Joe Rocket Speedmaster 5.0 Suit Test
With over a decade of history in AMA Pro Road Racing, affordable gear-maker Joe Rocket has gained much on-track experience to build a worthy one-piece leather suit such as the Speedmaster 5.0.
These one-piece suits offer ultimate protection, but they simply lack convenience for the real-world sportbike rider. No worries; Joe Rocket has you covered by offering the Speedmaster 5.0 suit in a two-piece version.
The two-piece suit retains all the features of the Speedmaster 5.0 one-piece, but comes with a full wrap-around waist zipper. This makes it track legal while retaining the definite convenience of two separate pieces.
A two-piece suit is a good choice if you want to wear the jacket with different pants ,or vice-versa. It is also more comfortable during an entire day of riding, and prevents the droopy look of a full suit when the upper part is removed and hanging down your backside.
Joe Rocket uses top-grain, race quality cowhide in the construction of this suit, which should last for years. Inside the suit is entirely lined with a polyester non-removable mesh, and, for further comfort, Joe Rocket also offers an Speedmaster Suit liner.
For protection Joe Rocket utilizes removable CE approved armor in the elbows, knees, shoulders and back. The tag calls the back pad “Turtle Fit n Fit.” I don’t know what that means, but it is removable, upgradable and, upon careful examination, is much more substantial than many flat foam pads included with other garments. They even warn you to replace it if it receives a strong impact. The knee sliders included are beveled, ceramic compound.
With a price point under $700, the Speedmaster is positioned in the low end of the price spectrum, though the suit offers excellent build quality as well as good proportions in cut and fit.
I’m a 44 in most clothing, and the size 44 I tried was a perfect fit for me. It is true to size without the guesswork found in some other manufacturer’s sizing.
The YKK brand zippers worked well, and there are plenty of them. The jacket has two outside hand warmer-style pockets and one inside zippered pocket, zippered sleeves, a zippered air vent on each upper arm and two on the lower back of the jacket.
There are also small, molded ram air vents on top of the shoulders bordering the speed hump, and around the titanium shoulder “sliders.” The Joe Rocket Speedmaster 5.0 two-piece suit features stretch panels sewn in strategic places at the elbows, shoulders, back, knees, thighs, inner arms and calves.
The leather is not perforated, but with the venting system combined with the natural air flow through the fabric inserts, the garment remained comfortable on a sunny fall day with temperatures in the low 80s. But I am not sure how it will feel at any raceway on a summer track day.
The pants have no pockets nor vents but do have much stretch fabric in the crotch and behind the legs as well as polyester mesh panels at the bottom of the legs where they zip. This fabric allows some circulation and comfort as temperatures rise. Zipping top to bottom is easier than some other brands, and there was no zipper binding and good alignment of the pieces when you zipped up.
The Speedmaster 5.0 two-piece suit is immediately comfortable and I know it will break in to be softer and even more relaxed as it gets worn over time. It felt good right out of the box when I climbed aboard an Aprilia RSV4 Factory, which isn’t exactly the most spacious bike around. I just do my Valentio Rossi imitation before boarding, make an adjustment or two, and I’m good to go.
Included are some generic race patches that add to the badassness of the suit, and I find it rather attractive. This suit is available in black, gunmetal, red, and blue in sizes ranging from US 38 to 56, and retails for $699. Overall, the Speedmaster 5.0 two-piece package offers a lot of cluck for the buck.
For additional information, log onto Joe Rocket’s website.
Joe Rocket Speedmaster 5.0 Two-Piece Suit Features:
- 1.2 to 1.4mm drum-dyed top grain cowhide
- Titanium reinforced shoulders
- C.E. approved armor at the shoulders, knees & elbows
- Removable spine pad with pocket for optional C.E. spine protector
- Aerodynamic speed hump
- Variable Flow ventilation system
- Injection molded shoulder vents
- Pre-curved sleeves and legs
- Poly/Mesh ankle panels
- Beveled, ceramic compound knee sliders
- Optional Speedmaster Suit Liner available
