Alpinestars A-1 Roost Guard

You can see the Alpinestars A-1 peeking its way through my FXR jersey.

I am always looking for maximum flexibility when I ride and I am very picky about what goes under my jersey as far as protection. The Alpinestars A-1 Roost Guard has been around for a while, so I decided to test the crap out of it to see if I can live with having some protection under my jersey. As you may have read in an earlier chest pro review, my son gets on me about having some kind of protection on my body when I ride, so testing different guards has been an on going thing over here these days. 

Don’t get confused, as the A-1 is not your full on maximum protection chest protector. The A-1 Roost Guard is constructed of a poly material blend and is CE certified (front guard) against impacts and roost (the back shell is not CE certified). However the back shell is removable and the whole shell is completely perforated to allow airflow through to your body. The shoulder pads are removable and the A-1 comes in combined sizes M/L to XL/2XL. I ran the A-1 Roost Guard with the complete shell intact for a while and found it to be very comfortable under my jersey and not too hot. Although it is not the lightest under protector I have tried to date, its mobility won me over and allowed me to move freely on the bike without feeling like my upper torso was welded together.

Once I got used to the complete shell, I removed the shoulder pads and back shell and rode with it like this for several weeks. This quickly became my favorite set up as it almost felt like I didn’t have anything on under my jersey. Adjusting from full shell to front shell is very easy with the integrated Y-strap system. I was skeptical on the sizing I received (M/L), but the A-1 guard is extremely adjustable and fit snugly around my torso. The straps have been durable, do not stretch out easily and the clips are tough enough to stand a nice size crash. I have tested that as well! I also appreciated that the soft bio foam shoulder pads do not stick out or make your jersey protrude outward when riding. I mean come on, you have to look good too right?  I didn’t get as warm as I thought I would when wearing the A-1 protector, so I really had no excuse on why I couldn't wear it on every ride. Even though I am not the best candidate for “dress for the crash, not the ride”, I appreciate a good roost guard that offers flexibility and enough protection/roost deflection for my taste. At $119.95 the Alpinestars A-1 is a great buy with it’s multiple configurations and is comfortable enough for me to wear year round. It is my favorite under protector to date! You can order yours over at www.alpinestars.com and if you have any questions about this test please feel free to email me at kris@keeferinctsting.com. 

Stance Long Moto Socks

No, the Stance moto socks aren't going to change your life like some may claim, but they are pretty damn comfortable for moto socks. Your motocross or off-road socks usually are the one piece of your rider ensemble you don’t really think too much about, when throwing gear into your gear bag. With the evolution of knee braces, however, socks have evolved somewhat right? Remember the thick ass neon socks of the 90's? Yes, I use to wear those and would never wish that upon anyone ever in my life. Stance is a company strictly devoted to your feet and they are a very moto oriented company, so the stuff they offer has some moto "thought" behind it.

Stance offers short and long moto socks, but since it is starting to get hot and I wear knee braces, I wanted the long Stance motocross socks to put on my stinky size 10 feet (instead of the short sock, Asterisk or Leatt knee brace combo). The Stance socks have mesh panels that go up your leg for breathability, arch support and a reinforced toe/heel cushioning to combat holes. I will admit that the Stance socks are some of the softest- feeling socks I have put on and feel very cushiony inside my boots. The long mesh leg panels provide decent sweat resistance and the Lycra band at the top of the leg grips your thigh area firm enough for a nonslip grip. I have worn a pair of these Stance socks for more than a couple months and the elastic has held up well, only if you DO NOT DRY THEM! If you dry these suckers the elastic will stretch/sack out and lose their elasticity. Then what will happen is you’ll be pulling these suckers up all day inside your riding pants. 

For $38.00 a pair for socks it’s something that will only attract some. I have tried on other brands of socks with almost the same comfort for almost half the price. However, I will give it up to Stance for being a very durable sock! The socks I have been wearing for over two months (riding 4-5 times per week) have zero holes in them, which is rare for me. They do lose a little of their soft new like feel after several washes, but are thin enough so my feet aren't sweating all to hell. Mrs. Keefer can attest to the smell that comes out of my gear bag after a long day... She even commented that these socks don’t stink or feel as wet as some other socks I take off after a full day of motos. Yes, my wife washes my socks! I know, right? That's why I married her! 

So if you aren't into the Asterisk or Leatt knee brace pants and need a longer sock for knee braces, you can head over to stance.com and check out all the moto socks they have to offer. I only can afford a couple pair at a time, but if you’re a picky sock person these could be up your alley.

Asterisk Ultra Cell Knee Braces

Asterisk has been in the knee brace game for quite sometime and are one of the OG's when it comes to saving your knees (without a prescription). They are under new ownership and have been moving full steam ahead for a couple years now. Most of you know that I love the Asterisk’s ZeroG knee brace pant, but what about their knee braces? Well, I have put the Asterisk Ultra Cell’s through many motos and they have been basically an extension of my legs throughout several months of riding. The newest Ultra Cell version features four adjustable Velcro straps that are less bulky and way more comfortable than the older Cell’s. The knee cup system is almost seamless and leaves no gaps at all so you don’t have to worry about stabbing your knee with your handlebars (when you go deep into a corner). As you bend your knee, the upper and lower shields are revealed from beneath the patella cup, and as your leg is straightened, they move back into place behind the patella cup. The Asterisk Ultra Cell braces have a fully adjustable calf and thigh cuffs for a customized fit.

The floating knee hinge automatically aligns itself with your knee joint thus allowing it to fit on a wide range of leg and knee shapes. The Ultra Cell brace is one of the most low profile non prescription braces I have tried and it will not get snagged or caught on your riding pant liner (if you have a liner in your pants) if you're careful. If you want to be more careless when putting the braces on please go buy yourself a pair of Zero G pants. Trust me!  The knee joint hinges are rounded enough that they don’t tear my pants up after months of use. Before you ask, yes I do wear pants long enough to see if it wears holes in them so pump the brakes. I like that I can adjust the extension and flexion of the brace so that I can determine how much I want my leg to bend. 

