Textiles and helmet reccomendations please

[mattr6]

Well, fully back into biking mode after my off at the end of last year. Noticed I feel the cold more now on the commute to work so am looking for some 2 piece textiles. Budget of around £200 and they must zip together.

Currently looking at RST, Spada or Weise (i know Weise get good reports on here). And trousers must come in short length. Ideally would like the jacket to zip to my Alpinestars track leather jeans but I can always get that sorted at a later date.

Whilst I'm on the ask, thinking about a new helmet. I work an early shift which means I leave for work in darkness and, if the weathers decent tend to get blinded riding home!! So thinking about helmets with internal sunvisors. I currently have 2 Arai's in the garage but, with first (and probably only) child on the way in August I don't think the mrs would appreciate me spending out £400+ on Arai/ Shoei/ other top end make (yes, I have been a brand whore in the past. I'm trying to change!!). So budget for lid is £200, ideally less.

Many thanks

Matt

(** before anyone suggests taking spare visor to work, me and Arai sidepods have a very shakey relationship hence leaving 2 lids setup for dark and clear!!**)

[TLS-Moose]

Textiles, I would look at the same sort of thing you mention, in your budget ..... have a look at J&S online ....

Helmets, I bought a Shark Vision-R last year and my previous ones were an Arai and a Shoei. I'm very impressed with the Shark - I wouldn't say any noisier than eitheer Arai or Shoei, comfort and fit is just right, and after being somewhat sceptical of the built-in dark visor i'm now a fan of that too. if you shop around, some of the colour options fall just over the top of your budget ...... Helmet City at West bay were very helpfull when I was looking, though they didn't have the colour I wanted in stock at the time.

[dukes22]

I've found weise to be good. Good value and waterproof. I've been in some heavy rain in a weise jacket, and it kept dry and warm

[badgerKDD]

I was wearing a Caberg VR2 Helmet until very recently, about £120, but deals can be found. Comfy, not too bad for noise and integral visor as standard.

As for textiles I have been using cheap and cheerful Akito jacket and jeans for winter riding, I've had them for 7 or 8 years now and the Jacket is still warm and dry! Trousers have a habit of splitting the inner lining, but I have re sewn them and not a problem since. Not a bad option if you are only looking at textiles for too and from work and still have your leathers for proper Biking days. Too be honest though, I've only worn the trousers once this year, during a very wet few days, otherwise my leather jeans have always been warm enough, with the upside of greater protection. Anyway, spring is coming, so why not just go for a more quality textile jacket then look at trousers in the mid summer sales and bag a bargain for next winter ;) .

[goatpants]

I will say only this................ Try before you buy!!!!!

No 2 heads are the same. J&S have a good range of lids, I tried on a shark and then bought it of tinternet. About £120 cheaper...

[cornishredbaron]

Hi I have an RST two piece textile paid £200 last October waterproof and thermal inners and back protector on helmet I bought a Box BX 1 Isle of Man for £67 four star European safety rating great fit choice of visor good value for money .

[mattr6]

Well, I've ordered a helmet- AGV Horizon. Its from Sportbikeshop.com so has free returns if it doesnt fit or I don't like. I have dealt with them before and they are really good.

I'm favouring the RST stuff at the moment. What is the sizing like?? I'm an XL in my current damaged Alpinestars jacket, would I be the same in RST?? Also when buying textile trousers, do you go up a size from normal denim jeans??

Really need to get down to SP/ Bridge to try some on!!

[Funky]

I currently have the HJC lordship and hate it. I loved my old Arai and will return to that brand as soon as I can. Previous to that I had a Nolan which gave me headache, but the ski-boot style strap was good.

textile wise, try before you buy and try with gloves on with arms outstretched as there is nothing worse than buying a jacket to find out that all the rain will run down the sleeves and into the glove.