I'll kick off with three things:
1) Icon Raiden DKR Jacket
Always wondered about the first Icon Raiden jacket after seeing in the long Icon video with the Tiger 800's. At the time there wasn't a UK stockist of Icon so I pretty much forgot about it until someone sent me a review of the new Raiden "DKR" version. At a touch over £300 with the listed features it seemed like a decent value buy. I did wonder about "Hycor" in terms of waterproofness (ie it's not goretex which we all seem to be a bit obsessed with , me included). For the riding I do it seemed to fit the bill, and I wanted to change my Klim Powerxross due to the lack of zip down the front (ie I wanted a jacket not a pullover).
So how is it? Well since I've got it I've not worn anything else apart from for racing. It's 100% waterproof (no stupid drop liner to worry about) and the venting is suprisingly effective. The arms are long with good, strong velcro at the wrists (that's a bugbear of mine, weak velcro) and there is plenty of space at the shoulders. My only initial gripe was that it seemed to be a little shorter on the body than other jackets I have. It's an American fit too which means it's boxy rather than tapered. I am a 2XL in Klim, so I ordered the same in this, it was way too big but an XL is perfect so just bear that in mind. I am '46/7 chest, long arms, wide shoulders. I normally am 2XL in most things.
The "over"flap on the front of the jacket is cool, it's magnetic rather than popper and works very well. Pockets are good, the chest outer is waterproof, and there are other internal pockets in addition to the sides. Inside the waterproof one you get a goggle/visor cleaner on an elastic which is a nice touch. And its a deep pocket. Too many jacket makers have these tiny pockets you can just about squeeze a phone into but this is vast.
Chassis of the jacket is heavy, this is not a light rain jacket, it's a full-on offroad/road riding jacket. It has D30 armour as standard including a back protector. Most jackets of this type don't have decent armour as standard, at least not at the price anyway.
There is good protection in the arms, ballistic nylon/cordura etc. I'd like to see a clasp on the top of the collar though so you can ride with it open so it doesnt flap, but overall, for £300 this is a top-of-the-line jacket for middle-of-the-line money. Very very happy with it. There's a good video by Anthony at Revzilla which goes into more detail and is below. I got mine from Ministry of Bikes who were fast, helpful and professional.
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NEXX XD-1 helmet
Needed a new lid primarily for road riding, to use with an intercom plus I wanted a jet visor. Step forward Nexx helmets.
Ok, NOTE, the sizing is small. I am usually a large in almost every lid there is, but this one I am XXL. Interestingly what the blurb doesnt tell you is that they come with a PILE of foam inserts to adjust the fit perfectly for your head. This isn't the lightest lid in the world, its not carbon or other aramid but I wasn't concerned with that, I have a Just 1 carbon lid for racing and google use.
So, the venting on the Nexx is not just good, it's awesome. If you're going somewhere hot, take a look at it, you can even replace the front chin part with a mesh vent they give you in the box. With all the vents open this is the best vented lid I've used. The jet visor works well, it doesnt smack your nose when you flick it down (and I have a big hooter so would know) and you get all manner of mounting options for cameras as well There are removable pads so you can put on a go pro etc.
It's modular too so you can remove the peak for purely road riding if you want - the peak is more of a style feature really, its not long enough to be of any use in terms of sun protection or even roost protection offroad, but it nods to the "dual sport" application of it. Due to all the venting it's not a quet road lid, be aware of that, but as a dual sport helmet it's the best one I've used. Available from Adventure Bike Warehouse.
Forma Terra boots:
The new adventure boot from forma, its an upgrade from the adventure. Nice and soft but good support in certain areas and definitely waterproof. Only used these a handful of times but that includes deep water, heavy rain and offroad use on a big bike. Only negative so far is that they are not made for people with fat calves (like me) so the leg section only just fits. I'm hoping they will loosen up a little in that area over time. These are also from ABW.
