Tag Archives: Scorpion

ScorpionEXO Covert FX Helmet | Gear Review

ScorpionEXO Covert FX white Yamaha MT-09 SP

The original 3-in-1 style Covert helmets from ScorpionEXO have always been crowd pleasers, offering the ability to transform from a conventional half-helmet to a three-quarter design to full-face protection via a magnetic mask. Now ScorpionEXO has developed its first full-face-only version, the Covert FX, which the company says offers “the same edgy style and function.” I can agree on its cool form, but some of its function misses the mark for me.

ScorpionEXO Covert FX matte black
ScorpionEXO Covert FX in Matte Black

The Covert FX is DOT and ECE 22.06 certified and is composed of a TCT-Ultra Composite shell that weighs 3.35 lb for the Large size I tested. ScorpionEXO says the helmet’s CAD-refined aerodynamics minimize both lift and turbulence. I can attest to this, as I experienced very little buffeting wearing the Covert FX while riding a naked sportbike at speed in a 20-mph headwind.

See all of Rider‘s helmet reviews here.

On the inside, the KwikWick III comfort liner features a moisture-wicking fabric, and the liner is easily removable and washable. Thinner and thicker cheek pads are available for further customization. My helmet already fit quite comfortably…for the first 60 miles or so. But I can’t fault ScorpionEXO on this one; it’s a head-compatibility issue. The company’s head shape reference chart on its website says the Covert models are designed for round heads. I’m closer to an intermediate oval, which resulted in annoying pressure on my forehead after a while.

ScorpionEXO Covert FX matte black
ScorpionEXO Covert FX in Matte Black

The Covert FX’s ventilation is where I take the most issue. There are two small vents on the top and an exhaust at the rear, but the airflow up there wasn’t very noticeable – and I’m a guy who keeps my head mostly shaved, so I notice. The temps were in the 60s while I was testing it, and the inside of the helmet would’ve gotten uncomfortably stuffy if the weather was much warmer. The dual-position mouth vent provided good airflow when it was fully open. However, the slider is located inside the chinbar, which is very close to my face, making it difficult to adjust the slider without taking the helmet off. Hiding the vent slider inside the chinbar helps maintain that “edgy style,” but an external slider would be more user-friendly.

My favorite part of the Covert FX is the visibility. The EverClear faceshield has a fog-resistant coating, it blocks 95% of UV-A and UV-B radiation, and a good-sized tab makes it easy to open. But what I appreciate the most is that, at its tallest point, the eyeport is about 4 inches, which is anywhere from a half inch to almost an inch taller than many other helmets I’ve tried. It definitely feels more like being in the action versus being in a helmet.

ScorpionEXO Covert FX grey
ScorpionEXO Covert FX in Grey
ScorpionEXO Covert FX black
ScorpionEXO Covert FX in Black
ScorpionEXO Covert FX matte grey
ScorpionEXO Covert FX in Matte Grey

The ScorpionEXO Covert FX comes with integrated speaker pockets, a solid neoprene chin curtain, and both clear and Dark Smoke faceshields. It’s priced starting at $249.95 in five different colors in sizes XS-3XL.

The post ScorpionEXO Covert FX Helmet | Gear Review first appeared on Rider Magazine.

The post ScorpionEXO Covert FX Helmet | Gear Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Gear: Scorpion Covert Ultra Jeans

Scorpion Cover Ultra Jeans

The Covert Ultra Jeans from Scorpion combine comfort, style, and protection in one pair of pants. With Cordura/DuPont Kevlar single-layered weave, the heavyweight 12.5 oz denim has seven times the abrasion resistance of typical denim for a blend of comfort and protection.

Read all of Rider’s apparel reviews here.

The Covert Ultra Jeans feature a water-resistant coating to keep your legs dry, and the breathable single-layer construction drastically reduces bulk for added comfort.

Hip armor pockets and adjustable armor pockets for the knees allow riders to insert extra protection if desired.

Scorpion Cover Ultra Jeans
Scorpion Cover Ultra Jeans

The Covert Ultra Jeans are available in a traditional 5-pocket design with tapered fit and integrated 3M reflective swatch at the lower hem for $199.95.

The post New Gear: Scorpion Covert Ultra Jeans first appeared on Rider Magazine.
Source: RiderMagazine.com

New Motorcycle Helmets for 2021 Worth Wearing

If there is one area of protective gear that is constantly evolving, and generally in a good direction, it is the brain bucket, the skid lid, aka the motorcycle helmet. New materials, new technology and techniques, and new innovations in safety have all helped shape the modern riding helmet, as well as new and more stringent testing and certification methodologies.

The biggest argument, however, is which helmet is best? That is not what we’re really asking in today’s listing, but the counterpoint is that not all riding is the same. What may be the perfect helmet for track riding and racing, may fail woefully in a desert run enduro or a motocross course. And there are those that don’t care for the sport style of riding, preferring comfortable helmets that can be worn for a day-long ride between cities.

Instead, today’s question is which are the best helmets worth wearing, for any given type of riding, in 2021. To qualify, the helmet itself doesn’t have to have been released in 2021, but it should be an update or new version that carries the latest and greatest advancements in safety, technology, materials, comfort, or any combination of all four. We will also be looking at both top-of-the-line and budget options, to provide the best spread of helmets.

With that said, on to the list!

Shoei RF-1400

Shoei RF-1400 Side View

When you think of the best of the best, Shoei is one of the few names that should immediately pop into your head, or more directly, pop onto your head. As the name suggests, the RF-1400 is the long-awaited update from the RF-1200, itself a legendary helmet in terms of construction and rider protection, but with all the necessary upgrades expected from a modern helmet.

The new helmet is improved in a variety of ways, the least of which is a revised aerodynamic shape. This new design offers up to 4% less wind resistance and noise, making an already quiet helmet even quieter. Reworked interior padding addresses one of the few gripes with the RF-1200, that being that it was at times uncomfortably tight to pull on. A redesigned ventilation system also improves upon its predecessor, allowing for optimal airflow.

The shell of the helmet is still made with Shoei’s excellent fiberglass, aramid, and organic fiber weave. It has superb strength and elasticity and has passed both the SNELL M2020 certification and ECE 22.05 certification tests.

Read the review: Shoei RF-1400

ICON Airflight MIPS Stealth

ICON Airflight MIPS Stealth Side View

  • Price: $320.00
  • Buy: Revzilla
  • Best of: Budget Full Face

Sometimes when a rider is helmet shopping, they may not have the available finances to afford a $500+ helmet. This doesn’t mean, however, that they should be left with a substandard helmet or one that skips out on important rider protection. Enter, then, the ICON Airflight MIPS Stealth, released in the latter half of 2020.

The most important bit of that name is MIPS or “Multi-Directional Impact Protection System.” This is a special piece inside the construction of the helmet, between the EPS foam and the liner, that allows the helmet to absorb an impact and begin rotating to dissipate energy before the liner starts to move with the shell. It only covers a few millimeters, and the time between shell and liner rotation is measured in milliseconds, but it is enough to allow the brain to slowly accelerate to the speed of the shell, instead of bashing against the inside of your skull during a tumble.

The helmet itself is made of advanced injection molded polycarbonate and is backed by multi-density, multi-layer EPS foam, the MIPS system, and then comfortable, thick padding. Ventilation is through multiple oversized intake ports and a massive chin port and is exhausted via multiple exit ports. The helmet meets or exceeds DOT, ECE 22.05, and other world standards as part of ICON’s push for their “All World Standard.”

Fly Racing Dirt Formula CC Solid

Fly Racing Dirt Formula CC Solid Side View

Not everyone who rides does so on the pavement. There are many that prefer to ride trails, kick around in some dirt, or even do long, off-road adventures that often require more protection than what their street-going brethren need. For just such riders, Fly Racing has developed the Dirt Formula CC Solid helmet.

