Table of contents
- Comparison test motorcycle jeans The stuff that motorcycle dreams are made of
- 1st place: Held Marlow MOTORRAD test winner
- 2nd place: iXS Classic AR Jeans Cassidy
- 3rd place: Rokker Rokkertech Tapered Slim Black
- 4th place: Vanucci Dyn
- 5th place: Modeka Nyle Cool MOTORRAD buyer’s tip
- 6th place: Trilobite Parado
- 7th place: Highway 1 Denim III
- 8th place: Alpinestars Victory Denim
- 9th place: Buse Denver
- 10th place: Spirit Motors aramid / cotton jeans 1.0
- 11th place: Course Heavy Duty Raw Denim
- Not all jeans are the same
- Heavy stuff
- protection and safety
- Conclusion
clothing
Station wagons, jackets & pants
Motorcycle jeans in a comparison test
Comparison test motorcycle jeans
The stuff that motorcycle dreams are made of
In addition to the choice of a flip-up or open face helmet, little more splits than the question of whether or not motorcycle jeans. Theoretically, high-quality cotton and highly abrasion-resistant fibers are supposed to mitigate the worst, but not everyone is convinced of it. In the test 11 jeans that can comfort and safety.
Tobias Beyl
02/21/2021
In this article:
- 1st place: Held Marlow MOTORRAD test winner
- 2nd place: iXS Classic AR Jeans Cassidy
- 3rd place: Rokker Rokkertech Tapered Slim Black
- 4th place: Vanucci Dyn
- 5th place: Modeka Nyle Cool MOTORRAD buyer’s tip
- 6th place: Trilobite Parado
- 7th place: Highway 1 Denim III
- 8th place: Alpinestars Victory Denim
- 9th place: Buse Denver
- 10th place: Spirit Motors aramid / cotton jeans 1.0
- 11th place: Course Heavy Duty Raw Denim
- Not all jeans are the same
- Heavy stuff
- protection and safety
- Conclusion
There I stand now, poor fool, and I’m as smart as before! That’s what Goethe wrote, and that’s what the author thought: when not only the eleven biker jeans that took part in the test, but also cheap fashion jeans from one of those trendy shops with the two letters were lying in front of him – at first glance almost unscathed after they were pushed onto the asphalt shortly before at 80 kilometers per hour.
Are motorcycle jeans just a bluff and we would be just as safe on our bike with cheap pants? Is that what we learned from our test? Is this the bitter truth that we have to convey to you at this point? Of course not.
Impact protection. Knee and often hip protectors, possibly even a rump protector, protect against otherwise poorly healing bone fractures. In our test field there are clear differences here, in some cases the manufacturers rely on full protectors, sometimes only knee protectors are installed as standard, and one participant even comes completely without protective padding. In some cases, for reasons of cost, cheap, thick and ill-fitting models are used, in some cases the manufacturers use tried and tested products, and sometimes they break new ground with ultra-flat and flexible protectors. But protectors are by no means the only difference.
&# 127942; Our motorcycle jeans recommendation at a glance
- The very light one Modeka Nyle Cool* is ours Buying tip. With an attractive price of 169.90 euros, it is the offer with the best price-performance ratio in the test field.
- Our Test winner is the Hero Malow* with a price of 389.86 euros. The package of safety and comfort is convincing and is therefore our number 1 in the test.
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mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
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mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
1/23
1st place: Held Marlow MOTORRAD test winner
- Providers: Held, www.held.de
- Waist size: 28 to 40;
- Price: 389.86 euros;
- Weight: 1,422 g (size 34 weighed);
- Construction: single layer, fabric made of armalite;
- Material: Cotton, polyethylene, elestomultiester, elastane, cotton and polyester bags;
- Protectors: Knee (level 1, continuously adjustable), hips (level 1); Tailbone can be retrofitted,
- Certification: FprEN 17092-4: 2018 (Class A);
- Country of Manufacture: Germany
offers
Held Marlow motorcycle jeans, black, size 32
Delivery time: 3 – 5 days
€ 399.95
including shipping
To the shop
Held Marlow, Jeans – Black – 32/32
Delivery within 3-5 days
€ 399.95
plus € 5.90 shipping
To the shop
SECURITY: Infinitely adjustable protectors on the knee, hip protectors in series plus a pocket for a tailbone protector – when it comes to impact protection, it shows hero Marlow set up safely. The single-layer fabric made of armalite is relatively heavy, but also extremely abrasion and tear-resistant. If you want to tear it up yourself: The jeans come with a small denim sample on which you can let out your energy. In addition to abrasion and tear resistance, the jeans are also convincing in terms of cut protection, and their seams also reveal no weaknesses.
