Hello,

Any of you guys wear riding gear from Aerostich? I'm thinking of getting the Darrian jacket and pants. I like the fact that they are waterproof and that you can just keep on riding in the event of rain and not have to stop to put on rain gear. Seems like some pretty good gear. Thanks.

 

Aerostitch is GTG. It's made in Duluth,MN, and the company's owner is a motorcyclist who designed the original Aerostitch suit. I have a two piece Aerostitch suit, and it has served me well.

 

I have the Darien jacket and pants. Excellent gear, very well made (in the USA), mine has been 100% waterproof.
My few ****les with the jacket: it's longer than I am - i.e. it rides up a bit when I sit.
The collar sucks.... but they have redesigned it since I got mine, so probably not an issue any more.

I'm good in mine up to the low, maybe mid 80s, then it gets pretty hot (doesn't help that mine's black). It doesn't vent out particularly well. There's a full width vent across the back and 2 large pit zips, that's it. A vent or 2 on the front would have helped a lot.

I still remember the first trip I took on my bagger with the stitch and a full face helmet. It started raining, I kept going, never gave it a thought other than "this is great!"

I probably would have been happier with the Roadcrafter jacket, only because it would have fit my shorter torso better. I wanted the unlined jacket with the zip in liner though.

Overall, very satisfied and would spend the $$ on it again.

 

I have never gotten a jacket from them but I have purchased many things from them over the years. Never gotten a bad product yet.

 

Thanks for the info guys. I think I'm going to go for the Darrian or maybe the Falstaff. The Falstaff is a Darrian made out of waxed cotton which may not be as effective, but looks pretty good in a nostalgia sort of way.

 

My biggest problem with Aerostich is the lack of venting. The Goretex breathes reasonably well, but just not enough for me. I really wanted to like the Darien stuff I ordered, but after trying it on, I decided it wasn't for me. Ymmv. No question about the quality - top notch. Made in the US is a big factor as well.

Regarding the Falstaff - I would look at BMG's Belstaff Tourist Trophy first. The Falstaff basically pays homage to that jacket which is the updated version of the original Belstaff (Falstaff looks and sounds like Belstaff - not a coincidence) which has been around forever. Made in England works for me too. I love mine and get appreciative comments on it all the time. Works reasonably well in rain and because it's cotton, breathes pretty well too. No vents at all, but I can't say I've needed them. Definitely old school cool.

 

Aerostitch rocks, great quality!

 

My Darien pants are almost 20 years old. I took the knee pads off, but the pants stay on the bike. Some of the best money I've ever spent on gear.

I'm hoping my FXRG jacket holds up as well.

 

Whoa, here I thought I was the only Harley rider sporting Aerostich gear. I have a two piece Roadcrafter that I only use in winter. I also have the lightweight Darian suit that I use all year long. With all the vents open I find it flows more air than either of my two vented jackets. (Vanson & First Gear) As long as you're moving it's better than anything. With the wrists opened all the way it scoops air by hanging below the fairing.

If you're stuck in traffic even the lightweight is hot.

About that Belstaff vs. Falstaff thing. The Belstaff has no venting and no armor. Having just a second layer of waxed cotton in the elbows might have been OK for the ISDT 40 years ago but I ride the street on the e-glide.

I'm taking the northern route home from Sturgis this year and plan on looking at the Falstaff gear in person.

PS. the light weight Darian pants are hot, I only wear them in the rain. That's why the interest in Falstaff. But if you expect a lot of rain the Darian would be better.

 

Their hi-viz gear used to fade pretty badly and stains would set in. I think the hi-viz material has changed so it doesn't fade as bad.

Good stuff for all weather riding.