I might break down and squeeze some money out of my wallet, if my dang short arms could reach it, to buy some pants.

Question: Textile or mesh?

I hear textile is better for protection, but so latex in some instances I am told!

I recommend a combo-pant like Olympia's Airglide series if you're not going leather.

I have heard around here some where that any kind of protection that you are willing to wear is much better than the ones your not wearing. so, find something you are likely to wear all the time.

That said I like aerostich.
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/DarienLight-Pants-p-16380.html

I've been touting motoport like there's no tomorrow but their products seem like the best value. Even something like the kevlar street jean offers excellent protection but they have very reasonable top of the line cordura stuff as well that's cheaper and still very protective. It's hard to go wrong there, they have some good info on an otherwise lame website.

I do recommend if you go with overpants get some that hold the armor in place and don't allow it to shift too much. The same can be said for pants as well.

I´m very happy with my Aspinestars ST-5 Drystar (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=3&L2=11&L3=&L4=&item=PAR_322-351-10-XS_G&tier2=24) pants.
They're warm enough to ride in 30-40s without thermal underwear. Also, the liner can be detached and the outer layer, that holds the armor, used as overpants.

Anyone have experience with any of the jeans that are out there? I've been looking at Draggin, Cortech and Sliders brands. I know they won't offer the same amount of protection as other textiles or leathers but at least they're better than Levi's, right?

...they're better than Levi's, right?
If that makes you sleep better...er Ride better :wink:

I got a pair of the ICON Recon Jeans (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/sport/kevlar+motorcycle+jeans/icon_recon+jeans) and like them alright, good attention to detail in them. (get the black ones otherwise they look dorky IMHO)

I like my Joe Rocket Alter Ego pants. Two-layer system, Roc-Tex outer shell, armor... yada yada yada. Pretty good pants for $140.

to bump an old thread.. I'm thinking of getting these:
http://www.hoodjeans.co.uk/

anyone use em?
thx

I'm wearing these, because it's hot as hell where I live. They're textile in high impact areas (knees, seat) and mesh every where else. Knee armor, hip pads, they come with a wind/water proof liner, and a cold weather liner.

www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/mesh_jackets_and_pants/tour_master/venture_air_mesh_motorcycle_pants.html (http://www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/mesh_jackets_and_pants/tour_master/venture_air_mesh_motorcycle_pants.html)

I have a pair of Draggin Jeans I ride in. My next pair will be longer in the inseam because I bought what I usually wear. However when on the bike the jeans ride up. I really only notice when it is chilly. I can't blame the jeans for my ignorance. The only complaint I really have is that the kevlar bunches and it feels like I am wearing a diaper. Sure it is an abrasion resistant diaper and I soon forget when I am in motion.

I did have some overpants. I think they were Olympia airglide paints. I found out in the mathematics of friction that concrete > textile pants. The only place it was bad was where my knee made contact. The armor was useless as it wasn't in place. The mesh shredded but I can't recall any abrasions on me where there mesh was tattered.

I like my Joe Rocket Alter Ego pants. Two-layer system, Roc-Tex outer shell, armor... yada yada yada. Pretty good pants for $140.

I just got the Joe Rocket Alter Ego pants a couple of weeks ago. I love 'em. I rode a hundred miles or so yesterday, and they were great for the added warmth (not just the protection). I rode to work three days last week in weather I'd not normally ride in -- it was 34° at my house when I left, and 26° in one area I pass through on the way. I was very comfortable, with exception of my fingertips. (Better gloves are next.)

I took advantage of that zipper-across-the-tail arrangement yesterday while it was warm, and closed it back up for the return trip. Darned nice! They're easy to put on / take off without removing shoes, thanks to the long leg zippers. So far I've not worn them with the liner.

I was hesitant at first to buy 'em, but I know that regular jeans just aren't enough. At NewEnough, they were $160... a bit more than Barx paid, but far cheaper than damaged body parts / torn skin, and very nice for keeping my sorry tail warm. (I'm not sure what they'll be like when summer returns... we'll find out!)

:thumbsup

Finally bought these.
For the hot hot Phoenix summers: FirstGear HT Air 2.0 Overpants
For the cooler months: FirstGear HT II Overpants

http://www.newenough.com/


I'm happy with both pair.

Finally bought these.
For the hot hot Phoenix summers: FirstGear HT Air 2.0 Overpants
For the cooler months: FirstGear HT II Overpants

http://www.newenough.com/


I'm happy with both pair.

Your link just leads to NewEnough FYI... I'm too lazy to figure the links tonight; Maybe tomorrow.

hot air 2 overpants: http://www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/ht_air_2_mesh_motorcycle_overpants.html

HT II Overpants
http://www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/ht_ii_textile_motorcycle_overpants.html

long links!!

another plus is at 5'8", the short size is good. Shifter pant leg rides up over the boot though sometimes, 12" boots.
Nice zippers that go 'both ways' !!!!!
Rode in about 35 degress with the HTII ovepants with the liner, and no problems with my legs being cold.