Aerostich Protekt Riding Jeans Review

[moshe_levy]

Hi All-

Aerostich's Protekt Riding Jeans attempt to blend casual civilian styling with moto-specific build construction and optional armor. Tune in to see how they held up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb0bYueQ17k

-MKL

[Lannis]

Hi All-

Aerostich's Protekt Riding Jeans attempt to blend casual civilian styling with moto-specific build construction and optional armor. Tune in to see how they held up!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gb0bYueQ17k

-MKL

That's a good review.   I watch all of these that you post and find them pretty effective/efficient in getting the message and conclusions across in a short time, which helps in this day when even us "old timers" seem to live by sound bites.

Only thing I said "Wait a minute ... " to was near the start, when the observation was made that these look just like the regular jeans you wear, that people wouldn't know the difference.   I didn't think so.   The knee padding and pad pockets were obvious, and they are cut MUCH fuller in the thighs than regular jeans.   That's not a BAD thing for riding - I hate when my pants bind up on my thighs in hot weather, and I have to stand up and pull the legs up to relieve it.   They need to be built that way, but they do look like "riding pants".

Next time the Aerostich road show comes back to Woodbridge VA, though, I will go and try on a pair and see.

Thanks!

Lannis

[moshe_levy]

Hi Lannis-

I usually wear "regular Levis" and these do look a bit bulkier, but I have some "baggy" sets and the Aerostich don't look too much different in "real life," to be honest. Especially if the pads are out. These is a pretty unique niche Aerostich is going after - they want *some* but not much protection. Looking civilian is important to these buyers. For myself, I try to wear the best protective gear I can get. Knee pads only go so far.

-MKL

[Lannis]

Hi Lannis-

I usually wear "regular Levis" and these do look a bit bulkier, but I have some "baggy" sets and the Aerostich don't look too much different in "real life," to be honest. Especially if the pads are out. These is a pretty unique niche Aerostich is going after - they want *some* but not much protection. Looking civilian is important to these buyers. For myself, I try to wear the best protective gear I can get. Knee pads only go so far.

-MKL

I look at the protection aspect from the "holistic" side, if I can say it that way.

I want to travel the highways and byways of the world with a motor vehicle, traveling to see family, to see places, to run errands, meet friends.

Let's assume that I'm equally likely to get into a crash situation in a car or on a bike (this is debatable but it's probably close).   So what I'm worried about is the consequences of a crash.

This might be someone hitting me from behind at a light, someone left-turning right in front of me so I can't avoid it, a drunk or texter crossing the double yellow and hitting me, or me running into the guardrail to avoid him.  On a bike, you also have to add falling onto the road from a slick spot, stuffing it in a turn, or drifting onto the shoulder.

The way I see it, on a relative scale of 1 to 100, where 1 is that I walk away unhurt, and 100 is I die or sustain a crippling injury immediately, averaged over all the scenarios I might have ...

If I'm in:

A Cadillac Escalade - 5
A Volvo sedan - 8
A Ford Taurus - 9
My Ford Festiva - 15
An MG Midget - 18

My Guzzi, with the best possible protective gear - 58
My Guzzi, with a comfy leather jacket and Aerostich jeans - 62
My Guzzi, with a denim jacket and regular jeans - 68
My Guzzi, in shorts, T-shirt, and sandals - 85

Those are arbitrary numbers, of course, but it's what my experience and what I've seen tells me.

The question is, for the marginal increase in protection on a 1 - 100 scale, how much discomfort, clumsiness, and heat am I willing to put up with?   

If I want to be REALLY safe, and minimize my chances of getting hurt, I get into a steel cage with a harness and air-bags.    Once I get beyond doing that, normal precautions take effect....

"Perceived Risk" also operates here.   Some people think they'll die the second they get on a bike, and so they hate them and never get on one.   Some people are driving down the Interstate at 80 MPH texting with one hand and eating a cream-cheese bagel with their other, on their way to protest the dangerous nuclear plant.    It's what you're scared of, not what will really hurt you ....

Lannis

[swooshdave]

You are way overestimating how well regular jeans will hold up. You might as well be wearing tights.

I just got the Aerostitch jeans and find them better than the Icon ones I have. The removable knee pads are a huge win. Plus I can swap them out with my Aerostich pants.

[pehayes]

A Cadillac Escalade - 5
A Volvo sedan - 8
A Ford Taurus - 9
My Ford Festiva - 15
An MG Midget - 18

Lannis:  Your numerical evaluations remind me of the chap who called in to Click and Clack seeking advice on the newly released Mazda Miata.  He really had the hots for one but couldn't afford it and was seeking reasons NOT to buy the car.  They gave him the head-on crash safety ratings.  If memory serves, on a scale of 1,000, the driver survivability was about 950 while the passenger was 600.  He couldn't be swayed.  Their final advice was to buy the car and then find someone he didn't like and ask them to drive him around.   

Patrick Hayes
Fremont CA

[Lannis]

You are way overestimating how well regular jeans will hold up. You might as well be wearing tights.