The Ultra Cell comes with a patented boot tether system that securely attaches at the bottom of the brace to your riding boot, effectively making the boot and brace as one piece of equipment. To do this you must drill a small hole and install the other half of the strap-attached clip to your boot, plus cut a small hole in your pant leg. Yes, it’s kind of a pain, but worth it when considering how much more protection you get. When you do tether the brace up, the force will now be transferred from your boot, into the brace. Did I do this with every pair of pants I own? No, I didn’t, but I did notice a more secure feel when I got caught dragging my feet in sizable ruts. The comfort of the Ultra Cell’s are second to none and although I am not a huge fan of the Velcro strapping system on any brace, I am glad that Asterisk has the ZeroG pant to prevent the brace from moving around on my leg.

Call me crazy, but I thought the older lace up design held to my leg better than the Velcro strap system does. Sizing is important so make sure to measure your leg correctly by using a soft measuring tape and measure directly in the middle of your knee cap. I did encounter (with my large size brace) that I needed smaller (length) Velcro straps. If you do order direct (which you can) you might want to ask for a smaller sized Velcro strap set (just in case). 

The Ultra Cell knee braces have been on my legs for many days of riding and have performed well, but more importantly left me feeling safe. Does that mean it has prevented a knee injury from happening to me? Possibly, it’s tough to say. I don’t wear or trust knee guards to find that out so I stick to braces. Some riders swear by knee guards and usually it’s a matter of feel (bulkiness) on the bike for them. I however do not notice a very bulky feel, when squeezing the bike, with my legs, with the Asterisk Cell braces. At $699.00 the Asterisk Ultra Cell braces are a good preventative piece of protection that I will not go without. You can go to asterisk.com to purchase a set or you can call them directly at (951) 268-6790

Thor MX Prime Fit Pant And Jersey

When it comes to gear I am a complete madman! I am so finicky that it's sometimes hard to please my picky ass! The growing trend in today’s motocross world is athletic cut fitting motocross gear. I for one am a big fan of this type of gear, but I am also 6’0 and 170 pounds. As my wife would say I am all D&R! Bigger dudes come up to me and say “there’s no way I can wear that stuff because I am too large of a guy”. In some cases, yes, if you're 260 pounds, maybe the compression/athletic cut isn't for you, but that is why Thor makes other lines/sets of gear to choose from. If you’re a size 38/XXL I am telling you right now there is nothing wrong with getting some athletic cut gear. There is no shame in being comfortable and this gear is just that. Comfy! Thor’s Prime Fit is in my top three favorite sets of gear to wear in 2018, so let me break down why I like this stuff so much. 

Thor’s Prime Fit pant and jersey is an evolving concept that is built around a very lightweight, breathable athletic inspired chassis that allows for complete movement on the bike. Thor's Prime Fit jersey utilizes compression technology (in the sleeves) and moisture wicking away fabric to try and give the rider the lightest and most breathable jersey possible. The Prime Fit pant is made up of spandex and polyester, along with a generous amount of leather in the knee for grip. These combinations of fabric almost make you look down to check and see if you are wearing any pants at all. It's that light!

Thor’s Prime Fit Pant is true to size and once you put the pants on it almost feels like you’re not wearing anything at all. The knee area of the Prime Fit pant is very generous and accepts all types of knee braces and does not restrict movement whatsoever. I also like that the leather of the knee is very durable on the Prime Fit and withstands the abuse of knee brace hinges. The ratchet style front closure system and velcro adjustments make the pant snug enough so the yolk/rear of the pant doesn't slip down under acceleration. The pant conforms to your legs and stretches, yet doesn't feel like an “athletic cut” when moving around on the bike. The looks of the Prime Fit pant are more athletic than what it feels like when riding. Ventilation is superb and provides enough airflow for even the hottest of days. For how light and thin these pants are they have withstand some heavy abuse. Just note that this material doesn't like tree branches and will rip if you're an off-road guy. This is a more motocross style built pant. If you have a ribbed seat cover, that is fairly aggressive, the Prime Fit pant will wear out sooner (than other sets of pants) in the butt area. 

Thor’s Prime Fit Jersey feels and looks like an athletic cut jersey. It is tight around the whole upper part of your body, but not restrictive. The Free Flex four way stretch sleeves allow plenty of unrestricted movement and hugs your upper torso nicely. You will have to get used to the tighter compression feel on the sleeves when you ride however. This isn't a big issue, but if you're coming off of a standard cut jersey it can take a moto or three to get used to the feel. When it comes to ventilation the closer fit noticeably helps cooling, while the moisture wicking fabrics, ventilated mesh panels under the arms and on the back assist in this area as well. The combination of the close fit plus moisture wicking, ventilated materials make this jersey a complimentary piece to go with the Prime Fit pants. The jersey is true to size, but again it might take you a moto or so to get it stretched out enough to where you are comfortable. A new Prime Fit jersey can take a bit to “break in” much like a pair of boots. I love that the collar is soft, doesn't ride too high up on the neck, yet keeps dirt from going in between you and the fabric. The Prime Fit jersey stays tucked into the pants, so if you are a “no tucks given” kind rider look elsewhere or un-tuck the jersey yourself.  

The overall fit and looks of the Thor Prime Fit pant and jersey is some of the best stuff I have seen from a gear company in 2018. I am a fan of the performance and looks of this gear and I like that it can win a “Best Dressed” award on any given day. Not to mention the simple, clean colorways that Thor offers in this line of gear. The Prime Fit pant is $119.95, comes in sizes 28-38, the jersey is $59.95 and comes in sizes S-XXL. They have eight different colorways to choose from and I approve seven of those eight.  You can check out the complete line at www.thormx.com. 

If you have any questions about gear, you know that I got answers, so email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com. 

