Frogg Toggs

[fortyhourdays]

I bought myself some Frogg Toggs the other day because I wanted a more portable rain gear set up.  I finally got some rain to try them in a few days ago and was pretty disappointed.  About 20 minutes into my ride I felt the distinct feeling of water coming in at the armpit area where the seam was.  Then my chest started getting wet.  Then the family jewels got a nice dose of cold rain water seeping through the seam.  By the time I got home the whole front of my t-shirt was soaked where water had been coming in the front zipper even thought everything was buttoned down properly.

Anyway, I've always heard good things about Frogg Toggs, so I'm wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience to mine.  Am I expecting too much out of a $70 rain suit?  Did I just get a bad suit?

[bajakirch]

I've owned a set of FT for several years. Back when I was riding in jeans and an old leather jacket, they were my rain gear.

There were only a couple of times I wore them in any kind of semi-serious rain. On one of those occasions I got some seepage through the crotch. This was also before I had my tank bag, which now provides some protection down there.

I think the FT are a decent choice for someone starting out. They're inexpensive enough and they will keep you mostly dry in moderate rain conditions. But I don't really think they were designed with motorcycling in mind. That constant 70-mph headwind will defeat a lot of waterproofing. I suspect the same would happen if you wore the FTs in a hurricane for an hour or so.

[happycommuter]

All I know is that they melt around hot exhaust.  They were meant for golfers, not highway speeds and downpours.

If this was truly heavy rain, holding out for twenty minutes is pretty good.

[coffee_brake]

I also think they're a good option for really hot weather, when gear with waterproofness made into it is unbearable.
FT makes a set specifically for motorcyclists with heat panels on the legs to prevent exhaust burns.

They also make a cut specifically for women, which is great. The pants for the dudes is too snug around the hips and the legs aren't long enough.

And yeah, 20 minutes is about all you're going to get from this set if it was truly pouring....

[ariwhiteboy]

I'll stick up for my little froggs....I keep a set of regular FTs in my hardbags, they are my only rain gear. I picked them up cheap off CL about a year back. The are just big enough to slip over my riding gear so I can just stop and throw them on. I've ridden in some pretty heavy rain and stayed 99% dry every time. The only real complaint I have was that the zipper (admittedly not made for 60mph) gave up the ghost after about half a dozen uses. I went to wal-mart and picked up a generic replacement parka zipper and had a seamstress sew it onto the jacket. Better than new! I really think that if you don't subject them to extreme abuse, realize that no gear is 100% waterproof, and are on a budget they are great to keep in the saddle bags.

[hppants]

I've got a set of FT and they are not 100% waterproof in a driving rain.  As a weekender in this 100 deg. heat, frankly, a little 60 mph shower is pretty welcome at times although I flat HATE riding in the rain (bad experience).  Usually, I just pull over, wait out the 15 minute shower and move on.  If I was a full timer, I'd invest in better rain gear though.

[fortyhourdays]

Thanks for the advice.  I do end up riding in rain quite often since the bike is my main source of transportation.  After how much the guy at the MC shop talked up these frogg toggs, I was expecting a little better performance.  It was a pretty driving rain the other day and I was on the freeway for part of the ride though so I understand.  Looks like these will be handy for short trips when the weather is nice but there's a chance of rain.  I like how small they pack, I just won't expect them to keep me dry for long in a hurricane or be very useful for any sort of serious touring.

[NightHawked]

I would consider taking them back. For 20 minutes is it worth putting them on?

[DesignFlaw06]

I had a choice between FT for $70 and a set of Tourmaster Elite II sereis for $90.




Best extra $20 I ever spent. The TM seemed like much better quality. And while I don't spend much time in the rain, the times I've had to wear it, it has done very well.

[luckylindy]

Ditto on the Tourmaster.  I've ridden in a downpour in those and no h2o got in.

[cmyers]

My father recently gave me a new set of Frog Toggs but I have yet to try them out. In the last few years I have bought DryDucks from Dick's sporting goods or Sports Authority. They are $20 bucks and will last for 6-7 commutes on the Highway or much longer if used on back roads, but the wind and flapping will eventually tear them. For waterproof they worked extremely well only allowing water through at the jacket zipper. The only time I ever use them is when I will get wet going to work/school/event or really cold; if I am headed home - I just laugh at all the funny looks I get from cagers.

I would suggest spraying the seams with camp dry or similar product that is used for sealing tent and other seams.

[Brittles]

Interesting read.....

I've got a Nelson Riggs rainsuit that works very well. It's a 2 piece type that has a "bib" with shoulder straps. Have ridden all day in the pouring rain and stayed dry. Been considering the Frogg Toggs as the Nelson Riggs takes-up the majority of my tailbag.

[mattrowe19]

I've been using a Motoboss rain jacket I got on sale at Cycle Gear. The few times I used it, it worked great. My Bilt riding pants have an inner rain liner that worked quite well. The only spot that got wet was around the zipper area at the crotch. Granted, this was during a torrential downpour. I've got a set of the Dowco Guardian rain gear on the way that I was lucky enough to pick up on eBay for $25. I think they're normally around $40 at bikebandit.com. We'll see how the work. I just wanted dedicated rain pants and it has an under helmet hood to keep the rain out of my neck. Plus with the hood I can use it for Duck games in the fall.

[fortyhourdays]

Just a quick note, I contacted the MC shop where I bought them and apparently I am the first customer to not be satisfied with them and they won't take them back in return since I used them.  Oh well.  That was a $70 lesson. 

[cmyers]

What about contacting Frog Toggs directly?


Edit: Did some reading on the Frog Togg website - I would really call and talk to them, based on this page http://www.froggtoggs.com/#about/ I would be surprised if they wouldn't help you. And here is their Warranty http://www.froggtoggs.com/warranty.html which I would let them know that the MC shop was not helpful.

[NightHawked]

Sorry to hear the shop was not more helpful. It kinda seems it is a catch 22 with the manufacture also. They will determine if you should be happy with the suit. It might give you satisfaction to "know" if it is defective.
 

[tbante]

Just a quick note, I contacted the MC shop where I bought them and apparently I am the first customer to not be satisfied with them and they won't take them back in return since I used them.  Oh well.  That was a $70 lesson. 

Jon, are you back in TN yet? If so, do tell which MC shop you got them at. Was it Sloans?

[fortyhourdays]

Just a quick note, I contacted the MC shop where I bought them and apparently I am the first customer to not be satisfied with them and they won't take them back in return since I used them.  Oh well.  That was a $70 lesson. 

Jon, are you back in TN yet? If so, do tell which MC shop you got them at. Was it Sloans?

No, still up in Maine.  It was at "Friend and Friend" motorcycle shop or as my brother and I like to call it, "Spend and Spend".  I'll be back in Tennessee next week.  We'll have to hook up for another ride one of these days.  I'm going to try contacting Frogg Toggs and see what they'll do.  I'll let you know what happens.