Goretex worth it?!

zubair

Hi folks, so as per the title I am wondering if goretex is worth the investment. It's definitely paid off with my gloves and boots, but I am now considering a jacket and trousers after my RST stuff (with their own liners) has sprung a leak, it's 2 years old now so that's understandable, same story with my previous gear. I would prefer gear to last a bit longer. I used the nikwax recently but it didn't help. All my kit was 100% waterproof the rest of the time but now its just not waterproof anymore. If I was to go for non goretex gear it would probably be the alpinestars drystar gear so if anyone has experience with the drystar stuff your feedback is welcome.

Also, its worth adding that it will be used daily, year round so the longevity of the waterproofing under these conditions would be helpful.

Lyle Lanley

My GoreTex jacket from Hein Gerick was previously my father's, he replaced it in around 2003 so at a guess it's 20-25 years old. Still 100% waterproof, never gotten so much as a drop.

It was probably expensive at the time but it had already given value before I dug it out of the closet and used it for the last 10 years or more.

thos

Yes, have an Aerostich gore-tex suit, really great not having to worry about whether it's going to rain or not, or then think about how you're going to dry out the gear before you need to wear it again. Water runs off, drip dry, never holds the water or feels heavy or damp. Couldn't go back now.

ratracer

Absolutely!
I don’t think anything other liner ( Sheltex etc) come anywhere close to the mark.
I got a Hein Gerick goretex jacket more than 12 years ago, it’s still never leaked.
I bought a Hein Gerick Sheltex jacket two years ago, there is no comparison, the cheaper jacket is exactly that..... cheaper, and definitely not waterproof.
Save your money and go for the Gore Tex.

Del2005

zubair wrote: »

Hi folks, so as per the title I am wondering if goretex is worth the investment. It's definitely paid off with my gloves and boots, but I am now considering a jacket and trousers after my RST stuff (with their own liners) has sprung a leak, it's 2 years old now so that's understandable, same story with my previous gear. I would prefer gear to last a bit longer. I used the nikwax recently but it didn't help. All my kit was 100% waterproof the rest of the time but now its just not waterproof anymore. If I was to go for non goretex gear it would probably be the alpinestars drystar gear so if anyone has experience with the drystar stuff your feedback is welcome.

Also, its worth adding that it will be used daily, year round so the longevity of the waterproofing under these conditions would be helpful.

Alpine Stars Drystar isn't gortex. They do sell gortex gear but it's more expensive than their own drystar gear. I'd get the gortex as it's a known quality product, which means that drystar isn't.

zubair

Cheers, I am aware that it's not goretex but was wondering how it performs all the same as have experience with other non goretex liners but not this one. I really am swinging towards the gore gear as my boots and gloves have served me well.

MSVforever

I bought a Hein Gericke jacket in Germany last year. Wasn't cheap but it's truly waterproof.
Is there a HG shop anywhere on this Ireland?

Cheers.

GBX

MSVforever wrote: »

I bought a Hein Gericke jacket in Germany last year. Wasn't cheap but it's truly waterproof.
Is there a HG shop anywhere on this Ireland?

Cheers.

There used to be one in Belfast/Newry. I know they shut quite a few around the UK too. Not sure there's any more here.

TBi

I’d definitely recommend goretex or an equivalent. I have BMW street guard 3 with schoeller technology and it’s fantastic. Never worry about getting wet.

listermint

I've not gotten gear other than my boots.

And if they are anything or go by then it's worth every penny. Never a wet foot ever.

Richard tea

Those that have goretex gear...do the cuffs and shins not get wet in the rain? I have Hein gerick gear and the cuff half way to my elbow will be wet. Same with the shins. I'll check when I'm home if I have goretex or a cheaper version

thos

Richard tea wrote: »

Those that have goretex gear...do the cuffs and shins not get wet in the rain? I have Hein gerick gear and the cuff half way to my elbow will be wet. Same with the shins. I'll check when I'm home if I have goretex or a cheaper version

What way do you wear your gloves - under or over the cuffs?