The CC in the name stands for Carbon Composite, which is an interwoven shell of carbon fiber, DuPont Kevlar, and fiberglass, creating a super-strong but elastic shell that also has penetration resistance. This is extremely important when riding in areas where there are branches, sharp rocks, and the like. This is backed by a new style of EPS, known as “Conehead EPS,” which literally uses cones of EPS on the innermost layers to progressively absorb initial impact energy, slowing the head down before it comes in contact with the full multi-layer EPS.

Also helping absorb impact energy, especially low speed falls and drops, is what Fly Racing dubs “Impact Energy Cells,” made of RHEON impact rubber. These cells line the entirety of the inside of the helmet, and are specially shaped and designed to absorb both linear and rotational energy that would not otherwise be absorbed by the shell or EPS during a low-speed crash.

The Dirt Formula CC Solid exceeds all certification tests for DOT and ECE 22.05

You can find out more about this helmet here

Bell MX-9 MIPS

Bell MX-9 MIPS Side View

  • Price: $169.95
  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Best of: Budget Dirt and Trail Riding

Off-road riding, especially enduro and long adventure trails, can get quite tiring and also requires great visibility to see the branches, roots, rocks, and puddles you need to go through. The Bell MX-9 was famous for being a lightweight, protective, and affordable helmet that addressed all the needs of off-road riders. So it’s reassuring to know that Bell has updated their best off-road helmet with new safety features.

As discussed earlier in this list, MIPS is a safety system designed to mitigate rotational impact energy on the head and brain, and if there is one area of riding that has the highest likelihood of rotational impact, it’s off-roading. Adding it to one of the top-rated off-road helmets of all time only reinforces that this is a helmet that should be on your head.

Made of lightweight polycarbonate, and fully lined (including the chin bar!) with dual-density, multi-layer EPS, the MX-9 MIPS easily passes all DOT and ECE 22.05 testing requirements. In fact, the MX-9 MIPS is one step below Bell’s competition helmet for professional motocross and supercross racers, and the trickle-down of safety advancements to an affordable budget helmet is very nice to see!

Find out more about this helmet here: Bell MX-9 MIPS.

AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid

AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid Side View

There are some manufacturers that will state that they have the best, latest, and greatest safety innovations in their helmets that turn out to either be gimmicks or adaptations of other manufacturers’ ideas. And then there are those manufacturers that actually develop and design those ideas. AGV is one such manufacturer, and the Italian gear company blew the modular helmet category away in late 2020 with the Sportmodular Carbon Solid.

As the name suggests, this helmet has a 100% carbon fiber shell. The interior design, EPS foam layout, and protection quality were all modeled on the AGV Pista GP-RR MotoGP racing helmet, and as such, the Sportmodular is lined and padded in only the best, highest quality materials. It also sports a full carbon fiber, metal-reinforced chin bar that raises on strong hinges and has a top position lock.

An internal sun-shield in the crown is included, sitting behind a race-grade visor, what AGV calls their GT3 visor with pinlock functionality. Ventilation is multi-channel and multi-intake, allowing the rider to choose where and how they want ventilation. The AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid is one of the few modular helmets that is rated for use with the chin bar raised and locked, as well as down and locked. It passes all ECE 22.05 and DOT tests without issue.

Read the full review: AGV Sportmodular Carbon Solid.

HJC RPHA 90S

HJC RPHA 90S Side View

When you pick a modular helmet, you honestly want to make sure you are getting the best protection possible, with the strongest chinbar locking mechanism possible. There are hundreds of helmets that are less expensive than the RPHA 90S that could be listed as budget modular, yet they all have their flaws and issues. This is why our budget pick sneaks in under $500, but it still relatively expensive.

The RPHA 90S is the most recent update of the RPHA 90, a top-rated modular for many years past. HJC, for the 90S, has created a new shell material called PIM Plus (Premium Integrated Matrix Plus), which is made of carbon fiber interwoven with carbon-glass hybrid fabric. This allows for very dependable strength, elasticity, and penetration resistance.

The interior is lined with 3D engineered EPS and is then covered with HJC’s Multi-Cool lined padding. An integrated sun visor comes as standard, and the visor is the same as used on HJC’s racing helmets, model HJ-29, and comes fitted with an anti-fog pinlock insert. The RPHA 90S also received an excellent rating in our own review of it and is for sure a helmet that belongs on your head.

Check out the full review: HJC RPHA 90S.

Arai XD-4

Arai XD-4 Side View

  • Price: $609.95+
  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Best of: Adventure and Rally Touring

It really doesn’t seem to matter who steps up to the plate to try to dislodge Arai from the top step of the ADV and rally touring ladder, the XD-4 is quite literally here to stay. It has been the top helmet for ADV for multiple years, through multiple variations, and the latest version of the XD-4 is just another example of always evolving and moving in a positive, safer direction.

Made of Arai’s legendarily strong fiberglass weave, the XD-4 is lightweight and extremely resilient to the rigors of ADV touring. Multi-density, multi-layer EPS foam lines the entire interior of the helmet, including the chin bar. The interior padding and liners are customizable, with 5mm peel-away thickness adjustments in the cheeks and temples. The cheek pads are also designed using Arai’s Facial Contour Support (FCS) design, which braces everything from the jaw up to the occipital bones with thick, supportive padding.

The latest update includes a slightly retuned shell shape, to better direct airflow into the vents to cool off the rider. New passive exhausts on the top-rear of the head also help pull heat and moisture out via a multi-step exhaust design, to keep the rider as cool as possible even in the hottest temperatures. The latest version of the Arai XD-4 is one of the few ADV helmets to receive the SNELL M2020 certification and is also one of the few approved helmets listed for the 2022 Dakar Rally.

See how this helmet compares to other models: find out more about the XD-4 here.

Shoei X-14 Solid

Shoei X-14 Solid Side View

  • Price: $769.99+
  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Best of: Track, Supersports, and Race

The choice for the best helmet for track days, supersports riding, and powersports racing was a tough decision. However, we have to give Shoei the nod with this updated X-14 helmet. Developed in celebration of Shoei’s long term partnership with racing legend Marc Marquez (one of the greatest riders to throw a leg over a MotoGP bike) the X-14 has received something of much-needed update. This started with a new variation of the Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) shell material known as AIM+, which added elastic organic fibers into the weave to enhance lightness, rigidity, flex, and resilience.

That shell is specifically shaped to cut through the air as cleanly as possible, reducing overall drag on a rider’s head. Dual-density, multi-layer EPS foam covers the entirety of the interior, including a reinforced chin bar section. Shoei’s CAD-designed 3D Max-Dry interior system of pads and liners allows for the rider to customize the angle the helmet sits on the head, as well as the thickness of the padding, to ensure the optimal fit that won’t wobble, move, or slip during racing.

Ventilation is through the massive top vent, as well as the crown vents just above the visor. A chin vent is also integrated, which has a special channeling system in the EPS to direct air down the cheek pads and exhaust out the bottom rear of the helmet. Exhausts are all positioned either directly before or after the three spoilers on the rear of the helmet, which gives added stability to the helmet when cornering hard, with the head ducked down near the clip-ons.

The latest Shoei X-14 update passes the SNELL M2020 certification test, as well as achieves the rarest certification, that of FIM Homologation, the most stringent testing currently available.

Read the review of an older model: Shoei X-14.

Scorpion EXO-R1 Air

Scorpion EXO-R1 Air Side View

  • Price: $399.99
  • Buy: Revzilla | Amazon
  • Best of: Budget Track, Supersports, and Race

If the price of the Shoei X-14 makes you wince and sends your wallet screaming for the hills, then rest assured that there is a budget track day helmet for you. Scorpion, the company that always seems to find the best price-to-performance balance for their gear, has a very highly reviewed and rated helmet for you in the EXO-R1 Air.

Using what they term as Ultra-TCT, the shell is made up of interwoven fiberglass, aramid, and poly-resin fibers. This is lined with multi-density, multi-layer EPS, with channels cut into it specifically for maximum ventilation and cooling. This ventilation comes in the form of a ram-air top vent and a standard chin vent. Four exhaust ports behind the rear spoiler quite literally suck the heated air out of the helmet using the venturi effect.

