Product review: DriRider Rapid jeans

Let's begin here by saying that I haven't crashed in these DriRider Rapid jeans – nor do I intend to.

However, I have over a period of years crashed motorcycles on several occasions wearing regular 'fashion' jeans, so I can say with the benefit of first-hand experience that, while feeling rather durable to the touch, they offer somewhere between the protective qualities of Kleenex and maybe a triple-ply Sorbent dunny roll when it comes to sliding down the road and using your backside as a brake.

Actually, it's not just the abrasion resistance that's the issue here – it's also the sudden impact when things like knees don't so much as gently touch down on the road, rather they pile-drive into the tarmac with the full weight a grown man (or woman) behind them.

Of course, if you want maximum protection on a bike you can't go past full leathers, and today we can also choose from a massive range of sturdy textile gear. However, if you prefer not to look like a Power Ranger (or possibly a Telletubby, depending on the cut) when you reach your destination, a somewhat more casual look may be more appropriate, and that's where these DriRider Rapid jeans come into the picture.

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These Rapid jeans are protective riding jeans – they are made specifically for motorcyclists, while retaining the look of regular fashion jeans. In this instance, that means they're fitted with a protective DuPont Kevlar liner and they also come with removable CE-approved 'D30 T5 EVO' knee and hip armour.

Said armour is actually fairly unobtrusive, so I have no idea why you'd want to ride without it fitted, but the choice is there if you're more a 'devil may care' kinda guy or gal.

It's not like it's a full Kevlar jean inside a jean, either – the Kevlar is sewn into the backside of the jeans and down the front of each leg, finishing just below each knee.

So to me the deal is this – if you crash in these jeans they have the potential to give you far more protection than normal fashion jeans, but less protection than leathers and some textile pants. I'm making generalizations, of course – there are plenty of cheap leathers and textile trousers I wouldn't want to crash in either, but you get my drift.

How do they compare to other protective riding jeans on the market? The simple answer is I don't know – and I wouldn't hazard a guess unless all the available contenders were rounded up and subjected to independent clinical trials. And even then, the infinite variation involved in crashing a motorcycle means that even with the best protective jeans in the world, you can still come off second best.

My advice? Wear protective jeans as a minimum when you ride for shorter trips, and quality leathers/textile gear on longer rides. And spend some more on professional rider training. After all, it's best to avoid the spill in the first place, right?

As far as comfort goes these DriRider Rapid jeans are right on the money; they're made from heavy-duty stretch denim and they moulded to my, some might say hefty girth, in no time. There are accordion stretch panels at the back and over both knees, which also helps in the comfort stakes, and the semi-boot cut means they go over riding boots without much fuss.

And there are all the usual pockets you'd expect in a pair of jeans, with a further one over each knee to accept the knee armour. A tip here: when you try the jeans on at the shop the knee armour should be a little below each knee – so when your legs are bent when on the bike, in a riding position, the armour should be right where it needs to be. The hip armour simply slides into a mesh pocket that is stitched into place.

What else… They're made in (drumroll please…) China, and they're machine washable (cold cycle) and tumble dryable – they can be dry cleaned too, if you're a bit anal about such things…

So there you have it – these DriRider Rapid jeans are some of the best protective jeans I've never crashed in, and if I do you can be sure I'll update this review with the benefit of my sacrificial 'field research'.

DriRider's Rapid jeans are available in men's sizes (28 to 42) in blue, black and brown and ladies' sizes (8 to 18) in blue or black, and they have a recommended retail price of $249.95.

For more information or to find your local stockist visit www.mcleodaccessories.com.au or call 1300 300 191.