Darien jacket and pants question

[mpillis]

Does anyone here have a set of darien jacket and pants and how do you like them. Pro's and Con's?
I know they cost alot but a friend has a set to sell me at a reasonable price.
Thanks

[icepick578]

I have the jacket only, and it is a terrific piece of gear. Well made, well thought out, and if you aren't of a mind to go for their Roadcrafter suit, it is a good alternative for when the weather allows its use. In Texas it is a winter jacket. They are somewhat stiff when new. I put it in the dryer with two heavy shoes and no heat and let it run for about 8 hours and that helps.

[wcarter]

I've had my Darien jacket and pants for several years now. I cannot imagine a more versatile outfit. Three seasons? I wear mine year round, layering a Gerbings liner and a fleece liner in the Winter. If it gets dirty, throw it in the washer. Can't do that with my Vanson leathers. 100% waterproof. The only time I've gotten wet is when I left a big breast pocket unzipped in a downpour.

I thought I wanted a Roadcrafter when I ordered it; the lady at Aerostich recommended the Darien since I live in the South (the RC has a taffeta lining that makes it less comfortable in extreme heat), so I ordered both with the intention of returning one. I thought I'd return the Darien but that's the one I kept. Now, I thought the Roadcrafter had a nicer fit but the Darien just seemed more versatile. I think the Darien looks like a sack on me (other people seem to look OK) but I'm not out to land the cover of GQ. I also like being able to wear the pants into a store or restaurant; they are pretty understated.

I have since purchased the Vanson perforated leathers and a Vanson mesh jacket; both of those flow more air in really hot weather, but if there is any chance of rain I wear the Darien.

I don't think I have ever talked to a serious rider (one who has worn the gear long enough to break it in) who did not like the Darien outfit.

[grahamw]

Marc

I just recently bought a used Darien jacket from this site and it is an excellent piece of kit, Have a look through the classifieds on this site and ebay and if you can buy for the same price or less get them - if it does not work then move them oon, you are unlikely to lose on the deal. I am sure there will be a Howard along shortly to give his thumbs up ;-)

[hschisler]

I've been wearing a Darien jacket and pants since April. I ride almost every day to work, and most days I wear the Darien pants and a mesh (non-Aerostich) jacket. Aerostich told me the Darien gear would breathe, but it really doesn't IMO. Yes, it's Goretex-lined, etc., etc., but on warmer days the pants can get hot (although not as hot as non-Goretex gear) and the jacket isn't the most comfortable.

In rain or on cooler days (like this morning -- 47 degrees) the Darien jacket is it. I haven't had the Darien gear on in cold weather yet but I'm sure it will be fine as my winter suit, with their fleece liner (included with the Darien jacket).

I went with black pants and gray jacket so I could (as wcarter mentioned) walk into a store, restaurant, bank, etc., and not get weird looks. If you're into maximum conspicuity, Aerostich offers several colors (including a hi-viz yellow) as you probably already know.

I went to Aerostich to see if I wanted the Roadcrafter or Darien. Going in, I was sure it was going to be a Roadcrafter. I really, really like the one-piece Roadcrafter concept, and if money was no object I would have that AND a set of Darien gear... and a couple of BMW suits also!

I think it was Jim Sciullo (and others) in a similar thread who told me the reason they liked the Darien so well was because of its versatility. I'd have to agree with that. The suit isn't the most comfortable, but it's built with quality and protects well.

Finally, regarding the cost: they cost the same as a BMW suit of similar quality/features, and the same as other brands. You can spend more (Motoport, I think, is very expensive); Yukka is very spendy, also. As I've read on this site, good gear is a lot less expensive than a skin graft.

Why not meet up with someone who is your size and who has the Aerostich gear? Give the gear a try and see what you think. You're welcome to try mine if that works for you.

[mpillis]

Thanks to all who gave me insight into the darien jacket and pants. I decided to buy them. jacket was worn 8 times and pants were never worn. My friend wears the roadcrafter all the time. He is letting me have the set , jacket, liner and pants for $300. After the reviews you guys gave on the product, how could I turn it down.

Again thanks

[hschisler]

Thanks to all who gave me insight into the darien jacket and pants. I decided to buy them. jacket was worn 8 times and pants were never worn. My friend wears the roadcrafter all the time. He is letting me have the set , jacket, liner and pants for $300. After the reviews you guys gave on the product, how could I turn it down.

Again thanksGeez, that's a steal... essentially, approx. 2/3 off MSRP, possibly more if there were any alterations or customizations done to it. Even if you wear it a few months and want to switch you can sell it. Well done.