The RS Taichi Blast Viper Evo suit has been protecting my skin and bones for five years now and, to be honest, once you've ridden in one, you'll not be too keen to drop down a level or two when it comes to leathers.

Made from 1.5mm Japanese cowhide and complete with a silk-screen design, it's got CE armour where you need it as well as the MFJ (Motorcycle Federation of Japan) badge which says that it is approved as safety kit by the Japanese bike manufacturers safety group. It's got a zip-out inner liner as well as a inside pocket.

The arse doesn't sag, the legs are neither too short nor too long, there are stretch panels and pukka Keprotec stretch panels where you need them and high burst resistant YKK zips.

The knee sliders slide rather than grip, aren't made of cheese and last too. I reckon the sleeve could be a wee bit longer, but the RS Taichi matching gloves (GP Evo gloves) have a long cuff and there's no gap at the wrist.

I've crashed in the suit a couple of times and you wouldn't even see a scuff mark. If you want the very best leathers which pay more attention to the stuff that counts (materials, 'build' quality, function) rather than frippery, then I have never worn or seen better kit. I know that there are riders in world championships riding in Taichi leathers with a different manufacturers badges on them. Can you get a better endorsement?
In the UK, call Crescent on 01202 820170.