Leatt X-Frame Knee Brace Review

For years I only wore knee pads because I didn't particularly like knee braces and their bulky feel. In fact there are still a few top pros out there racing that swear by only using pads and refuse to wear knee braces. About five years ago I had a friend give me a pair of his used braces that I had refurbished and rode with for a few days. After I gave those knee braces more than a day's worth of riding, I have been wearing braces ever since. In the past I’ve tested many different braces with that other magazine, but never had the chance to try out Leatt’s latest offering, the X-Frame. Leatt offers the braces in sizes small through extra-large as well as offering right and left sides sold individually. They are made from an injected carbon composite and are CE certified as both a medical device as well as impact protection. One cool feature the X-Frame has are the hyper extension limiters (5,10,15, and 20 degrees) that come with the braces just in case you have limitations from previous knee injuries. In addition to the hyper extension limitations, Leatt also has integrated hyper flexion stoppers to limit meniscus injury.  

When it comes to protective gear with a lot of different configurations I’m a simple man, unless somethings bothering me I just leave it be. I am sure many of you out there can relate. So since I don’t have any knee injuries from the past, I never touched the different limiters that come with the braces, although for someone who has knee problems, I can see how it would be a huge advantage. Leatt did their best to keep the brace thin on the sides, so the braces don’t dig into your leg when squeezing the bike and I feel like they did a good job with keeping them comfortable. There were only a couple times that I had some slight irritation on the inside of my knee. That happened when I wore the Leatt knee brace pants incorrectly and had the braces riding on a sewn seem (of the pant) and it slightly dug into my leg. In addition to that, when my knees are in the slightly bent position I feel slight pressure on my knee cap from the knee cup. This isn’t anything painful, but can be slightly annoying after a long ride. In terms of impact protection these braces held up great, I had a few get offs while testing them as well as hitting plenty of trees/shrubbery while riding off-road. I never felt like my knees were vulnerable while wearing these braces and could wear them for a long period of time without too much fuss. When it comes to taking the braces on and off, it seems as though there are a few options. Both sides of the hook and loop straps come apart and can be adjusted. Not to mention the clips on the straps “clip” on and off of the brace. Every time I removed the braces I just left the clips in the braces and un-did the straps, so I got a nice snug fit every time I put them back on. I know this is a first world problem, but the hook and loop straps were VERY grabby when left undone. They would hook onto the other straps and get twisted up as well as attach to everything in my gear bag. This is not really an issue, just more of a tip for you all out there when using the X-Frame's. 

Only a few years ago there were just a few players in the knee brace game, but now thankfully for us consumers, there are multiple high end options on the market like the Leatt X Frame Braces. I would say these braces are at the higher end of the market in terms of quality for being an off the shelf, non “custom fit” brace. Coming in at $449.99 for the pair, they aren’t going to completely break the bank either when compared to some of their competitors. If you’re looking for a quality knee brace that keeps your knees protected from impacts as well as internal injury, go to your local bike shop and try a set on and give them a shot. 

Keefer’s Note: Please be aware that ALL knee braces take some time to get used to. You are not going to strap on your new knee braces, jump on your bike and everything will feel magical. If you have never worn knee braces before it can take up to a few rides to get used to the bulkier feeling (compared to knee guards). -KK

If you have any other questions regarding these braces feel free to shoot me an e-mail at michael@keeferinctesting. 

Fox Vue Goggle Review

Fox has been building and selling goggles for over ten years, but nothing they have brought to production has been this advanced until now. The Vue goggle is the latest model in Fox’s goggle program and is available now. It’s the product of an extensive R&D collaboration with Fox’s Moto-X Lab athlete Ken Roczen and takes over as Fox’s new top-of-the-line goggle. The Vue’s design focuses primarily on maximizing the rider’s field of vision, but it has two other interesting and practical design elements – the dual-material frame construction and a strap-outrigger system that doubles as a locking mechanism for lens removal/replacement. Genius! Fox offers three different colorways of the Vue goggle, the white and black colorway retails for $119.95 and the red for $129.95 (with spark lens). I am huge fan of the Oakley Airbrake goggle and its wide peripheral and easy to change lens system, so when Fox introduced the Vue, I was excited to see how it worked on my face while at the track. 

The dual-density frame construction (with an ABS/nylon outer frame and softer TPU faceplate) allows the goggle to seal to your face shape really well. They do feel rigid when holding them in your hand, but are flexible enough to give the rider comfort and refrains from letting dirt inside the goggle. The triple-layer face foam is soft and wicks away sweat effectively on hotter days, even my heavy sweater tester commented that the Vue’s foam was more effective than his 100% goggles he currently has. No Maxi Pads needed people! The Peripheral Vision is on par with the Oakley Aribrake and Scott Prospect as the Fox Vue’s field of vision is excellent. The Vue goggle fits inside a wide variety of helmets like the Bell Moto 9, Shoei VFX-EVO, 6D ATR-2, Arai VX-Pro4 and of course Fox’s own V-3. The pre-curved injection-molded polycarbonate lens (which is similar to what appears on the Oakley Air Brake goggle) offers two huge benefits: optical clarity and much better protection against roost than conventional Lexan lenses. I have had more than a few Lexan lenses pop out on me when a sizable rock has hit my goggles (while racing in the past).

 With the polycarbonate lens I have had several roost/rock moments and the lens has stayed in tact. The combination of 360-degree ventilation foam and the lens’ anti-fog treatment means the Vue goggle resists fogging much better than most other goggles I have tried with a single-layer lens. As much as I love the Oakley Airbrake goggle they do have a problem with fogging on colder days. I have tested the Vue goggle in lower 30 degree Fahrenheit temps and the lens will not fog. Boom! I have heard that Fox will be coming out with a dual-layer lens soon for you die hard, east coast, cold weather riders. Changing out the lens is easy to do by popping the outriggers off of the frame then popping the lens off its four posts. However, if I am nitpicking, which is what I do best, I would say that the Oakley Airbrake is easier to change lenses out by a hair. The Vue lenses, to me, are easier to change out than the Prospect by the same margin. Another benefit of a pre-curved polycarbonate lens is when you stack a pack of seven tear offs on the Vue goggle, the clarity stays in tact once installed. The Vue goggle clear replacement lenses are slightly less expensive than the Oakley Aribrake at $19.99 and are the same price as a Prospect replacement lens. 