The padding and liner inside the helmet uses Scorpions AirFit system and KwikWik cloth. The AirFit system allows the rider to inflate small bladders in the cheek pads, which contour to the face to keep the helmet in place at speed. KwikWik is a very absorbent lining fabric that is akin to a shammy, and soaks up sweat at an astounding rate, to either be evaporated out via the exhausts or, with the removable liners, washed and cleaned by hand.

The Scorpion EXO-R1 Air achieves DOT, ECE 22.05, SNELL M2020, and FIM Homologation certifications (FIM only for the small shell size).

Read the review: Scorpion EXO-R1 Air.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine Helmet: Hands-On Review

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine Helmet
This was my first experience with a Scorpion Helmet and I was impressed. The EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine is a premium offering from Scorpion, and they did not hold back on the features. I love the Carbon look, and the carbon fiber shell translates into a lightweight lid. This helmet has it all going on!
Aesthetics
Build Quality
Sizing & Comfort
Visibility
Ventilation
Very Light at only 1,383 grams
AirFit® custom inflation system
Comm-Ready speaker pockets
Excellent visibility through the visor
FMVSS 218 DOT approved and ECE 2205 certified
Three shell sizes
Integrated SpeedView® Sun Visor
Shipped with additional pinlock visor and pinlock inserts
5-Year Warranty
Excellent price for this level of helmet
Visor lock hard to operate, and even worse with gloves on
Sunvisor slider action is fussy
I am not a fan of Double D ring straps, give me my ratcheting quick release!
Where to Buy

I was really looking forward to the delivery of the Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine full face helmet, knowing that this lid is one of Scorpion’s premium offerings. Peeling open the box I knew things were about to get really happy, sometimes you can just tell. The protective bag is extra thick and cushioned. Surrounding the helmet, I found an additional pinlock visor in a nice protective sleeve, and what is this? Pinlock inserts actually included?

Oh, you are winning me over Scorpion.

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Caffeine - Glamour shot

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Features

A feature-packed helmet: 95%

Being a premium Scorpion helmet I was expecting it to be the latest in helmet technology and the EXO-ST1400 delivered.

Taking me all the way back to my Reebok Pump days, the EXO-ST1400 has inflatable cheek pads for a custom fit. With a squishy ball tucked into the lower front center of the facemask, a couple of pumps quickly filled the cheek pads for a secure fit. Next to the pump is a push-button release for quick deflation. As much as I want to call it a gimmick, it worked flawlessly to lock the helmet into a perfect fit on my head.

The Kwikwick® III liner is soft and held up very well against my not-so-soft beard, thanks to decent ventilation it remained dry and cool on my head, with only a few hot sweaty spots forming near my ears where the airflow tends to be weakest. Fully removable, washable, and replaceable, the liner stayed fresh feeling and smelling after roughly 10 hours of hot riding.

The liner design also incorporates what Scorpion calls KwikFit® 3D, basically it is intelligent and comfortable spacing for your eyeglasses. I tried with my sunglasses and it certainly made it a non-issue to take the glasses on and off.

Scorpion has done a great job with their visor materials, I found the optics to be first-rate through my full field of view. With both the integrated sun visor and the clear visor down, the view was free from annoying internal reflections and distortion. Thoughtfully Scorpion not only provides the pinlock visor in the box but also the inserts.

No top-end helmet would be complete without some thought going into accommodations for a communication system. Scorpion provides space enough for 40mm speakers and the neck roll and liner are easy to work with, making the installation of a UClear Motion 6 system quick and painless.

  • Resin-infused TCT-U™ 3K carbon fiber shell. 3-Shell sizes for a precision fit
  • CAD-refined aerodynamics for a smoother, quieter, and more stable ride.
  • Aero-tuned ventilation via adjustable dual ram-air intakes, and spoiler integrated exhaust.
  • AirFit® inflation adjustment system.
  • Fully removable, washable, and replaceable Kwikwick® III interior absorbs and dissipates odor and humidity.
  • Comm-Ready speaker pockets.
  • KwikFit® 3D sculpted cheek pads accommodate eyeglasses.
  • SpeedView® sun visor features 95% UV-A & UV-B protection
  • EverClear™ no-fog treated face shield with integrated center locking mechanism.
  • Additional Clear Pinlock® MaxVision shield and Pinlock® anti-fog insert included
  • EllipTec™ II ratchet system featuring a preset “City Position.”
  • Included breath deflector and aero skirt. (chin curtain)
  • DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified / ECE Approved
  • 5-Year Warranty

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Construction

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Caffeine - Kwik Wick 3 liner

Carbon Fiber Shell, Luxurious Liner, Quality Look And Feel: 90%

The EXO-ST1400 utilizes a carbon fiber composite shell. When bound with plastic polymer resin, layers of carbon fiber material creates a composite that is extremely strong, durable, and lightweight. Carbon composites offer higher strength-to-weight ratios when compared to traditional fiberglass or polycarbonate injected helmet shells.

Coming in at a scant 1,383 grams (3.05 lbs), is an impressive feat considering all that Scorpion has packed into the EXO-ST1400. The outer shell shape has what Scorpion describes as “CAD-refined aerodynamics”, and I found the helmet very stable with no lift or any other strange characteristics at speed. Scorpion’s design philosophy is to offer helmets that are equally functional as they are visually appealing.

Scorpion makes the EXO-ST1400 in 3 shell sizes and is DOT FMVSS No. 218 Certified / ECE Approved.

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Fit & Comfort

Multiple Shell options, accurate sizing, and general comfort: 90%

The EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine is an intermediate oval helmet, I found the sizing chart to be close. I have a 23.75” head, and I ordered the XL. The Scorpion size chart shows that I should have ordered a Large, but I found the XL to be my correct fit. Over time the padding may settle further, but this is where the Air Fit system will refine the fit and keep the lid secure.

The EXO-ST1400 has a well-formed neck roll and combined with the chin curtain, helped to block out wind noise and keep drafts from creeping up on me. I quite liked the fully removable, washable, and replaceable Kwikwick® III liner. Comfortable against your skin, it also wicks away sweat very effectively to keep you feeling cool and dry even during intensive use in hot conditions. The fabric looked none the worse for wear from my rough beard, after multiple times on and off my head.

I installed the UClear Motion 6 communication system with a 40mm speaker and the fit into the provided locations was spot on. Routing of the wiring was simple and removal and replacement of the liner was an intuitive process. With speakers in place, there was no added pressure around the side of my head, the location and space provided were well thought out.

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Visor & Vision

Great optics and a nice field of view, not a fan of the visor lock: 85%

The eye port design is large and has great site lines. The EXO-ST1400 has a no-fog EverClear™ internal SpeedView® sun visor that provides 95% UV-A & UV-B protection. Optically it is distortion-free and very nice to look through.

The outer EverClear™ no-fog treated face shield also has excellent distortion-free optics and comes fitted with Scorpions EllipTec™ II ratchet system. This 2-axis movement pulls the shield firmly into the eye-port gasket for a strong seal, while a preset “City Position” adjustment provides added airflow for stop-and-go city riding.

This ratchet system is one of my few complaints about the EXO-ST1400. The overall motion isn’t at the level of a Schuberth or Shoei, and when I compare the cost savings I can forgive that, what I cannot get past is the lock system on the visor. Meant to be a one-handed affair, I found this little latch to be a constant struggle. With gloves on or off, it just refused to easily release. I tried my thumb under it and a finger, the force required to get it to release was very frustrating. I would push the chin bar up my face while fighting to get it to open up. A small issue that proved a regular annoyance.

Scorpion includes a Pinlock Maxvision Face Shield and the pinlock insert, which is something I love and was surprised to find on a sub $500 helmet. Well done Scorpion. They also offer 5 different tints for the outer Everclear No-Fog face shield.

