Goodbye, flightsuit..., ...I found and bought *my* ideal undersuit. Options

[TB-1019]

The undersuits the scouts in ROTJ wore were supposedly one-piece motorcycle racing suits, not flight suits. The main reason why almost all scout costumers wear the flightsuits is because authentic motorcycle racing suits are super expensive, ranging anywhere from $1000 to $5000. Also, trying to find one that is all-black and not made from leather or super padded with kevlar is very tricky.

I was curious to see if there were any low cost alternatives to the motorcycle racing suits that would look better than the flight suits we currently wear, so I started sniffing around some auto racing supply sites and I stumbled across Wesco Performance, a company that will custom make a one-piece auto racing suit for $125. The link leads you to a 3-step "create your own suit" process.

The one I am looking at is listed as the "Proban Custom Driving Suit - SFI 3-2A/1 Rating", which is selected in Step 1. Step 2 asks you which design you want to customize, so I scroll all the way down to the bottom and select Style #9 (solid color suit with no stripes). In Step 3 you can select the colors you want, add epulets, piping, etc. Since all I want is a plain, black suit, I choose that color for the collar, shirt, arms and pants.

For the shirt and pants cuffs, I'd leave them white. To change them to black would cost an additional $5 each, but they would be covered up by my gloves and boots anyway. For all the extra details like Nascar cuffs, quilting, piping, etc., I leave them alone. Don't need 'em.

Now, I think I sensed some of you wince when you saw the cost. Yes, $125. This option is approximately 5 times more expensive than a flight suit from Ted's Military Surplus, but it looks a whole lot better. For one, there are less zippers. There is also an enclosed collar that keeps the neck neatly hidden from view and a balaclava neatly tucked in, which I really like. I couldn't resist and placed my order earlier this week.

The racing suit came in today and, WOW, what can I say, but I think I nailed as perfect a scout trooper undersuit as I possibly could without spending thousands on a custom motorcycle racing suit!

The suit is one piece, with a dual zipper (zipper at the bottom so I can relieve myself w/o having to unzip from the top), the zipper is kept hidden by panel. The elastic cuffs at the wrists and ankles are wonderful, as I have no need to install stirrups to keep my suit legs from riding up as I put my boots on. The entire suit is nice and snug without constricting me.

It is made of a fire retardant material, Proban, so it is thicker than the flightsuit I am replacing. A few modifications to remove the sewn on patches and to install the riding patches are all I really need. All in all, I highly, highly recommend this suit even though it cost me $135 shipped. I will admit that this is not a really good option for those of you looking to save money, but I just wanted to put it up for everyone to see. There should always be options from the basic to the high end.

Pics follow.

(IMG:http://www.therastudios.com/images/new_tbjumpsuit_001.jpg)
(IMG:http://www.therastudios.com/images/new_tbjumpsuit_002.jpg)

[TB-1019]

From my point of view, flightsuits are structurally different than racing suits, which the original costumes were, so no matter what you do to modify it (IMO) a flightsuit never really looks "right". That is why I chose to do it and, like I said, the expense my not be worth it to everyone.

The material is a little heavier than the flightsuits I am used to seeing, because it is a fire retardant material, but not so much. I'll see if I can get more pics of the back and side.

[Ghst915]

Looks real nice, but seriously, for what is seen of the flight suit, I don't think it is worth the expense. The armor covers 90% of the suit anyway. It doesn't take long to take the pockets and zippers off and there is still the suede saddle piece to add.
Is the material heavier and/or warmer than the basic cotton flightsuit?
What about the back of the suit? How does that look? Can you post another picture showing the back and side views.

A few big draw backs to the race suit is-

1) the cost is too much
2) every race car driver has said that the suits are VERY HOT, they hold body heat very well. So when wearing plastic over this suit, your doubling your own body heat.
3) Don't have to worry about getting measuerments wrong, to have the suit costume made.

I will stick with my flight suit, low cost, looks great when modded right, and much lighter weight then the racing suit.

[TB-1019]

I will stick with my flight suit, low cost, looks great when modded right, and much lighter weight then the racing suit.

That's certainly your prerogative. My goal is just to offer up options.

[cricket71]

It Looks good. But is hotter? Have you been able to put everything on it yet? I can see getting something like it latter on but I want to hear from you first to see how it goes. I like the fact of the less zippers. I have zippers on my flightsuit that I still don't know what they are for (IMG:http://forum.bikerscout.net/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif)

[TB-1019]

The weight of the fabric feels "heavier" but that's not really a good descriptor. It's like it was medium starched. The label on the jumpsuit says it is 100% cotton, but it is treated with a fire retardant, Proban. I haven't worn it out trooping yet (just got it today) and haven't worn it fully suited up. As the weather is getting cooler now, I probably won't know how hot it can get until the Spring.

[oz_scout]

Racing suit ay?....

Sounds good to me... (IMG:http://forum.bikerscout.net/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

Rick

[Mazik]

I'd say first of all, we need to say thank you for bring more options to the table! It does look good, but as you've acknowledged, it's not the right choice for everyone.

