I bought myself a Christmas present this year; a new pair of armored motorcycle overpants, and I got a lot more than I ever expected! :thumbup:
I ordered a pair of Tour Master Caliber Textile Overpants on line, less than $150, and received the greatest piece of kit I own for winter riding. These could actually be used for safe long distance riding all year, but might be a bit too warm for daily chore rides in warm weather.
I live in an area where I can usually ride 360 days a year. Those other few days might have some snow or ice on the roads. Winter riding is in temperatures hovering just around freezing, so cold weather gear is an absolute must. Usually that means spending a lot of money. But these pants are a horse of a different color! Cheap and good! Better than I expected!
-600 Denier Carbolex® shell with 600 Denier Ballistic polyester knee panels for abrasion resistance
-Rainguard® waterproof/breathable barrier
-Removable insulated liner with rib knit stretch inseam and knee area
-Removable CE-approved knee armor with TMs 3-position Knee Armor Alignment System
-Removable soft hip armor
-Padded hip and waist panels
-External, 600 Denier Ballistic Polyester EVA padded hip and waist panels
-Phoslite® reflective material panels and piping for increased nighttime visibility
-Double-stitched construction
-Dual-elastic panel waistband with adjustable waist belts
-Accordion-style expansion panels at the rear waist and above knees
-Stretch materials in the calf and inseam provide a performance fit
-Two zippered hand pockets with waterproof lining
-Full length waterproof side-entry leg zippers and zippered insulated liner
-8 pant/jacket zipper attachment with the jacket sides included
I read quite a few reviews about these before ordering, and although most people said that had no problems, a few complained of leaking seams so before wearing I ran a bead of tent seam sealer over all the possible problem areas. I also added an extra line of reflective tape down the legs as I like to be visible to car drivers. The reflective piping that come with the pants is nice, but not large enough for my liking.
After adjusting the knee armor to fit me when in the riding position, I put on the pants over my jeans and went for a ride. The temperature was just below freezing. I went down the road to the highway entrance, got up to speed, and began to evaluate. And sweat.
I had to pull off the road and remove the liner pants. They were much too warm for high speed riding at freezing temperatures!!! I got back on the highway and proceeded to evaluate the feel of these new covers. A little pressure on top of one knee from the armor, meaning I needed to give it a bit more adjustment, and that was it! There was no binding behind the knees or in the thighs, no wind leakage along any of the zippers even at 90pmh, and the lower Velco strap was tight enough around my boots to keep out any cold air from entering from the bottom!
The leg zippers have an under-flap and over-flap to keep them extra dry, and that over-flap has double Velcro so in warmer weather one can ride with the leg zippers open on the sides held closed only by the zips at the top and the bottom. The extra Velcro keeps the legs from closing up on itself. Clever idea but a bother in winter as the over-flap folds up on itself every time you unzip the leg. I married extra Velcro pieces to the hold-down side to keep that from happening. Took all of five minutes to cut the Velco to size and slap it on. Problem solved.
I rode for three hours and stayed completely warm. In sub freezing temperatures I can't ask for anything better. And this was without the liner pants! The fit was spot on as written on the order form, to be worn OVER regular pants.
I'll have to wait for the next heavy rainstorm to test the waterproof qualities, but I don't expect to have any problems. These pants are good! I will NOT test the armor until needed...
Stitchawl
I ordered a pair of Tour Master Caliber Textile Overpants on line, less than $150, and received the greatest piece of kit I own for winter riding. These could actually be used for safe long distance riding all year, but might be a bit too warm for daily chore rides in warm weather.
I live in an area where I can usually ride 360 days a year. Those other few days might have some snow or ice on the roads. Winter riding is in temperatures hovering just around freezing, so cold weather gear is an absolute must. Usually that means spending a lot of money. But these pants are a horse of a different color! Cheap and good! Better than I expected!
-600 Denier Carbolex® shell with 600 Denier Ballistic polyester knee panels for abrasion resistance
-Rainguard® waterproof/breathable barrier
-Removable insulated liner with rib knit stretch inseam and knee area
-Removable CE-approved knee armor with TMs 3-position Knee Armor Alignment System
-Removable soft hip armor
-Padded hip and waist panels
-External, 600 Denier Ballistic Polyester EVA padded hip and waist panels
-Phoslite® reflective material panels and piping for increased nighttime visibility
-Double-stitched construction
-Dual-elastic panel waistband with adjustable waist belts
-Accordion-style expansion panels at the rear waist and above knees
-Stretch materials in the calf and inseam provide a performance fit
-Two zippered hand pockets with waterproof lining
-Full length waterproof side-entry leg zippers and zippered insulated liner
-8 pant/jacket zipper attachment with the jacket sides included
I read quite a few reviews about these before ordering, and although most people said that had no problems, a few complained of leaking seams so before wearing I ran a bead of tent seam sealer over all the possible problem areas. I also added an extra line of reflective tape down the legs as I like to be visible to car drivers. The reflective piping that come with the pants is nice, but not large enough for my liking.
After adjusting the knee armor to fit me when in the riding position, I put on the pants over my jeans and went for a ride. The temperature was just below freezing. I went down the road to the highway entrance, got up to speed, and began to evaluate. And sweat.
I had to pull off the road and remove the liner pants. They were much too warm for high speed riding at freezing temperatures!!! I got back on the highway and proceeded to evaluate the feel of these new covers. A little pressure on top of one knee from the armor, meaning I needed to give it a bit more adjustment, and that was it! There was no binding behind the knees or in the thighs, no wind leakage along any of the zippers even at 90pmh, and the lower Velco strap was tight enough around my boots to keep out any cold air from entering from the bottom!
The leg zippers have an under-flap and over-flap to keep them extra dry, and that over-flap has double Velcro so in warmer weather one can ride with the leg zippers open on the sides held closed only by the zips at the top and the bottom. The extra Velcro keeps the legs from closing up on itself. Clever idea but a bother in winter as the over-flap folds up on itself every time you unzip the leg. I married extra Velcro pieces to the hold-down side to keep that from happening. Took all of five minutes to cut the Velco to size and slap it on. Problem solved.
I rode for three hours and stayed completely warm. In sub freezing temperatures I can't ask for anything better. And this was without the liner pants! The fit was spot on as written on the order form, to be worn OVER regular pants.
I'll have to wait for the next heavy rainstorm to test the waterproof qualities, but I don't expect to have any problems. These pants are good! I will NOT test the armor until needed...
Stitchawl