Ian Hutchinson just made his debut with the new RST Team at Oulton Park on the TeamRST bike, unveiling his updated race suit and gloves featuring D3O impact protection technology. If you don’t already know why this is a big deal, I’ll refresh your memory as to just what this gear is protecting ‘Hutchy’ from.
Hutchy is one of the most successful road racers ever, holding 16 Isle of Man TT wins and 27 podiums. Back in 2010, the man won all five solo TT races in the same week, a feat yet to be equalled. The gear that protects one of the fastest men on two wheels competing in the most dangerous race in the world should make riders take note, especially when said gear is relatively unknown in the US.
For the 2026 IOM TT and North West 200, Hutchy will wear the RST V4.2 D3O Airbag Leather Suit and Pro Series gloves with D3O palm protection, and it’s not just him. Every RST rider will be wearing this combo for the IOM TT, and you can too because the exact same models will be on sale at the event this year.
“Racing demands total concentration and commitment, and I need protection I don’t have to think about.” Said Hutchinson. “My RST race suit with D3O protection is incredibly comfortable and moves with me, but I know it’s there doing its job when it matters most. That confidence lets me focus purely on the race ahead.”
The thing about the V4.2 D30 suit is that it manages to be as much as or more expensive alternatives and add a bit more bang for your buck, for good measure. It has Level 2 D30 armor everywhere you expect it—knees, elbows, shoulders, hips—but it also has built-in Level 2 back protection, and that’s extremely uncommon in today’s leathers, and it doesn’t stop there. The suit also has RST’s integrated performance airbag, which requires an in&motion subscription of around $12 per month or a one-time activation of about $400-500.
Photo by: RST
The outer material is made from Kangaroo leather and drum dyed cowhide and features carbon shoulder and knee cups. The garment itself receives a AAA rating, which is in part helped by double leather and DuPont Kevlar in impact areas. Finishing off the package are quick-release hook and loop knee sliders.
The suit has an official MSRP of €1,526.95 ($1794.28) in Europe. When you consider how much you’re getting for the money, the fact that it’s exactly what Hutchy is wearing, and how much similar suits from competitors are, it’s a relative bargain. There is no official US price from RST yet.
If you’re lucky enough to head to the TT this year, you can buy the RST V4.2 D3O Airbag Leather Suit from the RST truck. Here you’ll get measured and can choose different custom colors and designs, and ensure you never come across another suit quite the same as yours. You can check out all of the suit’s details here.
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