Can't say it's a problem with my Aerostich, I wear my gloves over the sleeves, but there is a chance of water running down the arms into the gloves if I'm stopped or standing around after getting off the bike, but not an issue while actually riding.

LLewellen Farquarson

Just got an email from the Sportsbike shop (UK based). They are having a goretex sale.

blade1

LLewellen Farquarson wrote: »

Just got an email from the Sportsbike shop (UK based). They are having a goretex sale.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/default.php?loc=content_cat&arg1=1969&r=ML-210918&m=email&cid=399&lid=141181&md5=86a076e35fd458c76017a21a2c82e685&utm_source=Email+Marketing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ML-210918

Lumen

I have a pair of AlpineStars Celer GTX Goretex gloves which are falling apart at the seams after 2 years.

Anyone got any recommendations for similar design that doesn't fall apart?

Del2005

thos wrote: »

What way do you wear your gloves - under or over the cuffs?

Can't say it's a problem with my Aerostich, I wear my gloves over the sleeves, but there is a chance of water running down the arms into the gloves if I'm stopped or standing around after getting off the bike, but not an issue while actually riding.

Depends on the bike. If it's a sports bike with clip ons then over the sleeve. If it's a sit up bike, like most other types, under the sleeves. Rain will always flows down so don't have it flowing into the sleeves or gloves

zubair

LLewellen Farquarson wrote: »

Just got an email from the Sportsbike shop (UK based). They are having a goretex sale.

Cheers, got it too. Great timing.

zubair

Pulled the trigger on a pair of A*s goretex jacket and pants yesterday. Went in to bike world to try them on and then bought from sports bike shop. The jacket was 150 more and the pants were 100 more in bike world and they were on sale.

Thanks all for your help!

Richard tea

thos wrote: »

What way do you wear your gloves - under or over the cuffs?

Can't say it's a problem with my Aerostich, I wear my gloves over the sleeves, but there is a chance of water running down the arms into the gloves if I'm stopped or standing around after getting off the bike, but not an issue while actually riding.

Just checked the label. Ive the sheltex version. I havent the shilling at the moment but ill definitely go for goretex next time taking into account what others have said.


@THOS...I normally took my gloves into the sleeve. I do need a decent winter pair so I might search for a pair that can easily slip over the sleeve cuff.

zubair

Richard tea wrote: »

Just checked the label. Ive the sheltex version. I havent the shilling at the moment but ill definitely go for goretex next time taking into account what others have said.


@THOS...I normally took my gloves into the sleeve. I do need a decent winter pair so I might search for a pair that can easily slip over the sleeve cuff.

Tucking them in is the way to go, it should reduce the amount of water that runs down the sleeves and into the cuff.

Try the richa cold protect gloves. I've had other gore winter gloves and these are the best and were the cheapest too. They're less than 100. They're not very bulky as winter gloves go but are still warm and of course water proof, the only negative is there's no visor wipe, if this is a must check out the richa arctic, again they are less than 100, however they're not goretex.

Richard tea

zubair wrote: »

Tucking them in is the way to go, it should reduce the amount of water that runs down the sleeves and into the cuff.

Try the richa cold protect gloves. I've had other gore winter gloves and these are the best and were the cheapest too. They're less than 100. They're not very bulky as winter gloves go but are still warm and of course water proof, the only negative is there's no visor wipe, if this is a must check out the richa arctic, again they are less than 100, however they're not goretex.

I see cotters have them for €110. How are they in the cold? Let's say below 3 degrees?

thos

I've had a pair of Richa Cold Protect for the past 18months, every day use, rain, winter etc. Waterproof (except when rains runs in from the sleeve). I've got hand guards and heated grips, and they've been perfectly fine and useable. My commute is 20km down the M1, so you notice the wind chill, but they're pretty good. All that being said, I'd be tempted by a pair of heated gloves on those really cold mornings.

listermint

I use shorties, I have heated handles and wind deflectors. But i have a heated Keis Vest.

