Air Mesh Kevlar Question

[zaphod]

I just received my order from CyclePort, a pair of Air Mesh Kevlar Pants. The fit and finish is first rate and I think they will provide the best protection available. My only complaint is they are very stiff. For anyone out there with Air Mesh Kevlar, How long does it take to break in, if ever? Right now I feel like an armor coated Michelin Man.

[Dezrae]

When i got my draggin jeans/jacket there were a bit stiff too, just put them in the washing machine on their own on a normal wash,

or better yet, wear them and got for a few days ride!!

[petepeterson]

Put them in the dryer for a couple of hours on NO heat, that will help allot..Regards Pete

[stepheg]

They will never be as comfortable/soft as the nylon (I have the air mesh kevlar jacket and pant and the 1000D Cordura pants fron Motoport) that's the nature of kevlar. The thing I found most annoying about Motoport clothing was the knee armor. It felt as if it was 2 dinner plates hinged in the middle, very uncomfortable. I replaced one with T-Pro Xtreme armor and the other with T-Pro multilayer, much more comfortable. Enjoy

[KayGee]

...I have the air mesh kevlar jacket and pant and the 1000D Cordura pants fron Motoport...

I am considering upgrading my summer mesh gear. If you had to do it all over again, would you purchase the Motoport Air Mesh?

BMW has a new Venting Machine Suit that I am also considering. Any thoughts?

[stepheg]

I briefly tried on the venting machine jacket, it looks good. The positives about the Air Mesh Kevlar for me were that it seems to provide the highest level of protection for a hot weather suit. I also think a hot weather suit should come in lighter colors (I have the light gray). My suit has held up well for the 2 years I've had it. All in all I would get it again, although if the venting machine came in a light color I would consider that as well. You would probably find the armor more comfortable in the BMW suit.

[RT_COOP]

I just received my order from CyclePort, a pair of Air Mesh Kevlar Pants.

I, too, am considering the Motoport suit. I just got back from visiting their shop in San Marcos. They had the people making the stuff right there. Wayne was helpful, providing gear to try on.

I'm looking for the 1 suit does it all. My concern about the Air Mesh is how it will prtoect from the cold in the winter. Do the linings keep you comfortable? Have you encountered any rain yet? I'm sure the liners keep you dry, but what's the jacket like when the mesh is all filled with water.

Just doing some wondering. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[meese]

I'm looking for the 1 suit does it all.So am I. Haven't had much luck yet though. Good luck in your hunt.

[zaphod]

My plan is to use the Air Mesh year round. Cycle Port’s web states the liners provide “…-20F to 85F…”. I don’t really believe the -20F claim, but with the mild winter we’ve had, the coldest I’ve have to ride in is around 18F and I was comfortable. I have found that unless it is below 35F I don’t need them for my 12 mile ride to work. For long rides I would put them in if it was under 50F. I can’t comment on their use in the rain, I’ve been lucky and seem to dodge the rain most of the time. I’ve only used them in the rain for short periods and they seem to work fine. The liners do make the setup more bulky, so they are relegated to an “I really need to use them” status. I still carry Frog Togs as my primary rain protection if I’m not using the liners.

After almost 2 months the pants are feeling more comfortable and I am very happy with them. I plan to order my Air Mesh jacket by the end of the month. I anticipate I’ll use the liner in that a bit more than the pants liner.

In summing up:
I think they are a great product.
The liners are needed for warmth, but in summer I won’t use them for rain.
Expensive but worth it.
12+ weeks to build!!! A custom motorcycle doesn’t take that long to build. I can’t fathom why it takes them so long, but they tell you that up front and they are worth the wait.