I've been considering getting some "real" riding gear for awhile. I've been wearing Bates boots when riding - one pair that's for most conditions, and a waterproof pair for the rare times I'm caught in the rain. They've served me well and the price is good, but I want more protection JIC I miss the queues that a careless cager is close to injuring me.
Comfort is always #1 to me, and I tend to research anything and everything I'm considering spending my "hard earned" on thoroughly before parting with any cash. This purchase was no different.
I've been reading reviews ad nauseum about Indie Ridge Boots and signed up on their site to be notified when a rare "sale" comes up. I got an email about two weeks ago announcing a Father's Day Sale; "Buy any pair of boots, get any pair of gloves free". Boots run $185.00 a pair, and most gloves run $85.00 a pair - far more than the usual $25.00 a pair I'm accustomed to paying. I've read hundreds of reviews from Customers (I don't pay much attention to published reviews from companies that take advertising dollars from vendors - they're frequently biased). SO when I got the email from Indie Ridge about this sale, I decided "That's for me".
I put a pair of Black Commanche boots and a pair of Black Full Gauntlet gloves in my cart, entered the code and my card information:
Shipping was free, the $270.00 total was adjusted to $185.00 at checkout, no sales tax, and the wait began.
I immediately got an Order Confirmation by email, and was sent a shipping / tracking number the following day. Communication was great!
The shipping took a week. The package arrived today via UPS with no damage at all. And I'm impressed....
The box had the boots, gloves and a free Neck Gaiter inside. The packaging is exceptional. I can tell this company cares about what they're selling and how its presented.
The boots are exactly as pictured. The ankle cups aren't visible, but definitely where they should be. The rear support protects the Achilles at the heel well.
There's a pull-up strap at the rear (missed having that on the Bates'), and there's a LOT of padding inside the boot.
The owner (Steve) posts on his website as improvements / changes are made. The Commanche has a sole more like a "hiker" than the Crow does (looks more like a work boot), and Steve said it's bi-directional and has improved grip and traction over previous versions.
The Black Full Gauntlet gloves weren't my first choice (they were out of stock on "Black on Black" denim and leather gloves in XL). I emailed Indie Ridge and asked if I could return the Full Gauntlet gloves for the Black on Black when my size was back in stock and Stephanie replied "Sure, you can do that". HOWEVER upon seeing these gloves, and having only warmer weather gloves now, I've decided to keep these.
The fit is almost perfect (have to size them primarily to the length of your middle finger - and circumference of your hand at the knuckles) with the pinkie being about 1/8" too long. I'll put a cotton ball in there to take up the space. The fingertips allow use on the RC screen and a Smart Phone.
They also included a free "The American" Motorcycle Mask. I haven't opened it yet, but IF I were to order one, that would have been what I chose, so that was a "Win - Win" as well.
The gloves came in a nice draw-string pouch and heavy weather proof container, and the mask came with a heavy storage container as well.
I'm not easily impressed, but for a first transaction, I think they hit it out of the park.
**There are no loose threads or misaligned panels on any of the items. Everything looks top-notch.
I'll follow up with break-in and quality / comfort info soon.
BTW - Steve indicated that the price on boots will be going up very soon.
I suggest if you're considering getting a pair, get off your butt, sign up on the site / email list and buy 'em now, or wait until the next sale - which isn't very often. The price increase will surely happen by then.
Comfort is always #1 to me, and I tend to research anything and everything I'm considering spending my "hard earned" on thoroughly before parting with any cash. This purchase was no different.
I've been reading reviews ad nauseum about Indie Ridge Boots and signed up on their site to be notified when a rare "sale" comes up. I got an email about two weeks ago announcing a Father's Day Sale; "Buy any pair of boots, get any pair of gloves free". Boots run $185.00 a pair, and most gloves run $85.00 a pair - far more than the usual $25.00 a pair I'm accustomed to paying. I've read hundreds of reviews from Customers (I don't pay much attention to published reviews from companies that take advertising dollars from vendors - they're frequently biased). SO when I got the email from Indie Ridge about this sale, I decided "That's for me".
I put a pair of Black Commanche boots and a pair of Black Full Gauntlet gloves in my cart, entered the code and my card information:
Shipping was free, the $270.00 total was adjusted to $185.00 at checkout, no sales tax, and the wait began.
I immediately got an Order Confirmation by email, and was sent a shipping / tracking number the following day. Communication was great!
The shipping took a week. The package arrived today via UPS with no damage at all. And I'm impressed....
The box had the boots, gloves and a free Neck Gaiter inside. The packaging is exceptional. I can tell this company cares about what they're selling and how its presented.
The boots are exactly as pictured. The ankle cups aren't visible, but definitely where they should be. The rear support protects the Achilles at the heel well.
There's a pull-up strap at the rear (missed having that on the Bates'), and there's a LOT of padding inside the boot.
The owner (Steve) posts on his website as improvements / changes are made. The Commanche has a sole more like a "hiker" than the Crow does (looks more like a work boot), and Steve said it's bi-directional and has improved grip and traction over previous versions.
The Black Full Gauntlet gloves weren't my first choice (they were out of stock on "Black on Black" denim and leather gloves in XL). I emailed Indie Ridge and asked if I could return the Full Gauntlet gloves for the Black on Black when my size was back in stock and Stephanie replied "Sure, you can do that". HOWEVER upon seeing these gloves, and having only warmer weather gloves now, I've decided to keep these.
The fit is almost perfect (have to size them primarily to the length of your middle finger - and circumference of your hand at the knuckles) with the pinkie being about 1/8" too long. I'll put a cotton ball in there to take up the space. The fingertips allow use on the RC screen and a Smart Phone.
They also included a free "The American" Motorcycle Mask. I haven't opened it yet, but IF I were to order one, that would have been what I chose, so that was a "Win - Win" as well.
The gloves came in a nice draw-string pouch and heavy weather proof container, and the mask came with a heavy storage container as well.
I'm not easily impressed, but for a first transaction, I think they hit it out of the park.
**There are no loose threads or misaligned panels on any of the items. Everything looks top-notch.
I'll follow up with break-in and quality / comfort info soon.
BTW - Steve indicated that the price on boots will be going up very soon.
I suggest if you're considering getting a pair, get off your butt, sign up on the site / email list and buy 'em now, or wait until the next sale - which isn't very often. The price increase will surely happen by then.