Atlas Vision (Anti Compression Collar)

Neck braces part two… Ehhhhhhh Boy, here we go again.. This has been a tough topic in the world of motocross right? Like I have mentioned before, neck braces are almost like a form of religion. You have a bunch of people preaching to you on how they believe in what “they” (neck braces) can provide for you, but it’s something that is up to you to fully believe in. Or maybe it’s something that you choose not to believe in at all? I can tell you that I am somewhere in the middle between those two. It’s not that I don’t “believe” in the technology as much as it was more of a comfort thing for me when I rode with one. Plus, I am old and stuck in my ways right? I like what I like. I know what I know. But being a test rider forces me to be more open minded and this is how I went in when asked to test the Atlas Vison Anti Compression Collar. Yes, that’s right, Atlas prefers that name rather than call it a neck brace. Ok, so for the rest of this article we will call it the “Atlas Vison ACC”. 

Back in the day a neck brace felt too restricted when riding and it hindered my technique on the bike. I felt like a robot, that was so stiff on the bike, so because of that feel, I immediately was an anti neck brace guy! Fast forward five years and I got pressured to try an Atlas Air neck brace by my good friend Steve and it was much better than the first gen braces that I tried. Two years later I am back here talking about the Atlas Vision brace. Just like dirt bikes, products can evolve and get better over time. Well to my surprise the Atlas Vison ACC did just that, it evolved and got better from the previous version.  

Before I get into the meat and potatoes of why the Atlas Vison ACC is a better neck brace, what exactly is the technology behind this product? Like I mentioned above the Vision is what Atlas likes to call an "Anti-Compression Collar" - a brand new category of neck protection developed by Atlas that they say can ONLY assist with compression and lateral hyper flexion (head sideways) forces on the neck. Traditional full-frame braces, like the Atlas Air, help manage these forces along with Hyper-Flexion (head forward) and Hyper-Extension (head back) using their built up front and rear “shelves”. Atlas wanted to build a product that is for everyone who wants neck protection, but has found it impossible to wear a full frame brace. Bring on the short necks, large helmets, and bulky body armor - Atlas says it doesn’t matter, this Vision can fit your stature. Atlas says that its Vision has 50% greater reduction of impact forces (Compression only - vs Atlas Air) that is made possible by D3O - An advanced impact absorbing material used in a wide range of applications from extreme sports to military. The Vision Padding has been custom engineered to fit the function and design of the Vision Collar, and is said to withstand multiple impacts with no reduction in performance unlike traditional padding materials used on other neck braces. Atlas says that the Vision has 66% more range of motion (vs Atlas Air) because of their Pro-Motion design, there is a drastically increased range of motion that allows you to freely see up and down hills, at your feet, to the sky, or tuck and roll during a crash, which I can concur on personally (more on that later). The Vision has a 45% lower weight (vs Atlas Air) because of its simplified design that removes everything you don't need, leaving behind only the smallest, most effective components. The feeling of freedom is there when you ride. The compression only design removes the front and rear shelves of a traditional full-frame neck brace in order to enhance the mobility, while focusing on reducing compression. Just like the Atlas Air, taller pads are included in the box and can make fit easier for longer necks, smaller helmets, and/or other needs. Slit-Flex Frame Split frame design promotes flex to mimic natural body movements for maximum comfort and mobility. This was developed over a decade ago with the Atlas original brace.

Now let me start off by saying that it’s up to you whether you believe in neck brace technology or not. I am not here to change your mind on that. You guys can make your own decision on which way you want to go. I am not a preacher and can’t force you to believe in a certain technology, but I can give you facts on what it’s like to ride with the Atlas Vision for several, long test days. After studying/reading all about the old technology versus the new technology, I can say that I “believe” that there are some safety advantages to wearing this ACC. One important piece of technology (that I really like) that has evolved from the older Atlas Air neck brace is the material consistency and how flexible the Vision is. The older neck braces weren't nearly as flexible and that was a big red flag for me, especially in a crash. You can bend each end of the Atlas Vision and it snaps back to the original shape much easier than older models I have ridden with. Another complaint I had with older neck braces is that I couldn't look far enough ahead of me without feeling restricted. The Atlas Vision is only felt on my shoulders and not felt at all with my neck/helmet area. This gives me enough freedom that I didn’t really notice it was on. I mean I knew it was on because I could feel the straps (that hold the Vision in place) across my chest. I think the straps are the hardest thing to get used to honestly. The straps can rub you a little under the jersey, but after the second day it wasn’t something that I cared about. The Atlas Vison is also very lightweight feeling at 325 grams and that feels like nothing when motoing down. I had zero complaints with my neck mobility while riding, but you will notice the chin bar of your helmet will hit the front of the Vision if you’re hanging out while your BS’ing with your buddies in the pits, but this takes some work to get the chin bar area of your helmet to hit the collar of the Vision. Each contact point of the Atlas Vision is soft against your body and not at one moment did I feel an uncomfortable feeling. 

If you are a chest protector wearing rider don’t fret because the Atlas Vision does comply with a number of different chest protectors. At my disposal was a Fly Revel, Alpinestars A1, A4, Thor Sentinel, Fox Titan, Pro-Frame, and even an old HRP Flak Jak! Yes, I still have one of those and it was here for the Atlas Air test as well! I did prefer wearing the Atlas Vision with a lightweight roost deflector versus a full chest pro because I felt less bulky and could move around on the bike better. However, this is more of a chest protector feeling than a neck collar issue. 

So if you haven't worn a neck brace or collar for that matter in a while and are “on the fence” about wearing one, like I was, give it a try because you’ll be shocked on how comfortable the Atlas Vision actually is. I know you’re reading this article and saying to yourself, “well Kris are you going to wear one now”? The truth is, NO, no I am not. I am a no BS kind of dude and wouldn’t want to start BS’ing all of you now. I have been wired one way for so long (on safety equipment) that I am going to keep on doing what I have been doing (which is not wear a neck collar or brace), but I can tell you, if you believe in more safety, this Vision ACC piece of equipment could really be something you need to look in. It really WILL NOT bother you when you ride and I am going to try and keep doing these neck brace/collar tests more to ensure that I am evolving on safety equipment myself. At the end of the day, all I have to offer is my educated opinion and to me this technology is NOT A BAD PIECE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT! If you crash, this Vision collar will not increase your risk of injury. This is what I believe. Could I have said that 10 years ago with the first gen neck braces? No! AII can do is tell you that if you do believe in neck brace technology, the Atlas Vision neck collar (or ACC) is the most comfortable anti compression collar I have tried. The cost of the Atlas Vision Collar is $199.99, comes in two sizes, and two different colorways. You can check the complete line of Atlas neck braces over at atlasbrace.com.

Hidden Gems: Fuel Clothing Socks

It’s just flipping socks right? Well, yes, but actually no. I am very picky on socks because that is the one part of my body that I sweat the most. My feet are fairly sensitive so when I get a pair of socks that are hard or rough to the touch, I am out! I actually was referred to Fuel Clothing by my good buddy Travis Preston and he suggested I try them out. Now I am normally a “up to the knee” sock guy and my normal program with Stance socks and my Asterisk Zero G pants were fine, but I have been noticing that the Stance socks were getting hard and crusty feeling after more than a few washes. I was looking for anything that remained soft for more than a month of riding so I decided to try some Fuel knee/crew socks. 

Fuel socks have moisture wicking fabric, odor blocking fibers, are ultra breathable, has a double padded heel, reinforced elastic with quick dry acrylic, is machine washable and even though say to hang dry them, I throw them in the dryer. After a couple months of use I have quickly become a fan of the Fuel socks for a few reasons. The sock itself feels good against my skin and doesn’t irritate it. The Fuel socks DO NOT get hard or crusty feeling after over 20 rides. The socks are thick enough for a little cushion yet are ventilated enough where I am not getting all slushy inside my Tech 10s. They are not a nightmare to put on like some other socks I have tried because the elastic is so damn tight around the opening of the sock, that I end up stretching them out in three rides. They are durable and last me more than a few rides! Again, socks aren’t rocket science but when it comes to finding little hidden gems like these Fuel socks, it’s tough for me not to share them with you all. You can use the code “Keefer20” to save some dough if you order. I even pay for my own socks because if a product works I have zero problem paying for my own shit. I am not your typical media guy. I like to support good companies and Fuel Clothing has been around our sport for quite sometime, but somehow I missed the memo on their socks. So when I go riding, I am sliding on some Fuel socks before strapping on the BRACES! YES! KNEE BRACES! Check all the socks out at fuelclothing.com. 

On My Own Dime: Bell Sanction Kids Helmet

Written/Tested By: Michael Allen (AKA Janky Mike)

Becoming a dad has been the best thing that has happened in my life (besides marring my beautiful wife). On the third day home from the hospital, Oliver (my son) started his two wheeled journey through life, when I strapped him onto my chest and pedaled him around the neighborhood on my old BMX bike. Since that day, bikes/motorcycles have been literally an everyday part of his life and with that obviously comes the necessity for helmets. Alyse (my wife) is a trauma nurse at a level 1 unit and the Keefers refer to her as “a savage” (in a loving way). What is meant by savage is when it comes to having sympathy for cuts, bumps and bruises (or as Keefer says my sensitive emotions) she doesn’t bat an eye. She sees the worst of the worst, day in and day out at work and has no problem describing the gore, dismemberment, disgusting scents that can come from the human body and just overall debauchery of her type of work; all while delicately sipping on a cup of coffee. However, if she hears “mommy I have a boo boo” (which seems to act as a maternal dog whistle), she’s rushing full speed to rescue her delicate baby boy, full of sympathy, hugs, kisses, and is ready to mend anything from a splinter to a broken heart. In my wife’s line of work, she’s seen a fair amount of head injuries and hates seeing people having to suffer long lasting side effects of possibly preventable head injuries. We started drilling it into Oliver’s little head that if he’s on anything with wheels he must have a helmet on. Starting so young has really made it easy and now that he’s talking, he has become the “helmet police” making sure everyone in the vicinity has a well-protected cranium.  

We started with just a generic Walmart infant helmet for when he would go on e-bike rides with Alyse and I. As kids do, he quickly grew out of his first helmet (both in size and protection) when he started showing interest in riding his three wheeled pre-strider bike. We got rid of the Walmart helmet and purchased an adjustable skateboard style helmet that had MIPS. This became his balance bike helmet as well as what I would use when I would ride him around on pit bikes or my dirt bike. Not to be “that bragging dad” but he started balancing himself and riding his balance bike with his feet up at 18 months after seeing an older kid riding one at Glen Helen. Roughly two weeks after mastering the balance part of riding, Oliver started wanting to go faster and faster as well as riding up and down curbs which of course evolved into skate park sessions when I’d get home from work. The incident that made us decide it was time for a full face helmet didn’t even involve anything with wheels. We were at the park and Oliver said he wanted to go down the slide by himself. About three seconds later I watched him come out of the slide tunnel head first, then scorpion into the bark and come up with a face full of bark, blood, and blubbery tears. We talked that night and could only imagine how bad his face would have looked if he fell off his bike, so after putting him to bed we started researching full face helmets.

Finding the right helmet proved to be more challenging than I thought because the selection is somewhat limited, there are different factors that needed to be taken into consideration, and pricing for kids helmets is all over the map. After about a week of doing research we decided on the Bell Sanction in an XS. There were other helmets out there that rated slightly higher on the safety scale, but we weren’t willing to pay $300-$500 on a helmet that he’s going to outgrow in six months. There were also helmets available that were in the $20-$60 range but they lacked the features and safety we desired. The Sanction isn’t directly marketed for toddlers, but the XS size 49-50cm is one of the smallest on the market, it weighs in at 850 grams (1.5 lbs.) and the fact that it can be purchased for anywhere between $90-110 made it a perfect candidate. It’s marketed for BMX dirt jumping, so its shell is small and it also has a pinch buckle for the chin strap like a bike helmet. The buckle was a huge help because anyone with a toddler knows how hard it is trying to get them to stand still long enough to buckle a traditional dirt bike helmet strap. The XS is a little on the tight side so when I put it on I pull the sides of the helmet out slightly to help them get over his dumbo ears. Once it’s past his ears, it fits nice and snug slightly pushing his cheeks together, but I’d rather have it snug than loose. The visor is adjustable and replaceable, which has come in handy on early morning or evening rides. Although I wish the Sanction had MIPS, I am confident that the US CPSC safety standard will be more than enough for his balance bike and low speed Stacyc adventures. The only other negative is that the pads/liner aren’t removable which would come in handy after a day in the saddle. While I am nitpicking, it would also be nice if the pads could be swapped out for larger ones as he grows, so that one shell would last a couple helmet sizes.  After four months of use he now asks for the full face helmet because he says “I want big helmet so I look like daddy”. 

