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MO Tested: Massive Riding Jeans Buyer’s Guide Part 2

MO Tested: Massive Riding Jeans Buyer’s Guide  Part 2

If the Google machine dropped you directly on this page without seeing the introduction to MO’s Massive Riding Jeans Buyer’s Guide, and you are confused as to what’s going on, you should click here to read the introduction and the full listing of jeans. If you’re the adventurous type who just wants to jump to our individual reviews of 34 pairs of jeans, the Table of Contents below will only give you a direct link to jeans on this page. So, we still recommend that you go to the introduction. There’s a lot of good info to cover.

MO Tested: Massive Riding Jeans Buyer’s Guide – Introduction

Dainese Denim Slim Tex Pants

Reviewer Evans Brasfield
MSRP $220
Construction and Key Features Stretch denim in slim cut. Dainese Pro Shape 2.0 knee armor included. Pants are prEN 17092-02 certified at level A. Zippered knee opening for armor removal. Pockets for optional Dainese Pro Shape 2.0 hip armor.
Available Sizes US waist 28-44 in.
Size Tested 38-in. waist. (Euro size 56)
True to Size? No, Slightly large
Armor Included Knee
Armor Type Dainese Pro Shape 2.0 Knee, Dainese Pro Shape 2.0 Hip
Available Colors Black
Care Instructions: Wash inside out below 86°F. No bleach. Tumble dry low. Iron at low temp (230° F) inside out. Do not dry clean.

The Dainese Denim Regular Tex Pants fit and feel like dress jeans. They have a slight stretch to them, making them quite comfortable on the knees and thighs when in a variety of riding positions. They appear to offer little more abrasion resistance than non-riding denim, although there are additional fabric layers to accommodate the pockets for the armor in the knees and hips.

The zippered knee pockets make it easy to remove the armor for the look of regular jeans, but I rarely do since the Pro Shape 2.0 armor is so flexible. The fit around the waist is kind of roomy since Euro 56 covers 28-29-in. waist size. Given the extra room, I might order the optional $40 hip armor. The legs are nicely slim and not baggy. These jeans seem ideal for commuting or wearing around town when looking more like you’re wearing street clothes is important. The do, however, appear to offer less abration protection than many of the jeans here.

Knox Men's Shield Spectra Jeans

Reviewer Troy Siahaan
MSRP $330
Construction and Key Features Single layer denim infused with patent pending Spectra for abrasion resistance. CE approved to EN17092-2 Class AAA rating. Knox knee and hip armor included (a must in Europe for AAA rating).
Available Sizes US waist 30-40 in.
Size Tested 32
True to Size? Yes
Armor Included Knee, Hip
Armor Type CE-certified Knox Micro-Lock knee and hip protectors
Available Colors Indigo
Care Instructions: Remove armor, machine wash warm w/mild detergent. Do not bleach.

Single layer denim makes the Knox very comfortable on or off the bike, without the bulk we’re used to on jeans with multiple liners. Straight cut is still a little on the slim side, but I appreciate the inclusion of the armor.

Another favorite feature is the longer length of the legs (33 in in this case), as it still leaves some coverage over the ankle/boot/riding shoe when in the riding position. Jeans will ride up once in the riding position, and some manufacturers don’t account for that in length size. Knox did.

Pando Moto Boss DYN 01

Reviewer Ryan Adams
MSRP $319
Construction and Key Features 12 oz super-stretch Cordura with Coolmax technology, Power stretch Balistex lining in key areas, Sas-Tec Tripleflex armor included in knee (two-position adjustable) and hips, Reflectivity on inner hem, 2 year warranty, Certified to EN 17092-3:2020 – AAA
Available Sizes US waist 30-36 in. inseam 32-36 in.
Size Tested 32×32
True to Size? Yes
Armor Included Knee, Hip
Armor Type Sas-Tec Tripleflex (CE Level 1)
Available Colors Black
Care Instructions: Wash cold, Do not bleach, Do not tumble dry, Iron on low, Do not dryclean