I have had no use for oversleeve, undersleeve or any type of long wrist glove. They just get in the way mine are easier to take off and im perfectly warm regardless of the weather.

Mine are Revit Short gloves

thos

Do you do any motorway winter riding? No draft up the sleeve?

I've a Keis Heated Vest too - but not much use for keeping my hands warm!

zubair

thos wrote: »

Do you do any motorway winter riding? No draft up the sleeve?

I've a Keis Heated Vest too - but not much use for keeping my hands warm!

I do, 50km each way on the M7 & M50. The gloves are good with heated grips, most winter gloves will still need heated grips or muffs etc. You shouldn't get a draft if you seal the cuff.

listermint

thos wrote: »

Do you do any motorway winter riding? No draft up the sleeve?

I've a Keis Heated Vest too - but not much use for keeping my hands warm!

I do 65km each per way on Motorway. I dont get draft up the sleeve. Just have tshirt on and the Keis over the tshirt.

Richard tea

I picked up a pair of the richa cold protect goretex gloves today. Looking forward to trying them out come monday

zubair

I'm sure you won't be disappointed. I'm still using summer WP gloves with the heated grips on but I'll be wearing winter gloves soon I reckon.

GBX

Any shops in Dublin sell Knox gear ? Im thinking of getting these but unsure of sizes

https://www.planet-knox.com/product/zero-motorcycle-winter-gloves/

cantdecide

My cheap solution; buy affordable gear at a fraction of the price of the high end stuff and have a rain poncho to hand as a waterproof under-layer. I personally don't believe in spending oceans of dough on gear that might leak anyway or fall apart too soon. Even expensive gear is a crapshoot, IME.

Del2005

cantdecide wrote: »

My cheap solution; buy affordable gear at a fraction of the price of the high end stuff and have a rain poncho to hand as a waterproof under-layer. I personally don't believe in spending oceans of dough on gear that might leak anyway or fall apart too soon. Even expensive gear is a crapshoot, IME.

Lots of hassle having to stop, strip off your gear, put on poncho and get gear on again when it rains. I was in France a few years ago and went through a couple of torrential downpours followed by scorching hot sun, had to stop and put my over suit and then a few minutes later stop again to take it off. There's a lot less stopping if the outer wear is waterproof.

cantdecide

Del2005 wrote: »

Lots of hassle having to stop, strip off your gear, put on poncho and get gear on again when it rains. I was in France a few years ago and went through a couple of torrential downpours followed by scorching hot sun, had to stop and put my over suit and then a few minutes later stop again to take it off. There's a lot less stopping if the outer wear is waterproof.

In an ideal world yes but the additional waterproofing premium is just not worth it to me any more. When you start reading reviews online, it seems they're all given to leaking sooner or later unless you spend a bomb - I just don't trust manufacturers enough to do a good job that will last. I used my method in the monsoon in Asia this summer to great effect. If there was a risk of rain, the poncho went on and stayed on and it worked superbly.

Del2005

cantdecide wrote: »

In an ideal world yes but the additional waterproofing premium is just not worth it to me any more. When you start reading reviews online, it seems they're all given to leaking sooner or later unless you spend a bomb - I just don't trust manufacturers enough to do a good job that will last. I used my method in the monsoon in Asia this summer to great effect. If there was a risk of rain, the poncho went on and stayed on and it worked superbly.

You'd be soaked with sweat instead of rain then. The thing is that Gortex will only licence themselves to quality products so buying Gortex means it won't leak, buy the own brand copy of Gortex and you risk a leak.

cantdecide

I wasn't soaked with sweat and it's not like breathable gear 100% efficient. The material won't leak but the seams and zips do. "Waterproof" goretex gear leaks all the time, it just needs to be manufactured poorly. you just have to Google it. It's not up to me to tell you what to do with your money.

listermint

cantdecide wrote: »

I wasn't soaked with sweat and it's not like breathable gear 100% efficient. The material won't leak but the seams and zips do. "Waterproof" goretex gear leaks all the time, it just needs to be manufactured poorly. you just have to Google it. It's not up to me to tell you what to do with your money.

