What to look for in protective gear
Riding a motorcycle is exhilarating, but the consequences of improper gear can be severe. Even minor injuries can lead to medical expenses that exceed the value of your motorcycle. Selecting high-quality protective gear is critical to your safety and overall riding experience.
Dyneema: The Future of Motorcycle Protection
Dyneema is recognized as the strongest fiber in the world by weight and has become a premier material for advanced motorcycle apparel. Dyneema-based fabrics offer an ideal combination of ultra-high tensile strength, exceptional abrasion resistance, and low weight.
When engineered into air mesh and stretch-blend constructions, Dyneema delivers superior protection without compromising comfort or ventilation. Its resistance to friction heat and moisture outperforms traditional materials such as leather, making it especially suited for all-season, all-weather riding.
Unlike some fabrics that require reinforcement, Dyneema’s inherent strength allows for lighter garments that do not sacrifice safety. Though less commonly marketed due to production costs, Dyneema gear represents the leading edge of rider protection.
Understanding Nylon and Its Limitations
Marketing terms often disguise lower-grade nylon and polyester as premium materials. Only 1000 Denier Cordura Nylon meets the durability standards required for motorcycling. Denier refers to the fiber’s thickness—a higher denier correlates with greater tear and abrasion resistance.
Beware of polyurethane coatings used in lower-cost nylon garments. Under friction, these coatings can melt, posing significant burn risks in a crash scenario.
Evaluating Leather for Motorcycle Use
Leather remains a respected standard in motorcycle gear due to its durability and abrasion resistance. However, its effectiveness depends heavily on the type and quality of hide, and on processing variables such as tanning and dyeing.
Properly fitted leather offers high protection, but once it becomes creased or folded, its structural integrity diminishes. Additionally, leather is susceptible to environmental degradation. Repeated cycles of wetting and drying can reduce both tear and abrasion strength by up to 20%.
Even with the use of leather conditioners, restoration of flexibility is difficult without a removable inner liner. Leather’s natural aging process also limits its lifespan as a high-performance protective material.
Conclusion
Choosing the right gear is not just about comfort or appearance—it can mean the difference between walking away from an accident or suffering serious injuries. Dyneema, with its advanced material properties, sets a new standard in motorcycle safety gear. Riders seeking optimal protection, comfort, and durability should prioritize Dyneema-based apparel and ensure all gear meets high-performance criteria for tear strength, abrasion resistance, and construction quality.
|
Feature |
Dyneema® |
Leather |
Cordura® |
|
Abrasion Resistance |
★★★★★ |
★★★★☆ |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Weight |
★★★★★ (lightest) |
★★☆☆☆ (heaviest) |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Breathability |
★★★★★ |
★★☆☆☆ |
★★★☆☆ |
|
Flexibility/Comfort |
★★★★★ |
★★★☆☆ |
★★★☆☆ |