For my own part, I took a third route. I'm a hazmat specialist and my emergency response team wears solid red nomex coveralls for all jobs other than whoever has to put on the plastic spaceman suits. I did my search with the word "Coverall" in mind and this is what I found:

http://www.workingclassclothes.com/cvrlAback.htm

You've got to pay an extra $4 to get solid black, but that's what you get. No zippers, pockets, or patches to remove. Oh, and did I mention the total price? $25.50 + 9.92 shipping.

Did I mention, no extra pockets or zippers? (IMG:http://forum.bikerscout.net/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

[cockroach]

Hey, That suit looks great! I have a Yamaha R6 and all my gear is heavy, so this would go nicely with my bike. (IMG:http://forum.bikerscout.net/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif) Maybe I should paint my armor Yamaha blue! (IMG:http://forum.bikerscout.net/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif) Thanks for sharing the info, I will probally get one when I get some extra cash.

[runnriottt]

I wear coveralls all day, and those look alot like the standard Navy issue coverall and I can say that they are comfy. The collar will be a problem though might need some mods.

I also like the racing suit, as it looks great. Might be better for the winter though as for they are hot. Dad and I used to race lower classes of NHRA and all the gear was hot. The up side to those is that they have a great collar, and elastic at the cuffs as well as the feet to keep them down.

The thing I dont like about the flight suit is all the zippers as well. They are covered by the armor, so you dont see to many of them though.

I am now from the school of thought that you get what you pay for, with armor as well as soft parts. I have spent some money in the past months, but I dont think I am going to regret anything... this is a great hobby. I guess it depends on your commitment level and attention to all the details.

How about some compairason pics?

[BrotherHalo]

I think that's an excellent find, Jay. I don't know why there's people ragging on it - it's just another option to the flight suit, work coveralls (dickies), or the few other options out there. It certainly looks a lot nicer than some of the flight suits I've seen folks out there wear.

But as you said, another option. We're ALWAYS looking to make our costumes better. I'd say that you made an improvement for yourself - not for anyone else. But I like it. Kudos, mate!

[Ghst915]

Not ragging voicing opion here is all, geesh.

[cricket71]

The weight of the fabric feels "heavier" but that's not really a good descriptor. It's like it was medium starched. The label on the jumpsuit says it is 100% cotton, but it is treated with a fire retardant, Proban. I haven't worn it out trooping yet (just got it today) and haven't worn it fully suited up. As the weather is getting cooler now, I probably won't know how hot it can get until the Spring.

True, Winter is on the way so if this suit is warmer you can have one suit for the colder months and another the summer months. This would save a little wear and tear on just having one suit. (IMG:http://forum.bikerscout.net/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

[Goose]

Since I have trouble fitting in to one piece suits I'll stick with my BDUs for now. (IMG:http://forum.bikerscout.net/style_emoticons/default/tongue.gif) Thanks for throwing up another option there, 1019.

[bluecyclone]

I live in Southern California where it's always hot, even in winter most times so a hotter suit is out for me. I would melt in there. I'll stick with my flightsuit, but to each his own, good alternative for those who live where it's cold. Good info 1019.

[runnriottt]

I use a sowa brand coverall... Not as nice as the race suit but I think nice anyway...

[Canadian_Scout]

well here is another jumpsuit for the mix. Not as nice as the race suit but I think nice anyway...

15 bucks here in Japan. They fit snug, a tad on the small side.
This is a Sowa brand overall. they go to 4X.
I bought a LL (large long) and it fits just right with only underarmor on underneath. I am 6'1".
I have to add a collar device to keep it closed, but it will look great under my new armor...
whatcha think?flight suit

Love your avatar (IMG:http://forum.bikerscout.net/style_emoticons/default/wink.gif)

That looks like a nice suit. Nothing really to mod, and the pockets on top would be covered by the armor and cumberbund. Do you know what shipping would be to Canada? If so, please send me a PM, and perhaps we could work something out (IMG:http://forum.bikerscout.net/style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[Ghst915]

well here is another jumpsuit for the mix. Not as nice as the race suit but I think nice anyway...

15 bucks here in Japan. They fit snug, a tad on the small side.
This is a Sowa brand overall. they go to 4X.
I bought a LL (large long) and it fits just right with only underarmor on underneath. I am 6'1".
I have to add a collar device to keep it closed, but it will look great under my new armor...


whatcha think?flight suit


Now I like that suit better then the racing suit, we're doing soft armor and boots for you right? If so maybe we can work something out there? Let me know Ok.

[TB-1019]

well here is another jumpsuit for the mix. Not as nice as the race suit but I think nice anyway...

I really would have appreciated your starting your own thread to show this off, not only because I think it is hijacking my thread, but because your option deserves to have it's own searchable discussion.

[runnriottt]

I really would have appreciated your starting your own thread to show this off, not only because I think it is hijacking my thread, but because your option deserves to have it's own searchable discussion.

Sorry 1019, not trying to hijack... I musta crossed some invisible line somewhere...
Oops, wont do that again...

Im learning....