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Caffeine - Optional Face Shield

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Ventilation

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Caffeine - Chin Vent

Nice airflow and low fogging: 85%

Overall ventilation was well designed with dual ram-air intakes, and a spoiler exhaust. The vent controls offer two steps for intake volume and did a good job at regulating the airflow without adding additional noise.

The front port did a great job keeping the airflow moving in front of my face without ever having that dry my eyes out feeling. Both the brow and chin ports when closed are whistle-free even at higher speeds (tested for journalistic integrity of course.)

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Noise Management

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Caffeine - with UClear Motion 6 mounted

Quieter than many helmets: 85%.

The design of the EXO-ST1400 is certainly more sport-minded, so out I went on my 2016 KTM SuperDuke GT. When it comes to really test the quietness of a helmet, I love my Duke. KTM fitted the SuperDuke GT with a small windscreen that does a passable job of keeping the wind load off my chest, but in doing so creates a significant amount of turbulence around my neck.

The Scorpion design really impressed me with the ability of the EXO-ST1400 to provide a good seal around my neck, while still funnelling the air with no feelings of helmet lift. Head turns side to side felt great and free of buffeting, and the lightweight overall meant little stress on my neck.

I have always preferred to ride with earbuds connected to the communication system, but in this helmet, I had installed a UClear Motion 6 with speakers. The EXO-ST1400 without any hearing protection was quiet enough to allow music and phone calls to be heard clearly. I can’t call this Scorpion helmet the quietest I have ever ridden with, but it does a great job suppressing the whistles and leaks, and overall was a pleasure to ride wear.

Verdict

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Caffeine - Phantom

I am impressed Scorpion. I like the styling, the features, the fit, and the weight. Optically it was great to look through.

I am not sure if the AirFit system is a big deal, but it works exactly as intended, and I have a feeling that after one season of riding it would be more noticeable for the ability to maintain a good fit.

I like that the pinlock visor and insert both came in the box. I always use the chin curtain, I like the added wind protection. Scorpion also provides a breath deflector, and I would for sure use it when the temperatures drop back into the visor fog-up zone. Again all thoughtful inclusions from Scorpion.

The latch on the face shield is my only real gripe. Simply put, I think it is a poor design. Pushing up on the latch is meant to pull back the catch mechanism, but what happens is you increase the pressure of the catch against its stop. The result is your kind of work against yourself and it means the release is always compromised and frustrating to open.

When it is closed and secure, it seals well and performs properly, so this frustration is not nearly important enough to prevent my recommending this otherwise excellent helmet.

Priced on Revzilla at $429.95, this for me is a solid buy.

Pros

  • Very Light at only 1,383 grams
  • AirFit® custom inflation system
  • Comm-Ready speaker pockets
  • Excellent visibility through the visor
  • FMVSS 218 DOT approved and ECE 2205 certified
  • Three shell sizes
  • Integrated SpeedView® Sun Visor
  • Shipped with additional pinlock visor and pinlock inserts
  • 5-Year Warranty
  • Excellent price for this level of helmet

Cons

  • Visor lock hard to operate, and even worse with gloves on
  • Sunvisor slider action is fussy
  • I am not a fan of Double D ring straps, give me my ratcheting quick release!

Specs

  • Manufacturer: Scorpion USA
  • Price (When Tested): $429.95
  • Alternative models & colors: Phantom, White
  • Sizes: SM to 2XL
  • Review Date: August 2021

Important Links / Where to Buy

Scorpion EXO-ST1400 Carbon Caffeine Photo Gallery

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

10 Best Motorcycle Pants For Women

Often overlooked when considering protective gear, your legs are actually quite vitally important in terms of controlling the average motorcycle. Stop and think for a moment about just how many things about a bike need your legs: balance during cornering, providing enough stability to press on levers operated by your feet, and a whole slew of other things that happen naturally as part of riding.

It is amazing, then, that many riders don’t protect their legs. We’ve all heard the excuses of “it’s too hot where I live,” “I don’t plan on crashing,” and “I can’t find anything that’s comfortable.” For those in hot regions, mesh pants. For those that can’t find anything comfortable, there are ranges of overpants and/or custom fit motorcycle gear that can be ordered. For those that don’t plan on crashing, well, no one plans on crashing, but it still happens!

To keep your legs safe, as well as keep you looking your best on the bike, here are the top ten motorcycle pants currently on the market. These are all either highly rated and reviewed, have special features about them, or are just damned good deals when it comes to the value-to-protection ratio. If you’re looking for more size options, check out our guides on Plus Size Jackets and Plus Size Pants for female riders.

Rokker RokkerTech High Waist Slim Women’s Jeans

Rokker RokkerTech High Waist Slim Women’s Jeans

Price: $439.00
Buy: Revzilla

Rokker is one of the more premium motorcycle clothing brands out there, with a history of moderately-expensive-but-worth-it protective gear. This holds true with the Rokkertech High Waist Slim jeans, a new introduction to their motorcycle pants lineup.

The Tech part of RokkerTech comes from the usage of in-house developed Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, or UHMWPE, which has a pure fiber tensile strength twice that of steel. Around those fibers, Rokker weaves in cotton so as to form a denim feel and look, but which is, when finally sewn into a full garment, 15 times as strong as steel in abrasion resistance.

This is backed up by full D3O knee and hip armor, both of which are included. As well, the use of UHMWPE allows for the jeans to be sewn and bonded, instead of riveted, meaning there is no metal on the outside of the jearns to scratch and ding your bike’s paint job. Definitely designed for warmer weather, these riding jeans are one of the few that are single layer, so apart from the slight bumps where the armor is, they could pass for everyday fashion jeans without worry.

Spidi Moto Pro Women’s Leggings

Spidi Moto Pro Women’s Leggings

Price: $159.90
Buy: Revzilla

Spidi is often considered as a bargain brand, which is not saying anything bad about them. They are simply like Scorpion, making good gear available at lower-than-average retail prices. A perfect example of this are the Moto Pro leggings, a mix of high tech textiles and a low price.

The leggings are designed, as the name suggests, to fit tightly to the leg, much tighter than many riding jeans would. This is made possible through Spidi’s TEXTECH fiber, a blend of cotton and elastane. This blend means the leggings will stretch with you, while the cotton is of a high enough grade that it replicates Cordura levels of protection, without needing to license the name. That is, quite possibly, where most of the savings are on these riding pants.

Protective armor comes in the form of knee armor at CE level 1, and pockets inside the hip for optional hip armor. The leggings are single layer, and are highly abrasion resistant, so they can be worn either on their own, or if you wanted extra protection, could be worn under a pair of regular jeans, riding overpants, or with aramid/kevlar undergarments.

Scorpion EXO Maia Women’s Pants

Scorpion EXO Maia Women’s Pants

Price: $179.95+
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

The Scorpion EXO Maia pants are a bit of an oddity, in a good way. To explain what is meant by that, we first need to look at what type of riding these pants are designed for. That style can simply be described as “touring.” It could be sport touring, cruiser touring, continental touring, it’s built for them all.

This is demonstrated by the way the pants are designed to protect the rider. Most of the protective polyfabric, which is rated at 600D, is in the seat, knees, and lower legs, all common sliding and impact areas. The other areas of the pants are then fitted with poly-mesh panels, which while not major impact areas, are still rated at about 300D. This is backed up by Sas-Tec CE level 1 knee armor, and pockets for Sas-Tec hip armor.

The pants are odd in that instead of focusing on making the whole thing out of full 600D, Scorpion put the heavy duty protection on slide and impact areas, and used the other areas to benefit ventilation and comfort. That is the odd bit about these pants. They’re heavy duty, but lightweight, meant to keep the rider comfortable for long or short rides, and above all, protected.

Dainese Delta 3 Women’s Leather Pants

Dainese Delta 3 Women’s Leather Pants

Price: $469.95
Buy: Revzilla

Dainese is one of the two major suppliers of racing gear for the MotoGP grid, and it shows with trickle-down tech that makes it into the latest and greatest of their consumer track and riding gear. The Delta 3 Perforated leather pants are just one more example of the top class of motorcycle racing impacting every day riding comfort and protection.

