I am on the market for a 1-pc leather suit and I am wondering if anyone here has experience with the custom fit racing leathers from Pilot (http://www.pilotusa.com/custom/customsuits.html)?

Originally, I was tending towards the 2009 Dainese Gran Premio (http://preview09.dainese.com/), which here in Paris retails for 949â,¬ (about $1220), but at $1000, the custom fit Pilot seems too good to be true. It is true that the Dainese has patches of kangaroo hide that probably make it lighter and further, it has those "cute" titanium shoulder plates, but the Pilot is custom fitted plus it has back/shoulder vents that should come in handy on hot days.

Any pearls of experience will be appreciated.

Thanks

Nice find...I'm interested as well. I'll cross post your question on our local board. Seems like a great deal. 

Here's an article on them...looks good.
http://www.sportrider.com/gear/146_0808_pilot_racing_leathers_apparel/index.html

Fellows,

I have been working on a custom suit design and can use some criticism. Basically, I have come up with two ideas: the "Swirl" and the "Maori"





I am in love with the first version of the Maori (above) but the staff at Pilot (http://www.pilotusa.com/custom/index.html) reminded me that there are limits to what can be manufactured from leather, thus the simpler version below.



What you guys think?

Pedro

If you like the Maori tattoo look, you'll really like this: http://tattoo.dainese.com/

When desiging your suit, be sure to check how they are going to be applying your graphics.  Be sure that they are applied over one solid panel of leather.  If they plan on stitching together panels to create your look, that will be a recipe for disaster.

Quote from: fasterblkduc on November 14, 2008, 06:12:23 PM
I wish I knew more about Pilot. I'm seeking new sponsors for 2009, and I know that Pilot is looking for riders. I've researched them but can't find any feedback until that Sport Rider article that I just read. Thanks for that!
I'm very picky about my safety gear and have always raced with Vanson. Now, I'm looking elsewhere. So, I'm wondering about Pilot quality just like you. I'll be looking back here to see if anyone else has any experience with them.

Clearly, I have no experience with the quality of the Pilot products. Like you, I am going on the article in Sport Rider, which is how I found them in the first place. However, I can tell you that their sales staff is friendly, professional, responsive and they deliver in anything that they promise. I have been dealing with Josh Bennett at 951-698-9948 x203.

Now, (and clearly off topic) could you please tell me where you got the fairing for your 620 and what was involved in attaching it to the bike?

Cheers.

Quote from: Dainesedan on November 14, 2008, 01:33:10 PM
If you like the Maori tattoo look, you'll really like this: http://tattoo.dainese.com/

When desiging your suit, be sure to check how they are going to be applying your graphics.  Be sure that they are applied over one solid panel of leather.  If they plan on stitching together panels to create your look, that will be a recipe for disaster.

I am glad that you wrote because I have questions about the Tattoo suit. I think I understand the Sandwich construction but how do you cut the Lorica? By laser cutting? Moreover, once cut, do you relay on the thermoadhesive only to secure the joint? Or, do you also support via edge stitching of the Lorica to the kangaroo hide? Finally, what is the suggested retail price for the Tattoo?

Regards

You should look into RS-Taichi...

all the graphics are screen printed. No stitching and no seams.

I have an all black suit from them and it's been down several times with no need for repair.

Quote from: pespina on November 15, 2008, 08:16:14 AM
I am glad that you wrote because I have questions about the Tattoo suit. I think I understand the Sandwich construction but how do you cut the Lorica? By laser cutting? Moreover, once cut, do you relay on the thermoadhesive only to secure the joint? Or, do you also support via edge stitching of the Lorica to the kangaroo hide? Finally, what is the suggested retail price for the Tattoo?

Regards

The cow hide (Lorica) is laser cut, then sandwiched with thermoadhesive to the kangaroo, and finally stitched.  It is a VERY labor intensive process, thus the price of $3499.00.  Expensive to be sure, but is also the most unique and involved suit on the market.  The Tattoo and Trophy jacket is just as stunning, but obviously much more affordable.

Quote from: pespina on November 15, 2008, 08:15:07 AM


Now, (and clearly off topic) could you please tell me where you got the fairing for your 620 and what was involved in attaching it to the bike?

Cheers.

It's a race fairing for a 999. Any brand will work. I'll be posting a kind of how to guide in the near future since I've been bombarded with questions. I'll post in the accessories and mods section, so look out there. I'm helping my teammate set up another 620 to race so I'll take pics. 

Quote from: Dainesedan on November 14, 2008, 01:33:10 PM
If you like the Maori tattoo look, you'll really like this: http://tattoo.dainese.com/

When desiging your suit, be sure to check how they are going to be applying your graphics.  Be sure that they are applied over one solid panel of leather.  If they plan on stitching together panels to create your look, that will be a recipe for disaster.

Hey, when I was over last week Shelly mentioned you guys were expecting 24 boxes from UPS. Any tattoo line in those boxes?

Quote from: ducpainter on November 15, 2008, 11:15:53 AM
You should look into RS-Taichi...

all the graphics are screen printed. No stitching and no seams.

I have an all black suit from them and it's been down several times with no need for repair.

Thanks for the tip. Very nice website with many options, but with the basic suit starting at $1625, the Pilot still is a bargain.

Quote from: pespina on November 17, 2008, 12:45:10 PM
Thanks for the tip. Very nice website with many options, but with the basic suit starting at $1625, the Pilot still is a bargain.

I can't disagree they're pricey.

Just thought I'd throw it out there.

Quote from: sfarchie on November 17, 2008, 09:51:24 AM
Hey, when I was over last week Shelly mentioned you guys were expecting 24 boxes from UPS. Any tattoo line in those boxes?

Afraid not.  We don't really expect to see much of the Tattoo line until close to Spring.

Quote from: pespina on November 01, 2008, 09:31:55 AM
I am on the market for a 1-pc leather suit and I am wondering if anyone here has experience with the custom fit racing leathers from Pilot (http://www.pilotusa.com/custom/customsuits.html)?

Originally, I was tending towards the 2009 Dainese Gran Premio (http://preview09.dainese.com/), which here in Paris retails for 949â,¬ (about $1220), but at $1000, the custom fit Pilot seems too good to be true. It is true that the Dainese has patches of kangaroo hide that probably make it lighter and further, it has those "cute" titanium shoulder plates, but the Pilot is custom fitted plus it has back/shoulder vents that should come in handy on hot days.

Any pearls of experience will be appreciated.

Thanks

While we were looking at apparel lines to offer to our customers, I found a huge difference in fit, design, comfort, quality of material and protection in the Dainese lineup.

The titanium shoulder plates are actually part of an integrated shoulder cup. The Dainese jackets that feature these shoulder cups feel like a set of football shouder pads and offer a lot more protection than typical pads. The titanium promotes sliding so you do not break bones. The Dainese armor is very unique as it is designed to disburse energy sideways.

Unless you are extremely tall or wide, the Dainese apparel will fit you fine. They feature a lot of stretch panels and are designed to be fit you on a bike. It is the Dainese fit and clean design that really attracts the Dainese products to our customers.

We have a lot of customers that will not buy anything else after they try Dainese.

If you are looking to spend under $1000 on a suit, consider the  DAINESE "Laguna Seca Perf" 1-Pc. Suit: Black. It has many of the features of the old "Dainese Safety Pro" that sold for about $1500 a few years back.

-M