Helmet
Shoei RF-1200
I've never been more disappointed in a motorcycle helmet than I am in this supposed high end performance helmet. I use 30dB Hearos every time I ride. I've had a handful of cheap helmets where my heart doesn't skip a beat when they got knocked over or scuffed, but this one has been an enormous let down.
I pull the straps outward taking the helmet on and off and it feels like I'm scrapping my ears off ever time. Given that you'd think that there is a good seal around the back of my head and jaw line.. nope. Wind noise is not only uncomfortable, but makes riding for more than 30 minutes at a time fatiguing.
I reached out to Shoei, and they advised me to buy the larger inserts (only gonna hurt more taking the helmet on and off) or to wear a scarf. So I opted for a scarf in the interim, because I'm nearly $500 deep in this helmet and am hesitant to throw more money at it. It seemed to help, but still exacerbating my tinnitus to the point where I hesitate to use the helmet.
I found, if I either shrug my shoulders, or take my left hand and cover the bottom of the helmet right below my right ear (not a comfortable or practical way to ride) the helmet quiets to an acceptable level, i.e. like a crappy little Biltwell ****** S. I've sent an email to Shoei customer service to start a warranty claim, hopefully it doesn't fall on deaf ears.
For what it's worth, I'm not expecting miracles of silence while wearing the helmet and do realize that a double bubble shield will help this issue. I'm going that route as well, but I shouldn't have wind noise coming in on one side of the helmet and not the other; that's seems indicative of an chin skirt, or cheek pad defect. Or is me expecting a nearly $500 helmet to fit better than it should?
Gloves
Reax Superfly
These gloves are okay, I prefer leather gloves like my Grifter Marauders, but these fit the style of the bike better and provide more impact protection.
Jacket
Reax Alta Mesh
Love this jacket! Breathes, comes with a good quality waterproof liner, and I only needed to replace the back armor, the shoulder and elbow armor was already Level 2.
Pants
Resurgence Pekev Jeans
I love these pants, they are a little pricey, but preventative maintenance is the best maintenance. Haven't had to test these out, but they are comfortable enough to wear all day at work without taking the armor out.
Boots
TCX X-Groove Gore-Tex Shoes
Very happy with these, they run larger than your normal shoe and I had to order one size smaller than I normally do. Haven't tested their waterproof claim yet, but I've owned Gore-Tex before and reach for their products when I'm trying to stay dry in torrential conditions. Never really happens in San Diego, but when I lived in Alaska, their jackets and pants took a beating day in and day out and never failed me.