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Just because there aren't enough sites reviewing equipment and clothing.... If you would like your opinion immortalized on bikergoddess.com, send me an email with your name, the product name and description, price, store (or purchase location (or how do I get one if I decide I like it?)), and review. Try to be factual and helpful. I might post things like "it sucks monkey dick" but only to make fun of you. As a rule of thumb, I'm partial to the format I used (and that would be why I used it) so the more it looks like that, the more I like it.
I've added a separate section for the gun stuff below this. I should probably put that in the gun section, but right now it sounds like too much work.
Motorcycle Stuff |
Jacket #1 - Wilson's Leather classic motorcycle jacket $200 Wilson's Leather online store (the closest I could find (Style#: 13851-01) claims to have vents) Removable Thinsulate(r) liner. No venting (I bought this before I realized how important venting is). Lots of pockets. No option for zipping to pants. Zippered cuffs and ties at the waist (read: huge hassle). My friends think this jacket gives me the appropriate 'biker chick' look, though.
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Jacket #2 - Joe Rocket Meteor 3.0 $180 I got mine at New Enough Leathers And because I'm lazy, here's their take on it: Features:
When the liner is removed, the mesh tends to be hot and scratchy. I was wearing this jacket when I lowsided at about 25mph and there are no marks on it at all. My elbows were scraped up by the inner lining, but a hell of a lot less than by concrete, I'll bet. I hear that the waterproofness of the jacket is questionable, but I don't ride in the rain, so I have no opinion on it (enjoy that while it lasts). It does have a zipper to attach matching pants. Lots of places to adjust. Two zippers in the front (too keep out rain, I guess) but it's an extra step when getting ready.
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Jacket #3 (yes, I have three jackets) Vanson Buell partially perf'ed jacket $600 I got mine at HD/Buell of Boston (no state tax on clothing, but what was I thinking buying a jacket where it never gets over 90 when I live in Texas?)
There's some venting, or so I hear. Of course, riding in Texas in the summer is like standing in front of a big hairdryer, so short of a refrigerated unit, nothing will satisfy me (jacket-wise). It's got Buell down the right sleeve and the Pegasus on the back. The velcro strips at the waist are much easier to use than the freakin' leather ties of jacket #1. Only gripe is the color doesn't match the helmet. Someone should have talked to someone else....
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$100 (end of summer sale) This is the mesh jacket that everyone in Texas swears by. I'd been thinking of getting one (all summer, in fact) and then one of my buddies with Sport Bike Hype told me that their store had them on sale, so I got one. Will let you know next summer if it was worth it.....
*Update: Wow, this is a great jacket. I have to keep checking to see if it's still zipped because the airflow feels like it's wide open. I took out the shoulder pads because it felt weird. Probably be even cooler with the back armor taken out, but this is still THE jacket to have if you live in a hot climate.
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Helmet #1 (ok, I only have one helmet. for right now) Shoei Buell full faced helmet $300 I got mine at HD/Buell of Dallas when I bought the bike. I like it, but I would have bought anything the salesguy suggested... I guess I won't really know how I like it until I have to use it, and I'm hoping that doesn't happen. However, it fits and is as comfortable as a helmet is gonna get. I would like to have a removable liner (Texas and heat and sweat and all) *Note: I recently found out that you can completely submerse Shoei helmets, so the removable liner is less important now. Use a detergent that rinses clean, like Woolite, and rinse it well. Let air dry (you deserve whatever you get if you put it in the dryer).
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Redken glass $25 for 4oz Sold at salons only Before I learned to tie back my hair in some manner when riding, this was the only thing that would get tangles out in less than half an hour. Now it just makes it shiny so that it's more impressive when I take the helmet off and do the hair flick thing. It seems expensive, but I only use 2-3 drops at a time (and I have lots of hair...), so it lasts a very long time. I have other silicon based 'shine' products, but they didn't remove tangles as well as this. (I even tried baby oil once. Didn't help with the tangles and I had to wash my hair 4 times to get all that crap out.)
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Bath & Body Works various There is no official website, but stores are located everywhere. A goddess has to smell good, no? My favorite is Warm Vanilla Sugar, but you're guaranteed to find several other 'flavors' around my house (and in my purse, and car, and at work). If you ever feel the need to get the Goddess a present, anything from here will be appreciated. The best thing about Bath & Body Works is the smell, of course. I have tried many, many smell-good products and B&BW is the best, by far. The scents are true and not chemical or overly sweet, like many other products are. They also last a long time, but without being overpowering (who hates being stuck in an elevator with someone who bathes in cheap cologne?). One tiny gripe is that they rotate scents, rarely bringing any back. My previous favorite was Iced Pineapple, but I found out they'd never have it again after they quit carrying it and before I could stock up.
