Review by Troy Siahaan
[This Spidi Admiral Motorcycle Riding Suit Review was originally published in the March 2007 issue of Rider magazine]
Last month I wrote about my dilemma in choosing a proper everyday riding suit. I needed something I could wear over my regular clothes that was easy to put on and take off, and provided ample protection both from the road and from the elements.
Not to be outdone by the Aerostitch RoadCrafter suit, Spidi’s Admiral motorcycle Suit also fills the bill quite nicely. As similar as the two suits appear, they actually have their differences. The Admiral’s full-length entry zipper is derived from scuba-diving zippers to ensure water stays out. Included with the suit is a special lubricant that Spidi insists be applied to the zipper regularly to ensure the water-tight seal. Unlike the RoadCrafter, which is available in a myriad of color combinations, Spidi says you can have any color as long as it’s black. Reflective piping along the shoulders, elbows and ankle areas provides conspicuity, as well as contrast for you artsy types.
The Admiral’s nylon construction utilizes three layers of Spidi’s own H2OUT membrane which makes the suit waterproof, windproof and breathable. As contradictory as those last two features sound, it actually works. Once I’m moving, I don’t feel any turbulent air across my chest while at the same time I can feel air circulating across my back from the vents doing their job. Also, the Admiral uses CE-approved armor in the elbows, shoulders, back and knees as opposed to the RoadCrafter’s Visco-elastic foam, with protective padding in the hips. I found that the Spidi’s armor needed some adjustment to create a perfect fit but once adjusted the suit fit well. And though the Admiral uses a S-3XL sizing chart instead of the RoadCrafter’s number system, with that wide a variation in suit sizes there’s bound to be a suit to fit anybody.
Spidi pulled out all the stops when it came to the amenities department. This suit has so many features I’m not sure I’ve discovered them all! Although I generally travel light, there’s no shortage of waterproof and breathable pockets, both internally and externally. The fully adjustable waist belt and sleeve straps help ensure a perfect fit, while an adjustable positive neck-closure system allows me to wear a sweatshirt under the suit for those colder rides.
Despite the lack of color choices and the positioning of the armor, I’m happy with my Spidi Admiral. It fills the bill and has everything I want in an everyday suit.