Using full tutu cowhide leather at 1.2mm or greater, the pants are heavily perforated on the thighs to allow for the most airflow to the hottest part of the legs. S1 bieleastic polyamide stretch fabric allows for comfort and protection in high movement areas such as the groin and knees. There are no adjustable vents on these pants, however, as they are considered race-grade.

In line with that powersports grade ideal, the pants come with full composite armor on the knees and hips that both meet and exceed CE level 2 requirements. The knee pucks are fully replaceable and are highly durable. The pants as a whole meet and exceed CE – Cat. II – 89/686/EEC Directive ratings, which translates to full track and race certification, although most race series will make you have a full one piece suit. It just shows the level of technology and detail Dainese is bringing down to the everyday sport rider.

Alpinestars Stella Missile Leather Pants

Alpinestars Stella Missile Leather Pants

Price: $449.95
Buy: Revzilla

Whereas the other racing fit pants on this list are pretty much a women’s version of a men’s set of pants, the Alpinestars Stella Missile pants are a completely different beast than the men’s Missile V2 leather pants. This is through both research and development with women that partake in racing championships, and feedback from everyday riders.

The same 1.3mm full cowhide leather is used, however the legs are tailored for smaller diameters, and the hips section has been widened, with adjustable straps for a perfect fit. The Stella Missile’s also feature the same GP-R knee slider pucks as the men’s pants for lap after lap on a track day without worry.

Armor comes in the form of Alpinestars Bio knee protectors, and there are pockets for hip armor as well. If you have a Stella Missile Women’s racing jacket, there is a full surround zip at the waist to connect the pants to the jacket to form a full suit.

Rev’it Maple Women’s Jeans

Rev’it Maple Women’s Jeans

Price: $189.99
Buy: Revzilla

Rev’It has been working day in and day out since their inception to include women into their gear lineups. This is because the Netherlands has a large cycling population, which has led to a higher number of female riders in the European country. And as all women are not built the same, Rev’It also has many styles of riding pants.

The Maple jeans are for those women that do not want a regular or relaxed fit, but also don’t want the jeans to be totally tight on their legs. Using a skinny fit, these jeans are made of 13oz Cordura denim, which has a minimum abrasion protection rating of 500D. Rev’It also includes their CoolMax lining, allowing sweat and heat to be wicked away and carried off by the air passing through and over the jeans.

For protection, there is a double layer of PWR polyester fabric in the seat and at the knees, to keep the Seesmart CE level 1 knee armor in place even during a slide. There are pockets for hip armor, and the jeans are certified CE 17092-4:2020 Class A, meaning street and regular commuting protection.

Rev’It Moto Women’s Jeans

Rev’It Moto Women’s Jeans

Price: $259.99
Buy: Revzilla

As we just mentioned in the Rev’It Maple overview above, not all women are built the same. The Rev’It Moto Jeans are, much like their men’s counterpart, designed to replicate the look and feel of a leather-based pant, but made using fabrics.

10 Best Motorcycle Pants For Men

As with the men’s version, Rev’It used heavyweight 12.5oz Cordura denim for the exterior, which gives an approximate 600D abrasion resistance rating. Underneath that, Seesmart CE level 1 knee pads are included with the jeans. The inner lining is made of Rev’It’s own PWR Shield polyamide mesh, which adds another 600D of abrasion resistance.

Combined, the outer and inner layers provide 1200D of total abrasion resistance, or about 10 seconds of resistance at 50 MPH. Of course, the faster you start the slide, the less time it will take to wear through, although these jeans are meant to give enough resistance that you will either start to tumble, or have enough time to slow down through friction to prevent the worst of road rash.

Klim Artemis Women’s Pants

Klim Artemis Women’s Pants

Price: $549.99
Buy: Revzilla

The masters of off-road ADV and exploring gear, Klim shifted their focus when it came to the Artemis gear. Using their expertise, they made the Artemis line of protective gear for women, without a men’s gear equivalent. This makes it, in the space of motorcycle PPE, one of the very few model lines that is specifically and only for the ladies of two wheels.

The Artemis are named appropriately, as these pants are designed to protect against almost any situation you could find yourself in while travelling off-road. Made of Klim’s exclusive Karbonite textile, the pants have a slide and ripstop rating ranging from 600D to 750D, depending on which part of the pants you are looking at. This is backed by full GoreTex, allowing the pants to be 100% waterproof while also breathable.

In making the Artemis line only for women, the ventilation mapping of the pants is oriented towards keeping the air flowing through and around the warmest bits. Two angled thigh vents, and two lower thigh exhausts, allow for cooling air to flow around the legs and wick away moisture and heat in equal measure. The inner mesh is also Klimatek, a specific mesh that helps carry that heat and moisture to the vents.

D3O CE level 1 armor protects both the knees and the hips, and can be replaced if needed with other CE level 1 armor, or optional CE level 2 versions. All in all, by keeping their focus on the woman rider, Klim has made a stellar product that is highly recommended and reviewed.

Rev’It Ignition 3 Women’s Pants

Rev’It Ignition 3 Women’s Pants

Price: $439.99
Buy: Revzilla

Rev’It themselves have the best statement about what makes the Ignition 3 pants so special: “Leather and mesh go together like salt and caramel.” Designed for the rider in hotter climates, the Ignition 3 pants are some of the best pants, of any type, you can buy for riding.

The outer shell is a combination of Monaco performance cowhide leather with a minimum thickness of 1mm, combined with high-strength Dynax mesh, 500D polyamide stretch zones, and Lorica fabric with waxed polyester for airflow. The leather is, of course, on all the high-abrasion zones should a slide occur, with the 500D polyamide allowing for both protection and stretch on secondary slide zones.

In adapting the Ignition 3 pants for women, the fit was made tighter in the legs and expanded a bit in the hips. As well, the knee protectors are still CE level 2 Seeflex, while the larger CE Level 1 Type B hip armor is provided. Apart from those changes, the pants are almost identical to the mens version, and the Hydratex fully removable waterproof liner is also included.

Rev’It Sand 4 H2O Women’s Pants

Rev’It Sand 4 H2O Women’s Pants

Price: $369.99
Buy: Revzilla

If you want to talk about over-engineering a set of pants, then you need to talk about the Rev’It Sand 4 H2O ADV and off-road pants. As the name suggests, this is the fourth iteration and evolution of the pants, and they came out just before the calendar flipped over to 2021. When it comes to four season riding capability, Rev’It’s Sand line-up is well worth looking at.

So what makes them over-engineered? Firstly, the outer layer is made of full 1000D polyester ripstop, which is enough protection for most other pants to get by with. But Rev’It wasn’t satisfied, and then put a Hydratex liner behind that, for waterproofing and breathability. Then, still not satisfied, they put a combination polyester and polyamide internal mesh liner, with a removable extra thermal liner, inside that is puncture and abrasion resistant.

Add in that the pants come with Seeflex CE level 2 knee and upper shin guards, and SeeSmart CE level 1 type B hip guards as standard, and you have a set of pants that is waterproof, can slide down the side of a mountain and not tear, is comfortable, can be worn in four seasons, and also can be adjusted via several straps and snap-tabs to fit perfectly.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

10 Best Motorcycle Pants For Men

It may be surprising to some, but legs are often one of the most overlooked parts of protection for many riders. They may have the best helmet, an awesome jacket, great gloves, and boots that will protect their feet for years but will ride in normal jeans. It’s a lab-proven fact that regular, off-the-shelf denim will stand up to a slide for less than a second, and after that, it’s your skin that’s touching the pavement.

This is why proper riding pants are important. All of our legs come in different shapes and sizes, from wide and short to thin and long, and every variation in between. It is for that reason that manufacturers often size their riding pants in different ranges.

As well, with developments over the past decade, riding jeans, with strong hybrid denim mixes backed by aramid or Kevlar, have become a vital market for manufacturers. It keeps the style of regular jeans but provides knee armor and the abrasion resistance of aramid/Kevlar. These, then, are the 10 best riding pants you can currently find on the market.

