Teiz Power Shell one piece suit

[Caffeinated]

I did not find any discussion of the Teiz suits on here and minimal on the COG forum, so I figures I would post up my review of the Teiz Power Shell I received about a month ago.
 
Teiz has been around for a while now selling one and two piece suits with safety, quality and value being their selling point. Their suits compete head to head with Aerostitch, and cost less.  I had been looking to get some new gear that was higher in quality and safety features vs. my Tourmaster gear. I looked at Motoport Kevlar and textile, and Aerostitch but those cost anywhere from $700-$1,300, and every little thing costs extra.

So, when Teiz was testing out a new sales program called Super Saver, I jumped on it. Unfortunately that program only lasted a week or so…probably about the time they realized they were losing a lot of $.

As far as fit, I got the Large-Tall (you get a free try on suite to confirm sizing). It fits pretty well. The XL-tall would have been too big, and the regular sizing would not have worked. It would be better if the knees were lowered and inch or so and an extra inch across the chest.  I thought about going the custom route, but it would have been an extra $250 for them to make it custom which seems a bit ridiculous when it was such a small adjustment. Seems all their custom suites are completely new patters tailored to the exact measurements provided, so if you have some odd measurements this is definitely the way to go.

The Power Shell is not waterproof, which bothered me at first, but after wearing the suit I’m glad it’s not. Since there is no coating on the fabric or water proof liner inside to impede airflow, the suite circulates air very well. Since I received it at the end of January, I’ve mostly ridden with my heated jacket underneath. Since the air circulates so well, I am actually warmer with the heated jacket than with my Tourmaster jacket.  The Tourmaster never let the air circulate, and I only felt the warmth if I pushed the jacket close. Hopefully I’ll be able to ride with the Power Shell in the DC summers…. As for rain protection, they recommend the Frog Togs rain suite over top.

Safety was a big thing I was looking for. The Power Shell used 500 Denier Cordura, Super Fabric for the contact points,  Sas-Tec armor (knees, elbows, shoulders and hip), and the Sas-Tec CE level 2 back protector.

Couple of things I do not like are…..the huge logo on the back (no other manufacturer does that), and  lack of an interior chest pocket for phone or mp3 player.

Overall, it’s a great suite. Well-made and thought out, and the features for the price is not matched.

A ton of pics on their site http://store.teizms.com/power-shell, and a ton of reviews and info on the ADV forum http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=433219

Here are a couple of shots my daughter snapped with the phone this morning on the way out. Sorry about the shadows.

[2004ej]

I ve been looking at Teiz for a little while now. I ve heard the owner on a podcast recently and he sounds like he has done his research.  They don't waste your time with waterproof claims, they know almost every suit sooner or later will leak. On the Adventure Rider fourm there is a thread of over 100 pages about Teiz and their suits. It sounds like they make a pretty good product. They are a cheaper than Areostich, but from everything I ve heard their quality is comparable. I am not a big fan of the logo on the back either, maybe you could get a big CONCOURS patch to cover it!

[VirginiaJim]

Thanks for posting the review here, Caffeinated...

2004ej, we're glad you're here as well...

[Caffeinated]

Thanks for posting the review here, Caffeinated...

My pleasure.

I ve been looking at Teiz for a little while now. I ve heard the owner on a podcast recently and he sounds like he has done his research.  They don't waste your time with waterproof claims, they know almost every suit sooner or later will leak. On the Adventure Rider fourm there is a thread of over 100 pages about Teiz and their suits. It sounds like they make a pretty good product. They are a cheaper than Areostich, but from everything I ve heard their quality is comparable. I am not a big fan of the logo on the back either, maybe you could get a big CONCOURS patch to cover it!

I'm thinking some reflective tape on the back...

They've got some good stuff. I'm interested in their Air Shell also. It's basically the Power Shell, but they have perforated the Cordura. You have the the safety features of the full suite and the airflow of mesh without loosing the crash protection.

[MAN OF BLUES]

Interesting suit if I was riding offroad and only playing ADV stuff, for a couple hours.
it is a slightly less expensive option for mini rides and such, but
I have to ask the rational though, of a suit that is still priced @700, that is a generic sized coveralls set, with "straps all over it to make it "fit correctly", and still without integral rain protection....I mean criminy, FROG TOGS? gimme a break. the main reason I bought a Stich was it totally sucks pulling over and trying to pull rain gear on over already soaked protective gear, only to have to stop again to remove it...
AND when wearing whatever over suit you choose...all that venting in the suit is lost...which is the only reason I can see for having one.
Noted the additional cost to "make it fit you of $250? that brings the pricing right up to that of a Stich, still without the waterproof features.
I see some savings here, but after having my Stich for 10 years, as my ONLY chosen garment, and still going strong, it seems silly.
sorry.
I also prefer a 2 piece suit, for many reasons, and Teiz 2 piece sits @800....
even in the rain, I can keep most of my vents open, and get airflow while keeping dry.
I know Aerostich has raised prices since I bought mine... but the quality has not depreciated on the one or 2 piece Roadcrafters by one stitch...
1 piece standard Roadcrafter sits now @ $927...
Since 2011 they have included waterproof zippers... "90% more resistant than the original versions of the past"....they actually seal.
Keep in mind, with the Stich, the complete suit is 500 Dernier Cordura, not just the balistic sections, the seat area is a double layer of 500D..... Stich balistics are 1050 D Urethane coated Balistic Nylon,  over the top of the 500 D construction....pretty tough stuff.....
with correct care, they last a lonnnnnnnnnng time.

