Talk to me about kevlar jeans.....

[tbante]

These things seems pretty expensive. I understand the lack of impact protection vs road rash protection.
Does anyone prefer these over the traditional overpants with armor? Which brand do you prefer?
Thanks for opinions and ideas.

[Pithecanthropus]

I definitely like the convenience of these; I guess it's a cost/benefit of less protection vs. convenience. There are some manufacturers that have impact protection on the knees (Red Route makes one, I think Alpinestars, too), possibly the hips. I've heard good things about the Draggin' Jeans ( nice test video). There's some debate about the overall durability, but it's better than wearing Levis, which, from what I've seen, many are guilty of.
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[Pithecanthropus]

Actually, here's another nice add-on if you decide to go with kevlar: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/350/35685/ITEM/Icon-Field-Armor-Stryker-Shorts.aspx?wt.ac=SLI_SERP

[HandsomeSteve]

I've got a pair of Fieldsheer pants with removable insulation and armor.   However, I did pick up a pair of kevlar jeans and although they look a little different than stock jeans; they are very comfortable and made by Shift.  They cost me a total of $20 all in to my door from ebay.  Looks like they weren't used much.

If I do go down, hope I'm wearing the Fieldsheer armor that day.

[bajakirch]

I just missed out on a CL offering last week for these. The guy was selling them never-worn for $10. I jumped on it about 20 minutes after he listed them but I was #2 in line. #1 ended up buying.

While I wouldn't buy them new, for the price I thought they'd be a nice option to have if I didn't want to wear my riding pants in hot weather. Definitely a step up from the jeans I've been wearing til now.

[Burgi]

I had a pair, not sure of the brand. My husband has/had a pair of Draggin' (they are over at a moto-gear consignment shop to be sold).
Neither of us liked them much. I found them to be much hotter than my mesh motorcycle pants, since I can just wear shorts underneath I get more air flow that way.

[draco_1967]

Actually, here's another nice add-on if you decide to go with kevlar: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/350/35685/ITEM/Icon-Field-Armor-Stryker-Shorts.aspx?wt.ac=SLI_SERP

"shielding the bits you hold most dear"
 

[Hangster]

I love the Draggin Jeans (own 3 pairs), think they are more comfortable than regular jeans but i also wear a pair of Knox armored shorts under them and a pair of six six one knee guards on all rides .

[coffee_brake]

From someone who crashed in jeans...

Nevermind the rash. It was the impact to my knees that hurt long after the rash had healed....

Skin grows back more quickly than damaged joints.

[Soupskin]

Neither of us liked them much. I found them to be much hotter than my mesh motorcycle pants, since I can just wear shorts underneath I get more air flow that way.

Thanks! Being a southerner, you saved me a regretted purchase.

I'll keep on loving my unattractive but oh so breezy mesh pants.

[green427]

I have a pair of Fieldsheer Kevlar jeans.

Just keep in mind that the fabric is not Kevlar brand, but a similar material called Aramid.

If you have skinny legs, you will need a sewing machine to make them fit you better. The jeans are so baggy that I have my doubts about protection, especially since only certain areas have the Aramid. I think the more expensive name-brands have a lot more ballistic material.

Check with HC...I think he found some jeans worth looking into....

[green427]

I had a pair, not sure of the brand. My husband has/had a pair of Draggin' (they are over at a moto-gear consignment shop to be sold).
Neither of us liked them much. I found them to be much hotter than my mesh motorcycle pants, since I can just wear shorts underneath I get more air flow that way.

My thoughts exactly. Yes, they are very hot during the summer.

[LOKi]

I have a pair of Draggin Jeans and love them. I find that when moving they have better air flow than my mesh. Mainly because the mesh over paints have plastic knee pads and a solid panel that blocks wind just over the knee and shin. The only parts of the leg facing forward. While my Draggin's don't have plastic armor it offers plenty of abrasion protection. Risk vs. reward there. The reward is a pair of riding paints you can jump off the bike and walk around a festival in without the hassle of changing in the parking lot. The down side is they are thick and can be hot when sitting in traffic.

During the heat of the summer everything is hot. When it's 95*+ with 98% humidity you could be butt naked and you would still be hot. Here is where the Draggin Jeans really shine. What you do is pull over to a stream or lake. Get off the bike and walk down to the water. I take my t-shirt off and soak it in the water then squeeze the water out on my jeans. The Kevlar pads ARE thick and absorb a lot of water. If your supper hot then take the boots off and jump in. Ladies this would be a better option for you than taking off the t-shirt, although not as fun for the male spectators.   Anyway after dousing yourself with water get back on the bike and enjoy the swamp cooler effect as the water evaporates slowly out of the jeans. The Kevlar pads will hold water for a good 45min to an hour or more depending on temperature and humidity. The game here becomes making from watering hole to watering hole before the jeans completely dry.

[bajakirch]

Just be aware I've read that Kevlar (and, I assume, related materials) can be negatively affected by exposure to water. Now, my reading pertained to ballistic vests for law enforcment/military. So while the fabric may degrade to the point where you may not trust it to stop a bullet, it may still be OK for motorcycling protection. IDK for sure.

[LOKi]

That would be pretty sad if they used a material that can't get wet for motorcycle gear.