And since guys are reading this, too, gifts from B&BW to your girlfriend or wife will make them more forgiving of your most recent screwup. ☺
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Hair Glove $15 for 8" black leather I just ordered mine today, but it came highly recommended by a female rider I met at Thrills in the Hills. It wraps around your ponytail with a regular band that is attached to a leather (or other materials) 'sleeve' that snaps around your hair. This should work better for me, since my hair is layered. I'll update after I get it and get a chance to use it. *Update: My hair seems to be too fine (as in not thick enough) for this to work. The band slides out of my hair from the weight of the leather. I sent it to a friend and she loves it *Update: They've got a new website and new products. I would really love to be able to use something like this, since I keep losing scrunchies on the highway and my hair gets tangled beyond belief before I can pull over and do something with it. |
$190 for large pillion Originally designed for use in wheelchairs, the AirHawk seat cushion is a 'dry floatation' air-filled seat cover. It is comprised of multiple interconnected air bladders that can be adjusted for your comfort. And it does work. I rode about 500 miles in one day, and while it wasn't *comfortable*, it was possible. Without it (and keeping in mind I have the unpadded low seat for the Blast) my range is about 90 miles. It has a non-skid surface on the back, but I found it still moved too much for my comfort, so I tied it to the seat. No way do I want a two hundred dollar cushion blowing off at 80mph... It's designed not to be fully inflated, so it only adds about an inch in seat height. The high seat for the Blast is 2" taller, and can't be nearly as comfortable as this. I'm glad now that I didn't shell out for the Corbin seat, instead. |
Gun Stuff |
Gun #1 - Glock 17 w/night sights (9mm) $520 Glock I bought mine at a gun show (love those loopholes) The G17 is the first model made and was designed for use in the Austrian Army. It can be modified to shoot underwater (but beware the shockwaves - water doesn't compress). It is made of composite plastic and metal and is therefore fairly light. I tried several similar guns, but this one fit my hand best.
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Gun #2 - Kel-Tec P32 $200 Kel-Tec I bought this one at a gun show, too. I've come to the conclusion that local dealers are ripping us off royally. This is one small gun. I can hide it just about anywhere and not tell it's there. Some macho men claim the .32 caliber is too small for self defense. I say getting shot is gonna hurt, no matter what. It has much less recoil than the P11, it's 9mm brother. The sights take a bit to get used to, but really, who's aiming in that situation?
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$460 Glock This one was a private purchase The smallest .40 caliber in the family. A lot of fun to shoot, but it does start to hurt after about 50 rounds. The recoil is not as snappy as the 9mm, so I find it actually easier to shoot. When I can get it back from the boyfriend, that is.... Factory mags hold 9 rounds. Pearce Grips offer plus one extensions that give you another round and something more to hang onto (pictured). I say, good for the extra mags or range time, but buy the bigger gun in the first place if you're going to put them on all your mags. Not to mention it pinches my finger. But the guys seem to like them.
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Gun #4 - (apparently, I can't control myself with guns, either) Glock 26 w/night sights (9mm) $480 Glock Another gun show purchase The same size as the G27, but in 9mm. No sense in getting two of the same, even if I never get to see the first one. Plus, it's cheaper to practice with this one. Factory mags hold 10 rounds. I believe it holds the same mags as the 19 or 17, but I've not verified (or tried) it yet.
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Extra Mags - Glock Factory Post-Ban Magazines $18 * I found a better deal at Ivanhoe's - 2+ @ $16 each and no shipping. But don't have them shipped to your office... There are some aftermarket hi-cap mags, but they're mostly crap. Stick with the factory originals for better performance. Pre-ban (government officials decided we were better off if all semi-autos could only hold 10 rounds. Personally, I can't see much difference between 10 and 11, especially if you're making hits, but I'm not a highly paid government official, either) mags run anywhere from $80 to $120, depending on who's asking. Glock still makes hi-cap mags for law enforcement, but it's a big no-no to own any if you're not an LEO...
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~$55 Mine was a gift, purchased at Blade-Tech After I finally got it (Blade-Tech has to have the worst customer service of any company (except Keisler, apparently)) I've found that this holster is way more comfortable for a woman. The offset allows it to hang more vertically, so that you don't bruise ribs during your draw. The drop just makes it a little easier to get to. It's made of injection molded plastic, so very durable and easy to clean.