There is nothing to Google. When you put PPE on then cover it in a waterproof over layer there is no where to breathe you will naturally sweat. You cannot avoid this without getting rid of your sweat glands. Anyone that says you don't sweat under a water proof layer is telling porkies

Lumen

listermint wrote: »

There is nothing to Google. When you put PPE on then cover it in a waterproof over layer there is no where to breathe you will naturally sweat. You cannot avoid this without getting rid of your sweat glands. Anyone that says you don't sweat under a water proof layer is telling porkies

Nothing is breathable when wet. Even Goretex. The reason to use breathable clothing is for the non-sweatyness when it's not raining.

listermint

Lumen wrote: »

Nothing is breathable when wet. Even Goretex. The reason to use breathable clothing is for the non-sweatyness when it's not raining.

Sorry Lumen, Thats not correct.

Hence the expense of Goretex, Thats the sole reason its expensive.


little explainer

Gore-Tex® contains layers of nylon, PTFE and polyurethane. The PTFE contains a lot of tiny holes called pores - there are around 14 million per square millimetre. Each one is too small for water droplets to pass through, but big enough to let water molecules from sweat go through.

Lumen

listermint wrote: »

Sorry Lumen, Thats not correct.

Hence the expense of Goretex, Thats the sole reason its expensive.

little explainer

I believe that you're wrong even though you believe otherwise.

Goretex is expensive because it's breathable AND waterproof, but not at the same time. Cheaper waterproof fabrics (e.g. plastic rain jackets) are NEVER breathable.

https://mountainwagon.com/the-blog/the-truth-about-waterproof-breathable

Waterproof breathable membranes and coatings work on the principle of diffusion. Diffusion needs a difference in humidity on each side of the membrane in order for your jacket to accomplish anything. The bigger the difference, the higher the rate of diffusion. When you are working hard, it's wet inside your jacket, so it's best at moving that sweat to outside your jacket when it's dry out.

Pissing rain means it's pretty damn humid out - which means the driving pressure for diffusion is low or straight up zero which means maybe your jacket is waterproof, but it just isn't very breathable. If you are sweating while it's pouring raining, you're getting wet. If the humidity outside your jacket is the same as the humidity inside your jacket - then there's just nowhere for your sweat to go, so unless there's some crazy voodoo going on that I don't know about, I don't know how a breathable jacket could keep you dry while you are working hard in a humid environment

listermint

This is getting silly but goretex doesn't work like that .

dashcamdanny

Alpine stars drystar stuff is a cheaper alternative . Commuted for the last 2 years with it. Plus about 4 machine washes. Still water tight

Richard tea

zubair wrote: »

Pulled the trigger on a pair of A*s goretex jacket and pants yesterday. Went in to bike world to try them on and then bought from sports bike shop. The jacket was 150 more and the pants were 100 more in bike world and they were on sale.

Thanks all for your help!

Just wondering how your getting on with the Gortex gear? What set did you go for?


Im putting a few quid aside and looking to buy something Nov/Dec. I spend up to 1k but ideally it will last 5+ years at least. Some Rukka gear gets good reviews on sportsbike shop

zubair

Ye it's been great. I ride from Newbridge to clonskeagh daily, 4 seasons. I bought them in September last year so they saw plenty of wet weather in that time and not a drop has gotten through. That said, i think any gear i owned previously survived the first year ok but then started leaking, reproofing did nothing. The reason I went for goretex was to hopefully get longer out of my jacket and jeans. If the 3 year old A* boots I have are anything to go by they should survive 40k+ km, this is why i went with A* again.

I got the A* ares jacket as it was on special offer on SBS and i got a great deal. I paired them with the A* patron jeans.