Nelson Rigg Volante Rainsuit and WPRB-100 Boot Covers

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Written by Kenn Stamp

Monday, 07 February 2011 14:13

Sometimes, no matter how good a product is, a writer just runs dry trying to think of interesting ways to write a review. While being dry in the creative department is not good for a writer, being dry in the body department is great for a rider.

Too often I have worn raingear here in “sunny” Florida only to find that I get almost as wet as I would have had I ridden without the rainsuit. This usually happens for one of two reasons; 1) The raingear isn’t built very well (no matter how much it cost) which allows moisture to seep in through the seams; and 2) The raingear doesn’t breathe very well thereby causing you to sweat profusely. Either of those scenarios, in a word, suck.

In the first scenario you can end-up looking like you peed your pants (1-piece rain suit + cruiser = wet crotch: trust me on this one) while the second option leaves you smelling like you just ran a marathon. Sometimes you get really lucky and get a rainsuit that doesn’t breathe AND leaks – those are the moments that make you question your decision to ride a motorcycle.

Put not thine bike up for yet my fellow 2 Wheel Freaks for Nelson Rigg has a solution….and a reasonably priced one as well if you value your odor and dryness – The Nelson Rigg Volante VTL-700 2-Piece rainsuit. Or as it says on the front of the hang-tag, “Rainsut”. I’m glad their QC department was on the ball more than their Spell Checking department.

The Volante is made from Trimax (trademarked) nylon/PVC and is claimed to be 100% wind and waterproof. So far I have no reason to doubt that claim. The Trimax takes care of water coming in while two underarm zipped vents combined with a full width, zipper equipped back vent ensure that you can contribute your own moisture to the outside environment.

The Volante VTL-700 has 3 large pockets (2 outer and one inner) in the jacket while the pants are equipped with suspenders and a bra…..err….I mean suspenders and stirrups. Sorry sometimes I have Flying Circus flashbacks.

Topping the entire outfit off is a hideaway hood that is quite useful at keeping the rain from running off your helmet and down your back every time you stop at a light.

For those that are color conscience when it comes to raingear the Volante VTL-700 comes in Black/Black (the color we have), Black/Charcoal, and Black/Orange. All the colors come with 3M reflective safety striping on the jacket and pants.

Like any raingear, if you are going to wear the Nelson Rigg Volante VTL-700 over your riding gear then you’ll need to get one size larger; I usually wear a large jacket but I wear an XL for raingear.

PROS

Really does keep out the water
Breathes very well with the vents open
Feels "expensive"

CONS

Vents are impossible to operate if you are wearing the jacket
Well that's about it actually

Verdict

You'd be hard pressed to find a better rainsuit at any price point than the Nelson Rigg Volante VTL-700.

To find out more about the Volante VTL-700 you can visit www.nelsonrigg.com

If you need to purchase a rainsuit, please help support 2WF.com by clicking on the following link and buying your rainsuit from: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/41/468/ITEM/Nelson-Rigg-VTL-700-Volante-Two-Piece-Rainsuit.aspx?SiteID=IA_2wf&WT.mc_ID=54011

Nelson Rigg WPRB-100 boot covers.

In addition to a rainsuit, boot covers are another important thing to consider when outfitting yourself for wet weather riding. I can deal with wet hands but walking around with wet feet is a real downer.

The WPRD-100 boot covers from Nelson Rigg are made from 100% waterproof polyester with a PVC backing. The best thing about these covers, and it is something that was lacking from my last set (which was similarly priced), is they have a rubber half sole.

PROS