If you're looking for a great wide peripheral goggle, I think the Fox Vue is a great goggle at getting comfort, vision, clarity and sweat absorption. You can check the goggle out over at foxracing.com and purchase a set over at rockymountianatvmc.com. 

Now, I already know what you guys are about to email me! “Kris, what if I wear Fly or Thor gear? Can I wear these goggles with other branded gear companies”? Ehhhhh boy…I created a monster! Yes, go ahead and wear the Fox Vue goggle with your Fly gear! The Vue goggle is good enough to mix and match, but just make sure your pant, jersey and gloves match though ok? -KK

Thor Sentinel GP Roost Deflector Product Review

I haven't been on the chest/roost protector bandwagon since I was 18 years old. My dad used to make me wear one when I was young, but once I turned 18 and I started paying my own way to race, I thought I would try not wearing one at the track. Well.... That turned into not ever wearing a chest protector because I got used to all the freedom I had on the bike by not wearing one. Throughout my professional career I didn't wear any chest protection and luckily for me the difference of not having one on never came into play. I would occasionally wear something under my jersey to protect my chest from roost when I raced, but if the dirt was soft enough, I would just raw dog it for the most part. Fast forward to 2018 where my own son now sits and asks me, “Dad, how come you don’t wear a chest protector and I always have to when I ride”? Crap, that little sucker got me! I really had no answer for him. So in order set an example for my kid and try to promote better safety, I went searching to get back on the chest protector bandwagon and now I find myself here. 

 I can tell you that I have tested a lot of chest/roost protectors over the course of 15 years with Dirt Rider, but I recently only came across a couple that I could actually live/ride with. The Thor Sentinel GP Roost Deflector comes in six different colors, three size options and will cost you $129.95. The Thor Sentinel is a lightweight certified stone shield that is constructed with energy dispersing molded panels and is a level 1 back protector constructed to reduce impact energy transmission. The Sentinel has an adjustable elastic torso strap with a ratcheting buckle closure that comes with strategically placed ventilation ports for maximum cooling. Its chassis has a soft liner molded for maximum comfort and also supports a back strap kit (just in case you want to remove the back panel) and ID panel that is sold separately. The Sentinel stone shield is tested and certified according to European Standard and the back protector is also tested and certified according to the European Standard. 

Note: Stand by for the AMA to step in at some point and require all AMA sanctioned events to have some sort of standardized chest/back protection rule in place soon.  

Sizing is true to form as I wear a size medium/large in the Sentinel, which is normal for my 170 pound 6’0 frame. I wasn't all that excited (on the inside) about setting a good safety example for my kid, but once I slipped the Sentinel on over my jersey, I started to re-think my fatherly decision. The Sentinel hugs your body and wraps around just enough to where it feels like it’s a part of your body. I was also impressed by the lightweight feel of the Sentinel and that it had enough ventilation for me not to bake out in the desert heat. I love that it has a ratchet style closure system and not a clip on style system as well. With the ratchet style system I can really feel the closure system start to hug around my torso and the Sentinel doesn't flop around on my body while riding. The soft shoulder pads don't do much for protection, but in this case for me, I do not mind the lack of plastic protection up on the tops of my shoulders. The downside to the soft shoulder foam padding is that it can rub the skin around your neck a little raw. If the collar of your jersey doesn't go up far enough around the neck area it can be bothersome. Although I didn’t have this problem on my Sentinel, my chest protection, pot-stirring son Aden did get a little chafing around the neck (from the foam padding moving across his skin). The Thor protector also is neck brace friendly as it accepts the Leatt and Atlas braces that I had on hand to test with the Sentinel. 

There are only two things that can get me to wear a chest protector. One is my son telling me he wants me to be safer and the other is the chest protector has to be very, very comfortable. It can’t hinder my movement on the bike and must be cool enough to where I am not hot as hell when riding. The Sentinel checked all those boxes for me, but it took me a while to find a chest protector that fit my way of moving around on the bike. I figured I would pass on the information to all of you about how comfortable the Thor Sentinel GP Roost Protector is and how I have come to really enjoy wearing this when I ride. Yes, even when I wear other sets of gear besides Thor, you will now know that there could be a Thor Sentinel GP Roost Deflector under my jersey. Yes, it can be worn under the jersey as well so you don't have to worry about mix matching while riding. You’re safe! You can buy some Thor gear (Prime Fit is my favorite out of what Thor offers) and wear the Sentinel over the jersey like me or if you’re wearing another brand of gear you can wear it under. 

Thanks Aden for bugging me enough to wear some protection. Your dad is getting up there in years and I guess I need to start dressing for the crash and not the ride. Thanks Thor for making a nice chest protector that isn't bulky and protects me well. You can check the Sentinel out at www.thormx.com. 

If you have any questions about this test feel free to email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com 

Leatt GPX 4.5 Pant, GPX 4.5 Lite Jersey And GPX 2.5 X-Flow Gloves

Leatt may be known mostly for their groundbreaking neck brace invention that changed the way most people think about rider/neck safety, but in the past couple years their off-road riding gear has been making a name of its own. We recently received a box full of Leatt protection pieces, including knee brace pants, knee braces, a helmet and some gear. Stay tuned for reviews on the other Leatt products, but for now let’s talk gear. Leatt sent us a 4.5 pant, 4.5 lite jersey and the 2.5 X-Flow glove to test, so we obliged and put it through some wear and tear. Being that California hasn't experienced winter yet this year I was just fine with testing a more lightweight, vented gear set in mid-January. Don't be jealous Minnesota peeps! 

When it comes to jerseys, I feel as though they can be over priced at times, but the GPX 4.5 Lite jersey comes in at only $39.99, which doesn’t hit the wallet too hard. Don’t let the fact that the 4.5 gear is Leatt’s price point (AKA less money) gear scare you away, the jersey is nicer than some other companies high end jerseys that we have tried in the past. The Leatt 4.5 jersey is made from Moisturecool 3D stretch material and isn’t just a baggy one size fits no one fit. In fact the fit is what I normally like in a jersey. It has a precise athletic fit, but not so tight that it looks like I’m in a skin suit skiing down a mountain. The cuffs have a slightly stretchy material, so they don't ride up too high on your arm, but at the same time won’t cut off your circulation. Being that it’s a “Lite” jersey, it has excellent ventilation. That being said, it has such great airflow, that on chillier mornings, I found myself wearing a vest (yes I’m an off-road guy) until the temperature came up, so be forewarned. The overall stitching has held up well, but the material of the jersey tends to fray after being snagged on a few bushes (think creosote bushes). Other than the little fray points, I feel like the 4.5 Lite jersey is high quality for a fair price. 

