Advice on trackday leathers and recommendations.
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Rules on Trackday Leathers
The ruling on acceptable trackday leathers is quite simple really, you either have to wear a full one piece leather suit, or if you are wearing a two piece leather suit it has to zip 360 degrees around the waist. The short zips you find in most casual/touring leathers is not acceptable. The material of the suit you are wearing HAS to be leather and cannot be any other material. If you are anticipating rain I suggest you buy a waterproof oversuit to keep you dry.
The above rules are the same across the majority of UK tracks so this is something you will need to invest in if you haven't already got acceptable clothing. If you think you might get away with a two piece leather suit that only has a small zip think again, the marshals will check you are all zipped up before every session and if you don't have the right clothing they won't let you out, so it's better to be safe and ensure your day doesn't end before it begins by buying the appropriate trackday leathers before hand.
One Piece Leathers vs Two Piece Leathers
Without a doubt when looking for a set of trackday leathers a one piece set is going to be the safest option and if you can afford to go for a one piece suit then I would urge you to do so. The reason for this improved safety over a two piece suit is merely down to the zip on a two piece and the fact there is more chance of the top and bottom half coming apart, this is because it is a weaker bond than the leather and tough stitching that hold the top and bottom together on a one piece.
However, don't go thinking that a two piece will rip straight apart during a crash. Luckily for you I have been up the road twice during my trackday life in my RST Fusion two piece, so I can safely say that the zip quite successfully kept both parts together. Although I will say I replaced the original zip as it wouldn't quite zip up properly after. I got an upholsterer to fit a tougher zip and haven't has any issues with it since then.
I went for a two piece when I bought my trackday leathers merely for the convenience as I am a road rider also and personally it looks mighty awkward on days out having the top half dangling down on a one piece, but it's horses for courses really. When all is said and done though, a one piece is going to be your safest option.
When looking for your trackday leathers you can't go wrong with any of the big name brands, and even my lower market RST Fusion two piece has withstood my two crashes (one at 30mph, one at 70mph) with ease, so go for a set that fit you the best and you like the look of.