Go with BKS. Yeah they're expensive,but no one else will a set like it.

Crowtree are worth thinking about as well Ruth. Quality is as good as BKS if the mag tests are to be believed and they are much cheaper for a plain suit. I'm more than happy with mine and we are getting Lynn a set in the very near furture.

Slight word of warning, you will be surprised how heavy a set of made to measure leathers, especially BKS, are over off the peg stuff. Ok you do get better protection but you do lose a bit in day to day comfort.

I've got a set of BKS, and have had Hideout before. I would say BKS are better, but quite frankly, if or when they wear out i really would very seriously look at Crowtree as i don't think BKS are worth the extra, even though i spent it myself.

Mine are seriously heavy (i've heard that BKS are much heavier) but to be honest i dont notice it when i'm wearing them. I've worn them all day on a number of occasions and they were fine. I do wear those thin under trousers things which improve comfort by 100% but really they have been fine from day one.

As regards womens leathers, Linda at Crowtree made the good point that unless you are only ever racing then ladies should go for a two piece set (mainly from a toilet usage pint of view). When i tried my one piece set on at the shop for the first time Linda made me see if i could "perform" so to speak (basically did the zip go down far enough). She did turn her back while i did this though!!

Thanks guys. Haven't decided yet whether to buy 2 or 1 piece. I think BKS do one that zips either side to make it easier to get on and off but I have to check this out. I'm only planning to use them for trackdays as I've got Dainese 2 piece for everyday wear. The problem is it's too tight to get a decent back protector into. I hadn't thought about the weight at all though so that's another thing to consider.

Nothing's ever just simple, is it :o:o

Getting it on or off isnt a problem with made to measure. The problem for you is that you would have to almost take the whole suit off then you end up with the arms dragging on the floor and getting all sorts on them. Nasty. When you get measured they will ask if you want to wear a back protector and allow a bit more in that area of the suit. They should also cut the suit so it fits correctly depending on your riding style, ie what type of bike you ride. I also had three option regarding tightness of the finished suit. Mine is a relaxed fit and its superbly comfortable, a racer fit is skin tight so think about how extreme you want it before you walk out of the shop!

U2U me if you want any more info.

from experience and definitely for riding on track i would go for 1 piece. i kept my 2 piece for ages after i got i piece leathers thinking i may use them for sunday runs etc but just never used them again. one piece are so much more comfortable on the bike.

Thanks Rockhopper. I know what you mean about the arms dragging. Yet another thing I hadn't thought of. My ski suit is a one piece. Tricky enough and that's super lightweight. I'll get my head round all this before the bike show and U2U for anything that occurs to me before then.

S'la'er (that's 'see you later' - just getting back into Essex Speak before going to Stanstead Airport) :D:D

I know what you mean, the last time I bought some new leathers the bovine population dropped so drastically they mistook it for a foot and mouth epidemic!
:o

I'd heard that Hideout and BKS get their leather from the same source (yes, I know, cows...), and their construction is very similar so there's probably an element of paying for the BKS name (although they're undoubtedly very good). I think one or both of them offer kangaroo skin, which is supposed to be much lighter in weight for the same strength.

Andrew