Rev’It Ignition 3 Pants

Rev’It Ignition 3 Pants

Price: $399.99
Buy: Revzilla

Rev’It themselves have the best statement about what makes the Ignition 3 pants so special: “Leather and mesh go together like salt and caramel.” Designed for the rider in hotter climates, the Ignition 3 pants are some of the best pants, of any type, you can buy for riding.

The outer shell is a combination of Monaco performance cowhide leather with a minimum thickness of 1mm, combined with high-strength Dynax mesh, 500D polyamide stretch zones, and Lorica fabric with waxed polyester for airflow. The leather is, of course, on all the high-abrasion zones should a slide occur, with the 500D polyamide allowing for both protection and stretch on secondary slide zones.

The airflow through these pants is unbelievably high, allowing for maximum cooling while riding. However, should it start to look rainy or wet, the pants do have a fully removable Hydratex lining that is rated 3L and will get your home with your legs dry. The armor is in the form of Seeflex CE level 2 knee armor, and Seesmart CE level 1 armor at the hips.

Dainese Delta 3 Perforated Leather Pants

Dainese Delta 3 Perforated Leather Pants

Price: $469.99
Buy: Revzilla

Dainese is one of the two major suppliers of racing gear for the MotoGP grid, and it shows with trickle-down tech that makes it into the latest and greatest of their consumer track and riding gear. The Delta 3 Perforated leather pants are just one more example of the top class of motorcycle racing impacting everyday riding comfort and protection.

Using full tutu cowhide leather at 1.2mm or greater, the pants are heavily perforated on the thighs to allow for the most airflow to the hottest part of the legs. S1 bi-elastic polyamide stretch fabric allows for comfort and protection in high movement areas such as the groin and knees. There are no adjustable vents on these pants, however, as they are considered race-grade.

In line with that powersports-grade ideal, the pants come with full-composite armor on the knees and hips that both meet and exceed CE level 2 requirements. The knee pucks are fully replaceable and are highly durable. The pants as a whole meet and exceed CE – Cat. II – 89/686/EEC Directive ratings, which translates to full track and race certification, although most race series will make you have a full one-piece suit. It just shows the level of technology and detail Dainese is bringing down to the everyday sport rider.

Alpinestars Yaguara Drystar Pants

Alpinestars Yaguara Drystar Pants

Price: $329.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Alpinestars are famous for their waterproof yet breathable riding gear, and the Yaguara pants are just another example of what they like to term as “tech-touring” gear. As the name suggests, there are a lot of high-tech, advanced materials at work in these pants, both to keep you protected and keep you dry.

The outer shell is not made of any one material, but instead a blend of various polyamide and polyester textiles. This is then backed by a Drystar waterproof membrane, and the two layers are laminated together. This provides both excellent waterproofing and breathability, with the external layers combining to form an extremely durable fabric.

To further protection, there are ballistic nylon protection panels added to the heavy-duty wear and tear sections of the pants, including slide areas. Alpinestars’ Bio-Air knee protectors are standard and are rated at CE level 2. Hip pockets for armor are sewn in. And in case the already breathable material isn’t cool enough, there are four zippered vents for customizable cooling.

If you like the sound of the Yaguara pants, but want something with braces, then consider looking at the Alpinestars Andes V2 pants instead.

Klim Dakar Pants

Klim Dakar Pants

Price: $209.99+
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Klim prides itself on being a premium adventure and off-road touring company, and it shows since they’ve continually developed and produced some of the best gear in the sector. This shows with gear such as the Dakar pants, a premium off-road pant with protection and durability to last for weeks, or even months, on and off the road.

Starting off with the outer layer, there is 840D Cordura textile woven material with a highly water-resistant coating on the threads. This is joined by thick, abrasion, and melting-resistant leather on the lower legs for protection from both shrubbery and engine heat. Stretch fabric allows for optimal comfort around common pressure areas such as the groin, back of knees, back of the waist, and others.

There are multiple ventilation ports with full YKK zippers for durability and adjustability. Armor protection comes from both external TPU reinforcement on the knees, as well as internal knee and hip armor pockets for your personal choice of the armor type you’d like.

Alpinestars Missile v2 Airflow Pants

Alpinestars Missile v2 Airflow Pants

Price: $469.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

For the rider that wants to hit the track but doesn’t like the full perforated leather feel of other pants, the Alpinestars Missile v2 leather pants are the most viable alternative. While the majority of the pants are made from leather, there are some materials used that allow for high airflow while also keeping up with the expected level of protection from track-viable pants.

This starts with full 1.3mm premium bovine leather, with a lot of perforation on the thighs. Leather accordion panels over the knees allow for comfort, and an extended rear waist construction makes sure that the tailbone and spine are covered in the case of a slide. Where the airflow comes in is through the stretch panels at the groin and inner thigh, as well as on parts of the calf. These stretch zones, made of polyamides, are rated 600D on their own.

Kneel pucks allow for some full-lean apexes to be clipped without damage to your pants, and are of Alpinestars’ high durability GP-R construction. Nucleon CE level 1 knee armor is included, with pockets for optional hip armor. If you have a Missile Air jacket, of any version, the pants will also zip together with that to form a race suit.

REAX Alta Mesh Pants

REAX Alta Mesh Pants

Price: $199.00
Buy: Revzilla

The downside to a lot of motorcycle protective gear is that while it does protect the rider, it also heats up the rider. For this reason, mesh gear was developed, and REAX has one of the most affordable sets of mesh pants with the best protection with the Alta Mesh pants.

To provide the ventilation needed to keep a rider cool in hot weather, a lot of the inner leg, thigh, groin,  and some of the ankle areas of the pants are made of polyamide mesh. On areas that may suffer the impact or be slid upon, there is a combination of polyester 600D check pattern fabric, with polyamide 980D ballistic penetration resistant fabric at the knees and across the buttocks.

This is lined on the inside with a moisture-wicking mesh liner that is shaped to pull the most moisture and heat to the mesh portions inside the leg so that the cool air can wick it away from the rider. With Sas-Tec CE level 2 knee armor included, and pockets for Sas-Tec CE level 1 or 2 armor at the hips, for $199, you are getting the best of the best in mesh gear.

If you’re looking for something with real waterproof capabilities, the REAX Traveler Waterproof pants are also worth a look.

Rev’It Sand H2O Pants

Rev’It Sand H2O Pants

Price: $369.99
Buy: Revzilla

If you want to talk about over-engineering a set of pants, then you need to talk about the Rev’It Sand 4 H2O ADV and off-road pants. As the name suggests, this is the fourth iteration and evolution of the pants, and they came out just before the calendar flipped over to 2021.

So what makes them over-engineered? Firstly, the outer layer is made of full 1000D polyester ripstop, which is enough protection for most other pants to get by with. But Rev’It wasn’t satisfied, and then put a Hydratex liner behind that, for waterproofing and breathability. Then, still not satisfied, they put a combination polyester and polyamide internal mesh liner, with a removable extra thermal liner, inside that is puncture and abrasion-resistant.

Add in that the pants come with Seeflex CE level 2 knee and upper shin guards, and SeeSmart CE level 1 type B hip guards as standard, and you have a set of pants that is waterproof, can slide down the side of a mountain, and not tear, is comfortable, can be worn in four seasons, and also can be adjusted via several straps and snap-tabs to fit perfectly.

Knox Urbane Pro Pants

Knox Urbane Pro Pants

Price: $299.99
Buy: Revzilla

Knox is a company that only recently started to make waves in the North American market, as well as many international markets. They used to be almost exclusively European, being based out of the UK. Where most have heard of them before is with their excellent micro-lock armor that is often seen in motocross protection.

In terms of street gear, Knox took the road less traveled, and instead of riding “jeans,” they made riding “khakis.” Lighter weight, these pants are nonetheless extremely durable, made of high-strength stretch nylon infused with spandex to allow them to move and shape to the rider. They also included micro-lock armor for the knees and hips as standard, something you often have to pay extra for with other brands.