The GPX 4.5 pant, like the jersey, is Leatt’s price point pant at $119.99, but again don’t let the term “price point” fool you. The knee area of the 4.5 pant, which tends to be most riders weak point on pants, uses an Amara material. This material is soft and semi-stretchy, but still durable and so far has held up excellent to my knee braces, especially with how much I squeeze the bike with my knees. The 4.5 pant is somewhat like the jersey in that it’s a fairly lightweight construction and has quite a bit of venting, which results in a very breathable pant. The pant has held up to bushes and the occasional tree branch, with no rips. The zipper is smooth, hasn’t gotten stuck and also comes with a hook and loop strap, which keeps the pants closed at the top of the zipper (this comes in handy after lunch time). The main closure on the pants is the ratchet style system Leatt incorporates, which has worked flawlessly. There is also elastic inside the waistband that helps keep the pants snug along with silicone (like on the backs of goggle straps) on the inside of the waist band.  The fit of the pant is true to size, is very comfortable to wear and for the price is a great product.

When it comes to gloves a lot of riders are like Goldilocks “these are too soft, these are too hard, these are too bulky, these are too thin", but in my opinion the $29.99 Leatt GPX 2.5 X-Flow glove is like wearing heaven on your hand (if you can imagine what heaven would feel like). Although some people would complain about it being too minimal, I LOVE the 2.5! Yes it’s thin and its intended purpose is not to protect you from branches or roost (I use handguards so I don’t care). It contours to my hand perfectly in all the right places, doesn’t bunch and oh man is the palm material great. The material in the palm is called MicronGrip and it feels like a very soft, smooth, slightly stretchy leather. My ONLY complaint about the glove is that the stitching can be weak when putting the glove on that is typical of minimalistic gloves. Almost every minimalistic glove does the same thing. These gloves are meant for performance and comfort, not durability. You can choose between Leatt's other model gloves if you want a little more durability, but if you want comfort look no further. If you have a bad habit (like I do) of pulling hard on the glove where the wrist elastic meets the palm material you might go through these faster than the riders that do not do that. After more than several riding days the stitching gave out and the elastic separated from the palm, but just to show you how much I like the gloves, I kept wearing them even with the tear because it didn’t really bother me when I was riding. If Leatt can beef up their stitching in this area a little and maybe put a little pull tab on the end of the palm, it would be a flawless minimalistic glove.  

After many days on the track and trail, I have to say I’m very pleased with the quality of the Leatt “price point” gear. Other than some bushwhacking that I have done and the glove separation, I feel like this is a set of gear I would love to purchase for myself to ride on long warmer days. Although I will say that for riders who strictly ride off-road, this gear my not be for you because the more you go through shrubbery the more frays and snags you might begin to see. For the guy that motos 70 percent of the time, rides off-road 30 percent of the time, the Leatt 4.5 pant/jersey and 2.5 X-Flow gloves are something seriously to consider. -Michael Allen 

If you have any questions about the Leatt 4.5 pant, 4.5 Lite jersey or the 2.5 X-Flow gloves, please feel free to email me at michael@keeferinctesting.com 

2017 Favorites

The holiday season is upon us and 2017 is almost a thing of the past. When I am at the track I often get asked what are some of my favorite things I have tested and used for 2017? Although this is tough to narrow down because I have tested so many great things throughout the year, I wanted to compile a list of some of the most memorable bikes, parts, gear and accessories that I either wanted to keep in my garage or I would purchase myself. Here is part one in no particular order. 

2017 KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition: I liked it so much that I got heat from Matthes on if I was going to turn full orange brigade. I chose to race the 2017 KTM 450SX-F Factory Edition at Loretta’s and became a fan of its smooth roll on engine character, an air fork I could live with and a chassis that loves hard pack square edge tracks. Although I struggled at Loretta’s, I learned a lot about the bike and what its advantages and disadvantages were. It was reliable (for the most part) and I enjoyed my time on it on thoroughly. One of the top three bikes for me in 2017. 

2017 Yamaha YZ450F: You knew this was coming. No, it’s not the sharpest handling 450 machine out on the market, nor is it the lightest of them, but the Yamaha is stable, has an incredible engine (that is exciting) and suspension comfort every other manufacturer should try and emulate. Did I mention it was reliable? Yes, that too! 

Arai VX-Pro4: One of the most comfortable helmets you can put on your head. The inside of an Arai VX-Pro4 is like wrapping a soft, cozy pillow around your brain bucket. The round shape of the shell fits my head well and I appreciate some of the colorways Arai offers. The Arai VX-Pro4 has been around a while, but they have updated the helmet and gave us long nose riders more room near the chin bar now which is a welcomed site. The helmet has ventilation you can open or close and an eye port big enough for wide peripheral goggles.  

FAAST Company Spoke Torque Wrench: The most important tool I have in my track toolbox is this Faast Company spoke torque wrench. This spoke torque wrench comes pre-set at 48 inch pounds, but can be adjusted to  your specification anywhere from 10-100 inch pounds, select your own torque or use Faast Company’s recommendation for your application. Simply tighten the spoke until you hear and feel a click, and you know the spoke is adjusted to the correct amount of tension providing you an even pull over your whole wheel for exceptional strength. Dumb ass proof! Just the way I like it! 

Oakley Airbrake Goggles: Expensive, but there is no other goggle that is as comfortable on your face as the Oakley Airbrake. Most average consumers would not want to purchase a $160.00 rigid frame goggle and I understand that. I am simply putting the Oakley Airbrake goggles in here because they are the goggle I look to when I get geared up. A wide peripheral goggle with a lens changing system that literally takes 10 seconds, foam that is not only plush but soaks up sweat well and laminated tear offs that do not distort your vision when you stack 14 or more on!  