[Jeremy Mitchell]

I have never worn a 'Stich or Teiz but my Alpinestars Space Drystar Jacket and Pants are waterproof, warm, and most of all, a good value.  I bought them on sale through Revzilla for under $400 (originally a $700 setup) and I have yet to get wet or cold on a ride.  I have read lots of great things about Teiz but never did pull the trigger and stayed with a more conventional looking combo.  This is the first 3/4 length jacket I have owned and I have to say that I don't know why I waited so long.



http://www.bikebandit.com/alpinestars-space-drystar-motorcycle-jacket?WT.mc_id=googlemerchantfeed&utm_source=feed&utm_medium=merchantfeed&utm_campaign=pla&gclid=CI7piuj_hLYCFYGqPAodYT0AIQ

[dolomoto]

The Teiz looks like a great, high quality product. I wonder how the seams (and subsequent repair) hold up to in a crash?

I've got over 200k on my Roadcrafter..one "minor" crash and one major crash. Each time, the suit was repaired by Aerostich.

[Caffeinated]

MOB, here's the differences when comparing the Power Shell to the Roadcrafter http://www.teizms.com/blog/2012/12/11/power-shell-v-roadcrafter/#more-161

Safety was the big selling point for me. Super Fabric over 500D Cordura is much more abrasive resistant than the 1000D Cordura. In fact SuperFabric is 14x more abrasive resistant than Kevlar and 4x more than leather. And the armor is better...Sas-Tec armor including hip armor, and the Sas-Tec CE 2 approved back protector. Hip and back pads on the RC are extra $, and still don't meet the specs of the Sas-Tec armor.

[dolomoto]

MOB, here's the differences when comparing the Power Shell to the Roadcrafter http://www.teizms.com/blog/2012/12/11/power-shell-v-roadcrafter/#more-161

Safety was the big selling point for me. Super Fabric over 500D Cordura is much more abrasive resistant than the 1000D Cordura. In fact SuperFabric is 14x more abrasive resistant than Kevlar and 4x more than leather. And the armor is better...Sas-Tec armor including hip armor, and the Sas-Tec CE 2 approved back protector. Hip and back pads on the RC are extra $, and still don't meet the specs of the Sas-Tec armor.

Great points all around. I think it's up to each manufacturer to point out that their armor is better than the others...no doubt the folks at Teiz have done their homework (I remember when they first posted on ADVrider.com). A reason a 'stich does not come with a back or hip pad is each adds significant bulk which may not suit every riders' style.

The Teiz Navigator (2 pc suit) is 500D Cordura (same as 'stich), their "SuperFabric" is only on certain areas (much the same as the 1000D Cordura in the 'stich). Further, since Teiz does not include any kind of water barrier, it requires a separate liner or rain suit. Not having to don/doff a liner in variable weather conditions is a strong selling point of any gear that includes a water barrier. For sure, my 'stich is not waterproof but it keeps me dry 90% of the time.

The Teiz has certainly priced themselves into the premium segment; no doubt that the Teiz products are high quality and protective. I've not seen one in person though.

[stevewfl]

Great points all around. I think it's up to each manufacturer to point out that their armor is better than the others...no doubt the folks at Teiz have done their homework (I remember when they first posted on ADVrider.com). A reason a 'stich does not come with a back or hip pad is each adds significant bulk which may not suit every riders' style.

The Teiz Navigator (2 pc suit) is 500D Cordura (same as 'stich), their "SuperFabric" is only on certain areas (much the same as the 1000D Cordura in the 'stich). Further, since Teiz does not include any kind of water barrier, it requires a separate liner or rain suit. Not having to don/doff a liner in variable weather conditions is a strong selling point of any gear that includes a water barrier. For sure, my 'stich is not waterproof but it keeps me dry 90% of the time.

The Teiz has certainly priced themselves into the premium segment; no doubt that the Teiz products are high quality and protective. I've not seen one in person though.

I'm shopping for a new suit before my Alaska ride this summer and thats the deal breaker for me....although I understand they gain benefits over not designing for waterproof. Back to looking at 'stictch/Klim

[Madcow]

I would buy the Teiz for warm weather, already have a stich 2 piece for cold weather.

[teizms]

hello folks,
this is Ghazi, from Teiz Motorsports. I came across this thread and felt like some questions/concerns/confusions need to be addressed.

waterproof:
the first is integrated rain protection. i have written in detail about this topic here:
http://www.teizms.com/blog/2011/09/19/waterproof-jackets-and-liners/
Not making the suits rainproof was a conscious design decision - and a significant percentage of riders agree with our point of view.
So its a personal choice - do you constantly want to wear a rain suit even if it is not raining.  Both the suits mentioned take a very different approach and fit the requirements of different riders.


crash proofing / long lasting:
we are a young brand - long term feedback is in early stages. However, you need to check out our LIFETIME FREE SUIT REPLACEMENT program:
http://store.teizms.com/crash

armor:

All we have done is place all test results of the armor directly on our website:
http://store.teizms.com/sas-tec
Now you can make your own judgement about the performance of the armor. Oh and here is a picture of the Teiz back protector:

feel free to compare it with the TF5 protector (additional $100). the back protector and hip armor cost should be added to any suit price comparisons.

 i'm always available if anyone has any questions.
thanks

[VirginiaJim]

Thank you, sir!

[martin_14]

nice to see the suppliers/manufacturers looking for feedback and listening to their (potential or repeater) customers 

[novacon]

For me it was a toss up between the Roadcrafter Suit or something from Klim as I wanted a one suit does it all. In the end I settled on the Klim Latitude Misano and couldn't be happier. Money well spent, performs as advertised.