Buying great track day gear

Here’s a guide on what to look for and why the right equipment will make a huge difference in your track experience.

Are you thinking of getting out there on your sports bike and enjoying a bit of track time? Whether you're aiming for a fun day out or have racing aspirations, having the right gear will ensure you're comfortable and secure.

One company that’s taken a good hard look at the Australian sports riding scene is Argon. Here is their checklist for sports riders and what to look for in the right riding gear.

So, you’ve decided a sports bike is for you and you’re keen to head out to try a few track days, and if you enjoy it, go further and try your hand at racing. There are loads of track days available out there and plenty of clubs happy to guide you through taking it one step further and gridding up for a local race.

But what about gear? There are a few things to consider:

While you could spend an absolute fortune on all the elements of motorcycle ownership, you don’t have to. In all those areas there are choices where you can get decent quality without having to break the bank. When it comes to clothing, Argon offers high-quality leather suits, gloves, and boots at affordable prices without compromising on safety.

It’s logical enough when you think about it, but is something often forgotten when we buy new gear; is it designed for local conditions and local body types?

Argon has put in the research and looked hard at the riding population and how they use their gear. Their Pursuit and Evade suits are created to fit the Australian body type and riding style, ensuring a better fit and greater comfort.

Leather in its various forms has been the go-to choice for sports riders for decades, from folks out there having a great time with their mates at a track day, or at the pointy end of a MotoGP field. Leather is the best suit protection – simple.

But which kind? Traditionally it’s been cowhide, though kangaroo leather has also proved to offer incredible protection, is relatively light weight and is valued by many in the know.

Argon offers both options: their Pursuit suit combines kangaroo and cowhide, while the Evade suit is made from premium grade 100% cowhide. Both suits also feature Argon Advance Technology fibre lining for added protection. Importantly, each suit meets the CE EN 17092-2-2020 Class AAA safety standards, the highest status awarded by the governing body.

Incorporating armour in high-impact areas is a must for serious riders and is a must for anyone serious about their safety.

Argon prioritises safety by using CE Level 2-rated armour, the highest European standard available. CE Level 2 armour provides greater impact protection compared to CE1, making the Pursuit and Evade suits excellent choices for both track and road use.

While the Pursuit and Evade suits are at the reasonable end of the price range, the armour is at the highest level available. You’ll find X-Halo CE Level 2 armour in the shoulder, elbows and knees in the Evade suit, and the premium Pursuit suit is equipped with D3O CE Level 2 armour in the shoulder, elbows and knees. As an additional safety feature, the Pursuit suit also includes D30 Ghost armour on the chest (CE Level 1 rated). Both suits have room for a back protector, whether you use the included pocket or have a body mount.

While protection is vital, comfort is equally important when you’re out on the road or track. You want gear that moves with you, not against you. Both Pursuit and Evade suits feature four-way stretch fabric for a snug yet flexible fit. They come in a wide range of sizes, from small (46) to 4X (64).

Comfort-enhancing details include neoprene lining at potential chafe points and a removable quick-dry mesh lining. This combination of safety and comfort makes these suits stand out.

Finding quality track gear that doesn't strain your budget can be challenging. Argon offers exceptional value for money with premium safety features and thoughtful design.

The Pursuit suit is priced at $1399.95, while the Evade suit retails for $999.95. These prices compare favourably with other high-end brands, making Argon a smart choice for riders seeking high performance without the high cost. Remember, these are AAA rated suits, with the Pursuit incorporating a combination of kangaroo hide and premium cow hide; there aren’t too many roo suits or such highly rated suits at that price.

It’s hardly a secret that you need gloves and they should be of equal quality to your suit.

The pick for complementing your Argon race suit is the Mission gloves. Like the suits, they carry a premium CE safety certification; in this case, EN13594:2015.

The Mission gloves feature tear-resistant goat and kangaroo leather palms, Argon Advance fibre liner for extra durability, Knox protection sliders and TPU knuckle protectors for impact resistance and accordion panels for flexibility and digital leather inserts for better grip.

At $229.95, the Mission gloves offer a sophisticated blend of protection and comfort.

And now for our final stop for track day gear: boots!

Argon offers Pursuit and Evade boots to go with the suits. Like their other gear, the boots meet demanding CE standards, being EN13634:2017.

The Argon Pursuit and Evade boots features breathable, water-resistant microfibre uppers, reinforced padding for added comfort, high-grip antishock rubber soles for better control and TPU-reinforced gear-change pad, shin, heel, toe-slider, and ankle protection.

The Pursuit boots also include a rear back-pivot for enhanced movement support. At $299.95 for the Pursuit and $229.95 for the Evade boots, they are competitively priced for the level of protection and comfort they offer.

To experience the comfort, protection and value Argon can offer you, check out the range at argonmoto.com and ask for it by name at your local motorcycle accessories dealer or retailer.