As these pants are lighter weight than the Cordura denim of most riding jeans, there may be thoughts that it won’t protect as well. Those worries are squashed when you see that these pants are EN17092-3:2020 Class AA certified, meaning that, if they had knee sliders, these pants would qualify for use on a track, and out-class most riding pants that only come with a single A rating. For reference, AAA certification is for full racing gear and is often only given to full riding suits.

Rev’It Moto Jeans

Rev’It Moto Jeans

Price: $259.99
Buy: Revzilla

Rev’It strikes again on this list with a super pair of motorcycle riding jeans named, oddly enough, Moto Jeans. While the title may be a bit self-apparent, the quality and protection offered through these jeans are nothing to joke about.

Starting with a leather-style pants base, Rev’It instead used heavyweight 12.5oz Cordura denim for the exterior, which gives an approximate 600D abrasion resistance rating. Underneath that, Seesmart CE level 1 knee pads are included with the jean. The inner lining is made of Rev’It’s own PWR Shield polyamide mesh, which adds another 600D of abrasion resistance.

Combined, the outer and inner layers provide 1200D of total abrasion resistance or about 10 seconds of resistance at 50 MPH. Of course, the faster you start the slide, the less time it will take to wear through, although these jeans are meant to give enough resistance that you will either start to tumble, or have enough time to slow down through friction to prevent the worst of road rash.

Scorpion EXO Covert Pro Jeans

 Scorpion EXO Covert Pro Jeans

Price: $159.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Scorpion is well known for making superb gear like helmets at affordable prices. The EXO Covert Pro jeans are just another example of this steadfast determination to make riding less expensive while keeping the rider safe. As well, because of using a specific cut, the exterior of the jeans are large panels which increases the total stability of the material, instead of multi-seam smaller panels.

That material is Cordura 373 GSM denim, which is highly abrasion-resistant on its own, made up of 85% cotton and 15% high-strength nylon. This is backed by 250 GSM DuPont Kevlar from the base of the knees all the way to the waist, as this is the most common sliding area. From the base of the knee to the ankle cuff, a mesh lining helps keep the jeans open for airflow and allows for heat and moisture to be wicked away.

The only downside to the EXO Covert Pro is that while there are pockets at the knees and hips for armor, the jeans don’t come with any pre-installed. The pockets are fairly universal, although Scorpion recommends Sas-Tec Level 2 knee armor and Sas-Tec level 1 or 2 hip armor.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

10 Best Motorcycle Jackets For Men

Motorcycle jackets are one of those pieces of safety gear that it just makes sense to own. No matter if you live in a hot, humid, cold, or dry area, all roads possess the ability to be rather harsh to your skin should you ever go down. There are jackets designed for all four of those previously mentioned environmental conditions, and some of the best jackets possess the ability to handle more than one.

Since there really is no “one size fits all” type of motorcycle jacket, this list will not be ranked competitively. What we mean by this is that instead of counting down from 10 to 1, we’ll instead be showing the ten overall best motorcycle jackets for men, flat out. Simply choose the one that best suits your environment, and you’ll have many fun riding days ahead!

Alpinestars Missile Air Leather Jacket

Alpinestars Missile Air Leather Jacket

Price: $599.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

Alpinestars is a name that has been in motorcycle racing for a long time, and it shows with their gear. The Missile Air jacket is designed to be used for the street, yet it is made from race-grade 1.3mm cowhide leather, meaning that it offers the same level of abrasion protection that MotoGP and World SBK riders have. It is also fully perforated on the front and back, and meant to move a lot of air over the rider while carrying away heat and sweat.

In short, this jacket is meant for those who go fast, but also want to be comfortable doing so. Added protection comes in the form of CE-certified hard shell sliders on the elbows and shoulders, backed by dual-density foam over CE-certified armor on the innermost layer.

One of the best aspects about the Missile Air is that it is designed from the factory to be used with the Alpinestars TechAir Race airbag vest, which is worn under the jacket. The inner lining has attachment points so that the vest offers the best impact protection without the jacket riding up or moving around, and the jacket features a small LED panel on the left sleeve that gives riders status updates at a glance.

The only downside to the jacket is that while it does have a padded aerodynamic hump and a lower backslider, it does not include a back protector, even at this price. This is mostly because the TechAir Race has a CE level 2 back protector built-in, but if you do not use the vest with the airbag, you will need to source a separate one.

Rev’It Cayenne Pro Jacket

Rev’It Cayenne Pro Jacket

Price: $559.99
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

The Rev’It Cayenne Pro is one hell of an adventure jacket. ADV and dual-sport jackets have probably the crowd to please in all of motorcycling, as they have to be both extremely comfortable while providing protection against on-road and off-road hazards. On top of that, they are expected to also be three-season viable without being too complicated to switch between a summer jacket flowing a lot of air to a rainy day jacket that is waterproof.

Rev’It has designed the Cayenne Pro to check off all those boxes, and a few more that you probably aren’t thinking of. The biggest part is that the entire chassis of the jacket is 750D polyamide coated with Teflon coating. This textile, Rev’It’s own in-house design, feels like Cordura but contains 87% polyamide, 7% leather, and 6% polyester, giving it superb abrasion resistance while also making it reasonably penetration resistant as well.

The Cayenne Pro is 100% waterproof when all airflow vents are closed, and there are a few of them. This allows you to tailor the amount of air you want through the jacket, from none on a particularly chilly day to almost being a mesh jacket on super hot days. And throughout it all, this jacket carries Rev’it’s CE level 2 rated SeeFlex shoulder and elbow protectors, and a SeeSoft CE level 2 back protector.

It’s basically one of, if not the, best adventure dual-sport jackets money can buy.

Klim Adventure Rally Jacket

Klim Adventure Rally Jacket

Price: $1,699.99+
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

For those that are serious about spending days, if not weeks, on a motorcycle, adventuring across the Australian outback, or touching all the big landmarks in South Africa, Klim has the jacket for you. The Adventure Rally Jacket is not for those looking to ride for a day, no. This is about as hardcore as you can get.

Using all the latest in material and protective technologies, the Adventure Rally is waterproof, windproof, stain-resistant, and shucks off salt, water, and biologicals that might get tossed into the air if you’re riding along a coastline near the sea. GoreTex interwoven with Armacor textile provides three layers of abrasion resistance and waterproofing, so even if you do take a spill and tear the outer layer, two more layers will still keep the integrity of the jacket.

The Adventure Rally also comes with a full complement of armor, all of it D3O CE level 2 or better, in the chest, shoulders, elbows, forearms, and full back. It has an internal kidney belt that helps the shoulders bear the weight of the jacket on the tops of the hips while also armoring the kidneys. A built-in, 3-liter hydration pack in the back is easily refillable, and contamination-proof when closed, with the drink tube able to be routed either internally or externally, depending on your preference.

Ten waterproof external pockets mean you can carry all the gear you need that’s too small to fit in your saddlebags or pannier lockers. Ventilation is also highly customizable with no less than 6 vent options, all closed and sealed by YKK zippers and waterproof GoreTex membranes behind the zips.

Yes, this jacket costs as much as a decent used dirt bike, but it is meant, as stated, to survive weeks, if not months, on an adventure. And for that, there is no better jacket.

Merlin Chase Cafe Jacket

Merlin Chase Cafe Jacket

Price: $399.00
Buy: Revzilla

The history of cafe racing personal protective gear is a bit of an interesting one, as cafe racers in the UK were the first riders to fully and truly wear head-to-toe protective gear, usually made of high-grade cowhide leather. It’s a good thing, then, that Merlin decided to not fix what’s not broken.

The Chase Cafe jacket is made of high quality, double- and triple-stitched cowhide, in varying thicknesses of 1.2 to 1.3 mm. The main chassis is backed by a smooth satin black fabric, with a removable thermal liner vest that weighs only 100g.

