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ATTTENTION: If you are part of AeroStich Army that believes anything less than a full “Stich” is like riding naked, please read another blog. This review will just upset you!!!

So I am back into motorcycling with a vengeance, add to that some money burning a hole in my wallet. Unfortunately, the SWMBO really cannot support me buying a lovely $858 (After alternations and shipping) for the AeroStich roadcrafter suit.

So anyway, I am a cheep guy and I personally don’t buy my shirts tailor-made, and I find JC Penny shirts to fit me just fine. With this in mind, I searched out a reasonable solution and went upon a quest to get something to fit me.

Ok, the 411 on me… I am a Big Guy, and hell my doctor would probably be happy with me if I dumped 75lbs to make it to the government height/weight chart. So, at my riding weight in the 275+lb, height of 6’6”, and a XXXL head to fit my ego in. In addition, I am riding an ’04 ST1300, and I am a wimp when it comes to being warm.

Our Friends at Fieldsheer make a Highland 1pc suit and after a bunch of reading I went ahead, bought one on sale, and took it for a spin.

The Good
1. The suit has the same basic two-zipper system of the AeroStich suit.
2. Quilted inner liner is really warm, as I really can’t imagine wearing the liner anytime soon in Phoenix.
3. Vents: One on each shoulder and back (3 vents total). Zipper vents that can be opened up to try to help keep you cool.
4. Armor: The Back pad and elbow pads fit nicely. The hip pads seem silly, and were initially two low, but a quick adjustment of the Velcro that holds the pads in made everything fit nicely. The Kneepads have to be adjusted a bit for a good fit, but stay put after adjustment.
5. Pockets: A place to put everything is an understatement. A large outside chest pocket, Two thigh pockets, A small key pocket on the left wrist, Inside right breast pocket and a small zipped inside pocket over your heart that can be accessed without unzipping the suit though the main zipper opening.
6. Everything is adjustable, the arms can be adjusted and tightened around the upper arm. The Waistband can be adjusted to make a tighter fit around the mid section. Finally, even the leg openings can be adjusted to three different sizes to keep the wind and rain out.

The Bad
1. The sizing system really is not realistic. I tried a 3X-sized suit and could not even fit it on over shorts and a t-shirt. I ended up with a 5X and that is a bit tight around my middle. Understand that I find my Joe Rocket 3XL-sized jacket to be a bit big. I could understand a 4X or something, but 5X… I just cannot be that FAT!!!
2. Ventilation is really non-existent. If you don’t have the vents open, the suit is defiantly water and wind proof. I am sure when the temperature is 55deg or even 45, this is a great plus. Nevertheless, riding around in 77deg temperatures in Phoenix, the suit is a bit warm.

The Ugly:
1. Watching me get into the suit must be a riot. As you are to be able to get into the suit fully dressed with shoes on. It is not unlike putting on a pair of loose pants with shoes on, and finding the rubber soles grip the inside of the pant legs. In this case, there are two openings that you have to pass your feet though. The easier one is the upper crotch area on the right leg. With my size 14 foot, the lower pant opening on the left leg is more challenging.
2. Weight: The darn suit weighs 12 pounds and is not the lightest thing in the world.

Final thoughts:
In the end, I really think the suit is a great cheaper alternative to the AeroStich suit. I got mine for $199+ Shipping and a free backpack. While I could not get the color of my choice, special fitting for my out of shape body, and most importantly the membership into the “stich” fan club. I am happy at saving $600+ over the AeroStich suit. If you can find them, I recommend the suit for riding in 75deg and cooler weather.

As always YMMV….