I would to get a pair of armored kevlar jeans. The problem is that when reading all the reviews for them, they are not consistent. You'll have someone say it's the best pair of jeans they owned, then have someone say they are complete garbage. Or someone say the quality is top notch, then someone say the stitching came out after 3 washes. Or that they fit true, and then someone say they run small/big. You get the idea. So if you all could chime in with what jeans you're rocking and why you like them, it would be appreciated. I'm probably not the only person this would help out. I did search to see if this was discussed before and didn't find anything.
Speed and Strength- Rage with the Machine Seem to be good quality, average priced ($115), and they are a true fit (EX: normall pants I wear are 32x32 and I bought 32x32, waist fits great and there is extra length on the legs). I have no complaints with them and would recommend them.
I have had a pair of classic fit Draggin Jeans for 15 years. Only ride in them. One crash 2 years ago, but still in great shape. Had to go up one size compared to Levis in these regarding waist. Just purchased a new pair of their utility style so carrying a smart phone would be easier. I would say stay the same as your standard Levis and maybe go 1 inch shorter in length if you do utilities. The old ones have drawn up slightly over the course of time. A lot of time I might add. Good luck.
Competition Accessories has some Kevlar pants called "Sliders", Motorcycle Consumer News gave them a "Best Buy" award and they are less than $80. I have 3 pairs, Jeans, Khakis and Cargo pants. All have been worn more than several times and all have been through the wash without any issues. The only negative I have about them is that they have an "adjustable" pocket for knee guards that can be kind of itchy due to the Velcro tabs that are the openings for the knee guard pocket, but that's only if/when I take off my undergarment knee guards. They are a little loose fitting but not in the waist, that is just fine as it gives you breathing room. They also size them like normal jeans i.e. 34x30, 36x32, etc. vice Sm/Md/Lg. I typically wear the Bohn Adventure pants underneath (mostly during the cooler seasons) or I wear Alpinestars compression shorts with Fieldsheer Armadillo knee guards when it's warmer. This allows me to remove the knee guards when walking around. It allows me to stay cooler than with the Bohn setup. I prefer the knee guards that strap around the leg, vice the ones that fit into pockets of the pants as they are less likely to move around on impact. Although I have not put them to the test yet (knock on wood), I feel they would offer good protection, especially when combined with the armor underneath. I ride with these for my daily commuting and/or local touring with the wife, I wear the leathers when "sport" riding though, that is a must for me. Here's a link...Sliders Kevlar Motorcycle Riding Jeans 4.0 - Compacc
Draggin Jeans have come out with their first CE-approved jeans. They claim protection equal or superior to leathers. The only problem is that they cost about the same as a pair of leather pants. I've had a pair of Draggin Classic Jeans for several years and they are holding up fine. (I haven't crashed in them yet.) The style is a little dorky, like a high-waist straight leg Levi, but the higher waist reduces the bum crack draft. Just don't keep your shirt tucked in when off the bike.
This is interesting.. I'm going to need to get some riding pants with CE soon. However Ive read that Kevlar is good for puncture resistance but abrasion resistance sucks. Apparently leather is the only thing that lasts in a slide beyond a couple seconds provided it's not "fashion" leather.
^ This is true. You want protection? The only things good enough are quality leather, or something like a 'Stitch. I will wait to see crash test reviews of this new CE Approved jeans but the stories I've read about Motorcycle jeans is that yes they are better than regular jeans but still does not compare to leather.
This is why I wear additional armor/padding underneath my Kevlar pants and why if I'm doing any "spirited" riding, I'm wearing my leathers. A buddy of mine suffered a low side a few weeks back and he typically wears jeans and a leather jacket, needless to say his jeans didn't hold up and he got some pretty good road rash on his knee. I spoke with him on Tuesday to see how things were going with the bike, he tells me it's still in the shop but he now has a new Dainese leather suit! Wearing the Kevlar jeans is really only for convenience and is a compromise for sure, but one that I am willing to make for comfort, convenience and ease of mobility when I am working on job sites. YMMV
I don't think anyone would dispute that leather is the best but I can't wear leather pants in the office if I ride to work.
Exactly! Personally I would if I could, but since my office isn't "my" office, it's typically is someone else's workspace, it really makes it difficult to wear clothing that offers better protection to work, as I have no way to change out of my riding clothes into "street clothes" when I do not have a safe place to store my gear. With the under garment armor and the Kevlar pants, I think it's the best compromise of comfort and protection.
