I have been given a one piece Hein Gericke leather race suit. Fits as well It's a few years old & whilst it has double thickness kangaroo hide in knees, elbows etc it doesn't have the kind of body armour we associate with current leathers. I'll want to get it professionally cleaned first & then get body armour added. I guess I could either get armour that sits on the outside of the suit or stiitched inside. Basic question here - who would be best to do this? Any advice please on options etc would be great. They seem a very good quality one piece suit. It also has a hump back protector. So not sure whether to get it removed & use my knox track vest which is more high tec.
I personally would buy the right size internal armour that will fit the suit while you're in it then get it stitched in by a leather repair specialist which I think would be cheapest. I think you need to find somewhere that stocks the armour so you can try it on in your suit as otherwise it could make the suit too tight and uncomfortable to wear which would defeat the purpose. Unfortunately I can't suggest anyone personally but I know the leather repair company that Nolimits guys use is very good - Andelle leathers
I had unrated fitted Armor on my made to measure BKS suit. in the end the back protector came out and I ware a Dainese back protector. overs more of your back. If the HG leathers you have don't have Any armor than as you said get some fitted but I still find a back protector separate better, but just my view
I also agree with the separate back protector as the ones that usually come fitted in leathers look like what you use when learning to swim for the first time....
Cheers guys. The HG leathers has a hump & an internal back protector. I'll probably get them both removed as I have a knox track vest. There is loads of extra leather on the shoulders, elbows, knees but will seek advice from the professionals. In the meantime arc-on leathers suggested I take the suit to nine lives - Nine Lives as they have a very good reputation. I have given the suit a good clean & used leather conditioner - ten years of grime has come off - looks really good. Quite pleased with myself
My HG 2 part has the armour in the separate removable inner... Does the 1 piece have the zips for the lightweight internal that way you could then just get the armour added to an internal layer. Having said that my inner on my HG trousers are in about 20 pieces... It's a challenge getting them on, trying to thread my legs through the right holes... Anyone know of a good place that will repair (Or rebuild) the inner on HG trousers? H
My HG 1 piece is probably about ten years old. Armour has came a long way since. Mine has a hump and an internal back protector - but will get these removed as have knox track vest. On my suit there is a hugh amount of extra kangaroo hide particularly on the elbows but also extra on knees & shoulder. It has a zip to remove the internal breathable mesh layer, so maybe able to get armour added or I could go for the outside armour. I shall take it to nine lives in Farnborough - probably a good place to do your repairs. I have had a good recommendation to use these guys.