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Peltor Bull's Eye Ultimate "10" Ear Muffs $20 I got mine at the gun show, but they are widely available These are rated at 29dB and are very good at blocking out anyone talking. Very good for the price and easier to loan out than ear plugs. I also have a smaller profile pair rated at a lower dB. You never know when you might want something different...
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Kershaw Ken Onion Chive 1600 $36 I got mine at the gun show, but they are available on several websites. Cheapest I found was $28 before shipping This is a fairly small folding knife, but a very good size for my hands. Rather than sliding it open, there is a "Speed-Safe index trigger assisted opening mechanism" which pops the blade out and locks it. The handle is stainless steel, which means it can be slippery. With practice, opening and holding it if it's wet becomes easier.
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~$50 I have two, both ordered online, but I can't remember where. I believe I paid around $30 each, but do your own search. Considered the 'big brother' to the Chive, the Scallion is larger and has a 'polyamide' textured handle. Still legal in Texas, of course. While there are better knives out there, you'd pay a lot more for them. For the price, this knife is excellent.
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PELTORŪ - TacticalTM 6 Stereo NRR19 dB $110 (on sale) I have heard that Botach has a reputation for poor customer service, but I did not find that to be the case. Some advice I was given - call first and often. Rumor has it that if you order multiple items and any are out of stock they won't ship any of it or notify you in any way. This was all I ordered and they had it, so I was fine.
These are great. It amplifies regular noises (such as voices) until there is an 'impulse' noise such as gunshots. So your hearing is protected and you can still have a conversation at the range. Kinda freaky wearing them the first time, though.
There is one step up from these that offer higher dB ratings, but I liked the slimmer line better. Takes four AAA batteries, which will last longer if you remember to turn the earmuffs off when you leave the range.
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JP Custom Double Ring sights (in this case mounted on a Glock 24P) $89 This is my first reader submission. Here's his review: "One of the things that is true of all the ported Glock pistols, but especially the 24P is that the powder smoke covers the white on the front sight after just a few rounds. I thought about getting a dot site but didn't want to modify my frame for a mount. I then considered a Tasco Optima 2000. About the time I had the money to get one I found out that mounted to the slide they will last only about 2 years if your lucky. Then I discovered JP Customs Double Ghost Ring sights. They were pricey and difficult to install but I managed. On a standard length slide you simply knock out the existing sights and tap the new rear base into place then tighten it down. The front is secured by a small bolt that you can use a socket-driver on. On the long slides however you can't get the correct size driver through the access hole. What I did to remedy this is I used a dremal cut-off wheel to make 2 small notches on either side of the bolt, bought a really cheap screwdriver and ground and notched it to make a spanner. Wa-la, in tight. The results were well worth the effort. The sights are superb for accuracy and acquisition is quicker than any other iron sights I've tried. I can consistently get 1.5" 5 round groups out of my 24P at 25 yards off handed. Being able to actually see the target through the rings makes it easy to time the shots for best placement. Burt Smith aka Black Snowman" |
AroTek Extended Slide Release for Glock pistols $32 Two submissions in one =) Here's his review: "I began shooting bowling pin matches at my local range with my Glock 24P when I discovered that making the gun safe with the action locked open was tearing the bejezus out of my thumb. I decided to look into an extend slide release in order to have more meat to push up on when locking my slide open. At the time the only one available was from AroTek. It's a very well made stamped piece and installation was very well described in the instructions. Make sure you read and understand them before putting this in. You can damage your gun otherwise requiring even more parts. Functionally it's flawless, just easier to reach and much easier to push up on to lock the slide open. If the rules allow it I highly recommend picking it up for any competitive shooter. Burt Smith aka Black Snowman" |
$82 An IWB (in the waistband) holster with an adjustable cant (0-35 degrees). The clips that go over your belt are attached with leather, so they're flexible - a must for women who just don't have many flat places around their waist. The kydex is waterproof, so sweat doesn't affect it. I got the slide, which allows me to carry all of my Glocks (not at the same time) if I want. I'm still playing with the adjustments, which is one of the great things about this holster - you can have a 'brand new' one in a few minutes. Just one 'mistake' would pay for this holster... And these guys know customer service. Courteous, prompt, *friendly*, knowledgeable, you name it. We like them so much, everyone in the family has one ☺ |
Jacket #4 (no, I can't stop) Joe Rocket Phoenix
AirHawk Seat Cushion
Gun #3 - Glock 27 w/night sights (.40 caliber)
Blade-Tech Dropped Offset Holster
Kershaw Ken Onion Scallion 1620
Comp-Tac C-T.A.C. Holster