Re: Officially Licensed: G.I.JOE Retaliation -Snake Eyes Q3 shipping now!
Ok, proper review time - this is my first UD Replicas piece, so I can't refer to any others, but I have had bike leathers and done quite a bit of research into the suit, so that's where I'm coming from. Overall, from a rider's standpoint, I'd say build quality, safety & price are pretty comparable to Scorpion - though, quite a bit more awesome. I think I'll go one piece at a time:
Jacket:
Fit - This is a very comfortable jacket - typical stiffness and smell that you get from a new leather bike jacket, so thats no big deal. Because the sizes are 'heroic' (and Ray Park is a huge, wide dude), these jackets run a little big - I'm usually a medium, but I run a small in this jacket. Normally, I'd worry about the torso length and sleeve length, but from the original length of the jacket and the width of the shoulders, it actually fits me without any issues.
Usability - The large armor pieces attach via velcro and are held in place by the shoulder leather which snaps in on both sides. Though, the arm armor is riveted in place, so don't expect to be able to or need to move it around. The abdomen piece with the buckles velcros down and zips in on both sides - this hides the main zipper, but it is a little tricky with all the arm armor. But that means its all quite secure and I expect it would even hold up well in a crash. Speaking of, there is proper CE-rated moto armor which is pretty decent. Cosplayers probably don't need it, but matches pretty good to other jackets. There is also a sleeveless liner for cold weather that zips out. Its a pretty warm jacket, might be a tad heavy for hot days, but so far its been breathing ok for the amount of layers on it.
Accuracy - Generally, there are a few changes from the original piece, but all done for the purposes of making it a usable bike jacket. The armor is leather rather than any cast pieces, so there are a few small detail differences, mainly in the chest - but you have to look pretty close. The collar is also more of a moto jacket collar, but from reference pictures, there was some variation in collars and some details in scenes, so it doesn't bother me much. I may build it up a little later, though. All the colors and patterns are spot on, even small details in the chest by the buckles. The shoulder armor pieces do tend to sit inside of the bicep armor, but I'm sure a bit longer break-in period and it'll sit nicely. And yes, it does tuck into the pants just fine - gotta loosen the belt a tad or it bunches in the front, though.
Pants:
Fit - Really comfortable, actually - much better than the Scorpion pants I used to have. I normally wear a large (34/34) and these in large fit me very well. There aren't any adjustment straps like you may find in standard moto pants, but these can be tailored.
Usability - Solid heavy-weight material, feels kinda like canvas, not quite cordura. Not sure the abrasion resistance, but should survive a crash. Standard CE-rated knee and hip armor too. Oh, here's a pic of the armor - not too shabby!
Accuracy - Colors and patterns match reference pictures, and the belt loops do fit the 1" Pantel Rigger Belt perfectly. You have to undo the buckle to lace it, but it fits, honest!
Gloves:
Fit - Comfortable, very typical moto glove fit. Reminds me of a pair of Joe Rocket gloves I had once. I've got long, narrow hands so I typically go with an XL glove - worked just fine this time. Light, breathes nice, good grip.
Usability - Typical light moto glove armor and padding, should survive a crash fine. Its a little light for my preference, but I think my Knox Handroid gloves were 'enough'
Accuracy - Again, color & pattern are a match for reference pictures. Very very close to the O'neals
Boots:
Fit - Surprisingly comfortable, actually. I wear a 12 US boot and they fit spot on with my other boots, with a more comfortable insole than is typical.
Usability - The leather is a little thin, though that makes them pleasantly light - style is comparable to maybe a cruiser-style boot. You're not gonna get fancy straps or ankle protection, but thats not the style of boot they are. Sole is a pretty typical style, insole is good, breathability isn't bad either- I'll have to report back more after I break them in and put some miles on them.
Accuracy - Color looks good, though black is black - the pattern on the lace cover is spot on, as is the way its riveted and strapped on. There are some small differences in the stitching, the back of the ankle padding and the sole, but 90% of that is hidden by the pant cuff and presumably all of that is under some pile of Oakley patents. Might even last longer than the notoriously short-lived Oakleys too!
Overall, I'd call it a good buy for riding gear and a great replica. I honestly don't think I could really ask for more in a replica, especially not for one that pulls double-duty. Totally worth the wait and then some. I'll put up some more pictures once I've got the harness attached - man that makes me nervous.. think you could sell me a spare pair of leather shoulder pieces, David?