Bike: 2006 Kawasaki ZX-6R, Professional track-day organiser www.trackdaz.com
Helmet:
Brand: Suomy www.suomyusa.com
Model: Bayliss
Price: $369.95
Why: "The helmet is lightweight, looks awesome and is fairly inexpensive. Did I mention I'm still alive today because of Suomy? I whacked my head really hard last summer and lived to tell the tale!"
Leathers:
Brand: NJK www.njkleathers.com
Model: Custom
Price: Prices vary by design
Why: "I wear NJK leathers because they are custom fit and designed. The custom cut allows me to perform much better than any off-the-rack suit. Kelcey Gordon, NJK's owner, only uses the best materials available. I've personally tested this suit during a 100-plus-mph get-off and walked away without a scratch."
Gloves:
Brand: Spidi www.spidiusa.com
Model: Penta
Price: $269.99
Why: "I like the hard shell on the back of the hand and knuckle areas. I also like how the glove can lock the pinky to the ring finger if you choose. They're really comfortable to wear and I have good feedback from the bars with these gloves."
Boots:
Brand: Sidi www.sidisport.com
Model: Vertigo Corsa
Price: $425.00
Why: "I have pretty much been wearing Sidi boots since day one. They fit much better and are more comfortable than anything else on the market. None of our guys have had foot or ankle injuries after crashes with these boots. In addition they have a look that fits our personality."
The Amateur - Kurtis Kopf
Bike: 2005 Kawasaki ZX-6R 636, WERA racer and avid track-day rider
Helmet:
Brand: AGV www.agv.com
Model: TiTech Rossi Winter Test
Price: $674.95
Why: "I like the fit of the helmet. I had a few other inexpensive brands that would tend to shake at high speed down the straights, but I've never had a problem with the AGV. Also, you can't beat the bright yellow color. Friends and spectators always comment about how easy it is to see me on the track."
Leathers:
Brand: Alpinestars www.alpinestars.com
Model: SMX
Price: $1499.00
Why: "I managed to get a good deal on these used. They have held up well, but it makes me look like a real Power Ranger with all the exo-armor. I've even managed to pick up a few pebble souvenirs that have gotten lodged in the armor."
Gloves:
Brand: Alpinestars www.alpinestars.com
Model: SP-2
Price: $79.95
Why: "I've gone through a few sets of these. They're comfortable and flexible right from the start and have held up really well in wrecks. I originally picked these because they were fairly inexpensive and felt really comfortable when I tried them on."
Boots:
Brand: Alpinestars www.alpinestars.com
Model: S-MX
Price: $279.95
Why: "I got them on the clearance rack. Presumably, they were a color no one wanted. They've held up well so far, so no complaints. They don't really match any of my other gear, but the mix-and-match scheme seems to draw attention."