CTi Knee Braces: After all these years riding a dirt bike and I finally got a pair of CTi knee braces this year. CTi knee braces are custom fitted to your legs and are second to none in quality. The carbon frames are super lightweight when putting them on and the rotating knee cup system is smooth and never gets hung up inside your pants. They mold onto your legs and almost feel like they are not on at times. When it comes to protection of the knees, these braces set the standard for others to follow. 

Works Connection Elite Clutch Perch/Lever: You want a buttery smooth feeling clutch pull? You have come to right place. The Works Connection Elite Clutch Perch/Lever has been around for years, but never gets old when you put one on your machine. Whether you have a brand new 2018 or you got your old 2004 two-stroke sitting in the garage, the WC Elite Perch/Lever makes your clutch pull feel like new. The adjustment wheel is big enough that you can adjust on the fly and the detent pressure is set to just the right amount of pressure to make it easy to spin in the air. 

Alpinestars Tech 10: I ride with a lot of different brands of boots, but the Tech 10 has been a staple for me and my size 10 feet for quite sometime. The Tech 10 boots are very comfortable on hard landings and have an incredible soft feeling sole. The shock absorbing quality of these boots are second to none and as I get older I appreciate this more. My ankles and feet have never been sore after a long day of riding and the Tech 10 boots have me feeling secure and locked in on the bike. The Tech 10’s weigh in at roughly 10 pounds and while they are not the lightest boot on the market, the protection I do feel on the track is so good I am willing to overlook the heavier feeling I get at times. As you can see these are a fairly worn pair of Tech 10s, but they are still in the rotation and keep my feet happy on long test days. 

VPT4E: Looking for a good pump replacement fuel? The VP T4E is great for all early and late model four-stroke motorcycles. The newly blended T4 fuel, which now is called T4E gives you better throttle response and more pulling power from bottom to mid range. It’s not going to transform your machine to an instant fire breather, it just gives a little extra crispness and is more consistent of a fuel than your standard pump gas. 

Garmin Forerunner 910XT: If you don’t have a manfriend or a hot chic with large ta-tas to write times on a pitboard for you while you are doing motos the Garmin Forerunner 910XT is the next best thing. The GPS enabled watch can record your lap times with its auto lap feature, take your heartrate, speed, how many calories you burned and much more. This is one thing I don’t leave home without when I go to the track to burn laps. I can log all of my data from my watch to my laptop at home with just a simple USB cable. If you're looking for a do it all moto/cycling watch the 910XT is the best that I have found. Check out Amazon for the best deal on these suckers!

Asterisk ZeroG Pant: You're a knee brace guy and your knee braces slip down over a long day of riding Asterisk has the fine for you. The Asterisk Zero G pant is a base layer compression pant that encompasses the knee brace to help keep the brace in place against your leg. The extra long length of the pant can fold back up and over the brace, traps the brace and a Velcro enclosure (located at thigh area) holds it all together. The Zero G pant is designed to make it simpler for all of us to slide the pant over the knee brace, as well as allowing the brace to move with your legs without restraint on the bike.

Fox FlexAir Pant And Jersey: The new second generation FlexAir  pant has a new chassis that includes a new knee design that removes some material for a more aerodynamic, streamlined fit. There is an updated two-piece rigid waistband and closure system along with the removal of the pant liner to try and decrease ounces and unwanted heat for the summer. The updated 2.0 FlexAir jersey has a new bonded cuff along with a TRUDRI fabric blend to keep weight down and breathability up. For 2017 this was one of my favorite gear sets to wear on any given day. The fit was great and the ventilation of the gear was second to none. Not to mention all of the LE colorways Fox came out with in 2017 was insane! Come on Fox lets see some bad ass LE colors for 2018! 

Pro Taper Fuzion Handlebars: Are you a crossbar kind of rider? If you're looking to go from a 7/8 handlebar to a 1 1/8 size the Fuzion is a great option. The flex locking system allows riders to choose between a stiffer, more controlled handlebar feel or a softer more shock absorbing feel depending on terrain and rider preference. Changing the bar from “Locked” to “Unlocked” takes only seconds by simply turning a knob. The Fuzion utilizes Pro Taper’s exclusive aluminum alloy, 4mm wall design for lightweight, strength and comes in six different bar bends. If I am going the crossbar route, this Pro Taper handlebar is a less rigid choice. 

FXR Racing Clutch Prime Pant And Jersey Review

Somewhat new to the American motocross market is the Canadian-based snowmobile gear company FXR Racing. FXR has been pushing the motocross market very heavy by sponsoring numerous privateers and now in 2018 they just announced JGR Suzuki’s Jimmy DeCotis to their team of riders. Their entry level priced line of motocross gear called “The Clutch Prime” and has seen its fair share of usage on my body over the past few months. The Clutch pant is constructed of 600D Polyester, a double layer knee system that features an inner material with heat and abrasion resistant leather outer panels, pre-shaped knees to accommodate room for all types of braces, and a soft-stretch span at the crotch and back leg areas for added mobility. There are also knit stretch inserts above the knee areas for extra mobility as well as full front closure system. The Clutch jersey features lightweight mesh polyester, moisture-wicking material to repel sweat, a V-neck shaped collar and tapered cuffs for unrestricted mobility, a longer length drop-tail hem to keep jersey tucked in, and fade-free sublimation prints.

Putting on the pant I immediately noticed a more athletic cut thigh area that is tighter around the legs, but also stretchy enough so it doesn’t feel too restrictive while riding. The crotch area of the Clutch pant is not quite as snug and has a little more room to breathe before the pant tapers down into the more athletic cut thigh. The knee area is roomy enough to accommodate the few knee braces that I tried (which were Asterisk, CTi, EVS RS-9 and Mobius). Sizing is true for my 32-inch waist and the ventilation of the pant, although not as good as some other pants that I have worn, is still adequate on warmer days. The leather knee area has some signs of wear from the hinges of the knee braces, but with over four months of riding time on the pant, no holes have shown up to greet me. The closure system stays intact and the pant stays in place even with extra grippy seat covers. The colors on the pant have stayed vibrant and not a hint of fading has been seen.

