GEARBOX
Komodo Leathers: Tough as TexasK3 Chris OnwilerPage 3
continued... When it comes to impact protection, Komodo has gone far beyond the industry standard, although each suit has unique features. The company has an interesting philosophy here. They figure that pros crash more violently, novices crash more often and big guys hit the ground with more force, so each suit’s armor is tailored to its mission. Premium Knox shoulder armor is used in all three models, primarily because Komodo feels that its shape and anatomical design are the best on the market. The pro-spec K-FX features Knox armor in the elbows and knees as well. This makes the K-FX more expensive but Komodo feels that at a certain level, riders will insist on having the most respected armor in the business. To keep their price points lower, the big guy K-LT and entry level K-XP are equipped with German-made CE-spec armor in the knees and elbows. Komodo claims that this armor is as protective as Knox but lacks the brand-recognition, allowing the price point of these suits to be lower. Additional thermo-polyurethane (TPU) armor is added to the shoulders of the pro spec K-FX. The big guy K-LT features TPU armor at both the shoulders and elbows. The entry level K-XP does without TPU reinforcement so that it can be repaired more easily. Remember, this is the suit that Komodo expects will be crashed most often. Instead, the K-XP sports massive carbon fiber and Kevlar reinforcement in the forearm area to provide additional protection for the novice who is still learning how not to toss himself down the track. All three models are equipped with additional CE-spec padding in the bicep and hip areas.
 This summer, two of TrackdayMag.com’s close associates were in the market for new gear. We directed them both to Komodo. John Themig picked up a top-spec K-FX and loved it, saying, “I appreciated how well the perforated leather kept me cool at speed. The best thing about the K-FX suit was that I didn’t notice it while riding. That’s right; the suit fit so well that I didn’t think about it at all while on the track. This was something new to me. It is amazing that leathers with so much padding and armor can be so comfortable. The neoprene collar seemed like a minor detail when I was looking the suit over, but is actually a great feature. When making the quick left-right transition of Barber’s Turns 10 & 11, my helmet never fouled on the collar, allowing me to focus all my concentration on the track.” Mark Fisk opted for the relaxed fit of the K-LT and commented, “The K-LT feels like a custom suit. I was very concerned about fit because I seemed to measure somewhere between a 46 and 48. Komodo customer service was extremely helpful in answering all my questions and even went as far as shipping me both sizes. At 5’11 and 220 lbs, it seemed as though I would have difficulty with either size. The K-LT design includes the double zipper front which makes getting in and out of the suit much easier than a standard configuration. The size 46 was tight at first but within two trackdays has broken in very nicely leaving just enough room for the Komodo back protector. Once I’m into the suit, all the armor sits in the correct positions, allowing my movements on the bike to be fluid and unrestricted. Several racers have commented favorably on the external elbow and shoulder armor, citing these as areas where their suits have taken damage during a crash. I have yet to “test” the suit in an off-track excursion but its fit, construction, and armor all give me confidence that I am well protected.”
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