried about the heat, there are some textile mesh jackets that could suit hot conditions better.

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I had the same thought, but I've already been out (as a passenger) in a T-shirt and jeans plenty of times without getting too worried about it. Right now, since I'm still getting used to riding solo, I wear full gear every time I go out. I currently have the Contra textile jacket by Icon, which is dandy for air flow so long as I'm moving in excess of 15mph, but stifles me when I'm off the bike.

In general, Speed and Strength has been a very solid brand for us. They've made a ton of really respectable riding gear at a very solid price.

As far as the vest goes that one is more about looks than protection so as long as you like it I'd say buy it.

Hit me up direct if you want that one. http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=14374

It definitely is a looks kinda piece, but I like that it has the back plate in it. I'm still thinking hard on the purchase itself, since it's not really a necessity. I'd probably end up wearing a law enforcement or military grade tactical long-sleeved shirt under it when it wasn't too hot for sleeves. There's some good, tough stuff out there. Only problem is finding it in my size!

cbear22 said:

I had the same thought, but I've already been out (as a passenger) in a T-shirt and jeans plenty of times without getting too worried about it. Right now, since I'm still getting used to riding solo, I wear full gear every time I go out. I currently have the Contra textile jacket by Icon, which is dandy for air flow so long as I'm moving in excess of 15mph, but stifles me when I'm off the bike.

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I dunno, personally I cringe a lil every time I see a passenger without proper protective gear. All I needed to convince me was a 45 kph crash and some pretty good road rash from head to ankle to never ride without gear. I have scars on every limb.

Consider giving this a read: http://www.rockthegear.org/index.php?/testimonials/view/brittany_morrow_the_roadrash_queen/
She was a passenger wearing just a helmet for protection

She is lucky to be alive. I'm not a passenger anymore and I won't be going anywhere on my bike without being in Iron Man mode for awhile. I appreciate the message you're putting out, though.

Never even heard of these guys I wear all Icon (except Helmet, Icon helmet quality is not great)

In my opinion, I will never go out without full gear on. All it takes is one crash and you'll see how important it is. Back in 04 I was t-boned by a suburban making an illegal turn on my first 250. I was wearing full gear (M2R helmet, First Gear leather jacket, Alpinestars GP Pit gloves, jeans, Fila racing shoes) and I walked away with a few bruises, a scuffed jacked, a smashed helmet, and a totaled bike.
Long story short: Without full gear, I would have spent some time in a hospital/morgue. I would rather be hot for a little bit than dead.

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I quite like speed and strength gear, especially for the price

I've got Moment of Truth boots from these guys and they fit well and are very comfortable. Easy to put on and off since it's just velcro and a buckle. The buckle makes me a little concerned about staying tight, but this only appears to be an issue when it's loose. If it's at least partially tight it stays that way.

Best part is these are close enough to street shoes you don't have to worry too much about switching to normal shoes when you get somewhere. But since quick to take off and put on, you can quickly switch to street shoes if you've got them.

I had full speed and strength gear a couple years ago and it was decent but sold it after a short time with my bike. I have seven sins helmet now and it is light but lots of wind noise. The tinted visor inside that flips down is difficult to use. My friend went sliding on a pair of their shoes at 65. They are done but his feet are ok(none of his gear is still usable)


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I got the ss trial by fire mesh jacket in white and love it. Great air flow for FL weather, plus I like the elbow snaps to tighten the elbow pads.

Also got the ss lock and load leather gauntlet gloves. Fit well, but they may get to hot in the summer time, I might have to trade to the icon compound mesh gloves.

I got a speed & strength hi viz jacket as well

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Whether your a new or experienced rider, cover every part of your body with motorcycle specific protection, unless there's a part of your body that you could do without. In that case, you could leave that part uncovered.

I have s&s leather jacket twist of fate 2.0 which I bought on sale for $300 (original price $550) and just bought their leather pants last week for $155 (original price $300). I have been riding for a few weeks now and the gear seems to be holding Ok. Their leather jacket already comes with CE rated back protector.