FIT AND COMFORT: Almost 400 grams more than the lightest pants in the test – you can feel it. Nevertheless, the Marlow is very comfortable to wear, and mobility is also very good. The fit is slightly in the direction of slim fit, but the continuous Armalith fabric offers a lot of stretch everywhere.
Conclusion: Due to its mass, the second heaviest pair of pants in the test creates trust, which it fully redeems thanks to its impressive impact and abrasion protection. Despite the extra weight, it also impresses with plenty of comfort in everyday life. A great pair of jeans from “Not-just-leather specialists” hero.
MOTORRAD verdict: very good
2nd place: iXS Classic AR Jeans Cassidy
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
The iXS Classic AR Jeans Cassidy is certified according to protection class AA, so impact and abrasion protection are correspondingly good in the test.
- Providers: Hostettler, www.ixs.com;
- Sizes: 30 to 48;
- Price: 249.95 euros;
- Weight: 1,206 g (size 34 weighed);
- Construction: multi-layer, denim plus two-layer lining made of aramid and Coolmax fibers;
- Material: Cotton, elastane; Protective layer made of 50% aramid and polyester;
- Protectors: Knees (level 1, continuously height adjustable), hips (level 1);
- Certification: prEN 17092-3: 2017 (class AA);
- Country of Manufacture: Turkey
offers
IXS Cassidy AR, Jeans – Blue – 36/34
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
€ 224.90
plus € 5.90 shipping
To the shop
Security: The Classic AR Cassidy does have some unsightly holes in the outer fabric after the fall, which is hardly surprising given the thin and light outer material – the aramid inner layer therefore provides reliable protection. The supplied protectors on the hip and knee fit perfectly.
Fit and Comfort: IXS offers a total of 35 sizes, including women’s, long and short sizes. This allows a great fit and a high level of comfort. The comfortably stretchy jeans follow all movements, neither the two and a half layers of fabric nor the protectors pinch or otherwise disturb. In warm temperatures, the jeans also like their good air permeability. But she doesn’t like the wetness on the outside, then the outer fabric quickly soaks up.
Conclusion: The iXS Classic AR Jeans Cassidy is certified according to protection class AA, so impact and abrasion protection are correspondingly good in the test. Thanks to the 35 available sizes and a sensible choice of materials, it is also extremely comfortable. She doesn’t like rain – it doesn’t matter.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
3rd place: Rokker Rokkertech Tapered Slim Black
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
The iXS Classic AR Jeans Cassidy is certified according to protection class AA, so impact and abrasion protection are correspondingly good in the test.
- Providers: Provider: Rokker, www.therokkercompany.com;
- Price: 389.00 euros;
- Waist size: 29 to 44;
- Weight: 1,292 g (size 34 weighed);
- Construction: single layer, denim fabric made of UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene);
- Material: Cotton, polyethylene, polyamide, elastomultiester, elastane;
- Protectors: Knees (level 1, continuously height adjustable), hips (level 1);
- Certification: FprEN 17092-3: 2018 (class AA);
- Country of Manufacture: Portugal
offers
Rokker Rokkertech Tapered Slim Black motorcycle jeans, black, size 44
Delivery time: 5 – 7 days
€ 389.00
including shipping
To the shop
Security: The Rokkertech fabric is tough, but more susceptible to heat and abrasion than similar materials such as Armalith (for Held) or Dyneema (for Vanucci): the single-layer fabric showed a hole after the drop test, which would mean skin contact with the asphalt so it was the result. The thin protectors convince with very good shock absorption values.
Fit and Comfort: The single-layer trousers are extremely comfortable to wear, but the waistband is a little tighter than expected. Eleven narrow waist sizes are available for this, and you can also choose between 32, 34 and 36 inch lengths. The pleasantly soft protectors are barely noticeable, so the pants willingly follow your every move. Good for the bike: the consistent avoidance of rivets.
Conclusion: Production in Europe, great scope of delivery and very high convenience – of course that also costs. The protectors from D3O offer good protection, the UHMWPE fabric corresponds to class AA, but also showed a small weakness under high loads in our extreme test.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
4th place: Vanucci Dyn
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
The Vanucci Dyn is particularly convincing with its very high level of comfort and its inconspicuous appearance.
