Looking for inexpensive pants

[RussellH]

I'm looking for inexpensive pants that will do the job of protecting me from road rash and preferrably my knees etc from impact. I was originally looking for something around $100 but then I thought about the cheap dirt bike gear especially when it's on sale like the ones below. Are these any good?

I'd love to get an Aerosticth gear but I'd rather have at least some protection before I have the funds for the good stuff.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/6/9/1341/ITEM/Fox-Racing-Panther-Pants---2008.aspx

[happycommuter]

They seem built for (light) abrasion, but not impact.  Spend a bit more and get something with some knee armor.
Mesh stuff works well enough, as it holds armor over the contact point. 
http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/

[green427]

I have winter overpants and a couple textile jackets from these people, they are pretty decent for the price.

If you want leather pants with CE armor: http://motodirect.com/product/6_36-Motorcycle-Pants/1072-EXL-Motorcycle-Pants-Mens-Black-Leather-Racing-Motorcycle-Pants.html

Textile overpants with CE armor (this is what I have, a little baggy, but VERY warm): http://motodirect.com/product/17_32-Motorcycle-Textile-Pants/230-EXL-Motorcycle-Pants-Textile-Racing-Motorcycle-Pants-w-CE-Armor-1.html

Note: they now have the same pants without the baggy feel.

Mesh pants (for warm weather) with NON-CE armor: http://motodirect.com/product/17_44-Motorcycle-Pants/1071-EXL-Motorcycle-Pants-Mesh-Motorcycle-Pants.html

Another competitor with similar pricing: www.jafrum.com


Keep in mind, these products are good for the price you pay, but if you are a CEO of a bank and have some extra bailout money to burn, you are better off getting Joe Rocket or Alpinestars apparel. 

[RussellH]

Thanks guys. After reading a bunch of positive reviews of the Scorpion Deuce Mesh overpants I placed the order with newenough.com - $149 out the door.

I really liked the looks of the Airglide pants that Hondo has but I couldn't find them in the Khaki like his. All I saw was silver and don't felt like looking like the robot man on a bike.

[hang man]

Actually i had bought the Deuce pants and returned them mainly because they are Heavy , you'll see what i mean

It felt like i was wearing a pair of lead pants

[FAITHBIKER]

I know where I'll be going for mine when I do... www.jackets4bikes.com 
Leather with CE Armor too!  And not the cheap patchwork leather either!

[RussellH]

Dangit hang man, you should know better to warn me before my unpredictable purchases :)

So what did you end up with? To be honest my jacket's heavy too so whatever...as long as I have the peace of mind I'm fine. Besides I read at least 6 or 7 rave reviews about them on various forums.

Faithbiker, I avoided leather on purpose just because of the hot temps here.

Also, I read the best armor is the one you strap on (woah, that sounds weird ) like the knee protectors and the Icon back protector which I might consider too. The reason being that when you fall and tumble the pads/armor shifts within the pockets.

[hang man]

Dangit hang man, you should know better to warn me before my unpredictable purchases :)

So what did you end up with? To be honest my jacket's heavy too so whatever...as long as I have the peace of mind I'm fine. Besides I read at least 6 or 7 rave reviews about them on various forums.

Faithbiker, I avoided leather on purpose just because of the hot temps here.

Also, I read the best armor is the one you strap on (woah, that sounds weird ) like the knee protectors and the Icon back protector which I might consider too. The reason being that when you fall and tumble the pads/armor shifts within the pockets.

Well i ended up with Draggin jeans , but at the same time got a pair of Bohn adventure shorts and a pair of Six Six One Knee guards to make up for what what the jeans are  lacking (I like denim and there is no way in this life time leather pants will be part of my apperal) ...Anyway my leather Jacket is a different story , i like it and don't mind the weight of it eather .
 I suppose it depends on your personal prefrence , see how you like the Deuce and put some  up while you're at it.

[RussellH]

I got the pants today and actually comfort wise I like them, did you get the mesh ones or leather cuz these mesh ones aren't heavy at all considering they're not jeans.

The only thing I don't like about them is where the knee armor is, it's too low even when I bend the knees the top of the padding just barely covers the top of my knee cap.

Here're I am, at your request, in my full gear 

[happycommuter]

The only thing I don't like about them is where the knee armor is, it's too low even when I bend the knees the top of the padding just barely covers the top of my knee cap.

I think this was a concern of hang man's on his Draggin jeans too.  When you go into a fetal position, the part of the knee that will be hitting should be covered just fine.  It's hard to touch the top of your kneecap to the ground.

Kudos on the vest.  Being visible serves you every day, while crash gear only does it's job that one time. Everything seems to fit well - people often get stuff 'fashionably' baggy - big mistake.

[RussellH]

Thanks, I like how everything fits nice and snug. My wife laughs everytime I put the vest on, she says I look like a cop. I tell her that's good cuz I don't mind fulfilling her fantasy  - of course, she rolls her eyes and walks away saying 'trying to cut back' 

[hang man]

As long as you likem RussellH is all that matters , i am used to wearing jeans only (i suppose that's why they felt like i was wearing lead pants) .....
Hmm Happycomuter  it is true that when you go down you're in the fetal position but when you tumble your legs are no longer in that position , now you're flopping around with legs fully extended and it would be more useful to have something that is attached directly over your knee cap at all times (well i don't know but i used to wear knee guards while flying for protection when i screwed up my landing and it was always a pleasure not to break my knee cap)..Any who RussellH you have a very understanding wife , something that a lot of us saps envy...nice lookin gear from top to bottom 

[RussellH]

Thanks hang-man. Well it's how you look at it, sometimes I wish she would tell me NO because motorcycles are dangerous so should I feel she does care if I die or become crippled or should I feel thankful that she supports my decisions 

As for the gear, some things are a compromise and not as good as I would want but at least I'm doing the best I can to protect myself. Here's what I have:

1. Arai Profile - usually over $500, I got it for $360 on sale at Cycle Gear
2. Armored leather jacket by PilotUsa.com - $79 from cheapcycleparts.com
3. AlpineStar gloves, usually $69 but got them on sale for $39 when I did the MSF class but I need to find better gloves since they leave a small section on my hand exposed and are not long enough to cover the wrist and beyond
4. Scorpion Deuce Mesh pants - $149 from newenough.com
5. DieHard mid-height work shoes - $30 from Sears - a little heavy but definitely tough boots, next time I'll get taller boots
6. Reflective vest - $8 from Harbor Freight

[Bumblebee]

Here's what I have:

That just goes to show everyone that crash gear doesn't have to break the bank...well, at least it doesn't for starters...

That's $657 total and 55% of that was the helmet.

That's not bad for a one time head to toe life insurance policy payment.

[RussellH]

Yeah I could've gone with a cheaper helmet, they had some in the $100 range on sale but I just decided to get this one as it's supposed to be lighter and one of the quietest out there.

I'm seriously considering adding the Icon vest to my gear. It protects the spine as well as has good coverage around the shoulder blades and ribs and only $100.

Another thing I'm considering is the strap-on style knee protectors. The ones I saw were expensive at $65 for a pair.

Anyone have any thoughts on these items?