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Is this enough boot + How much to spend on first time gear

Asudef

Asudef

Still learning
Joined
Nov 23, 2015
Location
SF
Moto(s)
'89 FZR 400
Name
PC
I've got my eye on the A* SMX-5 boots, is that a bit overkill for commute/errands?

Also want it to possibly cover some beginner track sessions down the line.

Is it common to spend over $1k in gear (head to toe) just starting out?
 
Smx 5 is a great boot. But i think they have an smx 6 now thats a skosh more $ worth it for the extra ankle coverage. Btw. I use smx 5s for everyday riding as well as track day use
 
I know...I saw that too but then the SMX-Plus is only a bit more from that as well. Where do I stop?! :loco

Is yours vented and does it work well for the bay area? Its not like it gets that cold here but sometimes it does get pretty cold.
 
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$1000 is mid range for gear.
Its your skin and bones your protecting. What's it worth to you?
 
How much support and protection do you want?

I have the SMX Plus and I also have the SIDI ST. If you want protection, hand's down it's the SIDI ST. The SMX Plus does have better ankle protection than the SMX5 and SMX6, but compared to the SIDI there's still more movement than the SIDI ST.
It's definitely more comfortable for walking around, so just prioritize what you want it for.
 
I say get atleast smx+
The smx 5/6 seems grossly inadequate to me. But you have to make that decision balancing convenience /protection / budget yourself
 
Thanks all, I just ordered the Dainese RS-out which seems to be better than the 5 and the price isn't too much more.

I did a lot of weighing options, protection and convenience but didn't really consider ankle protection being a big issue until your responses.

Hopefully it works out, if not I'll try the SMX+.
 
Dainese are a lot easier to get in and out off, but they were too narrow in the ankle area and stabbed into my bones. Utter agony for me after 20 minutes of riding.
 
Yeah, fit is individual. A* SMX-Plus are better for all-day trips for me, but I have the Dainese Lady Torque Out for the track.
 
Old Bell helmet advertising had the tagline of, "If you've got a $10 head, get a $10 helmet."

Seems reasonable. It's your body and brain, how much are you willing to spend to protect it/them?

My gear requirements have escalated over the many years I've been riding, from a 3/4 open face bubble shield (now back in style for hipsters & fools), unarmored leather jacket, jeans & army boots, to what I now consider comfortable and safe.
 
Good call on the Dainese boots. I have and like the Dainese Torque RS Out & In boots. As NSR500 mentioned above, the Sidi ST (I also have that) is a lot more protection than the Dainese boots but it's also a lot less flexible to walk in, harder to get in/out of, and cannot fit underneath most jeans unless you wear baggy jeans.

If you're on a cruiser and want something less tech looking, I recommend Icon Elsinores.
 
Get good ankle coverage.

Is $1k a lot?

I have several $1800 suits, $600 helmets, $250 gloves, $100 back protectors, and $400 boot sets.
 
No one, nobody, buys good (expensive) gear, gets in a crash and then says they should have spent less on it; "Wow, look at that damage to the boot (knee/elbow/whatever)- it saved my foot! I bet some cheaper shit would have worked fine."
 
$1000 is a reasonable estimate for gear for a beginner.

Prioritize the helmet, as that's the only piece of gear that significantly improves survival from a crash (doubles your chances of surviving). Make sure the helmet fits right. The rest is to save skin and bones.

Boots and gloves are way more important than I thought when I started.
 
I commute everyday in SMX-Plus vented boots. I have some TCX goretex boots for the rain but they don't have as much protection as the SMX, and even still I went down in the SMX and broke my ankle. Next time I'll probably try something from Sidi or just get the Supertech Rs. $500 for boots is still cheaper than ankle surgery.

FWIW, I still love my SMX Plus. They are extremely comfortable. I was able to easily drive a manual transmission car with them on since they offer so much feedback.
 
Thanks for the replies all, good points all around.

My perspective is changing the more I absorb knowledge but I won't know what to upgrade or features I want until I ride more in them.

I got a pair of Rev'it Factor 3 pants but am starting to regret it after seeing other's crash damage on them, now looking at Aerostich or Motoport.
 
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