If your little one is starting to push the limits or just get a little sketchy on their bike I’d recommend taking a look at the Bell Sanction because it offers a good amount of protection without breaking the bank. Because let’s face it, you’ll be buying the next size up in the blink of an eye. It’s never too early to get your little one on two wheels, we have gone places and done things on our bikes that have made memories we (or I) will cherish forever. So get out there, dust off your old BMX bike and go make some memories with that little mini me who needs to burn off some energy and while you’re at it, give their head the protection it deserves. If you have any questions about the Bell Sanction, feel free to reach out to me at Michael@keeferinctesting.com.

Troy Lee Designs Rock Fight CE Chest Protector

I haven’t tested much Troy Lee Designs protection and was looking for  another chest protector to test and came across the Rock Fight CE chest protector and was wearing it every time I went out on the track before I injured my knee. I managed to get a a solid month in the Rock Fight and came away with these thoughts. 

 The Rock Fight has a CE EN14021 Stone Shield certification front plate that helps protect from roost and other lofted debris. What is more impressive is that it has helmet technology inside which is some advanced integrated EPP in key impact zones like on the chest and spine. The Rock Fight has form fit side flex plates, fully adjustable fore/ aft shoulder straps and removable shoulder pads that allow a wide variety of neck braces to fit comfortably. Even though I am not a neck brace guy I did have an Atlas Air and Leatt 5.5 to strap on and see if it restricted any of my movements, which it didn’t. Flexible D30 back insert exceeds C.E. EN1621 Level 1 for impact absorption. Another feature of the Rock Fight is the ventilated protective plates coupled w/engineered channeled bio-foam that can allow increased airflow. 

After wearing the Rock Fight CE through some of California’s warmer spring days I can tell you that it’s a full coverage chest protector that encompasses more area than that of an Alpinestars A-1 as well as the Fox Raceframe. The Rock Fight CE is built to withstand some impacts and that means that it’s going to be bulkier and warmer than those that don’t have the D30 built into it. However, even though the RockFight CE is warm, it doesn’t feel that bulky when riding. I will say that the key thing to making it feel less bulky is to get the straps as snug as you can around the torso. Once I figured that I needed to run the straps tighter around my waist, the RockFight CE was more comfortable for me. I tried wearing it under my jersey but quickly found out that it was too bulky for my taste to be an under-the-jersey protector. This was going to be strictly over the jersey protection which I am fine with, but just know going in that you might have to get some matching TLD gear to humor the motocross fashion gods. The buckles on the side straps are durable and for my 5’11 170 pound frame, the M/L sizing was adequate. Even though I like having the peace of mind of having CE protection, it does get me warm during a longer moto on hotter days. I had my son try it for a couple motos and he complained of being too hot with it on. 

Overall this is not a roost protector and is a chest protector so understand that it covers and protects better than your average roost protection. With that added safety of the D30 in the back of the RockFight it makes for a more comfortable feel than just having hard plastic resting on your back, but just know with D30 comes heat. My guess is that this TLD RockFIght protector would be best for a rider in cooler climates or a rider that is more of a man than I am in hotter temps. 

Bell Moto 10 Product Review (First Impression)

I have been able to put enough time in the Bell Moto 10 helmet to give you a proper first impression, but before I do that, let me give you some background on my history of wearing Bell Helmets. Growing up in the high desert one of the perks is that I got to ride everyday after school from the house. Usually that meant getting off the bus, walking home, doing my chores/homework, and then immediately going to my favorite dez track to ride. After years of doing this, my mom had to witness me coming home with broken bones, a bloodied face, and the occasional missing skin, but what she didn’t see was a kid with a concussion. My dad was always adamant about putting me in Bell helmets when I was younger to keep me safe. I was raised in a Moto 3, 4, and 5 kid growing up because that is what my father believed in. Soon thereafter, when I had to spend my own money on helmets, I ventured out and tried other brands with some success, but I always remember my younger days in those Bell helmets. 

Spherical Technology

Spherical Technology, powered by MIPS®, helps redirect impact forces, bringing market-leading design, performance and brain protection together without compromising comfort, ventilation, weight or style.

Ball-and-Socket Design

Spherical Technology’s ball-and-socket design helps redirect impact forces away from the brain by allowing the outer liner to rotate around the inner liner during a crash.

MIPS®-Equipped

MIPS stands for Multi-directional Impact Protection System, which is a leading slip-plane technology inside the helmet designed to reduce rotational forces that can result from certain impacts.

Segmented 3K Shell Technology

Special shell design that provides a large exhaust vent that expels hot air out of the helmet, ensuring the rider stays comfortable and cool.

No Missed Races Bumpers

Using a softer EPP material, two bumpers on either side of the helmet compress under load but bounce back to its original form, reducing the likelihood of further injury caused from the helmet contacting your body.

Panoramic Goggle Port Technology

A wider port provides better fitment, optimal sealing, and a massive field of view, increasing the rider’s visibility and safety when needed most.

Magnefusion Cheek Pad Emergency Release System

Allows for easy removal of the pads for washing and enables emergency responders to easily remove the cheekpads first before removing the helmet following an impact.

Sweat Management

With the combination of the T.E.A. System, Spherical venting channels, and Segmented shell, we created the ability to force perspiration across the rider’s brow—away from their goggles—preserving vision late in a race.

Virus CoolJade™ Comfort Liner

This removable, washable liner is made of recycled jade fabric to create a natural cooling effect. The ultra-wicking construction combined with CoolJade-infused yarn decreases your skin surface temperature up to 10˚ F, keeping you cool, comfortable, and focused on the race at hand.

Flying Bridge Visor

This visor design allows more flexibility and improves airflow across the helmet. By not using a traditional center post and screw concept, we’re able to increase the amount of energy-management material in a high-impact zone.

Thoughts:

So after spending a couple weeks riding in the new Moto 10, I am pleasantly surprised on how much more comfortable this helmet is for my head shape (I have more of a round head). Even though the weight of the helmets remains close to the same, the weight distribution of the Moto 10 feels evenly dispersed. The Moto 9 felt heavy directly on top of my head, but the Moto 10 feels much lighter when riding longer Motos. The Moto 10 fits snugger initially when riding with it brand new, but slowly breaks in and wraps around my face much more than the Moto 9 did. The way the helmet encompasses my head feels more secure and tighter in a good way (similar to an Arai VX-Pro 4). The liner/cheek pads have more comfort to them, are softer to the skin and overall just has more of a hug like feel that wraps around your cheeks (similar to a road racing helmet). The Moto 10 eye port now allows the rider to choose wide peripheral goggles as my Oakely Airbrake’s and 100% Armega’s seal much better to my face than they did with the Moto 9.

Ventilation is improved as the Moto 10 can cool your head down better than the Moto 9 on hotter days. Even though I assumed what Bell was explaining to the media about their ventilation system was just marketing BS, the Moto 10 actually can push sweat away from your goggles. I let one of my well known testers (that sweat profusely when riding) try the Moto 10 on a hot day at Glen Helen and he was blown away that his less than stellar goggle foam didn’t get soaked with sweat. (Editors Note: I am not much of a sweater, so that had to get put to the test by one of my guy’s). One of the other aspects that some other media outlets do not talk about is outside noise. Some helmets are louder than others, but the Bell is surprisingly quiet for how much ventilation it provides. Usually when I get a helmet that ventilates well, it is loud to the outside world, but the Moto 10 is in the top three helmets I have worn lately that muffles out bike noise.  

If there is one negative that rolled over from the Moto 9 is that the chin bar area of the helmet is still close to my face/nose and when you wear certain goggles, the frames of those goggles damn near stick out passed the chin bar area of the helmet. It doesn’t hinder anything, but can look strange if you’re not used to it. Overall, my initial impression is that this Moto 10 is a much better Bell than the Moto 9. This is a helmet that I could actually live/want to ride with and with the updated tech along with the MIPS technology, I could actually believe/trust in its protection. 

Positives:

• Quality – You’d expect an excellent quality of finish on a $800 helmet, and this thing delivers. With a carbon compose shell, it’s both lightweight (around 1300g) and strong. As an added nice touch, it comes in a cool padded carry bag.

• Style – Aside from the cool carbon finish, it’s a good-looking lid with a contoured shell shape.

  • Comfort/Fit – The sophisticated impact liner and soft padding produces an exceptionally good fit. In fact, you can feel the liner actually mold to your head shape once you put it. In other words, it gives you a more personalized, form fitting helmet

• The Padded Liner – With its uncomplicated design (no tabs, just four plastic clip-studs), the liner is simple and easy to remove/replace. And in addition to being convenient, the magnetic cheek pads are a real advantage in the case of an emergency.

• Ventilation – This helmet flows Ari extremely well. The way it forces out sweat is something we have never felt before in a motocross helmet. 

• Attention to Detail – The stainless steel mesh that’s used in the chin-piece and ventilation exhaust ports is stylish. I absolutely love the magnetic tip in the fastening strap. This makes it extremely easy to secure with gloves on. The built-in Eject Helmet Removal System cavity in the liner means there’s no need for any modifications to fit this system (which is now mandatory for racing in many countries).

Negatives:

• Visor Screws – They have an inventive design (they’re recessed, designed with breakaway tabs, flick out to use and then back to flush), but with only two lateral screws, you have to run them super-tight to keep the visor fixed in place. The visor will not move when riding, but getting the visor to a correct position (before riding) without looking like you have dune goon syndrome is tough to do.  

• The Chin-Bar – The shell’s compact design puts the chin-piece close to your mouth, this can accelerate goggle fogging in wet/cold conditions if you start to breathe heavily. Removing the nose guard helps this however. I would prefer a slightly longer chin bar area however. 

Thor Terrain Off-Road Pant And Jersey

Although I ride year around, winter in Southern California is my favorite time of year because it means wet dirt, awesome traction, and prime trails. To me there’s nothing better than taking off from the truck on a cold morning into the unknown of a good trail ride. This time of year also gives me the chance to try some new off-road riding gear form various companies. Thor’s original roots may be in motocross, but they also have a long history in off-road racing and trail riding. I was pleased to see that they hadn’t thumbed their nose at us off-road riders and had a new line of off-road specific gear called “Terrain”.  I received the gear just before a good rain, and when the sun came out the next day, I was on my way to Kris’s house to put it to the test.

The Terrain jersey is made from a four-way stretch material and has abrasion resistant sleeves to minimize fraying when riding through thick brush. The paneling is vented to promote airflow, and raglan style sleeves have only one seam underneath the arm to try and minimize snagging. The pants are made with rip stop paneling in the high wear areas, use double and triple stitch seams and have full grain leather inside the knees for grip/durability. There are two external pockets with waterproof zippers and one internal hip pocket. There are waterproof zippered vents for better airflow when needed, and the waist uses a dual clinch to keep everything snug. 

The Terrain jersey has a great cut when it comes to fitment (I’m 6’ 175lb and wear a large). Unlike a lot of off-road gear that can be baggy, the Thor jersey is form fitting without making me look pregnant after having that trailside beer. The stretch material on the neck is also a comfortable fit, not being too loose or too snug.  The venting works well, almost too well when its cold out, but that’s where the Thor Jacket /Vest comes in handy (keep an eye out for a review) the material on the sleeves feels a little stiff to the touch, but when on the trail it’s nice to not worry about snagging a bush and fraying your new jersey. Foliage tends to brush off the jersey instead of snagging and caching a seam. 