The Boss fits and looks like a regular five-pocket black jean, but under the surface you’ve got Sas-Tec knee and hip armor in addition to the 12 oz stretch Cordura denim outer. In key impact areas, Pando uses UHMWPE (commonly known as Dyneema) versus aramid used in other jeans here. UHMWPE is touted as being 15-times stronger than steel to Kevlar’s 7-times, in addition, UHMWPE fiber doesn’t absorb water and almost has its own cooling effect. In general, UHMWPE is looked at as a stronger alternative to aramid.

In terms of fit, I would call the Boss regular. Unlike most other brands here, Pando also offers different inseam lengths. The Steel Black Pando Moto jeans I reviewed back in 2020 quickly became my go-to riding denim thanks to the fit, lightweight, and cooling properties of the Dyneema. Those jeans did quickly lose some of their color which I haven’t experienced with the Boss. I do however prefer the molded Knox armor that was being used previously to the new Sas-Tec protectors. The Knox armor did a better job of staying in place and offered more coverage. Other than my qualms with the new armor, the Boss are just as good as the first pair.

Pando Moto Karl Devil 9

Reviewer Ryan Adams
MSRP $259
Construction and Key Features 12 oz Cordura super-stretch denim w/Coolmax technology, Aramid panels in key areas, Two-position adjustable knee armor accessible from the outside, Stretch panels above knee and on back, 2 year warranty, Certified to EN 17092-3:2020 – AA
Available Sizes US waist 27-36 in., inseam 32-36 in.
Size Tested 32×32
True to Size? No, runs small
Armor Included Knee, Hip
Armor Type Sas-Tec Tripleflex (CE Level 1)
Available Colors Black
Care Instructions: Wash cold, Do not bleach, Do not tumble dry, Iron on low, Do not dryclean

The Karl Devil is much like the Karldo without the Cordura mesh inserts. You get comfort and mobility from the three accordion stretch panels found throughout, but this fit of the Karl Devil 9 feels tighter in the waist and crotch than the Karldo. Sas-Tec knee and hip armor is included. The Karl does have an ounce heavier Cordura stretch denim chassis compared to the Karldo, but still feels soft and pliable.

These could be a good option for striking more of a balance between warm and cool temps if considering these against the Karldo. Their tighter fit and our warmer climate often has me reaching for the Karldo instead of these.

Pando Moto Karldo Kev 01

Reviewer Ryan Adams
MSRP $269
Construction and Key Features 11 oz Cordura super-stretch w/Coolmax technology, Kevlar lining in key impact areas, Cordura mesh panels on front and lower legs, Pockets for optional hip armor, Knee armor accessible from outside the jean, Accordian stretch panels above knees and on back, 2 year warranty, Certified to EN 17092-3:2020 – AA
Available Sizes US waist 29-36 in. inseam 32-36
Size Tested 32×32
True to Size? Yes
Armor Included Knee
Armor Type Sas-Tec Tripleflex Knee (CE Level 1), SAS-TEC SC-1/KA Hip
Available Colors Black
Care Instructions: Wash cold, Do not bleach, Do not tumble dry, Iron on low, Do not dryclean

The Karldo Kev fits true to size, but is a more snug fit overall. Thanks to the lighter weight 11 oz Cordura stretch denim and the accordion panels above the knees and on the back, these jeans feel lightweight and comfortable while offering tons of mobility. The Karldo is meant to be a warm weather jean and also features cordura mesh panels at the crotch and lower leg to provide airflow – this of course helps, but depends on the type of motorcycle you’re riding. The Sas-Tex armor adds to the lightweight feeling as well. I feel like the seat is a little more roomy than it needs to be, but it doesn’t bother me at all. These have become my go-to for hot weather riding. My only issue, which rings true for all Pando Moto jeans, is that I wish the front pockets were deeper. My Galaxy S22 Ultra (yes, I know it’s a massive phone) won’t fit all the way in them unless I stow it diagonally.

