GEARBOX
Komodo Leathers: Tough as Texas
Author: K3 Chris Onwiler
Draggin’ skin? No, Dragon Skin!
Komodo Dragons are one of nature’s greatest success stories, having survived unchanged for millions of years while lesser species have come and gone. It’s no accident that this enduring creature was adopted as the symbol of Komodo Leathers. The Texas Company’s philosophy is that their products should not only protect but also endure, surviving the worst that comes their way.  “Komodo wears like iron.” This was the appraisal of TrackdayMag.com’s trusted leather advisor. “In fact, I have a hard time repairing them. The suits are so well put together that it takes forever to cut the seams open if I need to replace a panel.” This craftsman has repaired suits from virtually every manufacturer in the industry and sees a set of leathers from a completely different perspective than does the average buyer. If our leather repair expert was actually suggesting that Komodo suits might be almost too well made, we knew even before the test that we were in for something special.
Now in its fifth year, Komodo is a company that sprang to life from the frustration of racers. Picture this: Some friends decide to go racing but haven’t got a clue what they’re getting into. The initial investment required to get started in the sport is quite high, so they look to save money anywhere they can. The new team finds a “GREAT DEAL” on leathers and heads off to the track. One of them falls and the suit he’s wearing literally explodes, bursting seams from head to toe. Fortunately, the racer sustains only minor injuries, having become the latest newcomer to learn that bargain leathers are no bargain at all. (Why do so many of us have to lose flesh or break bones to figure this out?) As they examined the frayed remains of that Brand-X suit, these racers decided, “We can do better.” Thus, Komodo was born. As a group, these guys had background experience in design, medical imaging and retail sales. They did extensive research and at first were literally bringing out a new version of their suit every six to eight weeks. These prototypes were tested in the inferno of the Central Motorcycle Roadracing Association. (CMRA); an organization which has produced racers named Edwards, Spies and Eslick, to name a few. If you haven’t experienced a CMRA club race, let’s just say that them Texas fellers lost a fight once at the Alamo and have been ornery ever since. Literally dozens of crashes and tons of racer feedback shaped the products which Komodo offers today.
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