When putting the Terrain pants on I noticed that the legs from the mid-thigh down were on the snug side and I really had to push to get my leg and braces (Asterisk) far enough down so that the waist would be far enough up on my hips. I gave them the benefit of the doubt and chalked it up to them being brand new and stiff since it was so cold outside. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case because I had to repeatedly fiddle with the mid leg sections of the pants due to them feeling tight enough to hinder my ability to move around on the bike. Since the pants felt sucked down in the knees, it made the waist slightly low and of course the crotch area didn’t stay high enough, so I found myself at every stop stretching out the crotchin order to situate the pants. That being said, the front button and double latch were comfortable and never came undone. Speaking of the crotch area, where there is traditionally a zipper, the Terrain pants have a panel that is always connected and just folds open or closed when buttoning or unbuttoning the front of the pants. When it comes to having a bathroom break on the side of the trail I found it hard to open the pants enough to get my junk (or stream for that matter) to clear the flap. The protective paneling worked well to fend off traditional off-road obstacles, but was no match for the new DR.D head pipe that doesn’t have a heat shield.  While the paneling may have melted, the leather inner knee area hardly showed any wear from the hot head pipe even after many close encounters. The zippered vents worked well and it was nice to have the option of opening or closing them dependent upon the temperature. Pockets are very important when it comes to off-road pants, whether it be for carrying your phone, some gel packs, or some spare tools. The placement of the pockets on the pants was less than ideal for a couple of reasons. One is that they are very hard to unzip in the sitting position, especially when wearing gloves. Secondly, that no matter what I stored in them, whenever I bent my hip, whatever was in the pockets, either limited my mobility, or jabbed into my hip/thigh.  

I didn’t get a chance to try the Terrain gloves as Thor sent me some Draft gloves that were minimal for off-road protection, but very comfortable and although minimalist, they seem to be holding up well. One thing that is always a downside to off-road gear lines, no matter the company, is that there are limited colorways, but that’s simply due to the fact that the volume of off-road gear sold doesn’t justify the cost of investing into multiple colorways.  With the Jersey coming in at $59.95 and the pants retailing for $139.95 the Terrain off-road line of gear is on the pricey side for what you’re getting. With that said, just a few refinements would greatly improve functionality and mobility of the Terrain gear. 

 -Michael Allen (michael@keeferinctesting.com)

On My Own Dime: Scott Prospect Roll Off System

Written By: Michael Allen

Although I am an off-road guy through and through, living on the west coast doesn’t exactly give my inner Scott Summers many opportunities to splash around in the mud.  It almost never fails that we get some showers throughout winter, but it’s pretty rare that we get a full on storm that coincides with a motocross race. Adding to the odd times of 2020, my phone informed me that the chance of rain was 100% for the 2020 Dubya Vet World Championships at Glen Helen. I have always been a person who likes preparing for things, but since becoming a father, dad prep has become a real thing. Come race day morning, I’m always ready to take on the world (and wipe its ass with my extra baby wipes). The night before the race I was prepping goggles and I remembered that I have one pair of roll offs that stay in my goggle bag just in case. I switched to wearing Scott Prospect goggles 99% of the time a few years ago when I tested a pair and loved them. I bought a pair and they have always been tucked away in my bag. To me they are more like a “if all else fails” option that I never want to use because they came pre-assembled and to be honest, I didn’t know how to rebuild them if I ever got them muddy. That’s when it hit me, I had worn them last year at the Tecate sprint enduro (mind you I only pulled the string three times because I wasn’t used to wearing roll offs) and never rebuilt them. I knew if I rolled the dice and didn’t rebuild them before the race, I was for sure going to need them and if I used them without rebuilding them, I would surely runout of pulls because that’s how life works. So I cleaned off the bench, got out all the rebuild parts, laid out a towel and went to work.

To my surprise, building the Works Film System was far more user friendly then I had anticipated. With the help of the how-to video on Scott’s website (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JZr_4zkb12Y)  it only took me about 10 minutes until they were ready to have muck thrown at them. The canisters are very easy to clip on and secure to the lens, the anti-stick grid pops right on and the pre rolled film comes with a little sticker to use on the opposite side so you don’t need additional tape.  There are only two challenging steps of rebuilding the WFS; the first is getting the roll started straight on the dirty side because if you don’t start it straight the film can start rolling off center and cause issues. The other is getting the top of the film under the “mud flap” all the way across the goggle. I’m sure those steps will become second nature after a few more mud races although that may take a few years living in southern California. 

Just as the weather man said, as soon as morning practice came to an end and the national anthem was being sang, the skies opened up. As I headed to the line for my first moto I kept the goggles in their bag, tucked inside my riding raincoat (yes I’m an off-road guy who came prepared with many jackets, vests and raincoats). It’s funny how as racers we will take our nice clean bike to a mud race where we know the grit and grime is going to be mashed into every crevasse without batting an eye, yet as we go to the line, keeping our goggles and gloves clean and dry becomes more important than our first born child. As the gate dropped I quickly found that racing a 250f against 450s may have its advantages on some parts of the track, but the start straight at Glen Helen wasn’t one of them. Simultaneously I learned that once I was brave enough to take my hand off the bars and pull the string, the 50mm wide film on the WFS provides a larger view than most roll off systems. Luckily I pulled the string just in time to see more muck being thrown my way as the field of 450s seemed to be shrinking in size roaring into Talladega. The anti-stick grid that is between the lens and the film creates a small air gap so that if there is any moisture between the two surfaces, it doesn’t create any viewing distortion. In addition to the anti-stick function, the mud flap across the top creates an overlap so no moisture can come from above the film and create distortion. Throughout both moto’s that day, the WFS worked just as advertised and never left me in need of more clean film. The system can be bought separately for $40.00 or pre-installed on a set of goggles for $109.95. After spending my hard-earned money on the WFS, I am completely satisfied with the product and would recommend it to anyone who needs a straight forward roll off system with a wide peripheral field of vision. If you have any questions about the Scott WFS system feel free to reach out to me at Michael@keeferinctesting.com. 

Scott Prospect Goggle

Scott USA has the Prospect and it has been in circulation for over four years. Some of the standout features of the Prospect is a polycarbonate lens that is 1mm thick (versus 0.8mm thick like most other competitors lenses), the Scott lens locking system that consists of four locking pins that secure the lens to the frame of the goggle for safety (instead of feeding the lens into a groove and securing it with tabs), a wide peripheral frame, an updated two position outrigger system that can rotate to fit a wide range of helmet sizes, a No Sweat 3.2 foam, and a wider strap for better grip to the helmet.

I am kind of a pain in the ass when it comes to comfort with goggles and the Prospect goggle is one of only a few that I like. The No Sweat 3.2 foam against my face feels plush and soaks up enough of my sweat that it doesn’t drip inside the goggle on very hot days in the desert. There was no need to purchase any maxi pads products to add to the top of the goggle’s foam as it soaked up sweat adequately. The field of vision is very similar to the Oakley Airbrake as the Prospect goggle is as wide as its competitor. I have come to get accustomed to the peripheral vision I get with Oakley Airbrakes and the Prospect gives me a wide field of vision similar to that. It is however not so wide that it doesn’t fit in a wide variety of helmets. I went through several helmets while wearing the goggles (Shoei, Arai, 6D, Fly, Bell, Fox, Airoh) and the Prospect sealed to my face well in all of them. I did notice that the goggle does drop low on the nose, which took me some time to get used to. Compared to the other larger/wider framed goggles the Prospect will ride down almost to the edge of my nose and I have a large nose. Adjusting it to your face is key and I found the best way to get it to ride a little higher up on my nose was to get the goggle strap tighter and to remove the nose guard that the Prospect comes with. Doing this would allow the goggle to ride a little higher on my face and give me less pressure on the wider part of my nose. It didn’t affect the way it sealed to my face after doing so, but it did take a little longer than usual to find a way to position it correctly. So if you feel like the Prospect is riding a little low on your nose, try tightening the goggle strap a little more than usual. 

Changing lenses out on the Prospect is fairly painless. You can switch lenses out by popping two locking pins out on top of the frame and two at the bottom. Once those are popped out, the lens comes out easily and I was able to stick another lens in under two minutes! I wore the Prospect at a couple races where I didn’t get the greatest of starts and the four-post tear off design takes a little more of a tug to rip them off. However, the way the tear offs lay and fold onto themselves makes it easy NOT to pull more than one at a time. With some other tear off designs there is not enough excess tear off (at the end) to find and pull (while riding), so you end up pulling two or three at a time. With the Scott Prospect tear off design, it gives you enough tail that you can feel it easily with gloves and rip only one tear off.

When it comes to wearing what I want on certain days I seem to gravitate towards Oakley Airbrakes. Yes, I know Airbrakes are expensive and I don’t think I could afford having four sets (if I had to purchase them myself) of those just laying around for me to wear. With the Scott Prospect goggle pricing (around $99.00 vs. a $160.00 Airbrake) I could actually afford a few pairs. I would also be getting the same wide peripheral vision, almost the same clarity through the lens and almost the same comfort. I say “almost” because of the low nose area with the Scott’s. However, the Airbrake’s have been known to fog up on me on colder days and the Prospect goggles are much better with not fogging. The lens on the Prospect is more resilient to getting scratched, as the Airbrake goggle lens scratches easier if you don’t keep tear offs on the lens at all times. I could wipe the Prospect lens with my glove while riding and it wouldn’t get nearly as scratched as the Airbrake lens. The winner of lens changes still goes to the Airbrake, but the Prospect is less painless and quicker than most of the other goggles that are out on the market. Replacement lenses are not cheap at around $18.00-$23.00, but they are less expensive than Oakley Airbrakes.  

For around $99.95. I would consider this a very good wide peripheral goggle for the price. The field of vision, the comfort of the foam against my face, ease of finding the end of the tear off to pull efficiently and the convenience of replacing lenses make it a great buy. Setting up the goggle to fit up to your face might take you a couple rides to get comfy, but once you do you will agree that this is the best goggle Scott USA has made yet.

On My Own Dime (Oakley Airbrake Goggles)

If someone was to pull the rug out from underneath me today and I was left with nothing in my garage, what would I replenish to start my moto life once again. I mean let’s face it, some of you may still think because I get free products/bikes/etc. that I will tell you everything is great. Well in case this is your first time here at Keefer Inc. we don’t exactly do that kind of thing. What if I was just like you and had to buy all my own shit, just so I could go riding with my buddies on the weekend. Once a week for the rest of 2020, I will talk about a product(s) that I would go purchase with my own money because it’s that good. Here is my second installment of O.M.O.D. 

If you are on the fence about what wide peripheral goggle to purchase you might want to check out this: https://www.keeferinctesting.com/gear-2/2019/6/3/goggle-shootout. I get a couple pairs of free Oakley Airbrake goggles from time to time, but I am far from a sponsored athlete or media guy. I purchase most of my Oakley products through RMATVMC and I do this because the Airbrake is by far my favorite goggle to wear with any helmet. I know what you might be thinking… Holy shit, I am not spending a $160.00 on a goggle. I totally understand this and I was that guy when the goggle was introduced. I thought it was obscured to spend that much money on a goggle. However, once I tried them and noticed how crisp/clear their injected molded lens was, how much ventilation I got, how good the foam was, as well as how much of the track I could view, I was hooked! 

Oakley took a different approach to the goggle market when developing the Airbrake goggle back in 2013. They used different technology and put a pricepoint out there that most consumers just disregarded. In fact, I was one of those people! There was no way I could justify spending $160-200 bucks on a pair of goggles. Fast forward to today and wide peripheral, rigid frame, higher priced, HD lens goggles are the norm. The beauty of the Airbrake is the speed of changing lenses and clarity of the lens technology. The Switchlock system is the best in the business and it really relieves any headache of several lens changes. There are two lugs that center the lens on the frame and the levers lock it in place, that’s it! The PRIZM technology is similar to 100%’s HiPER technology and are very similar looking when riding, but comparing clear lens to clear lens, the Oakley Airbrake simply has more clarity than others. Vision and field of view are also the best in class. I get a slightly wider peripheral view when riding, but it’s only very minimal and may not be noticed by others, but since I have had so many back to back days with all of types goggles, I can nitpick this a little more. The Oakley’s frame fits into all the helmets I have tested in and sealing was never an issue. The face foam is comfortable as well as thick and that can soak up a good amount of sweat before dripping into the lens. Yes, they can still drip into the lens! 

The ventilation on hot days is superb, but on colder days the lens has a tendency to fog up more than I would like so a no fog cloth is key on colder days. I also notice that my eyes get watery on faster tracks due to the amount of airflow that come through the vents. This could be where the ports are placed on the frame and flow the air into my face. This was only felt on extreme fast GP style tracks. Do yourself a favor and possibly seal the vents with a light coating of baby oil if you’re riding dusty or very fast conditions to keep your eyes from watering. On normal motocross style tracks this was a non-issue.  

The lens itself is very delicate and can’t take much abuse. I seem to scratch both  PRIZM and clear lenses easier on the Oakley Airbrake than the Armega or Prospect. You will have to make sure to leave a tear off on the lens of the Airbrakes if you want to extend the life. The overall fit and feel of the Airbrake feels lighter and more compact even though the numbers on paper may not suggest that.

Goggle Price: $140.00-$200.00

Bonus Lens: No

Replacement Lens Price: $25.00 clear $50.00 PRIZM lens

Weight: 135 Grams

Fogging Issues: At Times, Yes When Cold

Laminate Tear Offs: Yes

Positives:

• Simple to swap lens out

• Fit/Feel

• Clarity with several tear offs installed

Negatives: 

• Lens scratches easily 

• Price

• Fogging issues

On My Own Dime/Time (Fly EVO DST Gear)

If someone was to pull the rug out from underneath me today and I was left with nothing in my garage, what would I replenish to start my moto life once again. I mean let’s face it, some of you may still think because I get free products/bikes/etc. that I will tell you everything is great. Well in case this is your first time here at Keefer Inc. we don’t exactly do that kind of thing. What if I was just like you and had to buy all my own shit, just so I could go riding with my buddies on the weekend. Once a week for the rest of 2020, I will talk about a product(s) that I would go purchase with my own money because it’s that good. Here is our first installment of the 2020 O.M.O.D. 

It’s no secret that I am a huge believer in Fly Racing products. This is not to say that other gear manufacturers will not make the O.M.O.D list in 2020, but I thought it was fitting to start here. I am a gear snob and love a nice feeling set of gear so without further adieu, the first set of gear I am buying is a set of Fly Racing EVO DST. 

Although I love me some Fly Lite gear, my new love has come in the way of the EVO DST line. The EVO pant still has that slimming type of fit, but is still stretchy enough that my size 38 tester doesn’t feel bunched up when his fat roll jiggles a little bit when riding out of the pits. The EVO pant delivers a lightweight feel has an enough room in the waist area just in case your in between a size and is durable as hell! I previously only had a couple weeks in last year’s (2019) DST line and although the cut hasn’t changed in 2020/2021, to me it feels like there is less bunching in the knee area than in 2019. I like that the BOA is on the back of the pant still, as I can still easily get my pants on/off just in case I am super hydrated at a race. I mean when you’re at a race, with nerves flowing and your super hydrated, you will be visiting your favorite relief spot a few times. The EVO pant also stays secured to my waist via the BOA and for me it prevents the yolk of the pant from moving too much when accelerating out of corners hard on the seat. I know it’s not very common to get a lot of ventilation through a pant, but to me the Fly Racing EVO pant does a good job of giving enough air flow to surrounding regions that require some air conditioning. The leather on the knee area is tough enough to withstand my CTi knee brace hinges without eating a hole through them and they also DO NOT mark up my shrouds when squeezing the bike. To sum it up, I feel like I get a lot of comfort out of this pant when I am on the bike with a blend of durability.  

The EVO jersey is a key part to this equation here. I can’t have a great pant with a jersey that is rough against my skin, baggy or has an arm length that bunches up against my glove. The EVO DST jersey lays nicely over my shoulders and has a neck that doesn't ride up too high. Some jerseys ride too high up on my neck and end up chafing the back of my neck area, but the EVO doesn’t. The stretch and mobility that I get with the DST allows me to move around on the bike freely with enough air flow to make me happy in the summer months here in Southern California. Although it does have a Pro Fit, it’s still roomy enough for that XXL crowd as well. 

The Fly Racing EVO DST pant and jersey have great durability and has come a long way in the past few years. If you’re looking for durability with comfort, this line of gear could become your favorite rather quickly. If I had to replenish my gear bag with my own money a set or two of this gear would last me a season or two of riding without an issue. 

I am happy to put my money where my mouth is so the first three people to send me a copy of their receipt of their EVO DST pant/jersey order on RMATVMC.com through my banner right here on keeferinctesting.com will get fully refunded on their order! 

EVO DST PANT PRODUCT DETAILS: $199.95

DST (Durable Stretch Technology) constructed of four-way HEX-Stretch fabric provides excellent mobility with heavy-duty durability

Laser-cut perforations in key areas for advanced airflow

Strategically placed stretch-mesh ventilation areas

Relaxed leg cuffs

Exclusive four-way HEX-Stretch fabric construction is flexible and tough

Leather heat shield panels with DuPont™ Kevlar® stitching

Seat panel sewn to breathable light mesh reduces pulling

Advanced Lycra® liner adds increased comfort and performance

The Boa® System offers fast, on-the-fly micro adjustability

Ratcheting fly closure allows for adjustability

Ergonomically pre-shaped knee accommodates most knee braces and guards

Full-Floating durable 900D seat surrounded by HEX-Stretch material moves naturally with your body

Exclusive zipper lock system keeps pants closed and secure

JERSEY PRODUCT DETAILS: $59.95

Laser-cut perforations for advanced ventilation

Full mesh back and integrated mesh in key areas

Zero-cuff arm openings provide unrestrictive mobility, and a comfortable fit

Multi-directional Lycra® neck and shoulder panels

Low profile multi-panel construction for maximum performance and a comfortable fit

Seamless armpit construction, with a single-continuous stretch mesh panel from the sides to cuffs which helps prevents underarm rubbing and irritation

Silicone-printed tail keeps jersey tucked in

Pro fit: ergonomic arms created for riding position, with a slim cut

Bell Moto 9 Flex Helmet Review

The Bell Moto 9 Flex has been around for several years and from what we hear there will be a Moto 10 on the horizon soon, but in the meantime the Moto 9 Flex is Bell’s current top tier off-road helmet offering. Bell uses an inner impact absorption system that is said to have better low, medium, and high speed energy management. Also, this three-layered-foam design creates a unique fit and ventilation system. The Moto 9 Flex helmet comes in several colorways, but most recently Bell has introduced some of their new 2021 colorways like the one shown here. 

Most helmets have a one layer of EPS foam that is designed to absorb the energy from a crash at any speed. Yet helmets are tested to withstand very high-speed impacts and to pass such tests, some helmets have to sacrifice at least some of its ability to absorb low and medium speed impacts. The Moto-9 Flex has three layers of different density foams that address all impact energy levels. There is a standard EPS layer for high speed, then there are two different layers of polymer materials that are designed to absorb low and medium impact energy levels. Both of these inner foams bounce back rather than crush, and stay crushed like EPS (similar to helmets designed for multiple hits such as football helmets).

Also, the middle layer of foam can rotate within the outer foam layer to absorb some of the rotational forces in a crash. Additionally, the two inner liners of foam are segmented to, according to Bell, create a much more personalized fit for each individual rider. Each of the liner segments can move minutely to better accommodate different head shapes, a technology that Bell has already been using in its bicycle helmets. Lastly, the segmentation of the Moto-9 Flex creates many channels in the foam liners that should allow a ton of ventilation. 

There are many different types of helmet technology for the consumer to choose from these days and that is a good thing. I can’t say that I have had huge crashes with the Bell Moto 9 Flex, but I have taken a few crashes with no effects of a head injury. This DOES NOT mean that Bell’s helmet technology prevents concussions/head injuries, but I do know it is good in low speed crashes. I have a round shaped head and the Bell fits my noggin comfortably. 

Below are a few key bullet points of what I thought of the Bell Moto 9 Flex. 

Positives:

• Quality – You’d expect an excellent quality of finish on a $700 helmet, and this thing delivers. With a carbon compose shell, it’s both lightweight (1300g) and strong. As an added nice touch, it comes in a cool padded carry bag.

• Style – Aside from the cool carbon finish, it’s a good-looking lid with a contoured shell shape.

• Comfort/Fit – The sophisticated three-layer impact liner and soft padding produces an exceptionally good fit. In fact, you can feel the ‘Flex’ liner actually mould to your head shape once you put it on and this allows you to opt for a firmer-fitting sizing (rider who’ve always worn a Large in other helmet brands may well be better off with a Medium-sized Moto-9 Flex). In other words, it gives you a more personalized, adaptive fit.

• The Padded Liner – With its uncomplicated design (no tabs, just four plastic clip-studs), the liner is simple and easy to remove/replace. And in addition to being convenient, the magnetic cheek pads are a real advantage in the case of an emergency.

• Ventilation – The fact the three impact liners are segmented allows much better airflow and ventilation than helmets which the conventional single EPS impact liner. I wouldn’t say it ventilates better than a Fly Formula helmet but it’s in the top three of ventilated protective lids.

• Attention to Detail – The stainless steel mesh that’s used in the chin-piece and ventilation exhaust ports is stylish. I absolutely love the magnetic tip in the fastening strap. This makes it extremely easy to secure with gloves on. The built-in Eject Helmet Removal System cavity in the liner means there’s no need for any modifications to fit this system (which is now mandatory for racing in many countries).

Negatives:

• Visor Screws – They have an inventive design (they’re recessed, designed with breakaway tabs, flick out to use and then back to flush), but with only two lateral screws, you have to run them super-tight to keep the visor fixed in place. Even when you do run the tabs tight, the visor still can move. 

• The Chin-piece – The shell’s compact design puts the chin-piece close to your mouth, this can accelerate goggle fogging in wet/cold conditions if you start to breathe heavily. Removing the chin-piece’s generous foam insert in wet conditions helps with some of this issue. I also have a big nose so if feels like the chin piece is right in my face. I would prefer a slightly longer chin bar area. 

• The Eyeport – It’s a little smaller (top-to-bottom) than average, so you may need to dump the helmet’s removable nose guard if your goggles are too tight a fit.

Leatt GPX 5.5 Boots

My Leatt GPX 5.5 Boot Background: 

I get to test a lot of things behind the scenes and this Leatt GPX 5.5 boot was one of them. When I got asked to do some initial testing on this boot from Leatt a couple years ago, I was happy to help, but I warned them that I was a picky SOB when it comes to boots. I don’t necessarily have bad ankles, but I do like my ankles to feel secure/protected when I come up short on jumps. I also want a boot that doesn’t weigh a ton because my old ass doesn’t need any extra weight to haul around when I am doing a long Moto. I put in almost 100 sneaky testing hours in the GPX 5.5 boots and although we had some revisions along the way, these boots surprised me on how comfortable they were. With a price point of $389.99 you might expect not to get all the bells and whistles of a top tier off-road boot, but to me a lot of those boxes are checked with the GPX 5.5’s. The engineers over in South Africa, where the Leatt main offices are located, listened to any short comings I may have experienced with the boot during initial testing and fixed those problems along the way. After riding with these boots in silence for a while, here are some of my findings with the final production version that could be of use when maybe looking to purchase a pair of new boots in the future.  

I do know that Leatt is committed to protection, but getting a boot to look good is tough to do. I feel Leatt did a good job of getting a boot to look unique without it being ugly looking. The Leatt 5.5 boot comes in three different colorways and should please even the pickiest of gear snobs. The GPX 5.5 boot uses a FlexLock system that makes for adjustable boot flex, lockout of ankle movement, force reduction to ankle (up to 37 percent) and knee-force reduction (up to 35 percent). It has a SlideLock Velcro top closure, 3D-shaped impact foam over the ankles, a heel-grip ankle design and the toe box is low-profile and shifter-friendly. The Leatt boots’ sole has a DualZone hardness and has an extended footpeg zone to accommodate varying riding styles with a steel shank for additional support. It uses a grip material inside of each boot for rider feel, the buckles are forged with an over-locking function, and the inner liner is breathable mesh with anti-slip reinforcement for zero heel lift. 

For reference, I feel like the Fox Instinct boot is one of the only boots that I am able to ride with right out of the box without any break in period. The Leatt 5.5 boot doesn’t quite have that instantaneous take out of the box and ride feel, but does break in quicker than a set of Tech 10’s. It’s unique with its FlexLock design that actually DOES absorb energy, yet offers a good amount of feel on the brake/shifter. This is one area where a non-hinge boot usually lacks in feel and requires a longer break-in before you get totally comfortable with mobility, shifting and finding the brake pedal. The FlexLock is a multi-directional system that allows the boot to hinge forward and backward. Additionally, it has an inward and outward flexing ability that is designed to mirror your ankle movement. The amount that the boot flexes in this direction is limited by the FlexLock system.

The Leatt GPX 5.5 has far better foot mobility than a normal non-hinged boot, yet gives you the ability to lock out as much ankle movement as you want. The GPX 5.5 size 10 weighs just under nine pounds, which is around the same weight as most mid to top tier off-road boots. For most riders, especially us older guys, the lighter the boot, the better it can be for our legs, as it’s easier on your knees and mobility. It’s funny because when I weighed the boots I was expecting the GPX 5.5 to weigh less than it did because when riding with them, it didn't feel like nine pounds of boot on each leg. They feel lighter than a Tech 10 and DO NOT cause my legs to get as tired when the track is deep. 

I love the GPX top SlideLock closure (you can secure the Velcro, then buckle the top strap, which slides against itself in one direction), it’s simply genius! I appreciated the grip of the sole and how long the sole lasted, especially during my durability test of the boot. You can do yourself a favor and make sure to keep an eye on the small screws that hold some of the plastic pieces on the boot together as they can back out over time. If you are concerned about the fit for wide feet, don’t be alarmed as I feel the GPX 5.5 boot accommodates a wider foot. I don’t have a wide foot, but a couple of my test riders do and they didn’t complain about pinching. I however did get a pinch initially near the top of my foot during break in, but once the boot seated to my foot, the pinch went away. 

With the minimal break-in time, the fit as well as the feel through the ankle, along with the ease of the buckling system, I feel this is a lower cost option for the off-road consumer. I felt that the protection and comfort levels rated high, the durability of the boot was adequate and the price is very friendly, considering the high-end appeal of some other boots.  As of right now, I have around 28 hours on the production Leatt GPX 5.5 boots and plan to at least get to the 50 hour mark. 

If you have any questions about the Leatt GPX 5.5 boots or anything that relates to dirt bikes, Keefer Inc. Testing is here to assist in anyway we can. Email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com for any philosophical thoughts or questions. 

Fly Racing Patrol Off-Road Gear

By: Michael Allen

Being a test rider I have had the opportunity to test almost every brand of gear on the market. Doing so has really shown me what works and what doesn’t when it comes to gear design, fit, function, durability and overall quality. Being that I ride moto, but really love off-road, I have found that although most moto gear looks and fits better than off-road specific gear, moto gear never seems to last as long as off-road gear. Why? Because to me off-road gear is designed to be abused out in the elements, most moto gear is not. I was looking at the Fly Racing website while getting information for my review on the new Patrol jacket (https://www.keeferinctesting.com/gear-2/2020/1/15/fly-racing-patrol-jacket) and I came across Fly’s Patrol off-road gear line. I was going to be racing the Tecate Enduro and figured this would be the perfect test to see how the gear would hold up. If you’ve ever raced Tecate you know just how hard the tight Baja single track can be on jerseys and pants. It seems as though the bushes in Tecate reach out and grab you and it almost never fails that I come home with at least a ripped jersey. 

I ordered black Patrol XC pants (they offer an over the boot version also) as well as the Patrol jersey in maroon/black, and the Patrol XC lite gloves in black. When the gear showed up, I tried it on and was very pleased that the size of the pants as well as the jersey is true to size (and also has extra adjustment both ways). I have big hands, so you know what that means (I wear big gloves) and in most cases I order XL gloves, which I did with the Patrol set, but these XL gloves seemed to be a tad on the small side. Just note that they still fit around my hands, but took a little tugging to get on. 

The Patrol jersey uses mesh, multi paneling to help with ventilation while trying not to compromise performance or durability. The cuffs have a relaxed fit in order to not squeeze your writs too tightly while riding. Unlike some off-road gear the Patrol pant/jersey wasn’t baggy and was even slightly form fitting. It wasn't super tight where it looked like Spandex, but had the perfect amount of material for my 6’ 185-ish pound frame. The jersey also features a slightly longer tail to stay tucked in and it did just that for the hundreds of miles that I logged in this gear. For being as vented as the Patrol jersey is, it has held up surprisingly well and has yet to rip. My only complaint about the jersey (and this is going to sound weird) is that it vented too well. Since I have been riding a lot in winter, the massive amount of air flow can sometimes be too much and if I started the ride without my vest, it tended to be pretty chilly when I would stop on the trail. I think it would be great if Fly offered the same style jersey with a little less ventilation for colder climates. 

The Patrol XC Lite glove offers more protection than your typical moto glove, but slightly less protection than the Patrol XC glove. Going on looks alone, they look like they wouldn’t be too comfortable because of the slightly bulbous knuckle protection, but in this case, looks are deceiving. Like I mentioned earlier, the XL gloves were a little on the small side, but once on they were comfortable and I didn’t notice the knuckle protection at all, except when it saved my hands from the harsh Baja landscape. The gloves are secured with a Velcro strap which stays in place even when smacking trees. The area of the glove where the palm meets the writs started to tear after several uses, but I think this could be due to the gloves being slightly too small for my hands and me having to pull excessively hard to get the gloves on. We will be getting larger gloves to examine this further. 

The Patrol XC pants come in either black or grey and are offered in “over the boot” or “in boot” configurations. Inside the pants is a mesh liner for comfort and added ventilation on longer or warmer rides. Also to help with airflow, there are zippered vents that can be opened or closed depending on the weather. On hotter days my “manhood” really appreciated these vents as they really do add some airflow. There are also three zippered pockets integrated into the pants, which came in handy on more than a few occasions. The two front pockets are padded, which work perfect for a cell phone while keeping it protected and easily accessible. The third pocket is just inside the waistband and is just big enough to store an ID, credit card, and some cash. The knee panels are durable leather and have yet to show any signs of wear, but can mark up your shrouds when squeezing with your knees. The knee area is roomy enough to accommodate any knee brace, but also not super baggy and awkward looking so you don’t look like you borrowed your larger riding buddy’s pants. Riding off-road often has me out on the trail for many hours and the stretch ribbed panels make the pants extremely comfortable to wear all day long. To keep the pants secured Fly uses a zipper/ratcheting strap in front and one Velcro adjuster on the side in case you need a little more adjustment (some days I’m fatter than others). Overall, I was very impressed with the pants for two main reasons. The first is that they are SUPER comfortable for long rides and have the great fit to them. The second reason is because the options of having the vents open and closed is really handy along with having very functional pockets. 

The majority of the time when I ride off-road I wear moto gear and just deal with not having some off-road gear amenities. Usually I don’t mind, but the Patrol gear has really opened my eyes to how good off-road specific gear can get. The quality and durability of the jersey is impressive and I have yet to even have a frayed thread. The extra knuckle protection from the gloves really came in handy when my hands met the rugged Baja wilderness. Most impressive of all were the pants; the comfort, quality, ruggedness, and functionality was really a surprise. The Patrol pants have now become my off-road benchmark to which I will compare any other off-road specific gear I test in the future. The only real downside to the Patrol XC gear set is that the color options are pretty limited. Off-road gear that doesn't come in many different colorways? Shocking! I know! If you ride or race off-road, I highly recommend you look into the Fly Patrol gear set and give it a try. If you have any questions about the Fly Patrol XC gear, feel free to reach out to me at Michael@keeferinctesting.com. 

Patrol XC Pants-$ 129.95

Patrol Jersey- $38.95

Patrol XC Lite Gloves- $29.95

"On My Own Time" (Fly Racing Lite Hydrogen)

Time… It’s something more precious than any amount of money. When you get older time becomes more valuable and as you all know when you get older there seems to be less time in the day to get things done. When at the track, I get asked questions like “what do you ride on your own time” or “what product do you use on your own time, when you’re not testing something”? After getting these questions asked to me several times, I thought it would be a good idea to start a monthly article on what I like to use on my own time. Even though my own riding time is rare, there are times when I just go ride to just enjoy the ride, not for the sake of testing something. 

Coming from a business standpoint, people assume that I only use or test companies products that pay me, but in most cases that is simply not true. I left Dirt Rider Magazine to create a testing media outlet that has transparency and lets people in on what is REALLY happening within the walls of a media outlet. I didn't want any hidden agendas and I didn't want to just be an editor that you can only talk to through a magazine or website. I hated being at Dirt Rider and having to talk highly about a product that simply wasn’t good, just because they were spending money with the magazine. I hated hiding behind the print advertising wall. I lost sleep over it. I would come home moody because it just didn't feel right to me. Telling the consumer to go ahead and purchase a product when it’s inferior not only ruins integrity, but it throws consumers money into the trash. It bothered me. 

I grew up with a father that didn't have a shit ton of money and he would rely on magazines to guide him into the right purchasing decisions. Hell, I barely had a relationship with him because he worked so damn much. The times we did get to spend together usually revolved around dirt bikes, so getting the correct parts put on our bikes made our time spent together less stressful on him. However, that wasn't always the case. What I didn't know (at that point in my life) was that time together, with dirt bikes, had costed him a lot of money (as well as labor). Sometimes my dad would purchase a product that he thought he or I needed, but found out later, through trial and error, that he was misinformed. It turned out it wasn't as good as stock, was a POS, or didn’t fit right, but because “the magazine” said “it was a must have” he went out and learned the hard way. When I started working for Dirt Rider I really thought we were going to take the “hard way” out of purchasing products and/or machines for readers/consumers. That theory wasn't always the way it worked out at the magazine, because we normally had some hurdles to jump through before that would happen. Little did I know in that world the edit side of things do not met eye to eye with the sales side of things at times.

Of course any business has to make money to operate, but what if you believed in a product so much that you only took those advertising dollars from the ones YOU truly believe in? That was my thought process when I was thinking of leaving the magazine to start my own deal. I wanted that motto to be my guideline when I started Keefer Inc. Testing. I knew I probably wouldn't make as much money as the other big media outlets, but I didn't care. I would rather be able to sleep at night than have the weight of steering a fellow blue collar type of rider, like my dad, into the wrong direction with a product or machine. Maybe this is a horrible business model and I am doing it all wrong, but to me it’s something I can truly do that lets me sleep well at night. I had certain companies in mind that I grew to love after testing them over the years and I knew that they had great products, so I went after those companies to see if they were interested in advertising with my brand. I wanted to push those products more on the Keefer Tested Podcast and wanted to have those companies a part of the Keefer Inc. Testing mission statement so to speak. Hell, who knows? Maybe it was that damn movie Jerry McGuire that got me inspired, but I needed to know “who’s coming with me”. 

Now I won’t sit here and tell you that every single company or product that I like has come on board to advertise with us, but that doesn't stop me from using said product. I would rather spend my own money on something that works than get something free that doesn’t. If a product is good, I am not scared to go purchase it myself, for my own use, on my own time, and of course let you all know about it. If it isn't a great product, I want you to know about that as well. I am not here to bash companies products when they are not great, but I will let them know about it so they can try to make it better. Not everything works well on every bike or body and that company has the right to know that they need to be better. Just because we take advertising dollars from one company doesn't mean we will not test other competing brands and give you the straight scoop on if that’s a great product or not. We are trying to create an open line of communication between the consumer and the media testing world. Yes, our time is valuable, and so is yours, but if we can give you quality feedback that can help you smile, once you’ve used what you've purchased, it’s a win win situation.

So now that you have some background on why I am typing these articles, here is the first installment of “On My Own Time”. We will be diving into one company/product a month, some that advertise and some that don’t, but that doesn’t matter to me, because if I am using it on my own time, it could be worth yours as well. If you have any questions on any product you see here on keeferinctesting.com you know I will do my best to help you. Simply email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com and I will do my damndest to steer you in the correct direction. 

Fly Racing Lite Hydrogen Pant/Jersey

Fly Racing has been a part of Keefer Inc. Testing since the beginning. Why? A couple reasons. It’s because they have a great product and also the people behind WPS/Fly Racing are genuine enthusiasts of our sport. I have been a fan of the Lite Hydrogen gear since their pant was redesigned in 2018. That pant incorporated the BOA system. Fly Racing is one of about three gear companies that I would spend my own money on (we will talk about the other two companies in a future “On My Own Time” articles) and below are the reasons why I like this product so much.

I am extremely happy with the BOA system on the Lite Hydrogen pant. Every time I wear another set of gear I am looking to tighten the BOA reel, but quickly realize that there isn't one available. If there was one thing I don’t like about other minimalistic pants is that they can be too stretchy in the rear yolk panel while accelerating out of corners. That can leave me with an untucked jersey as well as pants sagging down by lap three. I don’t have an ass! If you have an ass, maybe you DO NOT have this problem, but for my flat ass this is noticeable quickly. With the BOA system all I have to do is turn in the reel and tighten, so that my pant is securely locked to my waist. If you want to loosen the waist area you simply pull the BOA reel outwards and it releases the tension on the pant. The Lite Hydrogen pant has held up great against my knee braces (especially the leather) and although this is a very lightweight pant it has superb durability. The Lite Hydrogen pant is not as light as the FOX FlexAir, but has held together better over time for me and ventilates very well. 

If you are a bigger guy don't fear because Fly sells the Lite Hydrogen pant in up to a size 38. I have seen a pair of 38’s on my large sized buddy and it doesn't look abnormal at all. Also chances are if you’re a size 40 the 38 is stretchy enough that you will be able to fit without any issues. When comparing the FlexAir and Lite Hydrogen cuts, the Fly pant is not quite as tight, has slightly more stretch, and doesn't hug against your legs as much. This left me with a little more room for an array of knee braces that I test. The colors that Fly came out with in 2018 is so much better than the colors they had in 2017. Bright yet clean colorways are what I prefer and that is exactly what the Lite Hydrogen is. Although I am not sure Fly recommends putting your pant and jersey in the dryer, I have done so on many occasions and the BOA reel sticks works flawlessly. Over the years the Lite Hydrogen pant continues to evolve and be one of the leaders in comfort and durability. It's tough to get a lightweight pant that can last more than a few months, but these suckers have held up to the abuse that I can give. 

The Lite Hydrogen jersey ventilates very well and the low profile/open cuff design is one of my favorite aspects of this jersey. Sometimes when you get an open cuff design the jersey will ride up your arms during a moto, but the Lite Hydrogen jersey’s cuff will stay in place and not go all Mike Alessi on you. The athletic cut of the jersey is on the snug side, but again not as tight as a FlexAir jersey. It’s important to note that the Lite Hydrogen is not as tight as the FlexAir for the bigger dudes with some extra weight in the belly region. Don’t fear the spare tire because Fly offers a 2X and I promise you will not look all EMO with a snug fitting jersey. Once you slip the jersey on you can feel how soft it is as Fly Racing’s material will not irritate your skin. You will also have enough stretch for an under protector if you choose to wear one (which I did on most occasions). Mrs. Keefer has washed the pant and jersey several times and the colors have not yet faded or dulled out. I also liked that Fly updated their collar in 2019 to a lycra collar that doesn't grab a hold of your neck like a WWE wrestler. 

I remember when Fly Racing wasn't even in my thought process when it came to picking out gear to wear on my own time. Back in 2011-2013 I always dreaded having to wear Fly’s stuff for photos because it was so hot, baggy, and just didn’t look that great. Fly has evolved their line of gear and have made the Lite Hydrogen one of my favorite sets of gear to wear “On My Own Time”. 

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/riding-gear/fly-racing-lite-hydrogen-jersey-p/?ref=1009

Fly Racing Patrol Jacket

By: Michael Allen

Winter is my favorite time of riding here in Southern California because the ground is moist and the traction is high, but contrary to what most of you east coasters think, the temperatures can drop down below freezing out here on the west coast. Unless you’re running a windproof jersey, most other jersey materials have some sort of ventilation incorporated into them so this makes it hard to keep your body at the optimal temperature all day long. The Fly Racing Patrol jacket comes in either grey or black and is offered in sizes small through triple extra-large. The jacket is made of a lightweight shell that is windproof, water resistant, and uses a breathable membrane material. All of the zippers (main, pocket, and sleeve) are high quality and use a seal to keep moisture out. There are two lower pockets in the front and two breast pockets that I found fit a cell phone perfectly while being easily accessible. Inside the lower back of the jacket there is also a large mesh pouch, which can be used for storing the sleeves when they aren’t being used.

The ability to easily turn this jacket into a vest is easily one of my favorite highlights about this product. The inside of the jacket is fleece, which is super comfortable and unlike a lot of other jackets the Patrol comes out of the box very flexible (sometimes new jackets are super stiff and need to be broken in). The Patrol is easily adjustable as the wrist cuffs use Velcro so they can be adjusted to the rider’s preference. The fit of the jacket isn’t too slim nor too loose, but can be adjusted at the bottom with a shock chord to better seal around your waist. The fact that the jacket isn’t super slim fitting is nice because I wear my chest protector under my jersey and I need some extra room in the torso area. Who doesn’t like to have a beer or two out on the trail with your buddies? I like to pack some beers with me occasionally when I go trail riding, so there is plenty of room under the jacket, without having to stretch the jacket out too much (in order to get it zipped). In fact there were times I put the jacket over my fanny pack and adjusted the draw string tight underneath the pack. On the other hand the fact that it’s not too baggy is nice because I often wear my hydration pack over the jacket and it fits very comfortably.

When it comes to Jackets the main thing I look for is practicality and ease of use. Ever since I first started wearing vests I have been in love with them and how they keep your core warm while not letting you overheat. The fact that the Patrol jacket doesn’t have 37 pockets is part of the beauty. The Patrol doesn’t need a pocket for every gadget in the world, I mean come on, I am just trying to go trail riding over here! There are just enough pockets to store all your basic needs, which for me were my cell phone (in the front left breast pocket), and a few gel packets (in the lower pockets). For longer rides and when I was planning to go alone, there was enough room for a Spot Tracker that is a must have for adventurists. The ability to easily zip off the sleeves with two zippers (per sleeve) and store them inside the jacket was super nice when everyone is waiting on you to do it quickly. The sleeves are a little trickier to zip back on, but once you get the hang of it, it’s pretty straight forward. Having the ability to adjust the wrist cuffs with Velcro is nice because I don’t like jackets that have tight elastic, which can seem too tight when the jacket is new, but can get clapped out when they get some time on them.

Although the jacket does ventilate well with the large vent in the back, I wish that there were a few zipper vents that could be opened or closed depending on the weather. Another thing I feel that the Patrol is missing is a slightly larger collar, or a collar that could be put up if it was super cold to protect your neck from the wind chill. The Patrol has become the jacket that stays in my gear bag and gets used almost every ride (even at the moto track on cold mornings). With an MSRP of $149.95 the Patrol jacket isn’t necessarily a steal, but I think it’s fairly priced for the quality of the jacket. So if you’re looking for a comfortable jacket that is simple and does everything well, give the Fly Racing Patrol jacket a look, or even better go to your local dealer and try one on. 

If you have any questions about the Fly Racing Patrol Jacket feel free to reach out to me at Michael@keeferinctesting.com. 

Fox Instinct Boots

Just in case you haven't listened to episode 7 of the Rocky Mountain ATV/MC Keefer Tested Podcast (Boot Comparison) I will now go over the Fox Instinct boot and how it performs//protects/feels/lasts. When the designers and engineers at Fox set out to design a new high end boot, they didn't just shoot for "almost perfect", nor did they accept that a finished product had to be flawed. They spent a huge amount of time designing, developing, as well as race testing various components, and after several years of gathering feedback from the top riders in our sport, they came up with a design that was ready to go into production for all us mere mortals. The Instinct boot design has been in production almost 10 years and in my opinion is one of the most comfortable boots to wear. Let me explain how they did this:

The key goals in developing the Instinct boot were to combine freedom of movement with the highest level of protection possible; in other words, safety and comfort were a must for the Fox engineers. This starts in the guts of the boot where five key components have been utilized to create the perfect fit: An athletic insole provides running shoe-like cushioning, a steel shank supports the arch, a polyurethane midsole offers energy absorption, a TPU support is in place for impact protection and stability, and Fox's exclusive rubber Duratac outsole provides grip on the peg and is backed by lifetime durability guarantees.

The rest of the boot is just as highly developed as the inside. A patented floating ball-and-socket buckle makes for easy operation with gloves on. Flexion is provided by a stabilizing hinge, which also ensures that the ankle cannot hyperextend past the predetermined lockout points. A host of other technical materials grace the boot to help create a solid weld between ankle and bike, and the overall build makes for one of the lightest boots on the market. Fox truly left nothing on the table when developing these suckers.

Over the course of the Instinct’s production lifespan, the sizing has been improved. I have noticed a true-to-size fit since early 2019, so if you have a 2018 Instinct and notice you went up a size from your normal sizing, the new 2019-2020 sizing is much improved. If you decide to purchase a new pair (and have an older Instinct model) you may have to go back down to your normal size. The toe-box is a little narrower than a Tech 10, but not as tight as a Sidi Crossfire 3, and the buckles are so much easier to operate than those found on some of the biggest brands in the sport. The first positive aspect/experience of the boot you will notice is the lightweight feel to the Instinct. My legs certainly do feel less fatigue when riding tracks that force you to ride leg high through ruts/corners. To me these are the lightest feeling boots that I have ridden with to date. The feature that I was most surprised with was the inner comfort of the boot. I am so used to have having an inner bootie for ankle support, I thought I would feel naked without it, but it literally took me only a few minutes until I appreciated how much comfort my feet/ankles had. I don’t have bad ankles, but I do ride a lot and my ankles can get sore from riding all day long. The Instinct boots do have more movement in the ankle area than a Tech 10, but I also don’t feel like my ankles are being overworked or stretched. The sole also has more grip than I was expecting, which provides excellent absorption/cushion to my ankles when slamming into jump faces or when I really screw up and case the crap out of something. Here’s a tip: After break in (which isn't very long at all) I will tighten up my buckles tighter than normal, so that I get a more secure lock around my ankle (this is important with the middle two buckles). The inner potion of the boots have excellent grip against the frame and this is an important feature to me because I grip with my legs a lot! Some boots use a rubber like material that simply doesn't grip well when squeezing, but the Instinct boot comes “stock” with great gripping material on the inside of each boot.  

Like a good running shoe, the insole has enough cushioning and support without feeling too rigid or bulky. Off-road riders will love this boot based on the fact that it truly can be worn all day, but Fox also offers the Instinct in an off-road version as well with a more aggressive sole. The protection level certainly feels sufficient for the usual battery of rut-snags and rock-hits that I encounter on any given day of testing. However, to me, the Instinct is built for performance and comfort, but the integrity/support of the boot can break down a little quicker than other boots out there today. This is the only boot that I can wear straight out of the box and feel my pegs as well as my shifter/brake pedal without any issues. I can’t pull a set of Tech 10’s out of the box and feel “good” right away, but I am able to do this with the Instinct’s. The Fox Instinct boots DO NOT hardly need any break in period. They are ready to rock! 

The flip-side/bad news is when the Instincts get some time under them, they can get somewhat flimsy in the ankle area to me and I can feel my ankles flex too much when landing hard off of jumps. I usually keep boots for a fair amount of time (around 60-80 engine hours), but the Fox Instincts felt looser in my ankle area around 42 hours of engine time. This is where you will need to keep up pn your middle to buckles. I constantly adjust my middle two buckles to ensure I get a tighter fit around my ankle. I can’t stress enough how huge this is with this boot! Think of these middle two buckles as your daily routine of bike/gear maintenance. Just because the middle two buckles were good yesterday doesn't mean that they are correct for the another day. Tighten them accordingly and your ankles will thank you. Other pieces to the boot like the outsole, buckles, insole, and hinges never broke or failed, but I just feel the boot to be super soft (in ankle area) after some time of usage without adjusting the middle two buckles. Fox Instincts have lasted me over 40 engine hours, but have only seen stock pegs and not super sharp titanium oversize pegs, so your sharp peg riders keep an eye on your outsoles.

Send Them In!

The Fox Racing Instinct Sole Warranty: Something that you may not know is that Fox offers Instinct buyers a free outsole replacement if your Instincts meet their requirements. Do yourself a favor and make sure to keep an eye out on your soles, so they don’t get ate up past the red indicator strip/marker. If they are worn and aren’t past the red indicator strip/marker, send your boots into Fox Racing and they can install original Fox Duratac inserts in for you at no charge! Here is the link: https://nushoe.com/fox-head.html

Overall, the Instinct features an impressive level of performance and comfort that definitely lives up to Fox's claims. Coming in at $459.95, the Fox Instinct is less expensive than the Tech 10 or a Gaerne SG-12, so the decision to purchase shouldn't be about price. In my opinion, the Fox Instinct boot is the most comfortable boot out of the there, but will need more attention/adjustments to the middle two buckles, if you want them to protect your ankles, like Fox intended after some time of use. I look at the Fox Instinct boot like a factory spec tire that is available to us non factory guys. It provides maximum comfort and performance on the track, but just doesn't last quite as long structurally. Head over to https://www.foxracing.com/moto/mens/boots/ to get yours as well as view all the styles and colors.

If you have any questions about this test please feel free to email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com and I am here to help!   

Fox FlexAir Pant And Jersey

When it comes to riding gear there are only a few sets of gear that I really look forward to wearing day in and day out. I ride anywhere between 5-6 days a week and the gear that I wear must hold up over several hours of riding time, have enough stretch materials so I am able to move around on the bike freely, gives me enough ventilation that I am not getting over heated, have a comfortable fit, and of course make me look like I am the fastest on the track, even though I’m not. Fox Racing has been one of those companies that has been making sets of gear for the past few years that have checked all of those boxes. 

Fox changed some of the features to their top of the line FlexAir pant and jersey for 2020, which grabbed my attention enough for me to re-test and get some information back to you all. The FlexAir jersey has been refined to maximize breathability and increase mobility. The active-fit sleeves with laser perforated venting are changed for increased breathability and airflow. The pant’s chassis has been redesigned to increase mobility and comfort. Fox updated the waistband to improve fit, refined the rear yoke to increase flexibility, and redesigned the internal liner to reduce chafing (something that I thought was needed on last year’s FlexAir pant). If you want to red all the features to Fox’s pant and jersey you can simply click on this link: https://www.foxracing.com/moto/mens/gear-sets/. For this article I wanted to give you all the straight scoop on what it’s like ride with this gear on the track. As you all know, I may or may not be a gear freak. 

For warmer weather this FlexAir jersey is the best on the market with its Tru-Dri fabric material. The ventilation through the arms and a lightweight feel throughout my torso, there is no other jersey on the market quite like this FlexAir jersey. I don’t know if Fox changed the length of the arm for 2020, but after wearing my 2019 jersey and this new HOWK jersey back to back, it seems like the cut is slightly longer, so taller riders will like this feature more in 2020. However, I am 5’11 and the length of the sleeve/arm was adequate enough for my picky ass. The perforated sleeves ventilate insanely well, but unlike last year, when you happened to sweat, the sleeve doesn’t get crusty/hard feeling once your jersey dries. The 2020 FlexAir jersey doesn't have that harsh or course feel to the skin and remains soft throughout the day. The FlexAir jersey is athletic cut, but as snug as it is to your torso, the material of the jersey is super stretchy. All you bigger dudes out there do not stress on if this jersey will be too tight or reveal too much. It will be just fine! Trust me! You will like the way this jersey can conform to your body yet remain so comfortable throughout a long day of riding. 

The cuff doesn't get stretched out like the old FlexAir jersey over time and although it’s somewhat tight when sliding over your hand, it’s very comfortable when riding (and isn't restrictive). The FlexAir jersey feels so light, it’s almost like wearing nothing, so be forewarned of roost if you’re a non-chest protector kind of guy. It’s super thin, yet surprisingly durable! Most underprotectors work well with the FlexAir jersey because it’s sso stretchy. I have worn three different types of underprotectors and all have fit well with my normal jersey size. You will not need to go up a size if you’re wearing a underprotector. Durability of the jersey is superb, but DO NOT go riding through trees with this jersey and expect it to last. Tree branches will rip the material on the FlexAir! This is a motocross only type of material. The jersey fits true to size and stays tucked in throughout the day.

The Flex Air pant is an athletic style pant that fits tight/snug over my knee brace/knee area, but remains super stretchy through the thigh area. I am able to move around on the bike freely and feel less restricted compared to other non-athletic fit type pants. The word “snug” doesn’t have to mean “restrictive” or “uncomfortable”. Having a snug fit against your body can help make you feel streamlined while riding. This may sound like a line of bullshit to some of you, but I have gone back and forth enough with other brands of pants and jerseys that I can really feel the difference with the Fox’s FlexAir set of gear. Having a cut closer to your body that is stretchy really lets me move around the bike better without any hang ups or drag when riding (aka, seamless feel). It’s hard to explain how good the feeling is when wearing a pant and jersey that is snug enough yet can make your muscles feel more secure when riding, but also has enough stretch in it that you can move around/articulate your movements on the bike more efficiently while riding.     

What’s odd to me is that no other media testing outlet ever really talks about this, but when going back and forth between athletic/non-athletic cut gear, you can feel a difference in drag (especially at speed) and weight. When going from sitting to standing with athletic cut gear there is less bunching of material therefore when going from sitting to standing I can actually feel the lack of weight of the pant. At the end of a long test day my legs are literally less fatigued because of the lightweight materials inside the FlexAir pant. The updated closure system is like having a half belt around your waist with Fox’s two-piece design. When you cinch down on the buckle it feels like the waist area is firmly secure all the way around your waist, not just the front area. I am a huge fan of the BOA reel on the Fly Racing pants, but this half belt is the next best closure system to me. The taped seams inside the pant are great and I wish every manufacturer would do this because you never get snags when pulling the pants up. Not only do taped seams help when putting the pant on, it helps when moving around on the bike and keeps the pant lightweight feeling. Fox’s “RAP” system really does work and is not just a gimmick. The redesigned internal liner will not rub your ass raw when riding longer motos unlike like last year’s FlexAir pant. I will say that I only ran into this chafing problem last year when wearing boxer brief type of under garments (Ethika’s, BVD’s, tighty whitey’s, etc.) with the FlexAir pants. If you’re a cycling short under garment type of rider then don’t worry as you may not even notice the internal liner change.

The FlexAir pant bends with my natural motion on the bike and doesn’t bunch up near the leather of the knee area when I am seated on the machine. Not to mention that the leather knee is extremely durable for a minimalistic type pant. I have endured more than a few weeks of durability testing with the FlexAir pant and it has held up well against my CTi knee braces as well as a heatshield-less Pro Circuit headpipe/mid-pipe. The FlexAir pant fit is true to size and has a little extra room with how stretchy the pant is in the waist. So if you're a size 33, a 32 will work just fine. 

The Fox FlexAir price point has also been reduced for 2020. The pant costs $199.95 and the jersey is $69.95. That is $60.00 less than last year’s price point. I am huge fan of the materials, fit, durability, and function of the Fox FlexAir gear. I do wish Fox had more colorways to choose from in the FlexAir design, but without a doubt the HOWK is my favorite of the 2020 sets.

As for you older guys reading this that might think this type of gear isn't for you, I will have to say don’t knock it until you try it. I know us older dudes are stubborn and usually DO NOT like change, but wearing athletic cut gear could really open your eyes to some next level comfort you may have not have ever felt while you're riding. Like an older/wiser test rider once told me, “you’re only as good as what you try”.

Go to foxracing.com to see all of the Fox products as well as order this HOWK FlexAir set.

If you have any questions about this gear please email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com.

Pros: 

• Fit

• Comfort

• Durable for minimalistic type of gear

• Ventilation

Cons:

• Lack of different colorways

• Jersey can be hard to remove after riding (sticky)

EVS F-2 Roost Deflector

When I hear the name EVS, the first thing that comes to mind are those neck donuts that most of us wore when we were kids, or really anything safety gear in general. You know that EVS takes safety seriously if none other than Travis Pastrana has trusted them to protect his banged up body year after year. I was recently contacted by EVS to try their all new for 2019 F-2 roost deflector and see what I thought of it. The older I get the more and more I find it necessary to wear a chest protector (seeing as I don’t quite bounce off the ground like I used to). Being primarily an off-road rider I have worn a plethora off brands and configurations when it comes to roost guards and have become slightly picky about the balance between comfort, protection, and ventilation so this test was right up my ally. 

EVS went back to the drawing board for 2019 and re-designed the F-2, integrating some new technology into the deflector. The F-2 has a pivoting system built into the body of the unit that helps keep the guard form pinching on the rider no matter the contortion of the torso.  Also integrated into the guard are flow vents to help keep air moving across the body. This is used in conjunction with the Flyte liner which is a grid of impact dampening pads that lift the protective gear off the skin, allowing for increased air flow. The F-2 comes in either white or black as well as being offered in small, medium, large, and extra-large all while being completely adjustable to fit a large array of riders. This deflector meets CE standard 14021 for roost deflection, as well as CE standard 1621-1 for back impact protection. Leatt/Atlas neck braces are compatible with the F-2 and it comes with elastic shoulder loops that help keep the neck brace in place. 

Now that you know all about the technical aspects to the F-2 let’s get down to how I liked it out on the trail and track. To start with, since this is a “roost deflector” and not a full “chest protector” it doesn’t come with bulky shoulder cups. In my book this is a plus because those are usually the first thing I take off of a guard that has them. On top of that it doesn’t come with those dumb upper arm protectors that you have to slip your hands through, which I also remove because they are almost always super uncomfortable. Although I am glad there aren’t shoulder cups, I do think the pads that are on the shoulders could be a little larger and more protective for my frame. I am 6’ 185 pounds (although the pictures look like I’m 285 pounds) and I wear a large F-2 which fits pretty good out of the box. For height adjustment there are four adjusters on the shoulder straps (two per side) but they are pretty short and only allow for minimal fine tuning. When it comes to fine tuning for the waist, the side straps allow for a considerable amount of adjustment so that you can get a snug fit. The pivot system on the front of the guard is very functional and works well when you are leaning or contorting your body on the bike, so you don’t feel as though the guard is stabbing you or giving you any pinch points. The hard plastic front and back provided substantial protection from roost and trailside hazards as well as offering padded and hard protection on some small crashes that I experienced. The hard plastic is sewn to the thick padded under protection making the guard solid feeling, but it also feels a little on the heavy side. In terms of protection/comfort it was a big plus, but in terms of wearing it in mid June for a 102 degree motocross race, the deflector was definitely on the hot side. When worn under the jersey the F-2 majorly lacked air flow (also when worn under the jersey, the F-2 looks slightly bulky).

