Just because a garment is called a “leather race suit” does not make it “safety gear”.   The type and quality of the leather and the way it is put together is what affords the protection. On line commerce has made shopping easier and more competitive, as well as the items sold cheaper. But, on line commerce has also opened the flood gates of opportunity for unscrupulous merchandisers and cheap manufactories!

Before, you buy that” bargain” on line, consider its construction. What type of leather is used?  Is it really cowhide or some animal skin that will shred like paper when you hit the pavement, or smell like you took a dump in the suit when it gets wet?  How is it sewn together? An item of protection is only as good as its “weakest link”.  How many times are the seams stitched?  Single stitching with cotton thread is fine for the “NASCAR”  “leather” jacket you buy at the truck stop, but you want more when you “high side” at 110 MPH!

What about the areas of the suit those are at the most at risk; i.e. the butt, hips and accordion stretch panels?  Do these areas have extra leather reinforcement?  You’re right, that is not essential until the second 50 yards of a pavement slide!

Check the armor in the suit. Does it have a “C.E.” rating?  If it doesn’t, then you might as well use the foam packing out of the last eBay order you received.  “C.E.” means the stuff does what it is intended to do.  Products that are C.E. rated cost more…so check to see if your “bargain” suit uses “C.E.  Armor”, because if it does not, it may prove to be “not so much a bargain”!

“How about” that stretch material?  Is there a little tag that says “Scholler Keprotec”?  If not, there is an excellent chance, your health insurance, if you are lucky enough to have any, will be paying for a skin graft!

What we are trying to make you understand, is that you cannot “judge a book by its cover” or a race suit by the picture on line. Be an “educated consumer”.  Is saving $200.00 really worth the risk?