- Providers: Detlev Louis, www.louis.de;
- Price: 224.19 euros;
- Waist size: 30 to 40;
- Weight: 1160 g (size 34 weighed);
- Construction: single layer, fabric made of denim (warp) and dyneema (warp and weft);
- Material: Cotton, polyethylene, polyamide, elastane; Lining made of cotton and polyester;
- Protectors: Knees (level 2, continuously adjustable), hips can be retrofitted;
- Certification: prEN 17092-4: 02-2017 (class A);
- Country of Manufacture: Bangladesh
offers
Vanucci Dyn Jeans blue 40
Delivery time: 1-3 days
€ 149.99
plus € 4.99 shipping
To the shop
Security: the Vanucci As the name suggests, Dyn relies on Dyneema and processes this together with cotton into a single-layer (or if you will: one-and-a-half-layer) fabric. When the asphalt comes into contact with the asphalt, the blue cotton threads rub, but even then a complete weave of Dyneema fibers remains. In the test, a hole was nevertheless formed in those areas where the friction was increased by an edge. The thin and flexible knee protectors convince with very good shock absorption values.
Fit and Comfort: The jeans weigh relatively little and also feel light, so the wearing comfort is correspondingly relaxed. The waistband is clearly too wide, the great protectors are hardly noticeable in practice.
Conclusion: The Vanucci Dyn is particularly convincing with its very high level of comfort and its inconspicuous appearance. The already good protection with largely abrasion-resistant material and level 2 knee protectors can be increased by retrofitting hip protectors.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
5th place: Modeka Nyle Cool MOTORRAD buyer’s tip
- Providers: Modeka, www.modeka.de;
- Price: 169.90 euros;
- Waist size: 28 to 40;
- Weight: 1,180 g (size 34 weighed);
- Construction: two-ply, denim with Cordura plus Kevlar lining on seat, hips and knees;
- Material: Cotton, Cordura, Coolmax; Protective layer made of aramid;
- Protectors: Knees (level 1, two-way height adjustable), hips can be retrofitted;
- Certification: prEN 17092-3: 2019 (class AA);
- Country of Manufacture: Pakistan
offers
Modeka Nyle Cool, Jeans – Blue – 40
Delivery within 3-5 days
€ 152.00
plus € 5.90 shipping
To the shop
Security: Since the certification process took a little longer, the first delivery of the Nyle Cool was still marked as class A. In our test, however, it was able to show that it rightly carries the now certified protection class AA: It combines convincing abrasion resistance and good tear resistance with good cut protection. The comfortably thin knee protectors are height adjustable, but only twice. Protectors must be retrofitted on the hips.
Fit and Comfort: The jeans tend to be a little too tight, especially at the waistband. Otherwise, it appears to be a snug fit, but still allows the full range of motion on and off the bike. There is no moisture protection, the ventilation is only mediocre.
Conclusion: The very light Nyle Cool is very comfortable to wear on the motorcycle as well as in everyday life and offers good protection. It owes this to the large aramid fabric, but also to the Cordura incorporated into the upper. And all at an attractive price.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
6th place: Trilobite Parado
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
The Parado by Trilobite offers a balanced price, many color and size variants.
- Providers: Germot, www.germot.de;
- Price: 199.95 euros;
- Sizes: 30 to 46;
- Weight: 1,540 g (size 34 weighed);
- Construction: two-ply, denim plus kevlar lining on seat and knees;
- Material: Cotton, elastane; Protective layer made of aramid; Stretch inserts made of polyamide;
- Protectors: Knee (level 2, continuously adjustable), hips (level 2);
- Certification: FprEN 17092-3: 2019 (Class AA);
- Country of Manufacture: Pakistan
offers
Trilobite Parado motorcycle jeans, brown, size 46
Delivery time: immediate
€ 179.95
plus € 3.99 shipping
To the shop
Trilobite Parado, Jeans – Black – 44/34
Delivery time: 1-3 working days
€ 179.90
plus € 5.90 shipping
To the shop
Trilobite PARADO motorcycle jeans men brown 46/32
Delivery time: 1-3 days
€ 179.95
plus € 4.99 shipping
To the shop
Trilobite motorcycle pants Parado incl.protectors 30
Delivery time: available in 5-8 working days
€ 199.99
plus € 2.95 shipping
To the shop
Security: The Trilobite Parado makes no secret of the fact that they are motorcycle pants. Level 2 protectors on the hips and knees ensure a high level of impact protection, while the large aramid fabric under the denim, which is already heavy, provides abrasion protection. Wherever there is no additional aramid layer, however, the only low tear resistance of the outer material has to be accepted.
