Wondering if a racing suit made from kangaroo is worth the expense over cow? I may have a custom suit made that will be way easier to get on and off since I'm paralyzed. There is a guy who specializes in making these and the suits use two long zippers versus one. A fellow para track day rider I know has one and speaks highly of his and even took a tumble once with no ill effects. The maker will use cow or kangaroo. The kangaroo hide will be 1mm thick and is said to be tougher and lighter than cow. Looking for feedback from those that have actually ridden wearing a kangaroo suit. Are they indeed lighter? Are they cooler to wear temp wise? How is the flexibility?
Joe, i have an Arlen ness kangaroo that I don’t fit in any more. I’d be happy to have you try it out for fitment and motion in it. Flexibility and lightness are like no other. (Except textile suits from Sweden maybe. But those never arrive ) IMHO - Roo all the way
While I don't have a kangaroo suit, I played soccer for 20+ years and there was a significant difference in weight and ability to "feel" the ball through the kangaroo. I would imagine that difference would transfer to motorcycles too.
my roo suit felt like it was perfectly broken in from day one, even though its off-the-rack and the same size as my previous cow suit. the lightness and flexibility are as good as uve heard.
i haven't worn one yet, but i totally plan on getting a roo suit for my next one fresh out the gate. i wish those arlen ness magnesium slider ones were still around. i remember an old buddy of mine had a shop around the way like 10 years ago that i would go get some servicing at and he was pals with Colin Edwards and had one of his crashed Tech3 suits hanging in the showroom. picking it up felt like you were picking up a cotton hoodie to go out and chill for dinner, definitely lighter than even a cow jacket by itself. i was sold right there.
Arlen Ness and Berik are the same company. You can get a 70% Roo/30% leather suit for under $700 here: https://www.fc-moto.de/epages/fcm.s...s/Berik-Yagun-Evo-One-Piece-Leather-Suit-0014 Shipping takes about 2-3 weeks.
Kangaroo is definitely lighter and much more supple than cow leather. It is more abrasion resistant if you are comparing the same weights. BUT for many companies, they use a thinner kangaroo leather so that the suit is lighter and feels better (as others mention it's like having a very well broken in suit right out of the box). It is NOT as durable as a cow leather suit when it comes to multiple crashes. If you crash a lot I'd suggest staying with the cow hide, if you want the best feeling suit and in your case easier to get in and out of and feeling, the kangaroo might be the ticket. Little known fact- most of the roo leather comes from Australia and surprisingly, Madagascar.
This is the one i always wanted: Should have gotten one when they went on clearance years back. Nice to know though, will keep in mind. The dimensions always felt like they'd prolly be better on me than a skinny guy Dainese or a little guy RS Taichi.
I know a few Australian motorcyclists, and they'd be happy to donate a roo or two for your suit. Roos are widely regarded as pests and hazardous to anyone who uses the roadways.
It might be worth checking with Barnicle Bill to see if a second zipper can be added to your current suit.
hahaha good one... That's where I got mine... Took 1.5 weeks to arrive to Champlain, NY. I love my Berik Kangaroo...