Jeans...

[Burger]

Anyone have an opinion or comments on Draggin or Hood jeans? Denim jeans with built in protection and slots for CE armour for anyone who doesn't know.

Went for a ride this last weekend when it was nearly 90 deg F here and I was extremely uncomfortable because I can't take the waterproof membrane out of my trousers (pants). Odd really, because my jacket which is the same make (Richa) is vented and has removable winter and waterproof linings. The pants only have removable winter lining. The jacket is well vented even with all the armour in but the pants are like wearing a green house.

Anyhow, would be interested in opinions and experience with these jeans or any other ideas anyone has for keeping cool below the waist :D

Thanks,

[decompressing]

Dave,

Looked at the "draggin" jeans at the bike show, but they looked so mighty heavy, that I couldn't see much point in not wearing ordinary leathers...


...my suade ones are about as cool as you can get (I think) without seriously reducing their effectiveness in a crash...they're Heine Gerrick and they have pockets for armour, hips and knees...

Marc

[Burger]

Not that I understand the difference but I believe that Draggin use kevlar in some form for the protection whereas Hood (http://www.hoodjeans.co.uk/) use woven or knitted aramid whatever that is and claim it is extremely breathable. They also have pockets for armour. I'll certainly take a look at Heine Gerick too.

Thanks,

[Killtimer]

AFAIK, Armarid and Kevlar are just different trade names for the same product. I love my Draggin jeans, and just picked up a pair of their convertible pants with the zip off lower legs. (For those quick stops by the sea) There is optional armour available for the Draggins. I've never seen the Hood product in the flesh so I can't comment on them. My standard summer LD set up is the Draggin jeans under some First Gear HT mesh overpants. The big plus to this set up in hot weather is the breathability. One negative (for some) is the large seam in the seat where the two Kevlar mats join.

[tricky_micky]

I think that is how they spelt it :D

I have a pair of jeans made by Hokushin before they went out of business. They were supplied by the Force for off road work on the trials bikes.

With the armour in they were very painful to wear, particularly on the knees. It was very difficult to get them in the correct place for the knee cap to sit in the cup of the armour correctly.

The jeans are double thickness and of course are very stong, I have even rode in them without the armour, much more comfortable. The other good thing is that when you get off the bike, they are comfortable to walk around in and are a little cooler than leathers and cordura trousers.

I think it is a choice of the rider Dave. If you feel happy with them and are aware of the limitations on certain areas of protection, then go for them.

[Daryl]

Just got a pair of the Hood jeans in the "Original Range" style - Woven Aramid versus the Hood "Concept Six" knitted aramid style.

Draggin Jeans are of the "knitted" type. I used those for a summer or 2 in Alabama. Pretty good. A bit hot and the knees got real sticky with armor attached (Knox).

The Hood Original Range Woven style aramid seems a much thiner material as compared to the "fluffy" Draggin material. Coverage on the Hood's is MUCH greater. They appear that they will breathe better than the Draggin.

As I got the wrong size waist ( my mistake) I can't yet comment on their compfort in the heat. Hood said to ship back - no problem for an exchange. I will only be out shipping one way.

From what I have seen so far - a thumbs up on the Hood Original Range.

[hojo in sc]

I have a pair of draggin jeans and since they don't feel all that comfortable when NOT riding, I haven't worn them in several years ...when was the last time Honda Hoot was in Asheville, NC?

Now I just wear my Phoenix Mesh Pants, clothing underneath is optional:rolleyes: , but before you take them off to go inside some where, try to remember if you put any thing on under them:eek:

[zoomzoomzoom]

AFAIK, Armarid and Kevlar are just different trade names for the same product. I love my Draggin jeans, and just picked up a pair of their convertible pants with the zip off lower legs. (For those quick stops by the sea) There is optional armour available for the Draggins. I've never seen the Hood product in the flesh so I can't comment on them. My standard summer LD set up is the Draggin jeans under some First Gear HT mesh overpants. The big plus to this set up in hot weather is the breathability. One negative (for some) is the large seam in the seat where the two Kevlar mats join.
+ 1 for First Gear HT mesh overpants:06biker:

[Killtimer]

Remember guys, there are two different Draggin Jeans. The Aussie ones available in Canada and Britain and the US ones. They are different. The Aussie version has quite a bit more Kevlar coverage than the US pair I had years ago. Same overall quality of construction, but not the same product.

[vintagemxr]

I've been wearing the US made Draggin' Jeans for about three years now and like them well enough to order a second pair when I actually LOST weight. :bow1:

I do appreciate the fact fact that they are a full cut jean (I didn't lose THAT much weight) and so don't bind in important places when sitting on the bike.

They are heavy denim and the Kevlar in the knees and seat add a bunch of thickness too so they are reasonably warm for our Arizona winters and about the same in the summer. I don't have any problem with them comfort-wise off the bike. My wife wears a pair and says the Kevlar is a bit rough on her skin but then she's a might softer than me. :D

[Vbird]

I've had a pair of Draggin' Jeans since they first came out(10yrs?).I was in nearby Hickory(Fast Company is the maker) and tried them.Had to order the size I needed.Very satisfied with them.I usually wear them when it's really hot and humid and short rides around town when I'm going to be on and off the bike alot.Otherwise,I'm in Aerostich.Only downside is they are a little scratchy in the knees until washed a dozen times or so.:04biker:

[HankSTer]

I've thought about getting draggin jeans but it gets so hot here during summer, I prefer mesh pants. I only wear compression shorts under them and they are cooler then regular jeans are.

I know how much protection mesh gives is controversial, but here this time of the year you see riders in T's and shorts, constanty. Compared to them I look like the Michelin Man ;)