Fit and Comfort: The large, flexible polyamide insert in the crotch as well as the accordion stretch on the knees and in the rear hip area bring a lot of comfort, the norm-compliant vents ensure fresh air on the thighs. Good fit, there are numerous sizes available including women and men as well as short and long sizes. There are also several color variants.
Conclusion: Well-balanced price, many color and size variants, a version made from recycled denim as well as an even safer variant with Dyneema in the upper material, plus level 2 protectors, lots of stretch and ventilation openings. The Parado is great, but also pretty difficult.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
7th place: Highway 1 Denim III
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
For less than 100 euros, the Highway 1 jeans offer a respectable basic level of safety, paired with largely pleasant wearing comfort and an appealingly clean appearance.
- Providers: Detlev Louis, www.louis.de;
- Waist size: 32 to 42;
- Price: 97.46 euros;
- Weight: 1,300 g (size 34 weighed)
- Construction: two-ply, denim plus kevlar lining on seat and knees; material: cotton, elastane; Protective layer made of 60% aramid and polyester;
- Protectors: Knees (level 1, two-way height adjustable), hips can be retrofitted; Certification: prEN 17092-4: 02-2017 (class A);
- Country of Manufacture: Pakistan
offers
Highway 1 Denim III Jeans black 40
Delivery time: 1-3 days
€ 59.99
plus € 4.99 shipping
To the shop
Security: Even the comparatively thick outer fabric is tough – when it comes into contact with asphalt it hardly rubs open and usually only slight discolouration of the denim is noticeable. Only there where edges are created by protectors or belt loops does damage occur more clearly. An additional layer of Kevlar then protects the areas that are particularly at risk of falling. However, this aramid fabric is not used on the thighs and lower legs. The protector equipment is also kept narrow.
Fit and Comfort: Relatively heavier denim as the upper material plus a second protective layer made of aramid not only add a lot of weight, but are also noticeable in terms of wearing comfort. Mobility and fit are largely okay, even if the waist size is flattering.
Conclusion: For less than 100 euros, the Highway 1 jeans offer a respectable basic level of safety, paired with largely pleasant wearing comfort and an appealingly clean appearance. However, Kevlar is not used on the thighs, please note this when falling.
MOTORRAD verdict: Good
8th place: Alpinestars Victory Denim
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
When it comes to abrasion resistance, the Victory doesn’t exactly show itself
willing to win, the loss of points in the safety category
it is catching up a bit in the comfort and equipment categories,
but no longer one. The bottom line is that it remains “satisfactory”.
- Providers: Alpinestars, www.alpinestars.com;
- Price: 249.99 euros;
- Waist size: 28 to 40;
- Weight: 1,382 g (size 34 weighed);
- Construction: single-ply, fabric made of denim (warp) and double-twisted kevlar (weft);
- Material: Cotton, 40% aramid, polyamide, elastane; Polyester and cotton lining;
- Protectors: Hips (level 1, two-way height adjustable), knees (level 1);
- Certification: EU 2016/425 Cat II;
- Country of Manufacture: Tunisia
offers
Alpinestars Daisy Pro Denim women’s motorcycle jeans, black, size 34
Delivery time: 2 – 3 days
€ 127.95
plus € 3.99 shipping
To the shop
Security: The very flat, level 1-certified protectors on the knees and hips are barely noticeable, but the knee protectors are a little too far inside. The single-layer fabric separates denim lengthways from Kevlar crossways, which ultimately affects the tear resistance. In the abrasion test, the material chafed through completely in one area, so the skin would have contact with the asphalt.
Fit and Comfort: The waist size of the 34 trousers is a generous 35 inches, but comes without stretch. The inside leg length corresponds to the expected length. Thanks to the regular fit and single-layer fabric, the pants are very comfortable and allow a high degree of mobility. At almost 1,400 grams, the pants are rather heavy; There are plus points for the second coin pocket, which can also be closed with a zipper.
Conclusion: When it comes to abrasion resistance, the Victory is not exactly willing to win. The loss of points in the safety category is catching up a bit in the comfort and equipment categories, but no longer. The bottom line is that “satisfying”.
MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying
9th place: Buse Denver
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
The Buse Denver makes just as great an impression in the office as it does on a motorcycle – as long as you don’t fall.
