Anyone with personal experience of both?

I'm seriously contemplating the A* SG-1 suit that's available for ~$500.

At the same time, I'm still lusting after the Dainese suits that occasionally pop up on eBay for not much more.

Thoughts one way or another?

What I've noticed is that the dainese leather is so much softer and lighter than other companies--including that of alpinestars. However, alpinestars is far from shabby and well worth the money too. not sure that helps.. good luck either way 

I wanted a Dainese suit so bad, but they weren't fitting me.

I eventually went with the A* SG-1 I got from parts411.com for just a little over $400 last summer.  I'm 6'2" and 180-ish pounds so size 46/56 in A*.  I need a race fit if it's going to fit right.  The Dainese felt baggy everywhere.  If they felt tight, then everything was too short. 

Dana

I think that it is all a matter of fit.

I am very small (5'6", 135 lbs) and I found that the Dainese 46 fits much better than the Arlen Ness 48, while the legs of the Alpinestars where just too thick for me. But even fit is a matter of taste. At the local track, you see everything from guys who have suits that appear to be painted-on them (a la Valentino Rossi), to guys who could fit a cat between them and their suit.

I am lucky to live in city where we have stores of each of the major apparel companies at one location, and I took advantage of that to size at the store and purchase on the web. Don't forget to take your back protector to the store when you try them on - it makes some difference.

In the end, I bought a Dainese Laguna Seca from www.motowheels.com for $800.

Quote from: pespina on February 14, 2009, 05:46:18 AM
I am very small (5'6", 135 lbs) and I found that the Dainese 46 fits much better than the Arlen Ness 48, while the legs of the Alpinestars where just too thick for me. But even fit is a matter of taste. At the local track, you see everything from guys who have suits that appear to be painted-on them (a la Valentino Rossi), to guys who could fit a cat between them and their suit.

I just got a great visual of a guy in full leathers and helmet running around screaming because the cat wants out of his leathers.

Thanks. 

Quote from: pespina on February 14, 2009, 05:46:18 AM
I think that it is all a matter of fit.

But even fit is a matter of taste. At the local track, you see everything from guys who have suits that appear to be painted-on them (a la Valentino Rossi), to guys who could fit a cat between them and their suit.

I am lucky to live in city where we have stores of each of the major apparel companies at one location, and I took advantage of that to size at the store and purchase on the web. Don't forget to take your back protector to the store when you try them on - it makes some difference.

In the end, I bought a Dainese Laguna Seca from www.motowheels.com for $800.

Fit may be a matter of taste as far as comfort...

I'll bet there's a reason Rossis leathers fit that way.

Quote from: ducpainter on February 14, 2009, 06:17:28 AM
Fit may be a matter of taste as far as comfort...

I'll bet there's a reason Rossis leathers fit that way.

Arguably, the tighter the fit, the greater the chance that protective equipment will stay in place during a crash. For that reason I wear mine "painted-on-me" but I know that many people do not like the "constrictive" feeling that results. Further, many people chose their suits based on brand name loyalty or money considerations (e.g., the suit they bought was the best deal they found at that time).

Cheers, Pedro

Go with what fits you the best regardless of the brand.

yeah go with what fits.  my experience is that Dainese leather is very soft and supple from the get go.  A* stuff will break in though so its not a huge deal.  I also prefer Dainese styling... its not as outlandish. 

that said, they both make high quality stuff so saftey is pretty equal among the two.

Pespina are you wearing 46 euro or american???

Quote from: He Man on February 18, 2009, 09:02:40 PM
Pespina are you wearing 46 euro or american???

I am an American but I live in Paris (yes, I know... it is a cliché). I am 5'6" and I weight about 140 lbs. I wear business suits 38 (American) but I wear 46 Dainese (European). The Ducati (Dainese) jacket that I use on a daily basis is 48, but it fits more loosely on me. I have lowsided twice while wearing my Ducati jacket and on both occasions the jacket saved my skin. But from the damage, you could see that the jacket slit on top of me. The race suit cannot slide over me - period - which is what I was looking for. I must admit that it is a pain to get out of the race suit (I cannot get out of it without someone pulling on at least the first sleeve), but I take that to be kind of normal.

Cheers, Pedro

I had an A* suit a few years back. i forget which model. I never was able to wear their boots though (damn thick calved from soccer). When I went to get my new suit, I couldnt even fit into the A* suit i ordered...


So i ordered a Dainese Laguna 1pc...  and it fits perfect.

The Dainese suits seem to be cut a bit more generous through the midsection and shoulders so someone thats a little stockier (i'm 5'10 and 227lbs) can fit into the suit without having to get one with arms and legs that are a foot too long.  the build quality is a few notches above the A* suit i tried on too... leather is better, the stitching is better... i could go on and on but until they give me a sponsorship check i'm shutting up

One thing I notice that's making me want to get rid of all my Dainese gear in favor of a few particular Alpinestar stuff is that A*, besides having similar quality, have some models that are made to fit a rider in riding position. Smaller chest area, shorter front hem, curved back, arms forward, etc.. My Dainese TraxS and Horizon jacket feel great, but the front ripples and back stretches alot when I get into position. Id say get whatever you fits you but if you can, get into position on a bike to see how you feel on them.

Check out SBTG. They have their Alpine* s leather including race gloves reduced substantially.

Just a side note. I don't own any Alpine* leather Pants, Jackets or Suits . I do wear their SMX Plus Race Boots and GP Tech Race Gloves. I have a lot of Dainese leather Short Jackets and Pants and they are all just exceptional. Can't find a flaw in any of them .   Dolph   

A* and Dainese are two great brands.  You really cant go wrong with either of them. 

I wouldnt go as far as saying ANY brand is good... some brands are made more for squids.

My personal preference is dainese.. the leather is just amazingly soft brand new and it just feels like quality.  A* isnt *lower* by any means but the leather does require a break in period and as far as styling goes... A* can be a little too out there for me.  Dainese makes very simple but sexy leathers.