Forgot to post this update a couple weeks ago when I posted my review of the all new REV'IT Ignition 2 Jacket and Gear 2 Pants.
I'm in the new version above (Euro 38) and my friend Victoria (Euro 36) is in the older version on the right. Read my reviews and how my weight loss changed the fitment on this beautiful outfit once I dropped almost 20 pounds (to Victoria's size).
Review: Ignition 2 Jacket
Review: Gear 2 Pants
Added some more info to my Gear 101 page, with expanded definitions of my shopping rules. Check it out!
Alpinestars S-MX Plus (The Supertech R is the next step up)
MSRP $349.95
Sizes Euro 36-48
Colors: Black, Black Vented, White, Black/Red, White/Black/Red/Yellow
Unfortunately, no one is making a true motorcycle race boot for women. Although the Sidi Vertigo Leis are a strong street boot with great protection, they do not offer the one thing that stronger street/race boots offer: Torsion Control.
One of the worst injuries a rider can have is twisting of the ankle, which can result in breaking any of the bones in your ankle/leg. Boots like the S-MX Plus by Alpinestars offers an inner booty to keep the ankles protected on the inside (not removable) and reinforcement around the exterior of the ankles to ensure that they don't twist or bend from side to side in the case of an accident.
These start at a size Euro 36, which would approximately be a woman's US 6. With the inner booty and the European fit, these would work well for a woman's foot as well, especially at the smaller sizes.
Dainese TRQ Out (the Torque Pro Out line is the next step up)
MSRP $299.95
Sizes: Euro 39-47
If you wear a women's 8.5-9, Dainese's TRQ Race Out (above) boots start in Euro 39. Dainese boots tend to have a very narrow ankle and footbed. They are especially fitted above the arches and in the heel cups. I find that these two areas are the most important when fitting a woman's foot. Those two and the calves tend to be the hardest to fit. These do offer velcro adjusters at the calves.
Sidi Vortice Sidi ST (based on the former Vertigo Corsa)
MSRP $495 MSRP $395
Sizes: Euro 39-48 Sizes: Euro 39-48
The Sidi Vortice's and the Sidi ST's have large calf adjusters, (the ST offers the most calf space), but have more room in the heels. This can be resolved with a heel insert to allow for a more snug fit. The Vortices do offer additional adjustment above the arches, to make for a more snug fit too. These also both offer torsion control on the outside of the boot (no removable booty), as this is the way Sidi designs their torsion control systems to work. Both have shock absorbing heel cups, sliders, and venting. These also both start in a Euro 39. A Sidi 39 is also approximate to a women's 8.5-9.
Remember that you can always add insoles or heel cups to make your boots fit better, regardless of the manufacturer.
The above boots are all made for men, but I think given the fit adjusters and overall European fitment makes them great choices for women riders as well.
Is this the most comfortable motorcycle helmet? For me, YES!
For me, and my small, intermediate oval head (XS, 53-54cm), the Arai Vector-2 is a perfect fit. It cradles my head so perfectly and feels like it was made just for me. I chose Diamond White, which is a pearlescent white with little sparkly specs when it's in the light.
The Vector was designed for someone who's head is longer from front to back vs. side to side. If you aren't sure where to start, you should measure your head (see helmet fitment guide link below) and start from there. Figure out which way your head is longer, side to side or front to back.
When searching for a helmet, especially your first one ever, I know how difficult it can be to find something that fits well and falls within your budget. That's the #1 complaint I hear about helmets is how expensive they are. But isn't protecting your head/brain worth that investment?
Think about something you spent $400-$500 on recently. Was it a fancy kitchen appliance? Fancy speakers? A new chair or a computer? Why is it so easy for us to drop money on superficial items, but when it comes to our delicate heads, the idea of spending a few hundred dollars is simply ridiculous? You don't have to spend more on an Arai, but consider spending a little more than the bare minimum. You really do get what you pay for when it comes to helmets.
After sporting the Shoei Qwest for a year and a half now, I'm excited to wear an Arai again. When I first started riding, I remember trying on an Arai Quantum and knowing that it was the perfect helmet for me. But I just couldn't bring myself to spend the extra $ on my first helmet so I settled for something less expensive yet Snell certified. I knew that I was an Arai girl and I still am. Woop!
Useful Links:
