Draggin Jeans. Any good?

[sootie]

For the last few years I have been using a pair of these on most rides.
I am pleased to say that up until now at least I have never put the Kevlar to the test.
I do find them very warm, and quite comfortable to wear off the bike. Quite a big plus.
Would be interested in anyone elses experiences with these.
I suspect there may be better ways to protect one's skin!

[5150]

I have a set of camo ones and absolutely love them. They will never beat descent leather but they are better then std jeans. And they are warm too

[SMOKEU]

Kevlar jeans offer reasonable abrasion protection, but that's pretty much where it ends. They won't stop you from smashing your knees or doing other severe damage like more traditional armoured synthetic pants or leather riding pants. Some jeans have room for armour inserts, and I strongly suggest you fit these if you can. Even with the armour inserts there is no guarantee that the armour will stay in place during the event of a crash. Avoid highsiding at all costs with jeans. In a low to moderate speed lowside you MAY be OK with kevlar jeans.

However, kevlar jeans are a lot better than ordinary jeans. It's your call how seriously you take safety. I'm actually keen to buy some kevlar jeans as riding pants are dreadfully hot in summer, but for open road riding I will still wear proper riding pants.

[sootie]

I have a set of camo ones and absolutely love them. They will never beat descent leather but they are better then std jeans. And they are warm too

Thanks thats helpful & in line with what I had thought.

[sootie]

Kevlar jeans offer reasonable abrasion protection, but that's pretty much where it ends. They won't stop you from smashing your knees or doing other severe damage like more traditional armoured synthetic pants or leather riding pants. Some jeans have room for armour inserts, and I strongly suggest you fit these if you can. Even with the armour inserts there is no guarantee that the armour will stay in place during the event of a crash. Avoid highsiding at all costs with jeans. In a low to moderate speed lowside you MAY be OK with kevlar jeans.

However, kevlar jeans are a lot better than ordinary jeans. It's your call how seriously you take safety. I'm actually keen to buy some kevlar jeans as riding pants are dreadfully hot in summer, but for open road riding I will still wear proper riding pants.

Also very helpful. I need to come up to speed a bit better with safety gear, but I do like these jeans to ride in.
I have been using them for quite long distances on the open road, but maybe I will think about this some more with regard to better protection.

[nathanwhite]

I like mine, warm enough that I only have to put a pair of thermals on underneath if it's a really cold morning which is nice.
I got some armour for the knees and stuck them in there against the kevlar and that seems to work fine.

My only problem is that because the outer material is denim and the inner is a Kevlar fiber it is not waterproof in the slightest. I keep reminding myself to get waterproof overpants but that never seems to happen for some reason

[Ocean1]

So much of how you come out of a close encounter with the road is pure luck that it's difficult to point to any one incident for a performance evaluation. So much so that I suspect even fairly extensive surveys might struggle to score the various alternatives.

For what it's worth, in summer I use an equivalent, (Rhino) with thigh and knee armour. I wore two pairs of Draggins out, (stitching came appart) and looking for an alternative I found these, zipped at the ankle, can wear them in or out of the boots. So far they're holding up well, don't plan any particularly agressive abrasive testing, but if that happens I'll let you know how lucky I was, eh?

[tigertim20]

my personal opinions on draggin jeans is that their uses are
nipping down to the shops when you cant be fucked wearing full gear
short commutes where you are just travelling within the city at low speeds
other short jaunts.

anything more than a 20 minute ride or so, and my gear goes on. period. they dont offer impact protection like full gear will which is the main concern for me. really it depends on what you are comfortable with - good to see someone asking the question about whats best for their safety!

[sootie]

I like mine, warm enough that I only have to put a pair of thermals on underneath if it's a really cold morning which is nice.
I got some armour for the knees and stuck them in there against the kevlar and that seems to work fine.

My only problem is that because the outer material is denim and the inner is a Kevlar fiber it is not waterproof in the slightest. I keep reminding myself to get waterproof overpants but that never seems to happen for some reason

I will look at the armour issue now thanks. Agree about the the lack of waterproofing, but I have worn them in moderate rain on the open road for 2 hours of riding & only been a bit wet behind my fairings. I could not be bothered stopping to put on my over-trousers actually!

[sootie]

So much of how you come out of a close encounter with the road is pure luck that it's difficult to point to any one incident for a performance evaluation. So much so that I suspect even fairly extensive surveys might struggle to score the various alternatives.

For what it's worth, in summer I use an equivalent, (Rhino) with thigh and knee armour. I wore two pairs of Draggins out, (stitching came appart) and looking for an alternative I found these, zipped at the ankle, can wear them in or out of the boots. So far they're holding up well, don't plan any particularly agressive abrasive testing, but if that happens I'll let you know how lucky I was, eh?

I have tried the abrasion test - not again thank you!

[sootie]

my personal opinions on draggin jeans is that their uses are
nipping down to the shops when you cant be fucked wearing full gear
short commutes where you are just travelling within the city at low speeds
other short jaunts.

anything more than a 20 minute ride or so, and my gear goes on. period. they dont offer impact protection like full gear will which is the main concern for me. really it depends on what you are comfortable with - good to see someone asking the question about whats best for their safety!

Respect your opinion there ( I have to, I come from Dunedin!!)
The getting too hot thing is fairly major up here with riding, and I am sometimes too hot even in Draggin Jeans, although it is usually the jacket that is the problem. I often ride around with all 4 jacket vents wide open in summer even for long periods on the open road.

[tigertim20]

Respect your opinion there ( I have to, I come from Dunedin!!)
The getting too hot thing is fairly major up here with riding, and I am sometimes too hot even in Draggin Jeans, although it is usually the jacket that is the problem. I often ride around with all 4 jacket vents wide open in summer even for long periods on the open road.

if thats an issue, I see no reason whatsoever that you cant take the gear into an alterations shop, and get more vents put in. pretty easy, cut a slit, insert a zip. remember, clothing can be customised to suit your needs just as much as your ride!

[Gareth123]

I like mine, warm enough that I only have to put a pair of thermals on underneath if it's a really cold morning which is nice.
I got some armour for the knees and stuck them in there against the kevlar and that seems to work fine.

My only problem is that because the outer material is denim and the inner is a Kevlar fiber it is not waterproof in the slightest. I keep reminding myself to get waterproof overpants but that never seems to happen for some reason

If your after decent wet weather gear hit up PGG farming shops. I bought a pair of over trousers there and they are fantastic! They fit over my bike trousers and are completely wind proof and water proof. They are made by line 7.

[Gremlin]

I've come off in Draggin Jeans before, around 90kph. However, it was very wet (why I came off... both wheels aqua-planed). I think it was a high side.

Slid for a decent distance, obviously friction was low. Had impact bruising, but between two pairs of Draggin pants, I can't tell which pair I came off in...

Obviously they do not offer the protection of proper textile or leather pants, but as said, better than standard jeans.

[slowpoke]

I'm not impressed with 'em at all, and have the scars to remind me why. Yes, they are better than jeans but if that's your alternative you are setting the bar pretty low. I'm not criticising the folks who wear them, I just think they are given far more credit for "protection" than they deserve.

[sootie]

This is a good discussion, and I am reading the comments with interest.
Someone once said to me that Draggin Jeans were useless because the kevlar protection was not well enough attached to do any good - Just thought I would throw that in - I have no opinion here, and I am not looking for experience!

[Jantar]

Everything depends on the standard of comfort vs safetey that you are looking for.
On the abrasion test, denim jeans will protect you for maybe 0.5 seconds; kevlar for 5 seconds and leather for 50 seconds.
For impact protection: Denim jeans give none; kevlar jeans give almost none, and leather gives a some. Add armour to kevelar or leather and there is quite a bit.

For most of my riding I wear full leather, but in summer its often a leather jacket and kevlar jeans with soft armour inserts. The last two weeks its been a cordura jacket and kevlar jeans as my leathers are away getting repaired (new zips needed).

[gijoe1313]

I've been reading camo draggin' jeans my entire riding career (even to the extent of getting a custom matching jacket made to match the Volcano red camo pattern). Like everyone says, its the level of protection you desire - if I could get a red camo leather riding outfit, I'd go for that. As it is, it provides no wet weather protection, I do wear back protector and armour inserts (elbow/knee).

It is supremely comfortable, though you need to layer up (I seem to be immune to the cold, but most people freeze). I have tried a cheapy version, but you do get what you pay for. The first pair I had I literally wore to it was ribbons (and thus no protection provided at all!)

I've worn this gear for tens of thousands of kilometers and have not had a problem, but not riding like an arsehat and avoiding being a hood ornament means I haven't had to crash test this clobber! :sweatdrop (and no intentions to ever do so!)

[Lozza2442]

Hey Sootie,

Just thought I'd let you know, if you want to reply to several peoples comments you can actually do this in one post.
Go through, see what you want to reply to and push the funky little button next to reply with quote. Once you're at the last one you want to reply to, click on Reply With Quote and it will take you to the normal screen, but all the peoples comments will be there.

Then you just need to write in what you want to say after each persons comments. Make sure you write after the formatting which says - [ / QUOTE ]

Once you're done, just push Preview post, check it all looks like it should and then push Submit Reply.

Churr.

[willytheekid]

Everything depends on the standard of comfort vs safetey that you are looking for.
On the abrasion test, denim jeans will protect you for maybe 0.5 seconds; kevlar for 5 seconds and leather for 50 seconds.
For impact protection: Denim jeans give none; kevlar jeans give almost none, and leather gives a some. Add armour to kevelar or leather and there is quite a bit.


+1

I like the idea of Draggin jeans...but I don't like the reality of Draggin Jeans...they are VERY limited protection.(For both impact and abrasion)
Love the camo version and nearly bought some...but the limited impact armour and the fact that they are NOT recommended for highway speed has always put me off. (I live out of town, so need highway speed protection)
But for around town commuting and lower speeds etc, great product and would suit commuters etc wanting lighter gear and still have some protection....MUCH better than wearing jeans etc :yes: (Ive seen what happens to standard jeans in a crash...nylon heats up...nylon melts...into flesh! :sick:)

Ride Safe KBers...ATGATT:love:

[sootie]

Hey Sootie,

Just thought I'd let you know, if you want to reply to several peoples comments you can actually do this in one post.
Go through, see what you want to reply to and push the funky little button next to reply with quote. Once you're at the last one you want to reply to, click on Reply With Quote and it will take you to the normal screen, but all the peoples comments will be there.

Then you just need to write in what you want to say after each persons comments. Make sure you write after the formatting which says - [ / QUOTE ]

Once you're done, just push Preview post, check it all looks like it should and then push Submit Reply.

Churr.

Thanks Lozza,
hope the hunt for a new bike is going well.:yes:

[sootie]

if thats an issue, I see no reason whatsoever that you cant take the gear into an alterations shop, and get more vents put in. pretty easy, cut a slit, insert a zip. remember, clothing can be customised to suit your needs just as much as your ride!

Fair comment I guess, but up until now I have been reluctant to go this far. Cheers

[SMOKEU]

Are Rhino jeans sold anywhere in Christchurch? I want to try a pair of jeans on before paying for something that's the wrong size.

[SPman]

They are stouter and offer more protection than standard jeans (not everyone wants to wear full gear all the time)
They are not comfortable on a 14 hr plane trip!

[theseekerfinds]

I'm onto my second pair of Draggin Jeans (first pair wore out between my chubby thighs after 11 years) and agree with a previous poster that they are great for jaunts to the local dairy or shops etc but for a day out or a track day I wear leather or cordura. they are super comfy and I do highly recommend them. I like them because I like jeans but also because they are comfy and generously cut.

I admit I bought my first pair simply because they were aimed at bikers and the only other jeans that were as comfy were HD ones.. there is such a big range that buying some isn't an easy choice but they are great jeans..

that's my waffle on the subject :-)

[huff3r]

+1
(Ive seen what happens to standard jeans in a crash...nylon heats up...nylon melts...into flesh! :sick:)



Denim is cotton. Cotton doesn't melt, it burns and decomposes. Very unlikely to cause damage to flesh, however the road surface certainly will once the cotton has disintegrated!

[Flip]

I have a Dragin suit set and its been down the road.

It worked just fine. I did have both the elbow shoulder and knee knox brand hard armour in it at the time. The only thing I broke was my thumb which got the driver that hit me charged with careless causing.
I was wearing racing gloves at the time also.

Sure its not as good as a full leather road suit but it is much better than std jeans.

Here is a picture of me and the boss on a advanced riding course at Ruapuna. I rate Dragin with the inserts about the same as coudura, I have seen some of those coudura suits pull apart during an off.

What the fuck would I know.

[willytheekid]

Denim is cotton. Cotton doesn't melt, it burns and decomposes. Very unlikely to cause damage to flesh, however the road surface certainly will once the cotton has disintegrated!

Ahh not quite true actually.

Yes "Good" Denim jeans are Cotton, but most are actually 50% cotton 50% polyester and some (well "most" at the warehouse etc:laugh:) are Cotton/Polyester...and Nylon!:pinch:...and they DO "melt"

...good "test", put ya jeans on...then RUB...HARD!....if it gets buring hot...your wearing the nylon mix :yes:

[Haggis2]

Avoid highsiding at all costs with jeans.

I'll keep that in mind, thanks :yes:

[Road kill]

I was it the photo shoot when they dragged some guy down the Easton creek race track in Sydney while wearing a pair of DD's for an advertising thing.

What they never showed in the final magazine pic's was the burns on his arse:laugh:

Poor bugger couldn't sit down for a week.

Think I'll stick with my leathers thanks.

[bsasuper]

my personal opinions on draggin jeans is that their uses are
nipping down to the shops when you cant be fucked wearing full gear
short commutes where you are just travelling within the city at low speeds
other short jaunts.

anything more than a 20 minute ride or so, and my gear goes on. period. they dont offer impact protection like full gear will which is the main concern for me. really it depends on what you are comfortable with - good to see someone asking the question about whats best for their safety!


Awesome, I wont get hit if I only make short trips in them, so ill just stop every 20mins on longer rides to recharge the no hit powers.

[scumdog]

Awesome, I wont get hit if I only make short trips in them, so ill just stop every 20mins on longer rides to recharge the no hit powers.

See?
Ya learned something...

[slowpoke]

I was it the photo shoot when they dragged some guy down the Easton creek race track in Sydney while wearing a pair of DD's for an advertising thing.

What they never showed in the final magazine pic's was the burns on his arse:laugh:

Poor bugger couldn't sit down for a week.

Think I'll stick with my leathers thanks.

Sliding along on your well padded arse, on smooth asphalt, is a nice comfy image to have. So picture the same demo on a a coarse chip road......on your knees.

[Road kill]

Sliding along on your well padded arse, on smooth asphalt, is a nice comfy image to have. So picture the same demo on a a coarse chip road......on your knees.

Wot ?

Go back to sleep:no:

[Jerry74]

From what I have seen, heard I rate them slightly higher than Cordura in that they don't melt when hitting chip seal.

However I will only wear leather for any ride on the open road.

[ontoit]

Sliding along on your well padded arse, on smooth asphalt, is a nice comfy image to have. So picture the same demo on a a coarse chip road......on your knees.


Well that settles it then, I need to find smooth asphalt roads. :clap::clap::clap:

[Dangsta]

Do draggin jeans or any company make a "shorts" version for us cruiser riders? If not, I think I may have found a gap in the market for Kevlar shorts and T's.

[jrandom]

The best protective gear is not falling off.

Draggin jeans are good cos they're sturdily made and the arse doesn't fall out of them after a few months of daily riding, and cos the kevlar lining keeps the front of your legs better protected from the wind on cold days than plain jeans.

I personally am comfortable backing myself to not bin and dressing for more comfort on and off the bike in exchange for greater risk of injury if I do bin. Life's never 100% safe. If you were that petrified of getting hurt you wouldn't be riding a motorbike, for fuxache.

I think a lot of motorcyclists use ATGATT, psychologically, as a sort of totem against the fact that what they're doing is dangerous, and that most of that danger generally stems from their own inadequacy.

[brendonjw]

The new ones look a bit better with the kevlar going down the length of the leg incase they slide up a bit, they have CE approval for what its worth and they come with hip and knee armour in them. You could get a decent pair of leather pants for the price though

http://www.motomail.co.nz/estore/style/djpacevom.aspx

[Maha]

Its not unheard of to wear draggins over leather...some even wear hoodies over leather...all in name of fashion I suspect.
Both Anne and myself are looking to purchase Draggin Jeans (cammo for me/that desert storm colour) for summer...but personally, I will wear my Levi jeans underneath...all in the name of fashion I suspect.

[Banditbandit]

I've been wearing Draggin jeans now for about two years for my daily commute - about 25 minutes, mostly open road but some town riding too. I've also worn them to the Paeroa Race meeting - it was a hot day (about 2 hr ride) ... and carried them to Marton (wore my leathers), where I changed into them for the ride to Whanganui for the Cemetery Circuit racing - and back to Marton.

I've dropped a bike wearing them once. It was a low speed, fall off accident - no sliding - there were no marks on the jeans and I walked away ...

I dunno - I've fallen off in jeans and had no problems, I've fallen off in leathers ... (I've never fallen off in my Cordura jacket - wonder what that says?) Who knows .. I've had friends who wore all the gear all the time and were killed on bikes .. and I see idiots riding in shorts, jandals and T-shorts with no scars at all ...

Who knows? Life is a gamble ... spin the wheel as you will ...

"When Allah has ordained the time and place of your passing he will cause your footsteps to take you there"

[scumdog]

I think a lot of motorcyclists use ATGATT, psychologically, as a sort of totem against the fact that what they're doing is dangerous,

Hmm, too close to my line of thought for comfort...which is why my ATGATT is a minimal amount..

[Ocean1]

Its not unheard of to wear draggins over leather...some even wear hoodies over leather...all in name of fashion I suspect.
Both Anne and myself are looking to purchase Draggin Jeans (cammo for me/that desert storm colour) for summer...but personally, I will wear my Levi jeans underneath...all in the name of fashion I suspect.

About that. I'd not mind camo fabric, I think, perhaps, if I had the slightest trace of any sense of fashion. But almost all such come cut as cargo style pants. And the thing about armour or any other protective layer, is that it should stay in place in the case where the road surface is doing it's damndest to pull your knee armour, for example, to somewhere in the vicinity of your left armpit.

The point? Like your helmet, it needs to be snug.

[grotto]

I'm onto my 4th pair of Draggins. Had one low speed slide in a pair, and damage to me was about the same as a similar fall I had in padded but unarmored leathers, and trivial compared to the damage I sustained when I was young and stupid and road in jeans. Jeans split the instant they hit the road, the denim on Draggins also splits, bu the Kevlar doesn't.

Nothing will save you getting hurt in a big impact fall. Hit a lamp post or a car and leather and armour won't stop your bones breaking.

I had a fall insome cordura trousers once, the stitching split and they fell apart, bu I think thy we're cheap brand.

Real trick is not to fall off, assume everyone in a car is trying to knock you off, and that no-one can see you.

[sootie]

Real trick is not to fall off, assume everyone in a car is trying to knock you off, and that no-one can see you.

That's the real word Brother!! :niceone:

[SMOKEU]

"When Allah has ordained the time and place of your passing he will cause your footsteps to take you there"

Don't get too ahead of yourself mate.