I just got the Aerostitch jeans and find them better than the Icon ones I have. The removable knee pads are a huge win. Plus I can swap them out with my Aerostich pants.

You may be right.   Actually, I never ride in regular jeans, I use Duluth Fire-Hose jeans, much heavier stuff.   But still, no padding and it's still cotton, so yeah ....

Lannis

[ChuckH]

I have a pair.  I wear them for short-ish day trips when the riding is not expected to be risky.  Any time risk can come into the equation, I am more than likely in my Roadcrafter pants instead.

[swooshdave]

Every story I've heard about regular jeans is they do nothing against pavement. Even these Kevlar ones are going to take a beating, but have a better chance of surviving.

Let's pray none of us ever confirm this stuff.

[kingoffleece]

Far be it from me to tell anyone what to do, but you may want to search out (if possible) a rider who has experienced a slide down the road in denim and a T-shirt.  It may make a difference to you, or not.  At the very least it will assist in making an informed decision.

[Lannis]

Far be it from me to tell anyone what to do, but you may want to search out (if possible) a rider who has experienced a slide down the road in denim and a T-shirt.  It may make a difference to you, or not.  At the very least it will assist in making an informed decision.

But it would sort of be like finding a rider who low-sided his bike on an invisible patch of antifreeze while riding safely at the speed limit, fell down, and broke his ribs against a guardrail.

That would NEVER have happened if he had been in a car instead of engaging in the risky behavior of riding a single-track motorcycle.   

So what should I do with the information about his pain and recovery time that will make my life different?

Lannis

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

Every story I've heard about regular jeans is they do nothing against pavement. Even these Kevlar ones are going to take a beating, but have a better chance of surviving.

Let's pray none of us ever confirm this stuff.

I can confirm pavement shreds plain denim jeans on impact at 30mph

[twowings]

If I ain't wearing my ARC riding pants, then these go under whatever pants I wear:



https://www.bohnarmor.com/catalog/bohn-bodyguard-system.php

[moshe_levy]

"Hi Lannis-

I usually wear "regular Levis" and these do look a bit bulkier, but I have some "baggy" sets and the Aerostich don't look too much different in "real life," to be honest."

I should clarify here - I wasn't referring to RIDING with jeans. I NEVER ride with anything except ATGATT. I was strictly referring to aesthetics of how the Aerostich jeans look vs. my "regular" or "baggy" Levis. I do not advocate riding around in jeans. I've seen the results firsthand.

-MKL

[Lannis]

"Hi Lannis-

I usually wear "regular Levis" and these do look a bit bulkier, but I have some "baggy" sets and the Aerostich don't look too much different in "real life," to be honest."

I should clarify here - I wasn't referring to RIDING with jeans. I NEVER ride with anything except ATGATT. I was strictly referring to aesthetics of how the Aerostich jeans look vs. my "regular" or "baggy" Levis. I do not advocate riding around in jeans. I've seen the results firsthand.

-MKL

I understand your position completely.   Everyone makes a pair of jeans look different when they get in them.   (I've never been very good at it, though).

I'll eventually find a pair of protective pants that are the right combination of comfort and protection for me.   The most ardent ATGATT advocate would have NO criticism of my choice of armored leather jacket, dedicated riding boots, Kevlar gloves with knuckle protectors, and full Nolan helmet.    I'm comfortable riding in all those.

But for me, the normal protective pants I'd buy feel clumsy and look silly, like I'm wearing clown pants.   They catch on things when I'm getting on and off the bike, they're hot, and I'm a guy who's on and off the bike a lot even on a long trip.   I hate waddling around going "SHH-SHH-SHH".

So I need to find something.   Aside from a custom set of touring leathers someday, maybe the Aerostich jeans here are the thing, or a start ....

Lannis

[scura283]

Here is another review of some casual riding pants. They look pretty decent.
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r5/revit-alpha-rf-pants-review/

[kingoffleece]

Lannis,
I'm not sure what you meant.
Anyway, I'm with twowings here.  I use Diamond gausset kevlar jeans (called Defender) with Bohn Armour underneath.  I never even know they re there and you can't tell by looking at me that the protection is on.  The summer mesh is a must and the regular works well in cooler spring/fall rides.  Works a treat for around town on and off the bike all day, lunch rides, and that sort of thing.

[Lannis]

Lannis,
I'm not sure what you meant.

I'm not really sure either, other than ... We're already teetering along on two wheels, at the mercy of traction and the skills of the other drivers.   If we're already taking THAT risk v. driving a nice safe car, what's a little bit more for the sake of comfort?

As I was driving Fay's car this 80 degree day, a guy who reminded me of me when I was 25 zipped past us, in a T-shirt, open helmet, jeans, Keds, and no gloves.   Just like I used to do.   At the time, some old fart (like the present me) telling the PAST me about the benefits of ATGATT would not only have fallen on deaf ears, but would have made me even more determined not to wear all that crap.

We have to learn the hard way sometimes ...