- Providers: Buse, www.buese.biz;
- Price: 199.95 euros;
- Waist size: 30 to 44;
- Weight: 1,050 g (size 34 weighed);
- Construction: single layer, denim fabric with Kevlar content;
- Material: Cotton, 6.5% aramid, elastane; Cotton / polyester lining;
- Protectors: Knees (level 1, three-way height adjustable), hips can be retrofitted;
- Certification: prEN 17092-4: 2018 (class A);
- Country of Manufacture: Turkey
offers
Buse Denver, Jeans – Blue – 40/32
Delivery time: immediate
€ 149.21
plus € 5.90 shipping
To the shop
Buse Denver motorcycle jeans, blue, size 32
Delivery time: immediate
€ 179.96
plus € 3.99 shipping
To the shop
Buse Denver men’s jeans blue 44
Delivery time: 1-3 days
€ 199.95
including shipping
To the shop
Security: The label promises 6.5 percent Kevlar content in the fabric, which is not particularly high compared to the competition. According to the information, the jeans are properly certified, so everything is OK? Well, the tensile strength values are on par with normal fashion jeans. The abrasion resistance could also be better.
Fit and Comfort: The lightest pants in the test are very comfortable to wear in everyday life. The waistband is a bit tight, but the mobility is very good. The leg length matches the size, the reflector on the inside of the trousers, which becomes visible when the leg ends are turned over, is smart. Thanks to the high cotton content and the clean five-pocket style, the Denver can hardly be distinguished from normal jeans – neither when wearing it nor when looking at it.
Conclusion: the Buse Denver makes as great an impression in everyday office life as it does on a motorcycle – as long as you don’t fall. Because the resistant Kevlar content is very low in comparison, so that it differs only insignificantly from conventional jeans.
MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying
10th place: Spirit Motors aramid / cotton jeans 1.0
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
The cheapest jeans in the test fully live up to their classification as protective pants against abrasion thanks to the aramid lining.
- Providers: Polo, www.polo-motorrad.de;
- Price: 49.99 euros;
- Sizes: 28 to 40;
- Weight: 1,306 g (size 34 weighed);
- Construction: multilayered, denim plus aramid lining on seat, thighs and knees;
- Material: Cotton; Protective layer made of polyester and 27% aramid;
- Protectors: Pocket for knee protectors (retrofitted, then infinitely adjustable), pocket for hip protectors;
- Certification: prEN 17092-5: 2017 (class B);
- Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
Security: Protectors are not included as standard, so these jeans can only be certified according to protection class B. The promised abrasion protection is made possible by an aramid lining at the critical points; this is pleasantly processed. After the crash test, the upper material looked worn out, but together with the aramid fabric, it would have protected the driver from abrasions. Retrofitted knee protectors can be perfectly adjusted in height using Velcro. The lack of tear resistance is critical where there is no aramid layer supporting the jeans material – for example on the lower legs.
Fit and Comfort: The waistband is figure-flattering about an inch too big, and the jeans are cut very wide in other ways. Ventilation, moisture and cold protection are only mediocre.
Conclusion: The cheapest jeans in the test fully live up to their classification as protective pants against abrasion thanks to the aramid lining. For impact protection, protectors have to be retrofitted – these increase the price and further limit the already not lavish comfort.
MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying
11th place: Course Heavy Duty Raw Denim
mps photo studio, Tobias Beyl
The following applies to the very affordable course: try on several sizes and swap the knee protectors for more contemporary goods.
- Waist size: 30 to 42;
- Price: 54.99 euros;
- Weight: 1,200 g (size 34 weighed);
- Construction: two-ply, denim plus Kevlar lining on seat, side thighs and knees;
- Material: Cotton, elastane; Protective layer made of aramid; Polyester lining;
- Protectors: Knees (level 1, three-way height adjustable), hips can be retrofitted; Certification: prEN 17092-4: 2018 (class A);
- Country of Manufacture: Pakistan
Security: What can you expect from a pair of jeans with a recommended price of less than 100 euros and which is usually even half sold? A surprising amount, at least in the abrasion test: the pants showed a lot of small scratches, but no serious damage after the simulated fall at 80 km / h. In terms of tear resistance, it is in the lower mid-range, the large, somewhat spongy protectors are no longer really up-to-date – this is probably due to the price.
Fit and Comfort: Too wide at the waist, too long and wide – or in other words: it is one or two sizes too big. Nevertheless, it is tense when you bend your knees, because despite elastane in the denim, the fabric is quite inflexible. When new, the pants also smell unpleasant, they surprised us with their waterproofness, which washes out.
