Why the Vest?

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Feb 24, 2012 | 05:55 PM

#141

Skeezmachine

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 2,054

Likes: 26

From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by zukeeper

you must ride with a shield or you would know that bandana on their head stops the windburn ( wind burn sux my friend ) , sunburn , and bug/rock stings. those fingerless gloves have been around since time...ride a bike without padded grips , or a rigid for a few hundred miles and see what your wrists and elbows feel like lol...also , if u run grips like mine , they are damn near impossible to keep the throttle twisted in the rain without some kind of glove. also nice to have if you go down in gravel...palms are the first thing to hit.

edit...I see you always wear a helmet instead of a shield , but same idea, your forehead is protected.

I ride with a shield sometimes. No I don't know anything about wind burn because I wear a helmet every time I get on my scoot. I guess my question then is why is wind burn only an issue on the top of someone's head? Wouldn't it be a factor on any skin area? At least the face. I've been on some long rides without ever wearing anything over my face and no shield and never have experienced any sort of wind burn.

Also, you should read all my responses. Everyone keeps replying to me as if I am saying that bandannas, vests and gloves are not very effective protection and then assume that I must just not wear ANYTHING. For example you go on about gloves and their benefits in response to my post but I have clearly stated that I wear full fingered and padded gloves. Not sure what your point is otherwise... Mine is that there are other more appropriate options in gear if PROTECTION is genuinely a concern.

Feb 24, 2012 | 06:02 PM

#142

zukeeper

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2006

Posts: 4,053

Likes: 5

From: Southern IL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skeezmachine

I admit I just scanned a lot of the posts so I missed the gloves part. as far as the wind burn , I really don't have an answer , just know from personal experience when I forgot to cover my forehead...it sucked. I'm also fairly dark skinned in the summer , live in the country , ride horses and stuff so its not like my skin isn't used to being exposed...I really don't know why ...it just does.
As far as a vest offering protection...I guess it could add marginally some but I don't think it would do much.

Feb 24, 2012 | 07:25 PM

#143

Denver Dave

Road Master

Joined: Sep 2011

Posts: 1,075

Likes: 20

From: Florida / Colorado

Quote:

Originally Posted by themensh

I wore my vest the other day because my girlfriend said: "Do you ever wear that vest I bought for you?" Instead of a stupid answer, I put it on and wore it.
(It was bit too small and uncomfortable, but not as much as the silence if I had said "No".)

Chuck

Hey Chuck - maybe the vest hasn't gotten a bit too small since you wore it last... step away from the burger and fries.

Feb 24, 2012 | 08:07 PM

#144

babalu

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2010

Posts: 2,202

Likes: 5

From: Hudson Valley, NY

Speaking of vests, is this for real? I know these Lil Joes Vests go for A LOT more money, this guy is selling a bunch of them as seconds because the gun pocket was made smaller.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/260964755418...ht_2282wt_1139

It's a sharp looking vest I'll admit it.

Feb 24, 2012 | 10:13 PM

#145

FireRider61

Tourer

Joined: Mar 2006

Posts: 435

Likes: 0

From: Long Island

Quote:

Originally Posted by HarleyRanger

Carry a Glock in the concealed gun compartment. And if someone calls you a poser, you can shoot them!

AWESOME......I wear my vest to fly my colors...FDNY MC

Feb 25, 2012 | 12:03 AM

#146

Skeezmachine

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2009

Posts: 2,054

Likes: 26

From: Florida

Quote:

Originally Posted by zukeeper

No worries man. I just get a bit agitated cus I go through the trouble to explain myself clearly but most folks pick and chose what they want to read and react to it. In the case of this thread, people have gone so far as putting words in my mouth and then going on the defense about what they said I said.

I am just curious about people's reasoning for certain choices they make when it comes to riding. I am also curious at the philosophies behind some of these decisions such as "I have been riding for four decades and have dumped my bike ten times so I can tell you a thing or two about why you should wear a vest and a bandanna on your head and some fingerless to protect yourself" (that was a made up rant by the way but you get my point). But then before I ever rode a day in my life or even thought about spilling a bike I could deduce that if leather on your torso is good, then leather on your torso and arms should be better. If leather on your palms is good, then leather all over your hands shoukd be better. Etc. Again, I am speaking from the perspective of seeking protection first aynd foremost which is the main reason folks on this thread say they wear a vest.

Anyway. You know what works for you and if that is different than what works for me than I have no issue with that. I just didn't realize how sensitive folks would be when they are asked "why?"

Feb 25, 2012 | 12:35 AM

#147

bryanmcdan

Cruiser

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 124

Likes: 0

From: Sanford, FL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skeezmachine

Anyway. You know what works for you and if that is different than what works for me than I have no issue with that. I just didn't realize how sensitive folks would be when they are asked "why?"

I guess a lot of folks have taken it as criticism of their choice (my dad's the same way, every question's a challenge against him) instead of an honest question. As for vests vs. jackets, it's a trade off. No sleeves means you're cooler than when in a jacket but warmer than when only wearing a shirt, but you lose protection on your arms, of course. Kinda like half helmets vs. full. It's better than no helmet, but more comfortable than a half (for some). Personally, I like having a vest because I sweat a lot, but I always wear long sleeves if I don't have a jacket on, and a helmet + gloves is never an option for me. I'd rather sweat than bleed, but I tend to be a bit more on the cautious side anyway.

Feb 25, 2012 | 12:59 AM

#148

Jon0807

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 470

Likes: 2

If any of us were really concerned about REAL protection we'd be in full leathers and AGATT. And I'm pretty certain the majority here don't wear full leathers.

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