Lannis

[swooshdave]

The best part of the Aerostitch jeans I'd the pocket for the knee pads. Take the pads out and they almost pass for everyday jeans.

[kingoffleece]

OK, THX.  I understand.

I also rode H-D's like an idiot for 30 years.  One very serious get off at 17 and I'm still paying for it.  Too late too smart as they say!

[Lcarlson]

I understand your position completely.   Everyone makes a pair of jeans look different when they get in them.   (I've never been very good at it, though).

I'll eventually find a pair of protective pants that are the right combination of comfort and protection for me.   The most ardent ATGATT advocate would have NO criticism of my choice of armored leather jacket, dedicated riding boots, Kevlar gloves with knuckle protectors, and full Nolan helmet.    I'm comfortable riding in all those.

But for me, the normal protective pants I'd buy feel clumsy and look silly, like I'm wearing clown pants.   They catch on things when I'm getting on and off the bike, they're hot, and I'm a guy who's on and off the bike a lot even on a long trip.   I hate waddling around going "SHH-SHH-SHH".

So I need to find something.   Aside from a custom set of touring leathers someday, maybe the Aerostich jeans here are the thing, or a start ....

Lannis

I have pretty much the same issues with riding pants. I own a pair of Aerostich Darien pants, which are heavyweight ballistic nylon dedicated motorcycle pants. They fit well and even look pretty good. But I seldom wear them except when doing all-day touring (they are also waterproof). I just do not like the feel and sound of nylon gear. I also have the Aerostich Protekt jeans, and have worn Draggin' Jeans for many years -- a compromise product like the Protekts.

FWIW, I crash tested a pair of Draggin' Jeans about 15 years ago. The denim at the knees was completely torn apart, but the Kevlar panels underneath did not show so much as a mark from the impact. My knees had friction burns all aver them, but the asphalt never touched my skin.  As compromise products go, I considered these successful.

We all take a calculated risk to ride. For me, I'll continue the compromise and enjoy the comfort of my choice.

[Lannis]

I have pretty much the same issues with riding pants. I own a pair of Aerostich Darien pants, which are heavyweight ballistic nylon dedicated motorcycle pants. They fit well and even look pretty good. But I seldom wear them except when doing all-day touring (they are also waterproof). I just do not like the feel and sound of nylon gear. I also have the Aerostich Protekt jeans, and have worn Draggin' Jeans for many years -- a compromise product like the Protekts.

FWIW, I crash tested a pair of Draggin' Jeans about 15 years ago. The denim at the knees was completely torn apart, but the Kevlar panels underneath did not show so much as a mark from the impact. My knees had friction burns all aver them, but the asphalt never touched my skin.  As compromise products go, I considered these successful.

We all take a calculated risk to ride. For me, I'll continue the compromise and enjoy the comfort of my choice.

That's a pretty good testimony right there.   I guess I need to get on the stick.

By the way, does anyone know if any company is still in the business of making custom-made touring leathers?   At the Butler's Orchard Euro-bike day one year, a couple had a marquee there with samples of their work and was taking orders; they did some beautiful leathers but the next year when I went, they weren't there.

Seems to me like a touring outfit with some of the Draggin' or Bohn style padding in it would be the best of both worlds ...

Lannis

[twowings]

Here's another alternative:

http://www.hoodjeans.co.uk/hood-motorcycle-jeans/cargo-jean-mens-black/

[Mr Pootle]

I'm with twowings. I've got two pairs of Hoods, one pair of Kevlar lined denim, pre dating inserts, and a pair of the black cargo pants with inserts. Both pass my wife's rear view scrutiny, and both are comfortable. I've not yet put them to the ulitimate test, and hope I never have to, but just having them on when I ride makes me feel that bit safer.

[Lcarlson]

The Hood products look good. How does the waist sizing run?

[Mr Pootle]

The Hood products look good. How does the waist sizing run?

True to size in my experience.

[sturgeon]

For all of you that don't like to "swish" when you walk, but want more protection than denim provides, see if you can find Aerostich Transit pants. They're leather backed by GoreTex, completely waterproof (at least for me, through a few years of all-weather riding), and, umm, silent. Sadly, they are no longer made, but you might find some to fit you if you look diligently. For anything other than a trip to the grocery store, the Transit suit is my go-to gear. I also have a (non-leather) BMW suit but I only wear it when it's very cold, like 5C or below.

[sturgeon]

By the way, does anyone know if any company is still in the business of making custom-made touring leathers?

Have you looked at Fox Creek Leather? Perhaps not "custom-made", depending on your definition, but very nice quality stuff, and easy to find something to fit.

[Lannis]

Have you looked at Fox Creek Leather? Perhaps not "custom-made", depending on your definition, but very nice quality stuff, and easy to find something to fit.

Have never tried them, I'll look 'em up, and also check eBay for Transit stuff, although getting a fit on that might be really tough ....

Lannis

[Lcarlson]

True to size in my experience.

Thx -- ordered a pair of these.