aerostich vs. firstgear kilimanjaro? Thoughts?

[h2smokin]

Anyone ever own or use both. I'm thinking of selling my stich and going with the firstgear. I just wanted opinions on both. My stich is just to stiff at least the jacket and not big enough for layering. I'm hoping the firstgear is a little more flexible when wearing and or comfortable. Also cost wise i'd save money going with the firstgear. Any thoughts appreciated, thanks

[McJunkie]

Both nice.  I own the Firstgear TPG jacket and pants. Wish I would have checked with Aerostich first though. The Darien jacket and pants are made in the USA. The Firstgear are made in China. Other than that, The jacket and pants have both been waterproof and comfortable to wear

[W14]

I have owned the First Gear Kilimanjaro for the last three years,  and I am pleased with its performance and comfort - my recollection is that I caught it on sale through the motrocycle superstore and paid $150.  Never considered aerostich because of its price.

[IRULE]

Aerostich all the way! 

#1 reason being is made in America.
#2 extremely well made.
#3 once you break in the stich, it's like wearing a nice jacket that form to you.
#4 you pay what you pay for.......

[bbhzx12]

I ride with First Gear TPG jacket and pants also, and love it.  Always keeps me dry, good pockets, great value.
Nothing wrong with Aerostich btw.

[glockster]

I am a big fan of Aerostich.  I have looked at the killmanjaro also, but when the time came to replace my stich at about 7 years (due to size not wear), I just couldn't bring myself NOT to buy another one.  I just have seen WAY too many stich coats/suits out on the road to not trust another one.  Also the fact that I have worn my stich in a torrential downpour and remained COMPLETELY dry (the only one in the group that was dry).  Just my humble opinion.

[ssmith]

Aerostich all the way! 

#1 reason being is made in America.
#2 extremely well made.
#3 once you break in the stich, it's like wearing a nice jacket that form to you.
#4 you pay what you pay for.......

I agree wholeheartedly with these statements.

In addition, like most other heavyweight gear they need time to break in.  When I first got my stitch it would stand up by itself.  If you have no room for layering, it may be sized too small for you.  Being made in USA, if something breaks or gets damaged it can be set back for repairs and minor alterations.

[fmwhit]

I have the First Gear and I have been very happy with it and would buy it again.  The quality is very good and from what I have read their customer service is suppose to be excellent.  If my memory serves correctly the jacket came with a tag with a toll free number if you encountered any problems.   

I am fairly confident that Aerostitch is probably fine equipment but at 2-3 times the cost it should be. 

Good Luck,
Fred

[W14]

In additional to First Gear, you may also be interested in Scropion XDR jackets.

[h2smokin]

thanks for the responses. I will probably just replace the stich with firstgear. When I got the stich I was younger and not worried about layering and such. I'm the same size but enjoy being more comfortable now by using different layers instead of reezing and dealing with it. Thanks

[Eric119]

What about TourMaster Epic? I've tried them on at trade shows. Like the fit, vent systems and waterproof zippers. Anyone using one? Hows the quality. I have a First Gear Speed jacket. Like it but since my riding style has changed I'm wanting a touring jacket.

[orangewingnut]

i have a first gear tpg teton jacket. Bought it last year and wear it in all but the hottest weather. Great jacket.
You can find them on closeout for 300 bucks (revzilla), but you gotta like it in blue.  i think i paid 467 for mine.


Bill

[ridingfar]

I rode in an Aerostitch Roadcrafter 2 piece for over a decade. Great piece of gear, but it was too hot for me in the summer, especially the pants.

I went with a Motoport kevlar mesh suit and have not looked back. I was not sure about using waterproof/windproof liners as they are not as easy as just zipping closed zippers, but it has worked out to not be a big deal.

If you are in a colder/wetter climate (NW, Canada) then non-mesh would be better. For me a non-meltable mesh is my first choice.

[sherob]

+1 on the Motoport... and the liners are waterproof, windproof, and pretty comfy down to 20* too. 

I've had mine for over 6 years now... was my 4 season jacket in TX... still my summer, spring jacket... have a Oly AST with electric liners for the cold CO days now.   

[gPink]

I rode in an Aerostitch Roadcrafter 2 piece for over a decade. Great piece of gear, but it was too hot for me in the summer, especially the pants.

I went with a Motoport kevlar mesh suit and have not looked back. I was not sure about using waterproof/windproof liners as they are not as easy as just zipping closed zippers, but it has worked out to not be a big deal.

If you are in a colder/wetter climate (NW, Canada) then non-mesh would be better. For me a non-meltable mesh is my first choice.

non meltable mesh?

[ZedHed]

My Aerostich Roadcrafter suit is made well, but don't let anyone tell you it is waterproof -- It is NOT.  It will leak like a sieve in a hard rain.  Also, if you buy one don't wash it -- all the sizing will wash out and then you have a heavy, sloppy, floppy bag of a suit.

[Son of Pappy]

Got both, 'Stitch works better at keeping me dry, Kilamanjaro keeps me warmer, well, before the Gerbings.  I just feel better in the 'Stitch, the FG jacket, well, kinda like a parka.  I like my TPG pants, but only because they are easier to put on/more comfy, when I am riding the passes I wear the "Stitch lowers.

PS, Tony I still think of your Bro everytime I suit up, his suit is being put to good use.

[McJunkie]

My Aerostich Roadcrafter suit is made well, but don't let anyone tell you it is waterproof -- It is NOT.  It will leak like a sieve in a hard rain.  Also, if you buy one don't wash it -- all the sizing will wash out and then you have a heavy, sloppy, floppy bag of a suit.

I would contact Aerostich if you haven't already. They are supposed to be waterproof.