When worn over the jersey the air flow was more noticeable, but still the amount of foam under the plastic proved to be too much of an air block to be able to keep me cool. For me when it comes to roost deflectors there are three main categories; comfort, protection, and ventilation. The F-2 is very comfortable for a heavy duty style roost deflector, as it doesn’t give you any pinch spots are discomfort. The protection of the F-2 for a roost guard is very good and I feel like it gives protection for both decent sized crashes as well as plain old roost. When it comes to ventilation I feel like the F-2 does the best it can for the amount of coverage and protection it offers. Even with vent holes and the Flyte liner, which creates an air gap between the skin and guard, it’s still very hot to wear in summer. I am actually looking forward to wearing this deflector in the winter when you may want something to help keep the body heat in. The F-2 seems to bridge the gap between full chest protection and a minimalistic roost deflector. Other than being hot I feel that EVS did a great job of re-designing the F-2. When it comes to keeping riders safe and comfortable, I think the F-2 is a great option, but you may want to consider another option from EVS when it comes to those hot summer motos. Coming in at $139.00, the F-2 isn’t the cheapest option on the market, but I feel that for the amount of protection it offers, $139.00 is a ball park price point. If you have any questions about the EVS F-2 roost guard feel free to reach out to me at Michael@keeferinctesting.com. 

Leatt Z Frame Knee Braces

When it comes to “brace” style protective gear there are many opinions as to their effectiveness.  Questions like does it hamper the rider’s ability to correctly ride the motorcycle? Or does bracing the knee make your femur susceptible for injury? Far be it from me to have the end all be all answer, but I can tell you what has worked for me. Up until 2012 I was just a knee cup/guard guy who basically thought knee braces were only for people with money, good insurance, and past knee Injuries. In 2012 a buddy of mine handed down his old pair of braces and I found them to be comfortable and in fact gave me a little more confidence in my somewhat flimsy knees (one is always slightly swollen, and the other pops out from time to time).  

Now that you know a little about my knee protection history let me tell you about the Leatt Z Frame braces. I have been wearing and loving the Leatt X Frame braces for the past nine months and they have become my favorite non custom fit braces. I was excited to get the lower price point Z Frame’s and see if the price really dictates comfort and protection. The way the Z Frame straps to your leg is slightly different than the X Frames, as they strap in a “Z” pattern behind the leg (hence the name). Theoretically once you adjust the Velcro to your leg size you can just unclip the plastic clips on the straps to take the braces on and off, but I found myself always adjusting the Velcro to get the right fit every time I put the braces on. Why? Because sometimes I will drink a beer or three and eat a cheeseburger the night before. Can you say sodium intake? 

Once on, the Z Frame braces are noticeably bulkier than the X Frames, especially in the knee cup area. To me the knee cup area was excessively large and I felt like my knee cap was floating around underneath the cup, which would occasionally rub the underside of the cup when my legs were bent. This excessive bulkiness also changed how my legs were able to grip the bike, which wasn’t necessarily bad, it just didn’t feel like the braces that I was used to. The protection of the knee, shin, and thigh area is substantial as well as provides a large coverage area to protect in the event of a crash or hitting trailside debris. The “brace” function of the Z Frame didn’t seem as strong or supportive as the X-Frame that I have been used to. What I mean by this is that my knee didn’t feel as supported and actually popped out once when I dabbed my foot wrong (this isn’t necessarily the braces fault). 

After wearing these braces for a few months, I have come to the conclusion that they may fit some people better than others. I think that for my smaller (weaker) knees I need something that hugs, fits tighter, and gives me slightly more support (like the X Frame does). They are not necessarily bad braces, maybe someone with bigger knees would have a completely different opinion, but I just felt that my knees were kind of floating in the braces (yes, I had the correct size). With an MSRP of $299.99 the Z frame doesn’t break the bank as badly as other knee braces on the market, but they still aren’t exactly “cheap”. This Z Frame brace would more than likely be adequate for the weekend warrior that wants to go from a knee guard to a knee brace. The type of rider that wants some more safety, but isn't necessarily out to win a local racing series.You can check out the complete Leatt lineup over at leatt.com or if you have any questions about this test please email me at michael@keeferinctesting.com. 

2019 Fox V3 Helmet

Fox introduced their updated 2019 V3 last month, but it has taken us a few weeks to get you an actual first impression of the helmet because we actually wanted to ride in it for a while. Call us crazy, but we really like to test products here at Keefer Inc. before opening our mouths. It also seems like a ton of gear companies are coming out with their own helmet technology and that sometimes can be overwhelming for consumers on which one to decide on. We at Keefer Inc. can’t sit here and tell you which one is the best, but what we can do is give you the information about the hemet technology and give you details on fit and performance, but it will be up to you to make the decision on which you feel the most comfortable with. Spending $500.00-$700.00 on a new helmet is a big investment on your part and we are here to help you through it. If you have any further questions about the V3 helmet please email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com as our open door policy is put in place to help you like no other media outlet can. 

Technology: 

Almost every helmet manufacturer is trying to address rotational energy as riders take hits to the ground. There are a few different systems out there and Fox has come up with their own called “Fluid Inside” (or FI). There are seven pods around the inside of the helmet that are filled with a food-grade mineral oil that is supposed to mimic the same type of fluid that is inside your skull (cerebral spinal fluid). Crazy right? Fox claims that with this system, the head is decoupled from the helmet allowing the pods to squish and deform on their own, thereby absorbing rotational and linear energy. The MVRS (Magnetic Visor Release System) has been updated to be more secure than the previous V3 visor. No more of the “NO VISOR GASJER” out there on the track! Seriously, no one likes a bullethead. On the new V3, the visor slots into the top-front of the helmet with a dedicated channel rather than just floating on a round section of the helmet. This keeps the visor from popping off as easy when getting hit with roost, rocks, branches, but still allows it to separate from the helmet if you have a good sized crash. According to Fox, the benefit of the visor breaking away is in the event of a crash, the visor doesn't act as a shovel and add energy transfer to the head and neck area. 

The dual-density Varizorb EPS liner is meant to provide and improve protection by spreading the forces of impact across a wider surface area. A patent-pending chin bar/eye port CAGE is intended to improve energy management in the event of an impact as well. The MCT (Multi Composite Technology) shell construction that blends Carbon and FRP resins are weaved to try and provide a light yet rigid external shell. Injected Mesh vent screens across the helmet are put in place to try and provide superior ventilation and airflow, while maintaining protection from dirt and debris. The removable, washable X-Static® comfort liner and cheek pads are antimicrobial and are put in place to manage odor while work together to wick moisture away from the head. The new V3 meets or exceeds DOT and/or ECE 22.05 standards. 

Criteria: 

I wanted to ride back to back with the older V3 and the new V3 version, so I spent a few weeks going back and forth between the two, switching helmets every moto to pinpoint what was better/worse. We are going to do a full blown helmet shootout very soon to compare a whole mess of helmets, but in the meantime here is how the new V3 feels/performs/ventilates/fits/looks compared to its older sibling. 

On The Head/On The Track: 

The first thing I noticed with the new V3 is that it ventilates a lot better than the older model and to me is the most ventilated helmet that I have tried in quite sometime. The newer V3 helmet has 12 intake and 3 exhaust ports compared to the 14 intake and 4 exhaust ports of the older helmet, but the vents that the new V3 version does have work amazingly well.

The second thing I should mention is that the new V3 fits a little different than the older V3. The newer V3 has a snugger fit around my ears when the helmet sits on my head. Just note that if you’re a medium (like me) the new V3 will fit slightly tighter than the older version on each side of your head. With that being said, I DO NOT feel any hot spots on my head when wearing the V3 for long periods of time as comfort is not an issue. The issue I have mostly comes when taking the helmet off. I really have to spread the V3’s strap/buckles apart to spread the shell out as far as I can so it doesn't rip off my ears when my head is coming out. Getting the helmet on and off was the toughest part for me, to the “fit” of the new V3 

The plushness of the new liner of the V3 feels a little different than its older brother. The old V3 had a nice feeling inside, but over time, as you sweat, then wash, ride, the liner would get less soft (harsher) to my skin. The new V3 is the opposite as I wasn’t impressed with the plushness of the helmet when new, but when I rode in it for a week, washed the liner twice, then wore it, it felt much better than the older V3. Weird I know, but something I thought that was worth mentioning. If you think the liner of the new V3 is not as soft as what you desire, try washing your liner in the sink, let it air dry, and re-install. Thank me later! ( Note: You can wash your liner/cheek pads in the washer, but put it on gentle wash) I will concur that the new V3 liner doesn't stink up to high heaven (after a long hot day) and that it does wick away sweat pretty damn good as well. 

I also wanted to mention the new MVRS is much better this time around. I had two visors blow off of me on the old V3 (once when I had a small wash out in a corner and one on a low hanging tree branch while trail riding), but the new MVRS system seems to be stronger. I had one low side crash through a corner with the new V3 and in that crash the front of the helmet took the brunt of the energy, but the visor stayed in place! Boom! Wiped myself off and continued on while hoping no one caught that lame spill. The bad news is that I don’t think the new V3 comes with an extra visor as I didn't receive one inside my box. Fox’s website also doesn't specify if they put an extra inside the box.

The eye port of the new V3 is improved for me personally. The older V3 eyeport let a ton of roost inside of the helmet and almost felt too large at times. Although I don’t know the exact measurements of each eyeport, the new V3 eyeport feels smaller to me because it doesn't allow roost in as easily, while maintaining a wide enough peripheral to insert large framed goggles. I did a wide peripheral goggle shootout with the V3 helmet and all “Big Three” goggle brands sealed nicely inside the helmet without an issue. 

I get this question a lot… “Kris what about weight? How heavy is it”? The new V3 “feels lighter on my head while riding, but my scales here in the shop say they are the same in weight (3.2 pounds). Is it the lightest feeling helmet I have worn? No, it’s not, but it’s definitely not the heaviest either. I have run across this “weight discrepancy/dilemma” with dirt bikes as well. I have ridden bikes that weigh heavy on the scales, but feel light when I tested them. This is what I also feel with the new V3. So in my personal opinion don’t look so hard on the “numbers”, but pay more attention to what it actually feels like on your head. This should also go hand in hand with other aspects of life. Pay attention to what things feel like rather then be enamored by numbers, dynos, graphs, etc. I know long distance riders (off-road guys) prefer a light feeling helmet, but I think this helmet is good enough for those type of riders. 

Again, I did not have a crash in this V3 helmet, but if you want to listen to someone who did have a big one, go to Donn Maeda’s website swapmotolive.com (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22r2qer2NOo) and you can listen to his testimonial. I always say that helmet technology is a lot like religion in that you will have to go with the one you believe in the most. None of these helmets are going to save you from getting a concussion if you hit hard enough! PLEASE JUST KNOW THIS! All of these new technologies that are popping up will only help our sport get safer and now Fox is doing their part to see this through. 

Last, but not certainly not least my metrosexual side has to kick in here people! If you’re a manly dude and don’t give a shit about looks you can stop reading now. I prefer the new V3 shape/looks much more than the older version. Why? A couple reasons…The new V3’s visor shape is longer, not so stumpy, and even though I can’t adjust the visor, the placement in which Fox put the visor on the helmet is perfect. The front of the helmet has a much more attractive chin bar area and the overall lines of the new V3 to me are much more race inspired than the older V3. Yes, I am 42, but I love the zebra print! You older dudes shouldn’t give a crap and rock the zebra stuff too! Just because it’s loud doesn’t mean you’re too old to rock some of this stuff! I always loved wearing Fox head to toe, but never was completely in love with the older V3 looks when I viewed photos of myself riding in it. The new V3 is sexy and looks much better than the old one. Ok, metrosexual talk is finished now. Thank You.