Tear and Abrasion Strength by the #'s

[VEGASRIDER]

So I ended up purchasng the Air Mesh Kevlar Pants from Cycleport. Review to follow, but for the time being, here are some surprising statistics about Kevlar versus Leather. Depending on the type of leather, Kevlar can be almost 10 times more stronger. And unlike leather, everytime it gets wet, it will not loose it's tear/abrasion strength.

http://www.motoport.com/

 

[Cmayer31]

I look forward to hearing how you like them in the heat. Even though it's been pushing 100 here I'm still wearing the leather jacket with Olympia Airglide pants. Every time I wear my mesh jacket I get the uneasy feeling that it's not going to do much if I hit the ground. I'm so much more comfortable in the leather that I end up wearing it, and it's black.

I've heard great things about Cycleport, so am looking forward to the review.

 

[Red Wazp]

Been wearing Cycleport stretch kevlar for years -fugly but good stuff. Quite a few of the FJR boys in Ca have the mesh gear and a few have tested it the hard way and highly praise the quality.
Been damn toasty here the last few weeks.

 

[DefyInertia]

All leather isn't created equal and there must be a reason why anyone who knows they will probably be sliding across the pavement at a high rate of speed (i.e., the pros) wear leather, period. Don't you think?

 

[VEGASRIDER]

All leather isn't created equal and there must be a reason why anyone who knows they will probably be sliding across the pavement at a high rate of speed (i.e., the pros) wear leather, period. Don't you think?

Absolutely! The quality of leather varies from one end of the spectrum to the other. Depending on what type of animal, what their diet was can greatly affect the quality of the leather. But in general, the more expensive the leather, the better the quality of leather. Something to think about when you buy a real cheap leather one piece. But remember, everytime it gets wet, the strength will be compromised.

As far as the pro's, some or slowly converting to kevlar. In addition to the tear abrasion ratio, the amount of heat generated from friction is much less vs leather. It's just a matter of time until many of the "Pros" end up converting.

 

[FizzySix]

All leather isn't created equal and there must be a reason why anyone who knows they will probably be sliding across the pavement at a high rate of speed (i.e., the pros) wear leather, period. Don't you think?

True, but I ride in a very different environment from them. I don't ride at the speeds they do, so I don't expect to be sliding the same distances. If I do become separated from the bike at speed, I may collide with other vehicles, guard rails, etc...not straw bales or stacks of whatever is at the side of the track.

I moved from a very thick leather jacket (no armor) to mesh armored touring gear this year, top and bottom. It's comfortable, and I have to guess that while it doesn't provide the same abrasion resistance as the leather, the bits I'm (probably) likely to be sliding on are armored, giving more material to wear through, and impact protection as well.

I'm not saying this is the prescription for anyone, any more than I'm saying what's good for the racers is good for me (or even affordable). Your mileage may vary.

Not sure offhand how to place Tourmaster mesh on this chart, may have to do some research...

 

[DefyInertia]

As far as the pro's, some or slowly converting to kevlar. It's just a matter of time until many of the "Pros" end up converting.

You sure about that? Sounds a little too hearsay for me. Who are these roadracing pros you speak of?

***just trying to edjumicate myself****

True, but I ride in a very different environment from them. I don't ride at the speeds they do, so I don't expect to be sliding the same distances. If I do become separated from the bike at speed, I may collide with other vehicles, guard rails, etc...not straw bales or stacks of whatever is at the side of the track.

I moved from a very thick leather jacket (no armor) to mesh armored touring gear this year, top and bottom. It's comfortable, and I have to guess that while it doesn't provide the same abrasion resistance as the leather, the bits I'm (probably) likely to be sliding on are armored, giving more material to wear through, and impact protection as well.

I'm not saying this is the prescription for anyone, any more than I'm saying what's good for the racers is good for me (or even affordable). Your mileage may vary.

Not sure offhand how to place Tourmaster mesh on this chart, may have to do some research...

I was not attempting to discuss what gear people should wear, I was just interested in ultimate protection...what's the best.

Gear without armor is crazy talk

 

[Denver_FZ6]

Absolutely! The quality of leather varies from one end of the spectrum to the other. Depending on what type of animal, what their diet was can greatly affect the quality of the leather. But in general, the more expensive the leather, the better the quality of leather. Something to think about when you buy a real cheap leather one piece. But remember, everytime it gets wet, the strength will be compromised.

Also keep in mind the stitching used to hold the garment together. Cheap stuff may use only a single seam and may during the first few feet of a slide. Better stuff uses double or triple folded seams. You get what you pay for.

 

[FizzySix]

Gear without armor is crazy talk

That's the conclusion I had come to, too. Saving my skin which is then holding a jumbled bunch of broken bones is still not a good outcome.