The Clutch jersey, although very comfortable when worn, feels a little heavy and somewhat baggy in the arms compared to the pant. The material is soft to the skin, but can be a little warm on hot summer days. It does, however, wick away sweat fairly well once you are riding. The polyester of the jersey is stretchy, but like I mentioned above is not as form fitting as the pant. It seems the Clutch jersey’s cut is a little more on the “comfort” side through the arms and torso area, which can flap around while riding. Me being on the slimmer side, I would rather see the jersey’s arm length and arm area tighten up just a little more to match the pant’s more athletic cut. For you bigger boys out there this might be a good fit however. The tapered cuff on the arm however is a nice touch and it also stretches somewhat, so that I can pull them up to get some added airflow to my arms during longer motos. For all you metrosexual riders the V-neck shaped collar is a one of my favorite aspects of the jersey. Less restriction is felt around my neck area when moving around on the bike. This collar doesn’t leave me with a rash like some other rounded cut collars (which are typically much tighter). Just like the pant, the bright colors stay true and the jersey has yet to fade after many rides.

                                                               Male model status. 

I have been very pleased with FXR’s lower price point/entry level Clutch pant and jersey. However, the downside is at $120.00 for the pant and $45.00 for the jersey, the cost is slightly on the steep side for an entry level price point. The upside is the FXR gear has held up to my durability standards, which is not always easy to do. Yo can go to fxrracing.com to view the full line of  2018 MX gear and order now.

Any questions about this gear feel free to reach out to me at kris@keeferinctesting.com

Fox Racing 360 Viza Pant and Jersey

360 Viza: $174.95 (jersey), $59.95 (pant)

The Fox Racing 360 line of racewear is the flagship set of gear that is currently worn by many factory motocross riders in the sport today. Fox designed the 2018 360 line of gear to be super flexible when the rider is in the attack position and using different types of fabric that wick away moisture better. The pants utilize TruMotion 4-way stretch fabric for a wide range of motion, while 600D polyester protects high abrasion areas. This strategic fabric placement delivers a combination of mobility and durability. Fox’s Rider Attack Position (RAP) construction is used for a precise fit, so it can put you in the best position to be comfortable. Finally, laser cut perforations and vents channel air through the pants for superior breathability. The 360 jersey also has a moisture wicking polyester fabric, a larger hole polyester mesh back panel for enhanced airflow, minimal athletic precision fit cuff and an athletic fit collar for increased comfort up near the neck. 

               No this isn't a Tinder profile pic. It's helmet head and a bad ass set of gear. 

Immediately, when you see the Fox 360 Viza line it screams “Best Dressed” right? If you’re team “Lit Kit” you can stay and continue to read, but don’t get too comfortable. If loud isn’t your thing, other more traditional colorways our available in the 360 line with the same features as the Viza line. The pant fits well, goes over many types of knee braces and the waist is true to size. While the waist seems true to size I also noticed that the 360 pant still has more of an “athletic cut” feel below the waist (which I like). The pant is tighter around the thigh and knee area (again, which I prefer), but if you have bigger than average legs the pant might be on the snug side in those areas. However, don’t fret as the pant is stretchy enough to not cut off your circulation and moves with your lower extremities very well. Yes, even if you’re a size 38, just ask my test rider Kelly Gelhaus. You will just have to get used to the more revealing fit if you're old school. Trust me, I'm 40 years old and come from the baggy gear era and I am just fine with the snugger fit of the 360 pant! My knee braces never get caught up or snag on the inside of the pant and feels seamless against my body. Even though the pant is on the slimmer side moving around on the bike didn’t feel constricted while I rode. There were tons of flexibility at the knee and I noticed more give when I swung my leg over the bike in the groin area than other pants that I have tried lately. The life of the pant has been superb and although it has seen its fair share of crashes, has held up well. The leather knee panels are still soft and pliable and even the abuse of the recently "knee brace shootout" have not created that much wear. The pant comes in sizes 28 all the way up to 38. 

Slipping on the 360 Viza jersey gives you a minimalistic feel. Its lightweight and breathability gives you a cool feeling when the temperature rises. The cuffs elastic keeps them from restricting the forearms but are tight enough to not let the jersey slide up on you when you’re riding. Like the Fox 360 pant, the jersey is made for slimmer riders. If you have broad shoulders or carry a beer belly you might want to try a size larger than your traditional sizing. The tail of the jersey stays tucked inside the pant (sorry Jason Anderson), but I do wish the jersey had a little padding on the elbows for some protection from lighter type crashes. The Viza jersey comes in a range of sizes from small to XXL. 

For the price of the Fox 360 line of gear it is amongst some of the most comfortable and long lasting gear that I have tried to date. I am coming to prefer this 360 gear to the FlexAir, especially in the cooler months of testing that lie ahead of me. If you are looking for a pant with durability, flare, a slim feel without being restrictive the Fox 360 Viza gear is a top choice, especially when I go to the gear closet and decide on what to wear. Don't laugh! This actually happens, ask Mrs. Keefer. She thinks something is wrong with me. :)  

USWE Ranger 9 Hydration Pack Product Review

                                             100 Ounces Of Thirst Quenching Goodness. 

 Southern California’s 2017 summer was somewhat mild in terms of heat until the temperature’s recently soared to around 110 degrees. Lately I’ve been riding a lot of moto (Kris is trying to turn this off-road goober into at least a Ronnie Mac), until I got my hands on the Husky TE250i. I immediately headed into the dry and dusty hills of the high desert in seemingly the hottest month of summer. Kris put me in charge of the USWE Ranger 9 hydration pack, so I was excited to see what it had to offer in terms of storage (I’m kind of a bring everything AND the kitchen sink trail rider) as well as it’s hydration capacity (I’m also kind of a “Hey lets go up that canyon and see if it leads to a dead end” trail rider). 

