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Frank Thomas - any good these days? Frank Thomas - any good these days?
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Camping Equipment and all Clothing Tents, sleeping bags, stoves etc. Riding clothing, boots, helmets, what to wear when not riding, etc.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
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  #1  
Old 31 Jan 2008
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Frank Thomas - any good these days?
Looking at a new jacket for 3-4 months Europe jaunt May-August(ish).Some nice stuff from FT and IXS at great prices at my local J+S store... but i'm told that FT kit isn't as well made as in years previous (same as Merc's!) - the FT stuff i used to have was well-made, but that was a few years ago. Any experiences with the latest model stuff, anyone?
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Old 31 Jan 2008
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I can't confirm or deny that report about new F.T kit being badly made but I can tell you that one of my best ever buys was a Frank Thomas Aqua Jacket. It's a remarkable piece of kit and is still 100% waterproof. I bought it in 1992 and it's still in my wardrobe. The only thing I would say is that F.T gear usually comes with pathetically useless body armour! The armour used is a flimsy foam stuff and I can't understand how they obtained E.U certified standard. Best replace it with Knox armour here -

Motorcycle Clothing - Protectors

I'm considering these - Akito Desert Jacket and Trouser - Parts & Clothing - MCN

Sorry thats about as clear as mud!

All the very best.
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Old 31 Jan 2008
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I agree re the armour generally supplied with such kit (esp the more budget end...), so whatever i end up with will be used with my Knox armour-in-a mesh-underjacket-type-thing.It's the general quality of the textile and the build quality i think i'm interested in more, but ta for the FT thumbs-up, even though it's of the older kit (my old stuff was of that vintage, i seem to remember!).
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Old 31 Jan 2008
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I have a Frank Thomas Jacket that has been on a UK to Oz trip, worn every day, hot or cold and have to say I can't fault it. It was at the cheap end of the range(as is all my gear!!!) is now at least 6 years old and must of done 30,000 miles and is only now starting to be a bit worn. Survived a couple of small falls and has a nice burn hole from a discarded c*r drivers ciggy.
I've just bought a new Pair of Titanium Trousers and so far they seem good. Agree about the rubbish armour though.
Used FT as their HQ is in the town I live in and thought they may like to sponsor my trip. "Eeeerrr thats a no then" Still good gear though.
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Old 31 Jan 2008
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I've been wearing the FT Lady Rider suit for the past 18 months and it's been great. The suit is breathable and neither the trousers or jacket have ever leaked in the rain, both are vented for the summer (but trousers are too warm for summer) so I wear the jacket all year round. I agree that the armour is a bit flimsy, but the construction of the jacket and trousers is very good. Only niggle I have is that the jacket has been bleached quite badly by the sun over the summer months, so now the jacket is a few shades lighter than the trousers, but I guess that would happen with any black cordura. I'd definitely buy FT again.

Kentfallen - I've been looking at that outfit for my next buy and in that colour. Never again will I buy a dark coloured suit living in Spain. Have a look on eBay, that's where I saw it, and if you do get it please report back on the quality etc.
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Old 1 Feb 2008
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I had a pair of FT gloves a couple of years ago, but they literally fell apart at the seams! no more than about 10,000 miles, if that.

I think they were called 'Aqua' but don't quote me on that. They were also meant to be waterproof, but I travel frequently to Bristol and always seemed to have wet hands (I did remember to put the gloves on first.)

Not good experience, but I do think that their 'Ti' range looks good VFM, if it doesn't self destruct.

Joel
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Old 1 Feb 2008
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i've got f.t. jacket and trousers and i have done UK to Turkiye with them. I rode 20 hours in the rain throu France and Switzerland and it kept my body completely dry. they are quite comfortable. i am happy with them and will buy again if i need one. btw i got them for 40 quid brand new from bmf in p'boro
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Old 3 Feb 2008
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Thanks for the input, people! Bought myself an FT Full Force jacket today... here's to Rain and Shine (more of the later, mind!).
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Old 4 Feb 2008
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Must agree that FT riding jackets are excellent. I've got one which I used in London for a couple of years commuting to work everyday though winter and summer. Never got wet once, and nice and warm.

Their boots on the other hand is a different story in my opinion. I changed a new pair 3 times because they were leaking at the toes. The pair I have now is also leaking there. Won't buy them again...Can't remember the model...
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Old 4 Feb 2008
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good stuff
i got FT trousers 6yr old, jacket 1yr old and i find them great in the winter keeping me warm and dry.(even when it buckets down)although slighty hot in summer. as for my £90 FT aqua gloves they are crap! cant comment on boots though.
will definitely buy clothing again and they're cheap nowadays!
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Old 4 Feb 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Birdy View Post
I had a pair of FT gloves a couple of years ago, but they literally fell apart at the seams! no more than about 10,000 miles, if that.

I think they were called 'Aqua' but don't quote me on that. They were also meant to be waterproof, but I travel frequently to Bristol and always seemed to have wet hands (I did remember to put the gloves on first.)

Not good experience, but I do think that their 'Ti' range looks good VFM, if it doesn't self destruct.

Joel
My current gloves (25,000 miles) are F.T Aqua Gloves and I have found them to be absolutely FINE!
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