Below is a protective gear summary from the excellent Bennet's website.
Unless you have the very best Thai medical insurance and are prepared to potentially spend a very long time in convalescence recovering from even a minor spill off the bike, don't purchase anything less.
"Clothing to wear on a motorcycle
All motorcycle riding gear sold in the UK and Europe has to be tested and certified as Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). You can find out about the labels that should (by law) be in anything you buy right here in our
guide to the safest motorcycle clothing, but as a brief summary…
- Gloves are tested to EN 13594, with Level 1 and Level 2. Level 2 is the highest performance level specified by the standard.
- Boots are tested to EN 13634, with Level 1 and Level 2 for four categories: Boot height, impact abrasion resistance, impact cut resistance and transverse rigidity. Level 2 in each category is the highest.
- Jackets, trousers and one- and two-piece leathers are tested to EN 17092, with the main levels to be aware of being A to AAA. The more A’s, the more stringent the test requirements. There’s also EN 13595 with Level 1 and Level 2 (2 is again the highest), but despite this being a much tougher test than 17092, it’s been withdrawn, so existing certificates will expire over the next few years.
- Finally, armour is tested to EN 1621, with Level 1 and Level 2. Level 2 is again the highest performance level.
Remember that in garments (ie jackets, trousers and one-piece leathers), EN17092 certifies the abrasion resistance, burst and tear strength. It specifies the position and (to a small extent) size of the armour, but you need to check that the armour itself covers your limbs and that it won’t move away in a crash. Look for Level 2 armour for the best impact protection".
The Bennetts High Performance Award highlights the motorcycle gear that’s reached the highest standards in lab testing for safety
www.bennetts.co.uk
Its a tough gig for motorcyclists finding shops that have a range protective gear in styles and sizes for different riding conditions ( eg trail, track and touring)
Most shops selling nothing more than ballerina leotards, tutus and toy helmets and fashion gloves.
I think you've started a great thread. Perhaps we can all think more carefully about riding protection and add our collective knowledge to shops that sell riding gear that works.
Here's a three shops that I purchase from as a starting point.
My personal experience with Paddock was good, in that if you want them to send gear ahead to your next destination and you are not sure of sizing, so long as you make a full purchase of two potential size fits and return the size you reject, then they will refund your money quickly (minus original shipping cost which is fair enough)
หมวกกันน็อก, ถุงมือ, GLOVE, Jacket, ตัวแทนจำหน่าย, SNELL, DOT, ECE
www.pandarider.com
paddock.co.th ร้านขายอุปกรณ์ขับขี่มอเตอร์ไซต์บิ๊กไบค์ the riders terminal motorsport racing gear
paddock.co.th
Welcome to Arai Helmet. All Arai helmets are manufactured by hand and formed around protection, first and foremost. The smooth, round shape is a key Arai signature and primarily designed to ‘glance-off’ and spread impact forces.
araihelmet-th.com
and the authorised Arai shop in Phitsanulok is located here....
maps.app.goo.gl
I'm not familiar with Chiang Mai protective gear shops. I know David has good knowledge of shops in Chiang Mai, but please please reference those Bennets guides prior to purchasing because there's so much gear out there that's absolute garbage.
Finding gear that will actually save your area, in Thailand, will take time and research.
Good luck!