Pando Moto KUSARI KEV 02

Reviewer Caitlin Maher
MSRP $249
Construction and Key Features Slim-fit armored regular waist made of 9oz heavy-duty power-stretch waxed denim. DuPont™ Kevlar lining reinforcement in high-risk abrasion and impact zones, Sas Tec knee armor included. Reinforced stretch panels at the knees. 2 year warranty included.
Available Sizes US waist 24-38 in. with 3 options for length.
Size Tested 27 W 32 L
True to Size? No, runs small
Armor Included Knee
Armor Type SAS-TEC TripleFlex CE Knee,  SAS-TEC SC-1/KA Hip
Available Colors Waxed Black Denim
Care Instructions: Machine wash cool- inside out. Lay flat to dry.

Another standout in the black & blue moto-jean lineup, the Kusari integrates full standard protection with the Kevlar lining and knee pockets for armor, while also looking like a high fashion ‘vegan’ leather pant. The stretch is perfect, though the sizing runs small, and I would likely size up to a 28 if I knew the legs would have the same fit. The double layer is not ideal for hot weather, but on cooler nights or rides in places with questionable weather, the heavy waxed denim does provide some wind and water resistance.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised at the fit and feel.. and can’t wait to use these later this fall.

REAX 215

Reviewer John Burns
MSRP $180
Construction and Key Features REAX is Revzilla’s house brand, and the 215 was its first effort at a basic, 5-pocket style, 100% denim jean with Aramid reinforcement; CE certified EN 17092 AA.
Available Sizes Eight sizes, US waist 28×32 in. – 42×32 in.
Size Tested 34×32 in.
True to Size? Yes
Armor Included None
Armor Type Rokker D3O knee armor, Rokker D30 Ghost hip armor
Available Colors Blue, black
Care Instructions: Machine wash, line dry

Just your basic riding 12-ounce 100% cotton denim jeans, with a layer of Aramid twill to reinforce your seat and knees. There are pockets for armor in the knees and hips, but it isn’t included. Later Reax jeans are made with fabric that has a bit of stretchiness to it, which works better for motorcycle riding – and for gaining and losing weight.

Sadly, I can no longer button the size 34×32 215s I got a few years ago. Add to that that hip and knee armor is optional, and you can do better for $180 now. Shows how far the game has moved on in four years. Our original 215 review is here.

REAX 267

Reviewer John Burns
MSRP $200
Construction and Key Features Still your basic 5-pocket jeans, but now made from the miracle fabric DYNEEMA!, which gives them more comfort and an AA Rating in impact abrasion resistance EN 17092 testing.
Available Sizes 16 sizes, US waist 28×32 in. – 42×34 in.
Size Tested 36 x 32 in.
True to Size? Yes
Armor Included Knee
Armor Type Hip armor optional; Icon D3O LP2 Hip Armor
Available Colors Blue
Care Instructions: Remove armor, machine wash, line dry

Still your basic 5-pocket REAX riding jeans, but now constructed with Dyneema-reinforced denim – which consists of 68% cotton,13% Dyneema, 10% nylon, 8% polyester and 1% Elastane for a bit of stretchiness. Dyneema, ® to you, is a light and super-strong wonder material used lately in everything from military and firefighting gear to commercial fishing nets. Though the specs call this 12-ounce denim, the 267s are lighter and more breathable than Reax’ other offerings; that’s because one layer of Dyneema denim takes the place of the double layers of fabric out back in Reax’ 610 and 215 jeans.

Unlike the 610s, there are no problems with the knee armor pockets in these jeans, and it’s easy enough to reach up and adjust the CE knee armor into position; if you’re lucky it’ll be there for your knees, but there’s no guarantee in any garment that fits as loose as a pair of straight-cut jeans. Other than the fabric here, there’s nothing outstanding about these basic, