Olympia Phantom one-piece riding suit...

[CW1Miles]

<div></div><div>Has anyone purchased a Phantom one-piece riding suit from Olympia Sports? In case you're not already familiar with it, the Phantom is a brand-new, fully armored, all-weather, textile product designed to compete with similarly styled garments from Aerostich, Alpinestars and Spidi. Retail price is $450, which is about half the price of a Roadcrafter. The company's website is <a target="_blank" href="http://www.olympiamotosports.com/">www.olympiamotosports.com</a>. Any feedback would be appreciated.</div>

[ZRX4ME]

<div> Hello Mathew!!</div><div> I am in the process of replacing my FirstGear riding gear with Olympia Motosports.</div><div> The FirstGear Kilimanjaro and matching HT overpants, Tex-Mesh Jacket, Speedpants, 2 pairs of Mesh pants, and a Vortec Jacket. All of it Served me well for the last 4--7 years, the Olympia gear is heads and shoulders better in terms of fit, finish, and most of all, protection.</div><div> The Kilimanjaro was great in its day, is bulky and all the old stuff has foam armor.</div><div> Last month I picked up the Olympia AST jacket and Ranger2 Pants to replace the Kilimanjaro, and this Saturday I am picking up the Olympia Airglide Jacket and Pants to replace the FG mesh , and the Olympia Recon jacket and pants. The Recon has removeable sleeves on the jacket and removeable pant legs below the knees for walking around in the heat after a ride. And all of it has articulated CE armor. And all the pants zip to all the jackets.</div><div> I did look at the 1-piece suit, it's just not for me. I like being able to take a jacket on and off.</div><div> If the 1-piece is as well-made as the AST/Ranger2 set I'd be buying it instead of the Aerostitch and save the $250 for something else.</div><div> The dealer I am purchasing from is Moto Italia in Edwardsville Illinois.</div><div> Terry</div>

[CW1Miles]

<div></div><div>Thanks for the great feedback. When you upgrade, you upgrade! While I can appreciate the benefits of a separate jacket/pants setup, I prefer the step-in/zip-up, unzip/step-out approach of the Aerostich Roadcrafter. During my 16-plus years at <em>CW</em>, I've tried just about every one-piece suit on the market, and I still favor the ease of ingress/egress provided by the Roadcrafter. If only it were as watertight as the Spidi Admiral, it would be perfect. Would anyone else like to chime in?</div>

[EdgyDrifter]

<div>Not that you wouldn't, but be sure to try on the Oly gear before you buy it if possible. I have a set of their Mustang pants that I've been very satisfied with, but had I ordered them online I would surely have needed to send them back as their waist and inseam sizing seem to run about one inch less than they are labeled.</div>

[ZRX4ME]

<div> Hello Edgy!</div><div> Moto Italia ordered in the pants for me, they had the AST in what Olympia's sizing chart indicated for my weight/height, and I was able to try them on before the final purchase. Infact, when I ordered the Airglide set, they got in 2 sizes of the pants just in case. What service!</div><div> Mathew, I figured I could upgrade all my stuff, actually consolidate sets, and benefit from the latest in textile technology all in one fell swoop.</div><div> As a backup and general set, 2 weeks ago at the Chicago Cycle World Motorcycle Show I purchased a Tourmaster Jett Jacket and matching pants--again, with articulated CE armor--for $150 complete. Light years ahead of the FG Vortec Jacket and FG Speedpants that it replaces.</div><div> I think that if you are satisfied with the bike, have all the apparel you need and want including helmet, gloves, boots, luggage and incidentals, you are then free to concentrate on actually operating the motorcycle and enjoying the ride. </div>

[UncleErnie]

<div>There are 3 or 4 hardcore 'Stitch owners here who have converted to Olympia 2-peice outfits and rave about them. I would assume the 1 piece would be just as good. Don't they have a good return policy?</div>

[CW1Miles]

<div></div><div>I can't comment on the return policy, UE, but at the recent Indianapolis Dealer Show, Olympia was showing a lot of new product (in very bright, bet-you-can-see-me-now colors), both in one- and two-piece designs. Sales must be strong.</div>

[UncleErnie]

<div>Their operaton is near here and I've talked with reps a couple of times. They are aiming dead on at Aerostitch so I imagine this would be a good time to try things from them. Wouldn't they just give you a suit for a write-up? How about a 3 or 4 suit comparison story?</div>

[CW1Miles]

<div></div><div>A box containing an Olympia Phantom one-piece suit arrived at the <em>CW</em> offices this morning, shipped direct from company owner Kevin Rhea. Initial impressions? Clean design, lots of pocket and miles of Velcro! Looks like a lot of suit for $450. Gotta say, I prefer our test sample's Pewter color to the also-available Neon Yellow. On my long-term Kawasaki ZX-14, I need stealth. Any thoughts?</div>

[ZRX4ME]

<div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>Hello Matthew!!</div><div> Saturday I picked up the Olympia Airglide jacket and pants, and their Recon jacket and pants.</div><div> Fit and finish is outstanding!!</div><div> I literally just got off the phone with Karilea, wife of the owner of Olympia and talked about the Phantom 1-piece compared to the AST Jacket and Ranger2 Pants that I bought from them a month ago.</div><div> The Phantom is the 1-piece version of the AST and Ranger pants. She told me that with what I have, I would have no reason whatsoever to get the Phantom.</div><div> But...If I were looking at a one piece--as I was last October talking to 100+ people wearing Aerostitch on a group ride--it would be the Phantom without a 2nd thought.</div><div> One of the great things about their apparel is that you buy a jacket and pants, or the 1-piece... you also get a liner which doubles as sportswear--FREE!</div><div> You also have to consider the pricing of their products and customer service.</div><div> And yes...all my Olympia is black, pewter, or silver.</div><p><span class="time_text"> Terry</span></p><p>Message Edited by ZRX4ME on <span class="date_text">03-05-2007</span><span class="time_text">04:18 PM</span></p>

[CW1Miles]

<div></div><div>Sounds like Olympia has a customer for life!</div><div> </div><div>I wore my Phantom suit home last night and back to the office this morning--a whopping 15 miles. Getting in an out is fairly time-consuming with the liner in place--double the zippers and hook-and-loop tape. I'm 6-foot-2 and I weigh 180 pounds, so I ordered an XL. Fit is comfortable, and the legs are just long enough to cover the ankles of my boots (more of a problem than you might expect).</div><div> </div><div>I'm not so sure about the liner doubling as &quot;sportswear,&quot; though the jacket version would certainly prove handy on a cool evening for an end-of-a-long-day-in-the-saddle walk to dinner and a movie, one of Peter Egan's favorite pastimes.</div>

[Plain_Bill]

I backed into this forum after reading a very comprehensive review of the Olympia Phantom suit on the ADVrider site (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=209294 ) and then searching for more information on the item. Since you solicited input -- you might want to check his thoughts on the Phantom.<br><br>Bill

[phogenbirk]

<div>Matthew,</div><div> </div><div>So... It's been a couple of days since the suit came in. You mentioned wearing it for 15 miles... Any feedback on a longer trip? This suit is on my short list and I'd love to get some positive feedback for a trip I've got planned in May. My wife is looking for a birthday present for me and this might just have Happy Birthday written all over it.</div><div> </div><div>I gotta tell ya... From a safety perspective, you've got to love the neon. I just don't know if I can pull it off and actually wear it out (without getting sufficiently harassed). I'm a black leather kind of guy, but as I get older, I'm feeling the need for a little more protection.</div><div> </div><div>Thanks!</div><div> </div><div>Patrick Hogenbirk</div>

[UncleErnie]

<div>I've come to belive that conspicuity is like fences for honest neighbors. If someone is actually LOOKING, they will see you more easily. I think that as a result of someone whose head was pointed in my direction, their eyes open, steered at me while punching the gas.</div>

[phogenbirk]

<div>Does anyone have any feedback on the sizing of Olympia gear? Does it run small, large, etc... I tried on the neon green jacket at a dealership last month and the large felt a little tight. Of course it had the liner in, so I would expect it to be a little snug.</div><div> </div><div>Thoughts anyone?</div><div> </div><div>Cheers,</div><div> </div><div>Patrick</div>

[EdgyDrifter]

<div>My experience with their Mustang line of pants and jackets says they run a tad small, and being made of synthetics they won't stretch with use like denim or leather. If a given size (say, 34&quot; waist in your jeans) fits you perfectly, then the 34&quot; Olys will fit snugly. If your 34&quot; jeans are on the tight side, opt for the 36&quot; Olys.</div><div> </div><div>Just my experience.</div>

[ZRX4ME]

<div>Hello! Funny thing about their sizing in my case.</div><div> The AST Jacket, Range2 Pants, Airglide Jacket and Pants, and Recon Jacket are correctly sized for me, but their Recon Pants literally fall off. Next size small Recon should be in Friday if I choose to make the exchange.</div><div> Point here is that although not always convenient or possible, you have to try them on yourself to be sure.</div>

[EdgyDrifter]

<div></div><div><br><blockquote><div><hr>ZRX4ME wrote:<br><div> </div><div> Point here is that although not always convenient or possible, you have to try them on yourself to be sure.</div><br><hr></div></blockquote><br><div>So true.</div></div>

[hacksaw]

<div><div><br><blockquote><div><hr>CW1Miles wrote:<br><div></div><div>I can't comment on the return policy, UE, but at the recent Indianapolis Dealer Show, Olympia was showing a lot of new product (in very bright, bet-you-can-see-me-now colors), both in one- and two-piece designs. Sales must be strong.</div><br><hr></div></blockquote><br><div></div></div>they might be stronger still if they would offer stuff in colors that arent so gay.</div>

[hacksaw]

<div></div><div><br></div><blockquote><div><hr>UncleErnie wrote:<br><div>I've come to belive that conspicuity is like fences for honest neighbors. If someone is actually LOOKING, they will see you more easily. I think that as a result of someone whose head was pointed in my direction, their eyes open, steered at me while punching the gas.</div><br><hr></div></blockquote><div>thats true. a swear those guys who wear visibility vests are huge tagets for fixated idiots.</div><div> </div><div>i would like some nice mildly protective weather resistant riding pants that wouldnt look like prince wear next to my vanson classic leather jacket.<br></div><div></div>

[ZRX4ME]

<div> Kinda funny...</div><div> When I bought all that Olympia gear, they kept pushing that neon yellow. I wouldnt have any part of it, bought black/grey, silver, and pewter suits.</div><div> I think you could ride down the highway in the buff with your hair on fire, some drivers still wouldnt see you.</div>

[ZRX4ME]

<div>Hacksaw wrote: &quot;i would like some nice mildly protective weather resistant riding pants that wouldnt look like prince wear next to my vanson classic leather jacket.&quot;<br></div><div> Hack, look at the Tourmaster Jean Pant. Black, articulated CE armor in the knees, padded in the hips, lined, and waterproof. $60, can't beat it with a stick. And they look just like a normal pair of pants, not a costume from the movie &quot;Tron.&quot;</div><div> I bought a pair at the Chicago bike show.</div>

[hacksaw]

<div>i will note that. sounds the ticket.</div>

[PassTheGravy]

<br><blockquote><hr>hacksaw wrote:<br><div>i will note that. sounds the ticket.</div><br><hr></blockquote><br><br><br>Dang, Hack. You're getting soft in your old age. Next thing we know, you'll be dressing like MetalHead in pink leathers and white pixie boots.

[hacksaw]

<div>no, i never will get that bad. have <em>No Fear</em>!</div>

[vfrhans]

I always admired the detailed fine adjustments available on the Aerostich. The arm length and leg length - subdivided in upper and lower limb location, etc. offer excellent fit options, especially when stopping in at the factory in Duluth, MN, for exact measuring. We are not all the same size, shape and proportion and I wonder what the cost of alterations would be. Does the manufacturer offer special alterations? Would a tailoring service used to shortening dress slacks be able to handle the heavy cordura material and, if so, at what price? Would the insulated liner have to be tailored as well. If you don't fit into the standard size Phantom, would the price of the needed alteration bring the price close to or above that of the Roadcrafter? Just ruminating...<br><div></div>

[stevent]

<div>I find my 2 peice Darian jacket and pants in stylish though filthy HI Viz is the best fit I've found. Now that it's well broken in it's so comfortable it's almost like wearing jeans and a shirt. I admit I haven't paid much attention to anything else since I've had it but it's hard to imagine anything else being so comfortable and versitle.</div>

[mrv64]

<div>Just thought I would write about my Olympia Phantom 1 piece suit. I upgraded from the Fieldsheer Highland suit, not a bad suit but the Olympia is definitely better. I use mine to commute daily and it works well for me and is holding up fine. The main complaint I have worth my suit is the waterproofness (or lack thereof) of it. It is fine in a slight drizzle but ride for any distance at all in any kind of actual rain and you are going to get wet. And even though it has water proof zippers (sleeves and back and chest vents) I still get wet. It always starts in the crotch first, never fails and I have gotten wet on my arms where the arm vents are, but it is always the crotch. I called the company and talked with them about it and was told it is going to happen (getting wet) said there was nothing that could be done about it. I hate having to put a rain suit on over it because I should't have to. They have been great to work with other than the waterproofness of the suit. They sent me extra material so I could have the legs lengthened but can do nothing about the leaking. So if you do not have to ride in the wet it is a great suit.</div>

[ZRX4ME]

<div></div>MRV, try THIS: get 2 cans of 3M Scotchgard, literally soak the suit in it and let it hang-dry.<br><div></div> Ive done this on riding clothes, camera bags, you name it, works great.<br><br> For those with concerns about the High-Viz Yellow/Green colors, MOST people do see you better with them, and those that have ridden behind me tell me it's easier to see me in traffic. That doesnt make up for the **bleep**-for-brains gal in the Scion that looked in my eyes and pulled out 5 feet in front of me as I was running 50 mph down a country 2-laner, but (I HOPE) that's an isolated incident.<br><br><br>Message Edited by ZRX4ME on <span class="date_text">10-25-2008</span> <span class="time_text">10:17 AM</span>

[mrv64]

<div>I plan on treating the suit with nikwax like I did my old suit, maybe I will do both. But with it leaking through the zipper am doubtful it will help. But I am up to trying other ideas, I do not mind riding in the rail until I get wet then it sux.</div>