I now have a firsthand waterproof update on BKS textiles in case it’s helpful for others. My BKS textiles are generally waterproof, but not under prolonged heavy rain. So, BKS offers an optional zip-in eVent liner to protect against relentless rainfall; it adds a little cost and faff. Hence, Hideout Hi-Pro textiles appear ahead of the waterproof game. I’d choose Hideout with hindsight.
Still got my hideout 30 year old leathers. Haven’t worn them for half that time. Lovely kit but what the hell do you do with them....
Interesting. Had this conversation with Kate last year. Re waterproof guarantees etc. Gore warranty still the best and tested by me with a 4 year old pair of Sidi adv boots. They leaked so new pair supplied. With both BKS & Hideout I don’t believe the same applies as far as waterproof guarantee goes. I fully understand the hoops manufacturers have to go through in order to have Gore involved and appreciate small clothing manufacturers aren’t interested/able to use them. My own personal opinion is if I’m spending 2k on a waterproof 2 piece I want a decent life out of it. I have BKS leathers as they’re excellent and a Klim 2 piece for winter. Which after 7 years is still waterproof.
Just as an aside, I understand with the bnn on "Forever Chemicals" - some of the best qualities that have been enjoyed on say Gore-tex manufactured textiles will now be less effective - need more maintenance to keep working.
Im going to add that 20 years ago i had a MTM race suit made by Hideout. It is indestructible . But my point is they have stayed a British company with the core owners , handed down to the daughter i believe and in all that time ive never read a bad word about them. Quality is one thing but backup if needed should also be mentioned.
That’s interesting info. Undoubtedly, today’s Gore-Tex lacks waterproofing compared to when it utilised forever chemicals.
From what I’ve read Gore have said the new membranes are ‘as good’ as the original but the outer coating may need treating more often. No mention of a change in the guarantee that I can see. https://www.facewest.co.uk/pages/gore-tex-explained
Gore-Tex cycling clobber performs poorly compared to Gore’s gear with forever chemicals. Consequently, I’m unsure how today’s Gore motorcycle gear will perform in practice. If I were to choose textiles again, I’d get Hideout Hi-Pro. Every Hideout textiles owner I know gives them glowing reports. @michel couque's and EAMG's praise is reassuring, too. I had expected my BKS 100SX textiles to be the last word in motorcycle clobber. However, BKS's waterproofing only works perfectly when I can be bothered with the zip-in eVent liner.
I love my Hideout gear - literally the most comfortable garment I own. Cost a bloody fortune - admittedly, but given I spend 20% of my life zipped up in it.. well worth the money imo
Kate from Hideout is our June guest for our monthly meeting if anyone want to come they are more than welcome, Braintree area.
FWIW I have had 2 leather suits from BKS and for the last 3 years have been riding with a bespoke textile suit. I went with BKS because of my previous experience with them. The process of measuring at home and designing the suit was straight forward and I’m very happy with the result. I’m on a Tuono these days and I have been caught in long, crap, cold and rainy rides. The only time I got wet was when I left a vent open. Talking of vents, the one thing that surprised me was how well it vented on hot days. Even with a Techair 5 vest on. As for waterproofing, according to F9, goretex is pretty much the same as all these waterproofing membranes these days. I think the difference is in the fact that to get. Gore label it has to be made according to their instructions. Either way, I can highly recommend the BKS textile experience.
Gore will only put/allow their layer to be used if the item meets a certain standard. Which is fine. How much money changes hands between Gore & the item manufacturers, who knows. AFAIK Gore warranty is for ‘ lifetime’ of the item. No idea what other waterproof material companies offer? I go with Gore because of the warranty and back up. Happy to use others if parity on warranty is there.
What vents, if any, have you got on the arms? I’m curious if my arm vents are the cause of the problem, although rain has also got through some other areas (when not using the eVent liner). I agree with you about the BKS textile suit having excellent ventilation when all the vents are fully open. In particular, the arm vents work wonders when wearing an airbag vest.
