MO Tested: Rev'It Stingray Leathers

If you’ve been reading or watching MO sportbike reviews/videos in the last three years, you’ve certainly witnessed me wearing Rev’It Stingray leathers – the white with red and black highlights color scheme is both attractive and hard to miss. The Stingray has been my go-to one-piece leather suit for so long I’m loathe to retire it, but I was informed that earlier this year Rev’It discontinued this particular style. So, before I get too far behind current fashions, it’s time give my Stingray a farewell salute.

A mistake during our initial Honda Grom shakedown provided the one and only opportunity for crash testing, and while this wasn’t a high-speed get-off (less than 40 mph), it was a rather violent crash (Troy will be happy to tell you how I bent the Grom’s fork). A remnant bruise/scar above my right gluteus cheek remains, and my right wrist still doesn’t bend the way it use to. The Stingray has Temperfoam padding in the hip area (and back area), but even this added protection wasn’t enough to keep a residual raspberry from forming. The external shoulder protector did its job, as did the external and internal protectors on the elbow and forearm areas. The stitching in the impact areas was still intact, with the only visual clues of damage being the obligatory sliding and scraping on asphalt and dirt.

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After a combination of this crash and three years worth of normal trackday wear and tear, the Stringrays look better than you’d expect. In fact, with a little cleaning and TLC they’d be looking good as new, with numerous additional track days in their future. I’ll be hanging on to them as back-ups or as loaners for someone in need.

Comfort is found in the size 54s being proportionate to my torso (especially my barrel chest), length of arms, legs, and not adding unnecessary torque in the crotch area. Stretch panels in the elbows, shoulders and lower back help with movement, as do Kevlar panels in the inner-arm and rear-leg areas. Calf zippers are included for those with oversized calves, but there seems to be an excess amount of leather in the lower leg area, especially considering this part of the suit is tucked into riding boots.

Other features of on the Stingray leathers include:

The good thing is, because the Stingray leathers are discontinued, you may be able to find some money-saving close-out deals on offer. If you want a more current model, check out Rev’It’s Replica suit, which is an affordable $999 brand new. The Replica suit has many of the same features as the Stingray leathers, but some notable differences as well: Different armor in shoulders, elbows and knees (ProLife in the Stingray; Betac in the Replica); the Replica has inserts for Tryonic Seesoft CE-level 1 type B hip protector (I could have used this added bonus during my Grom excursion), some minor differences in materials, and overall styling.

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If you can wait through the winter, Rev’It tells us the new Akira leathers are on their way. Similar to the Replicas, the Akiras will be recognizable by way of new styling and the addition of dual-compound protectors in the knees.

For more on Rev’It’s leather suits and other riding apparel options, check out RevIt.eu. Rev’It recently introduced four new riding boots featuring Rev’It by Vibram soles. Read about those in our 2015 AIMExpo Wrap-Up.