Kevlar Jeans

[lucagoa]

Hello,

just read an advertising about kevlar jeans (Dragginjeans Esquad). I know that nothing does as a leather suite with protection on ankle & knee, but for everyday commuting or short "escapade" could they be a good option ?
Anyone of you has any experience about these garment?

Thanks
Luca

[bduke]

Hi Luca,

I've been using Draggin Jeans (with CE approved knee protectors) for the last 2 summers for central London commute: 6 miles each way, average speed 11 miles.

Never had a fall in them (knock wood) so cannot comment on how protective they are (they have kevlar on the bottom and the sides of the legs), but I had falls in town in my hein gericke winter trousers (fabric) and the main area of impact seemed to around the knees.

What can I say - it is a trade-off between increased safety, but I do not travel at high speeds (don't really use 3rd gear) and comfort, spending 1-2 minutes every other minute at traffic lights or filtering in 35 degrees with the legs next to the engine/exhaust doesn't do any good for the concentration.

I think there are other "intermediate" solutions out there, which might be more suitable if you do travel at higher speeds, where part of the leg is covered in a mesh that should let the air flow, Joe Rocket and BMW are names that spring to mind, but the problem I have with those trousers is that they are black and as such attract too much heat when stationary.

Regards

bduke

[eisen]

Hi Luca,

I have a pair of draggin jeans (denim blue) with CE protectors & hip pads.

1) They look good (for riding gear) - especially with a black leather jacket
2) They are comfortable (buy 1 size up in order top make room for the hip pads)
3) I agree with bduke - there is probably a trade off between safety and comfort
4) I wear my BMW City trousers and BMW Summer 2 trousers MORE OFTEN as i feel more protected in them

IMHO, draggin jeans feel like a halfway point between street clothes and riding gear.
So i guess it comes down to beauty over function.
If you have the $$$, then they are nice to have in the closet.
For short, slow rides where you know your speed will be limited, i give them a thumbs up.
If not, i'd probably go with a pair of proper riding trousers that are purpose built for specific needs.

Personally, as an ATGATT person - i feel more protected in my BMW or Spidi gear.
So with that in mind, my jeans only get used on rare occasions - but its still nice to know they are there for those calmer, slower rides.

All the best,

E

[tobes]

I have a pair of draggin jeans with the knee protectors. As said before they're comfy and look good. I use them alone for short rides to the coffee shop. For more spirited riding I'll use the draggin jeans with Joe Rocket mesh pants over top. I've never gone down while riding so can't speculate on how well they'll preform in a slide. But here is a thread in another forum where a rider went down wearing draggin jeans under another set of overpants.

http://www.sport-touring.net/forums/ind ... 510.0.html

[ShinySideUp]

I too ride a city commute, but it's generally cool and I wear leather pants.
They're First Gear and don't look too gimmicky. (i.e. probably insufficient padding/armor) Clients seem to accept them OK, once I explain that I ride a motorcycle so I can actually find parking in San Francisco!

Recently we had a heat wave (98F) and I ordered some Bohn Adventure armored pants to wear under regular pants. To my mind, they may offer more protection than Draggin jeans.
OTOH, I have had 2 slow-speed get off's and came out OK in regular pants, though one of them ground through the pager I wore on my hip... down to the circuit board.

Based on my experience, I'd say Draggin jeans with some form of armor at knee and hips plus, perhaps shins and tail bone, could offer some genuine peace of mind.

[Ves]

I was looking to get some Kevlar Jeans but then started looking around at intermediate options. I bought some carpenter jeans at a uniform/work store... made from heavy denim... and double layer in the knees. I also considered double kneed cargo pants. They would be even better since they have pockets on the thigh that would act as a friction layer, but the store near me didn't carry them. I also find that the double layer of denim keeps my legs warmer... good in cooler weather... probably not as good in warm.

[ka5ysy]

Motoport Air Mesh II Kevlar pahts and jacket. Work Great!. Dont ask me how I know.

All skin intact

Oh.. Shoei X-11 sacrificed itself for my head too