GORE-TEX is one of the strongest brand names in outdoor. Far from coming by chance, this position has been achieved through its strong performance in terms of rain protection. For the motorcyclist who, when the rain taps incessantly against the windows, still considers getting on. Based on the visit I paid to GORE-TEX in 2017, I tell you all about it.
GORE-TEX vs other waterproof motorbike clothing
Waterproof motorbike clothing we know, of course. But what makes GORE-TEX different from other waterproof clothing? That's why it's good to realise exactly what GORE-TEX is:
A waterproof membrane: a fabric with tiny holes 700 times larger than water vapour and 20,000 times smaller than a raindrop. These pores allow perspiration to escape, but stop water. This is why the membrane is also called breathable.
Unlike average waterproof membranes made from polyurethane, GORE-TEX is made from patented ePTFE. Or once: Porlythetrafluoethylene. Quickly forgotten, but what is important. This gives the membrane a much longer lifespan than those made by other manufacturers. Moreover, it is not susceptible to exposure to UV or contact with skin oils and acids. This makes it more durable.
The GORE-TEX material in motorbike clothing
If you dissect GORE-TEX, you end up with a thin white fleece that is therefore made up of tiny holes. This is applied to a support fabric to add comfort and strength. Together, this forms a membrane that is used in various ways in motorbike clothing.
GORE-TEX is thus the provider of waterproof protection. Yet it does not stop there. It is not a matter of going to the fabric market to buy a patch of GORE-TEX. As a motorbike apparel brand, you need to be licensed to use GORE-TEX. Items that have GORE-TEX in them must then be tested in their entirety by Gore to make sure it meets the strict standards.
Guaranteed waterproof | Guaranteed to keep you dry
If you've made it to our shop and find yourself face-to-face with our GORE-TEX collection, it will soon be the lozenge label that catches your attention. In particular, the promise: ‘Guaranteed to keep you dry’. Indeed, with proper care, GORE-TEX guarantees that for the life of your motorbike clothing, it will remain waterproof.
In which motorbike clothing is GORE-TEX used?
The GORE-TEX membrane mostly finds its way into high-end motorbike gear from leading brands. Some examples are: Alpinestars, Dainese, Held, REV'IT!, Richa, Rukka and Stadler. Mainly in textile motorbike clothing, but also motorbike gloves, motorbike boots and even motorbike trainers.
The application can vary. For example, the membrane can be laminated, stand-alone allowing you to remove it and a ‘floating’ Z-liner. In the case of a laminate, the GORE-TEX membrane is glued to the outer fabric. In this case, this outer fabric is manufactured by GORE-TEX to meet the stringent requirements again.
Alternatives to GORE-TEX
Just as GORE-TEX is a brand name of a waterproof membrane, there are many other membranes that are mostly developed and branded by manufacturers themselves . These are the best known:
- Alpinestars Drystar
- Dainese D-Dry / Absøluteshell
- REV'IT Hydratex
- Richa AquaShell
A wide choice
You will find a wide range of Gore-Tex items in our shops and in the webshop. Below are a few products such as motorbike jackets, trousers, gloves and boots or trainers.