Keeping with the style and feel of the rock and roll racing era, the two-tone leather hides an impressive set of CE level 2 armor in the shoulders and elbows, with a back pocket in the liner designed to handle any of the top quality back protector inserts on the market, from D3O all the way to Nucleon and SeeSoft.

Also in keeping with the cafe history, all zips are high-quality YKK, with Merlin snap closures including a storm flap closure just under the collar if you want a little more airflow, or a full neck snap if it’s getting a little chilly. Other jackets made of the same materials, with the same level of protection, will cost you over $100 more, which makes the Merlin Chase Cafe jacket one of the best value-for-money options out there in today’s cafe jacket market.

REAX Fairmount Riding Shirt

REAX Fairmount Riding Shirt

Price: $179.00
Buy: Revzilla

“Wait,” we can hear you say. “That’s a jacket?” Indeed it is, although it is branded as a “riding shirt.” It may look like a slightly bulky cotton button-up, but that is underselling the serious protection that this jacket hides.

Looking like an average construction site work shirt, the exterior is made of 67% cotton and 33% polyester, although it is not on-brand Cordura. Instead, it is branded out as 12oz coated denim, which has about 300D ripstop equivalent. While that is not overly impressive, the 140GSM aramid knit backing to that denim is. Much like riding jeans, the aramid takes the brunt of the abrasion, with a ripstop rating of 1000D.

This is backed up with full Sas-Tec CE Level 2 armor, certified to EN 1621-1 performance, in the elbows and shoulder areas, held in by aramid and polyester lining. There is a pocket for a back protector at the rear of the shirt and will fit all major armor types in that pocket.

Hiding behind the front buttons, in case there was worry that the shirt might rip open during a slide, is a fully double-sewn YKK zipper. The collar has hidden snap-downs to prevent it from flapping in the wind, and there are belt loops hidden in the hem to keep the shirt from riding up during a slide as well.

All in all, if you want to look casual, but ride protected, REAX has a relatively inexpensive but amazingly protective riding shirt for you.

Dainese Racing 3 Perforated Jacket

Dainese Racing 3 Perforated Jacket

Price: $579.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

As easily seen in the top form of motorcycle racing, MotoGP, there really are only two houses of racing suits across the entire competitive field. One is Alpinestars, the other is Dainese. If there ever was a war for sportbike and supersport gear dominance, it is between these two companies. So it’s only fitting that while one of our top recommended sports jackets is Alpinestars, the other is one of Dainese’s best.

Instead of relying purely on cowhide for abrasion resistance, Dainese has invested a lot of research and development money into what is known as S1 Bielastic Fabric, developed in partnership with Cordura. While high-quality leather does make up a large part of the chassis, especially abrasion areas, it is backed by S1, and S1 is also used to form the stretch panels between leather panels. As well, the S1 in and of itself is equivalent to 600D ripstop and contains polyamides, polyester, and aramid fibers for the strongest, but most flexible, protection possible.

This allows for the jacket, which is relaxed just under a full race fit, to stretch and conform to the rider’s body without needing to be fully tailored to the rider. On top of that, the jacket features composite armor in the shoulders and elbows, with replaceable aluminum external slide points. The entire jacket is also CE Cat 2 certified, meaning it is a viable track jacket and passes all requirements to be worn for track days if you do not have a full suit.

Rev’It! Stealth 2 Hoody

Rev’It! Stealth 2 Hoody

Price: $399.99
Buy: Revzilla

Sometimes, riders want to have gear that serves as both protection while riding, and outerwear when they park up somewhere. While most jackets can feel a bit stuffy or even downright heavy when air is not flowing through them, Rev’It has balanced the Stealth 2 Hoody right on that razor’s edge.

In terms of protection, the Stealth 2 is made of triple-layer stretch Cordura, backed by a HydraTex pro waterproofing membrane. The elbows are reinforced with polyamide fabric to help with abrasion resistance and sliding. The shoulders and elbows are protected with Rev’It Seesmart armor, with a back protector pocket in the liner of the hoody.

In terms of outerwear, the Stealth 2 also comes with a detachable thermal liner that brings the jacket to a full three-season level of warmth and wearability. Being stretch Cordura, the hoody is also highly breathable, allowing sweat and moisture to wick away from the body. This means that when you arrive at your destination, you can wear the hoody as normal outerwear without having to lug around a heavy jacket.

Scorpion EXO-1909

Scorpion EXO-1909

Price: $499.95+
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

The Scorpion EXO 1909 is a jacket that has both an interesting story and a specific design behind it. A cross between a sports jacket and a cruiser jacket, the 1909 in the name symbolizes the incorporation and opening of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, where throughout the years motorsports of both the two and four-wheeled varieties have taken place.

Made of distressed leather for a soft feel, it nonetheless offers over 1.1mm of cowhide abrasion protection. Sas-Tec CE level 2 armor is discreetly hidden in the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket in the rear for a Sas-Tec CE level 2 back protector. On the elbows specifically, extra leather overlays have been sewn in so that there is added protection on one of the most common slide points.

Zippered rear vents work in conjunction with discreetly hidden perforated underarm and flank panels. A removable thermal liner allows for both warm and cold weather riding. All of the zippers on the jacket are genuine YKK but in a special process antiquated brass look. The wrists are zipper closures with accordion stretch panels to create a good air seal for cruiser riding, and a good glove seal for sport riding.

The biggest thing with the EXO 1909 is not that it features a hell of a lot of protection, but that it does so while recreating the look and feel of an early 20th-century leather jacket.

Roland Sands F@#k Luck Jacket

Price: $800.00
Buy: Revzilla

Before anyone asks, yes, that is the actual retail name of this jacket. Roland Sands is a premium gear maker, and the [email protected]#k Luck definitely deserves the premium tag. Each jacket is handmade, and the entire jacket chassis is 1.1 to 1.3 mm thick premium cowhide, which is hand-finished in vegetable dye.

It comes with Knox CE level 2 armor at the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket for a back protector. All zips, as are common on high-quality jackets, are YKK. There are four mostly hidden vents, closed by zips, at the shoulders and middle of the back.

The jacket is water-resistant, with a waterproof internal device pocket. It is also articulated so that if you ride a supersport, a sportbike, an ADV, or even a cruiser, the jacket can move and adapt to each riding position without stretching or straining against your body. That alone makes it one of the best, and the fact that it technically qualifies as a track-wearable protective jacket is just the icing on the cake.

Rev’It Ignition 3 Summer Jacket

Rev’It Ignition 3 Summer Jacket

Price: $499.95
Buy: Revzilla | Amazon

A lot of motorcycles live in places where it can get uncomfortably warm in many other types of jackets. This is why mesh jackets first started getting made back in the early 2000s. Evolutionary materials and engineering have brought what used to be bits of nylon stretched between leather panels into fully armored, abrasion-resistant, yet exceptionally comfortable modern mesh textile jackets.

Of these, Rev’It has the Ignition 3, possibly one of the finest examples of protection with maximum airflow. The third iteration, the base chassis is made of Monaco Performance cowhide leather, some of the best protective leather you can get in the world. Between the cowhide sections is tightly woven Dynax mesh, which is heat-resistant and deflects off as much heat as it allows air through, and also will not melt during a slide.

Backing up the Dynax is PWR I shell 500D stretch fabric in the arms and 600D waxed polyester in the torso. All of this is then backed with Lorica fabric. It may sound like a lot of layers, and it frankly is, but the fact is that you can hold this jacket up to a light with it fully closed and zipped up, and still see the light through it.

Because it’s Rev’It, and they over-engineer almost all their gear (which is a good thing!), there are two detachable liners, a full Hydratex 3L waterproof one, and a thermite liner in case it gets chilly. Protection comes in the form of full CE level 2 Seeflex armor on the elbows and shoulders, and there is a pocket in the back of the jacket for a Seesoft CE 2 back protector, which will fit D3O, Nucleon, and other armor types without issue.

If you need the best protection with the best airflow, Rev’It have you covered!

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com