I’ve used many hydration packs in my numerous years exploring the California deserts; everything from those goofy crossbar water jugs, an MSR hydration bottle that basically zip tied onto your chest protector, to racing desert Hare and Hounds with a small pack that has a disconnect and fed right into my helmet mouthpiece. Now that I’m a washed up vet rider, I’m all about practicality and functionality, so when I got the Ranger 9 I was happy to see that when they say one size fits all it really does. There are two orientations to put the Velcro chest straps that allow the pack to fit from medium to extra-large. I’m 6’0 170 pounds and with the adjusters snugged up tight, when full, it hugged my body tight but not uncomfortably and had plenty of adjustment to be loosened if desired. The chest strap is simple, straight forward and kept the pack in place throughout multiple trail rides. The main compartment is for the hydration pack which holds 100oz (basically almost 6 normal sized water bottles), and also has a mesh pocket that I used for cliff bars and snacks. The bladder itself is well made, seals well, is easy to fill, and best of all the bite valve is fantastic. It doesn't drip on me while I ride, but it also has good flow and easy to get water out of while riding. 

            Off-Road Tester Michael Allen Loves Sucking On The Hose And Catching Air. 

On the outside of the pack there is a top pocket that is big enough to hold a cell phone, tow strap, or microfiber for you goggles. The third and largest storage pocket has elastic loops to hold a multi tool, tube of quick steel, or screwdriver. There is a label inside the pouch to put important info just incase the pack is left next to the trail (which I have done in the past). Also, in the third pocket is a Velcro pouch where I kept my wallet, it’s towards the bottom of the pack which is where I like to store the heavier items (no I’m not saying I’m rich, just giving a comfort tip). Lastly there is a mesh pocket where I kept my keys, I like to keep them separated from my phone so they don’t scratch it or break the screen in a crash.  Even with all the items I listed, the pack still had a little room to shove a few more snacks in without looking like I was a hunchback. Overall, I’d say that USWE did a great job designing a hydration pack that carries a lot of cargo as well as water. The only thing I wish the Ranger 9 pack had is a clip to hold my keys. Although they were secure in the mesh pocket, there is always that fear of getting back to the truck and realizing your keys fell out of your pack when you opened it up on the trail. With an MSRP of $112.26 the Ranger 9 isn’t cheap, but having used goofy cross bar water jugs, it’s worth the price and I would recommend it to any hardcore day long trail rider. USWE makes a wide range of hydration packs from backpack size to small packs which attach to neck braces, so if you’re looking for a hydration pack to help stay cool, check out all of USWE’s products at uswe-sports.com.  - Michael Allen

2018 FLY Lite Hydrogen Racewear

 The Lite Hydrogen pant and jersey has been one of my favorite sets of gear to wear on any given day for a couple years now. The 2018 Lite Hydrogen pant now features the revolutionary BOA closure system that was once only on the Evolution 2.0 pant. The BOA system offers fast, on-the-fly micro adjustability that provides a truly dialed in fit with the simple turn of a dial, creating a customized fit around your waist. The Lite Hydrogen pant is an athletic, minimalist, stretchy fit that ventilates extremely well on long, hot desert testing days. The Lite hydrogen pant also has a 90% stretch panel construction, leather heat shields (on the knees) and sublimated graphics. The Lite Hydrogen jersey also has an athletic fit to it with laser cut perforations to help dissipate heat, a tales printed collar, an open zero cuff with mesh gussets, a low profile collar, an extended tail and sublimated graphics that are claimed to be fade resistant. I put all of this to the test on many long, hot testing days! 

The Fly Lite Hydrogen colorways are so clean for 2018. #BestDressed 

Let me tell you it wasn't easy to keep this gear hidden from the social media world because I was constantly riding in this gear for a while before it was released. Luckily for me I had a lot of confidential testing days that kept the spy photos and “Insta Bangers” out of the equation. I am extremely happy with the new BOA system on the 2018 Lite Hydrogen pant. If there was one thing I didn't like about the 2017 Lite Hydrogen pant is that it was so stretchy that it pulled down (in the rear panel) while accelerating out of corners that left me with an untucked jersey by lap three. I am not into the untucked, let if flap jersey style like Jason Anderson so I was happy to see FLY addressed the waist area issues. With the 2018 pant and the BOA system all I have to do is turn in the reel and tighten, so that my pant is securely locked my waist. If you want to loosen the waist area you pull the BOA reel outwards and it releases the tension on the pant. Let’s face it, most motocross riders have no ass and usually the jersey will come untucked immediately, but not with this BOA system. The pant has held up great against my knee braces and although this is a very light weight pant it has superb durability. The Lite Hyrdrogen pant is not as light as the FOX FlexAir, but has held together better over time. If you are a bigger guy don't fear because FLY sells the Lite Hydrogen pant in sizes 28-38. I have seen a pair of 38’s on my buddy and it doesn't look abnormal at all. When comparing the FlexAir and Lite Hydrogen cuts, the Fly pant is not quite as tight as the FlexAir 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 tried over the duration of the 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.  

With the Lite Hydrogen's BOA reel incorporated into the light yet stretchy pant, it remains snugly close to your waist. 

The Lite Hydrogen jersey ventilates very well and the 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 and will the material not irritate your skin. You will also still have enough stretch for an under protector if you choose to wear one (which I did on occasion). Mrs. Keefer has washed the pant and jersey several times and the colors have not yet faded or dulled out. One downside to the jersey is that the collar is somewhat tight around my neck, so I stretch mine out a little. However, be forewarned if you are like me and stretch your collar out, there is a chance for mud/dirt to get inside your jersey. I am willing to take that risk for a more roomy neck area fit, so the juice is worth the squeeze for me to do that.  

Fly Racing has come a long way with their gear fitment and designs over the years. The 2018 Lite Hydrogen pant and jersey is light, takes abuse well and looks bad ass! The pant costs $169.95 and the jersey is $49.95. You can check the complete line of 2018 Fly Racing gear at flyracing.com and if you have any questions, please feel free to email me at kris@keeferinctesting.com.