Rustbucket - +1 Great Info and comparisons
I just finished an extensive research into this subject so hope this helps. I wear leathers most of the time with good armor - can't beat it protection wise. Two problems - does get hot and you look like a sci fi channel soldier if you have to wear your kit into say a Barnes and Nobel to get a cup of Joe. Another problem my daughter doesn't want to wear full leathers when she only rides occasionally with me, but I don't want her just hanging in the wind with no protection.l So how to be protected and look normal?
Have bought jean style pants from astars, icon, sliders, and fast company. Of these no one can touch the Fast Company draggin jeans for thickness of material and Kevlar covered protection area. They are a little warmer than the others, but they are thicker. ONly problem I found was with the relaxed fit cut the rise( zipper area) was so high it came up and covered my entire abdoman - looked like a little old man whoes chest is connected directly to my legs with no waist - the classic fit does not have the massive rise and fit just like levi's but with a longer inseam so they don't rise up past your boots. They fit well and IMHO look good
If you go down with these only on like Rustbucket pointed out - you will get hurt and you will get some rash, better than regular jeans by a long shot, but still will wind up some rash and with no armor ( they do sell Knee armor, but you don't need it - keep reading) you will get banged up good
Solution.
Bohn Body Armor -
http://www.bohnarmor.com/
I use the Adventure pants in both Lycra and Mesh ( for warm days) They fit well under the Draggin Jeans - almost invisable if no one is looking for it - of coarse you can see it if you know its there. You are procted in the hip, knee, thigh, shin and butt.
I am not trying to sell these by any means - but everytime I see a rider in jeans I want to tell them about these two products I have found. With these two - I think you will be just as protected as any $200 pair of leather pants and probably more so because the Bohn Armor is fantastic. No doubt it will not be as protective as the higher end leather pants like astars track pants, but I feel completely protected for street riding.
Lastly this is the combo I allow my daughter to ride with me wearing so I have to have great confidence with these two to protect my baby and I do. Hope this helps
ride safe
