Joe Rocket Balastic 2 piece suit

[michael]

Hi All,

I thought I'd let you know about my experience with the Joe Rocket gear. I have the two-piece Ballistic series suit.

Initial remarks:

Material quality is average. I don't expect this thing to look good in about two years time (riding about 3 times per week on average). It needs to be Scotch guarded after every wash. It has become darker in sections because of road grime that doesn't wash out. I initially viewed this suit as a disposable item - use once in a crash and dispose. Not bad I thought for the total price of $350 that I paid - compared to other gear out there. I have seen two other Joe Rocket Ballistic suits that have experienced crashes - one at 60+ mph and the other at 35 mph. Both suits looked like they had been through a crash - abrasion marks on the material - but they were good enough to be used again.

Specific comments:Jacket:

It is beginning to fray at the cuffs - not too bad. I can live with it. It doesn't have enough ventilation to keep me cool on a hot day. It would be nice to have a vent across the back. All it has is a vent on each sleeve. It has a zip-in liner that keeps me warm during the winter. It's adjustable enough to keep it snug - which is good. It has a handy large pocket in the back (on the outside) that is closed via velcro.

Pants:

They are holding up pretty well. I wear the pants every time I wear thejacket. They are a FPITA to get into. I have to put my regular work pants on, then the Joe Rocket pants, then I put my boots on. This means I have to hike up my regular pants and the Joe Rocket pants to put my boots on...FPITA and it takes too long. I would much rather have the convenience of a 'Stich. It has a 3/4 length zipper on the outside of each pant leg. I have to open this up part of the way from the bottom in order to hike it up my leg when I'm putting my boots on. This is also a FPITA to close because the inside material gets caught in the zipper if you're not careful. The pants also tend to be too warm in the summer.

Conclusion:

I'm going to keep the jacket but get rid of the pants and replace them with a used 'Stich or something similar that is easier to get into. I would recommend the jacket but would not recommend the pants.

Cheers,Ismat