Conclusion: The abrasion protection is good, the fit, the comfort and the smell are bad – and the look is probably a matter of taste, as always with jeans. The following applies to the very affordable course: try on several sizes and swap the knee protectors for more contemporary goods.
MOTORRAD verdict: satisfying
Not all jeans are the same
The term celebrates 2020 “Blue jeans” his 100th birthday. The name refers to the characteristic blue coloration with indigo. The jeans themselves are of course older, for over 150 years cotton has been woven into the so-called twill weave to form the well-known denim. By the way, the word origin is in French “Serge de Nîmes”, in German “Fabric from the city of Nîmes”. Sewn as trousers and reinforced with rivets, the “De Nîmes” as robust work trousers. A lot has happened since then, but jeans are still inherently very resistant. Therefore, even ordinary jeans can withstand a fall on not excessively rough asphalt without too much damage.
Damage to jeans can cause great damage to the human body. Because where the denim is chafed through, the asphalt rubs against the skin next – with unsightly consequences. This is why manufacturers try to improve the abrasion and tear resistance of their motorcycle jeans with special synthetic fibers. The best-known example is Kevlar, an aramid fiber from DuPont. The characteristic yellow material is known from cut protection gloves, bulletproof vests, vehicle armor – or as a protective layer in biker jeans. To put it simply, aramid, a fusion of aromatic polyamide, is a repetitive stringing together of certain chemical structures, with these chains forming strong hydrogen bonds with one another. Or to summarize: Aramid fibers are mechanically highly resilient, abrasion and tear resistant.
Therefore, they are used in motorcycle jeans. Partly as the mentioned independent and therefore obvious protective layer, partly less easily perceptible as part of the fabric – or not at all visible as a component within the fibers. In our test, for example, uses Alpinestars Kevlar threads through which the blue-colored cotton thread is woven. Buse, on the other hand, weaves the entire denim from a thread made of cotton, elastane and Kevlar fibers.
Heavy stuff
Other manufacturers such as Held, Rokker and Vanucci are also pursuing this approach – but their yarns are not made of aramid, but UHMWPE: ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. Wrapped in blue-dyed cotton, this creates a thread that can be woven with other UHMWPE threads. Such fabrics are known by names such as Armalith or Dyneema. Since the threads and thus the fabric are particularly resistant here, there is no need for an additional abrasion protection layer in the jeans. This accommodates the crunchy, jeans-typical fit that is often desired. Due to the uniform and overall thinner structure, single-layer jeans therefore often offer – but not always! – a more comfortable fit and better ventilation. Fit, ventilation and comfort in everyday life and when driving are also important criteria in our test. In terms of safety, two-layer jeans, on the other hand, have the advantage that the two layers can easily move independently of one another and thus better distribute the forces that occur. Although the top layer rubs on faster here, a second protective layer follows. At least where it is sewn – often unfortunately only in particularly endangered areas such as the buttocks, hips and knees, the thighs then remain comparatively unprotected between the knee protector and boot shaft.
protection and safety
The new European standard 17092 defines how protective motorcycle clothing can be certified as such. Depending on the values achieved, jackets and trousers are divided into one of five classes: C stands for pure impact protection, B for pure abrasion protection and A for both together. When it comes to combined abrasion and impact protection, class A offers the highest level of comfort and the lowest level of protection; AA means more security, AAA is another improvement. However, this is often at the expense of wearing comfort.
This is also the reason why no pair of pants scored over 90 points in our test: protection and weight are often related. If you want better protection, you will lose a point in comfort due to higher weight. The Held Marlow offers the best overall compromise; Rokker and Vanucci are similarly balanced. If you want more comfort and accept minor compromises in terms of security, choose iXS or Modeka. But you can’t go wrong with the Trilobite or Highway 1 either. Then this blue fabric, with protectors and synthetic fibers, is actually a dreamlike fabric.
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Conclusion
Expensive same good? No, expensive equals very good, at least in the case of the hero Marlow. Because it offers reliable security, the best equipment and a lot of comfort. Although it weighs above average, it still secures a considerable point advantage over the second-placed iXS. This shows the other test participants how comfortable motorcycle jeans can be. Although this goes hand in hand with minimal compromises in terms of safety, it is still three points ahead of the two third-place winners. Like the Held Marlow, the Rokker and Vanucci are single-layer biker jeans. With 80 points just behind, we are enthusiastic about the Modeka, which thanks to its comparatively low price is our best buy. In the last place, the cheapest pants landed in the test. Your protection is okay, but the features and wearing comfort are only rudimentary.
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