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Note: see Post on main forum page, Anyway would like to know ONLY from those that have actually crashed and slid down the pavement or track, which protective pants would YOU recommend, have to purchase some as soon as I am able to try some on... sure appreciate any info YOU guys have, Thanks Much,,, Daveg

I'm suprised people still ask this question. If you want proper protection Leather is your ONLY option. There is NOTHING on the market that can produce the level of protection that leathers offer.

I've come off twice (once on road, once on gravel) and both times in leathers. I did not have a single scratch on me and my leathers were marked and scuffed but not even close to wearing through. They are also padded in key area's so you also have some level of impact resistance. Infact when I slid on the road it left almost no visual marks or wear at all. The gravel was a different story as it was obviously highly abrasive. I've got two pairs (Mars leather - hand made in Melbourne, and a pair of Dainese Meekong).

Leathers in comparison to other items is like comparing a Motorcycle helmet to a bicycle helmet. They are both helmets that are going to protect you, but I know which one I'd prefer to be wearing.

FYI - Kevlar jeans are "okay" and will save you from road rash, but they will not prevent the risk of friction burns or the possibility of the kevlar melting to your skin. Nor do they offer any protection in a tumble.

Thanks, appreciate the come back, Daveg

I had a small crash last summer. Slided a few feet but my textile pants were pretty scuffed through the first layer. My jacket (semi leather/textile) only had a few scuff marks on the leather but still good for use. I dont want to think about what would happen if I fell at a faster speed.

I've dropped a few pounds (20 in total) now and still need to drop another 10 pounds. Then I'm going for full leather gear.

Seen shit load of crashes and drops ,I use to ride with alot of learners.
Check out draggin jeans ,they will be better then jeans..I wear them but never tyred them out my self ,but they suprised me how much they save road rash.

Why do people worry about Kevlar (or any other fabric) melting onto you in a crash? The energy required to make that happen will mean that you will have much bigger problems than just the fabric melting...

I have my brothers experience this last summer where his Joe Rocket textile pants and a Fieldsheer textile jacket had the armor in it save him from further injury (crashed going 60 MPH hitting a pallet left on the freeway). Both wore through but the armor saved his shoulder, elbow, hip and knee. You can see the pictures in another post in "recent accident." viewtopic.php?f=6&t=3347
So, I had full leathers, about 12 years old now, which had padding, but last summer after my brothers crash I bought a textile jacket and pants with armor. Leather to me is better for abrasion resistance. However, leather pants for me are very warm, so I tended not to wear them in the summer. I now have textile pants with vents, but I believe some newer leather products do that too, and some have pockets for armor. Your call, but the best thing you can do is avoid the crash. If you haven't taken the MSF course or haven't taken it in awhile I recommend that.

I had a spill last year which resulted in a dislocated shoulder and broken collar bone thanks to a 'P' plater taking a corner too fast and lending up on my side of the road. I slid about 15 meters on gravel and tumbled a few times though bush. My Joe Rocket Speedmaster 5.0 leather jacket had a few scruff marks on the shoulder that you wouldn't notice unless you really looked, my Drag'n Jeans wore down to the kevlar on my thigh but no further with no indication of melting what so ever. I can't understand why people wear normal jeans when riding, most shred like grated cheese with even the shortest slide. So, we all know leather works and now i know that Drag'n Jeans work too.

Dave, i have a pair of these

http://leatherup.com/p/Leather-Chaps--p ... 51709.html

great reviews and well priced, jeans under them in cooler weather, shrts in warmer stuff, gotta love the price. They area great company to deal with as well. I ordered one size larger, no issues at all.
Cheers Maurice

While I agree that leather is best, if you don't wear them because they're too hot or it's raining, then they're not going to protect you. I had a crash, tumbled across the pavement and ended up sliding on a gravel shoulder and my Joe Rocket textile pants did a pretty good job. Just make sure you get the correct size. The only problem I had was buying a size too large so I could wear jeans under them if I wanted. When I crashed, I wasn't wearing jeans and the knee armour shifted and I banged my knee pretty badly in the tumble. Otherwise the pants stood up so well, I've now bought a smaller size of the same pants! And I can wear them in any weather so I'm always protected.