"Todd, what do you wear?"

As you would suspect, after trying on endless streams of helmets and jackets, customers often ask me "What do you wear?". If you've read through our site, I mention often that I try to Demo almost everything we sell. It only makes sense that the product I keep for my personal use, is what I feel is the creme of the crop.

I'm the first to point out that what I like, might not be what they like. Everyone has a different head shape, body shape and expectations.

I require three main things when I choose a product;

• BULLET-PROOF. There is no hidden rule that a jacket can only last 2 years before it starts to have seam issues, or a helmet should start falling apart after 5 years. If I have ANY issues during the demo, it NEVER makes it into our store. Often, it never makes in into our online store, and if it does I point out the issues in the evaluation.
• PRICE. While there are occasions when paying a little extra is well worth it, the product needs to make sense. I tell customers all the time that if there is a $50 difference between two similar products, I better be able to justify it. Many times I can, but often I can't. Also, if a jacket is $200, I should be able to justify the cost. You don't always have to spend a lot to get a lot.
• COMPANY SUPPORT. While there are a TON of manufacturers, not all of them are easy to deal with AFTER the fact. If something breaks, or there is a defect, the manufacturer should be pleasant to work with to resolve the issue. Nothing is worse than jumping through a bunch of hoops just to get an issue resolved. There's not a PERFECT product on the market, and issues can come up, but these issues should not be hard to resolve.

If you were to walk into our store, you would see a wall of Tourmaster, Fieldsheer, and Joe Rocket Jackets and pants. My favorite, Tourmaster. Like I mention above, I personally feel they have the most solid product for the price. I current wear of 07 version of the Cortech (Tourmaster) GX-Air w/Leather. I demo'ed the jacket, and just can't bring myself to wear anything else. It's warm when the weather gets chilly, and does a GREAT job during our harsh summer heat. I also wear the Tourmaster Venture air pant. I also REALLY like Alpinestars products. In many ways, they blow everyone else away. However, they are more expensive. I have over 2 dozen crashes in one of their suits, and without repair I'm still using it. Solid seams, and great materials, equals an outstanding product.

My favorite helmet of all time?  My Arai RX7.  I'm Currently wearing a Shoei X-11, but I have a feeling that I will be moving onto the Shark RSR2. Both helmets are great, but the lack of weight on the Shark is appealing. The problem with switching from the X-11 is that you're spoiled, and often other helmets just don't excite you. I've worn the helmet in the past for the demo, so I know what to expect. Makes things a LOT easier.
If I had one word of advise it would be to ask those that you trust for an honest opinion on product before you buy. As we all know, there are a TON of companies selling product, but there are a few that stand out.