Aerostich Roadcrafter or Darien?

[Jerrod Maguire]

I'm trying to figure out the differences between the two models of aerostich gear; their web site didn't clear anything up for me. Can someone enlighten me on this subject. Thanks

[wcarter]

Short answer; the Roadcrafter fits like armored leathers 'cept of course it's not made outta cowhide. The Darien fits like a pair of jeans (with armor) and the jacket like an outdoor parka.

After reading the catalog info and discussions on websites, including this one, I was pretty sure I wanted the 2 pc Roadcrafter. When I called to order it, I talked it over with a very helpful lady at Aerostich. She recommended I consider the Darien jacket and pants, since I live in the South and she said the taffeta liner in the Roadcrafter made it a little too warm for hot, humid climates.

Since Aerostich has a 30 day return policy, I ordered a grey Roadcrafter and a Darien combo. That was the year the Hi-Viz lime yellow had come out, so I thought I'd give it a try. I figured I'd be sending it back anyway.

When the big box arrived, I pulled out the Roadcrafter and thought it was a good looking suit. I pulled the bright yellow Darien out and said, Eeew! and dropped it back in the box. I tried both of them on and thought the Roadcrafter felt really good; the Darien is not as form fitting (there are fewer sizes) and I thought it looked a little geeky in comparison (even now I think everyone else looks better in a Darien than I do).

Wearing the suits around the house (I didn't want to get a suit dirty or sweaty if I was going to return it), I noticed that the Darien was a little cooler. It also came with the fleece liner for cooler weather, giving it a wider comfort range. The styling grew on me somewhat, but BMW riders are supposed to value function over form anyway. I ended up sending the Roadcrafter back. I think I would like the 1 pc Roadcrafter better; maybe one day I'll try one.

One functional item in favor of the Darien is that Aerostich bills it as 100% waterproof, and mine certainly has been. Some Roadcrafter riders have reported that water can pool in your lap and leak into the crotch area. If I could choose a place to get a little wet, that wouldn't be my first choice. On the other hand, that may depend on whether you ride a naked or fully faired bike and other factors. I'll let the Roadcrafter owners chime in on that.

I rode my LT to work today and stopped by my local dealer to schedule a tire mounting. Another customer came up and asked me several questions about my outfit. His wife had ordered a Darien suit for his Christmas present. I told him I was very satisfied with my Darien; I'd certainly buy it again.

If you do any riding at all I would not worry about the price. I bought my wife some "other" brand riding gear and while it's OK, I wouldn't want to wear that gear at half the price of the Aero gear. It is top notch and if you need a repair in five years, they will still be making it. Good luck getting that service with other brands.

Good luck with your purchase.