MESH/STRETCH/CORDURA WASHING INSTRUCTIONS
- Use front loading washing machines only for best cleaning results. Do not use any top loading machines.
- Do not remove the armor when using a front loading machine.
- When washing it is imperative that all zippers, Velcro, vents, and pockets are closed securely. Do not wash alone in the machine. Reflective can be damaged when washed alone. Put other clothes in washer.
- Follow the washing instructions on the tag located in the garment.
- Use COLD WATER ONLY!! DO NOT USE CONDITIONERS!!
- Use Gentle Cycle only on machine.
- For tough stains, most commercially available stain removers can be used. DO NOT USE BLEACH or any stain removers that contain Bleach. Bleach can adversely affect both Kevlar and Cordura Nylon. Tip: On impossible stains try wetting the material then using liquid hand soap, rub the fabric together. If stain is stubborn wait 30 minutes and repeat. If the gear hasn’t been washed for a long period of time or it is very dirty:
- Fill half a bathtub or large sink with cold water.
- Mix in water detergent to be used.
- Put gear in the water and place a large towel over the gear to keep submerged.
- Soak for up to 24 hours, then wash as described in a machine.
- Do not put in dryer. Hang dry garment in a shaded area.
Follow the same instructions above for any of the Aero-Tex liners/jackets/pants except:
- Wash in warm water.
- Use only powder detergent.
- Use the extra rinse option on the machine or if not available wash again with no detergent.
Note: If you have the zip out Thermoloft Jacket Insulation, wash this with the outer jacket/pant.
When water does not bead up on the outside of the shell of the jacket, pant, or inner waterproof liner, then it is time to re-treat with Fabric Guard 303. You will remain 100% Waterproof/Windproof/Breathable, but both the jacket/pant/liner will soak up water and become heavy when re-treating the garment is necessary. The other benefits of re-treating are:
- Spills blot up before becoming stains.
- Saves time and money in cleaning.
- Materials breathe better in the rain.
- All bright colors will fade from extended use in UV Rays. Fabric Guard 303 has a UV Protector that helps keep the colors bright for a longer period.
Google Fabric Guard 303 to find out where you can purchase it.
COMFORT
It usually takes up to one hour or longer in cold weather before the armor conforms to your body shape. For best results, first wear the jacket and pant without any linings, at room temperature. Wear inside the house if it is cold outside. The armor will conform better without the extra linings installed. If after one hour the armor has still not conformed, it may be necessary to remove the armor from the inner Velcro pockets and trim. Use a good quality standard pair of scissors and start with removing a quarter inch from the outside edge. Replace and try again. If your comfort has improved but still feels that you need to trim more, remove the armor and trim another quarter inch.
Note: If the knee armor is uncomfortable, trim only the lower knee/shin portion of the pant armor.
ULTRA SERIES PANTS
Some riders have had difficulty putting on and taking off the Ultra series pant. Try this out and it should only take ten seconds or less to get in or out of our pant.
With the pants fully unzipped: (Right leg fully unzips above the crotch, not at the hem.)
- Step into left pant leg. Boots or shoes should not have to be removed.
- After stepping in with left foot stand straight and wrap the waistband around the outside of the right hip.
- Fold in the flap that covers belt buckle so you can see the zippers. Fold the left section of the pant flap, exposing the zipper.
- Now connect the zipper at the waist and zip down to the foot. Close the Velcro as you stand.
- Reach down and zip the left leg zipper down, closing the Velcro as you stand.
To remove pant, start at the end of installation and simply reverse.
This method of putting on the pants may feel odd the first few times. In a short period it will become easy. Some riders prefer to unzip the right leg halfway (both zippers together in the middle and step in). The majority prefer opening the right leg fully.
KNEE ARMOR AND CALF ADJUSTMENT NOTES
When sitting on the motorcycle the first time after putting on the pant, adjust the knee/shin armor into the proper place. (note: the knee/shin armor should have at least one inch of play in the Velcro pocket to move). Next, snug up the Velcro panel on the back of the calf. This will keep the armor in place both during a tumble, and the pant will not drag on the ground when walking. The calf adjustment only needs to be made once unless different boots or shoes are worn. Here are the three main problems if the cuffs of the pant are loose:
- The knee/shin armor can fall half way down the knee cap when walking/standing or in a tumble.
- The pant leg can ride up exposing the lower legs in a tumble.
- Armor cannot mold to the knees in the proper position.
On any of our over pants, with some riders wearing tall or wide boots, the Velcro cuffs can be too snug with no adjustment. Wide boots can also cause the knee/shin and calf area of the pant to be too tight. It is not necessary for the shin portion of the Tri-Armor to go over the boots when in a riding position. If this is the case, sit on the bike wearing the pant and boots. Unzip one leg and mark through the inside mesh lining on the shin portion of the armor where the top of the boot stops. Take out the armor from the other leg using the lower shin portion as a template and cut one inch above the mark made where the top of the boot stops. Take a needle and thread and hand-sew the nylon mesh armor pocket closed where the top of the boot stopped. This will keep the armor from sliding down. It is not necessary to sew through the outside face fabric of the pant, when closing the mesh pocket. This adjustment will give more room in the knee/shin area along with more adjustment in the Velcro cuffs.
Note: The 1000 Denier Ultra Cordura is a loose weave without any Polyurethane coating. We use the world’s best Velcro that will attack the uncoated Cordura. We recommend taking care not repeatedly touching the Velcro to the uncoated Cordura. Repeated contact of Velcro to the uncoated Cordura will cause the material to fray. The fraying does not affect the integrity of the jacket or pant, it just looks bad.