I found one of the tags from my new duds, the Tourmaster stuff I have is 600 denier carbolex (that's the mesh presumably) paired with 1680 denier "ballistic polyester" in the impact areas. I can't see the chart as I reply, so let's see how this goes together....

Edit: so the mesh I'm (hopefully) not sliding on isn't going to do much, and the slippery cloth parts don't appear on the chart. And we don't know what the back/shoulder/elbow/hip/knee armor adds.

Guess I'd better not fall off the bike!

 

[wrightme43]

That stretch kevlar is awesome, kevlar is just awesome, so is leather. They both do thier job very well.

A good material + good design is what makes gear work. Poor material and excellent design will fail just as great material with poor design will.

Most of the upper end and good quality leathers are using that same stretch keprotect kevlar as part of the articulation areas.

See this for example. Spidi GP Kangaroo Leather Racing Suit | Sport Rider Magazine Article at Automotive.com
Kangaroo and keprotect you can find many more examples if you search.

Those two combine to make a outstandingly protective garment.

 

[VEGASRIDER]

I moved from a very thick leather jacket (no armor) to mesh armored touring gear this year, top and bottom. It's comfortable, and I have to guess that while it doesn't provide the same abrasion resistance as the leather, the bits I'm (probably) likely to be sliding on are armored, giving more material to wear through, and impact protection as well.

I'm not saying this is the prescription for anyone, any more than I'm saying what's good for the racers is good for me (or even affordable). Your mileage may vary.

Not sure offhand how to place Tourmaster mesh on this chart, may have to do some research...

Part of the primary reason I switched to the Air Mesh Kevlar is because they won't melt when it encounters friction. You have to be very careful when you get textile riding gear, as many use some type of polyurethane coating, which will melt into your skin when it's subject to a slide.

Also I can wash it as much as I want, and it can get wet 100 times and it will still offer the same tear and abrasion strength like it's brand new.

As far as impact, don't be fooled just because the armor is hard. The harder the armor, the less impact it will absorb. You will need some soft padding to go along with that armor. Similar on how your helmet works. The outer shell is hard to prevent any hard objects from penetrating into the helmet, but it's your inner liner inside that helmet that absorbs all of the impact.

 

[taki]

Vegasrider, how long did it take for you to get your pants? ive heard long lead times...

i have an air mesh jacket, and hopefully will be getting the matching pants soon, and possibly a pair of their gloves.

 

[Hellgate]

Good stuff.

Here's a question, how do I know WHAT/WHICH nylon my gear is made of???

I have the Buell Adventure riding jacket and pants. They zip together and have a mid-grade CE armor. They look well made and have very good features, lots of pockets and vents.

"Buell® Adventure Jacket with Switchback Technology

80% polyester, 20% nylon shell with molded rubber at shoulders and elbows. Features switchback technology textile outer panels that zip off to create added airflow. Removable vest liner and body armor at elbows and shoulders. Zippered vents on chest, arms, and back. Zipper cuffs and two zippered hand-warmer pockets. Adjustable cuff and waist tabs. Reflective stripes and Buell® graphics."

What to do???

 

[specialk]

thanks for posting about this...

I have actually been looking at motoports kevlar overpants and pulled the trigger last week. got them today (air mesh with liner and quad armor)

one thing I am trying to work out is the knee armor...seems to hit my boots a lot causing bunching between the knee and thigh armor when standing...do you guys see the same thing?

 

[FizzySix]

thanks for posting about this...

I have actually been looking at motoports kevlar overpants and pulled the trigger last week. got them today (air mesh with liner and quad armor)

one thing I am trying to work out is the knee armor...seems to hit my boots a lot causing bunching between the knee and thigh armor when standing...do you guys see the same thing?

I'm about to get my seamstress (wife) to sew big elastic straps to hold it in place....

 

[VEGASRIDER]

thanks for posting about this...

I have actually been looking at motoports kevlar overpants and pulled the trigger last week. got them today (air mesh with liner and quad armor)

one thing I am trying to work out is the knee armor...seems to hit my boots a lot causing bunching between the knee and thigh armor when standing...do you guys see the same thing?

Yeah, samething here. My shin guard fits over my high boots, but after riding, they end up at the top of my boots, having to readjust them so I feel comfy again. I actually talked to Wayne, the owner of Cycleport today over this same topic. He had warned that this may happen, and you could have made adjustment in your measurements prior to submitting them. But he said it can still be readjusted, but it will end up giving you less protection if you wear shorter boots.

 

[specialk]

vegas rider...

this bunching at the knees (at least for me) tends to also cause the pant material between the knee and crotch to get pushed together and makes me look kind of like one of those canadian police officers that ride horses. do you get the same thing?

I made sure to order an off the shelf size to make sure these things are right for me before I forked out the cash for a custom set that is not returnable.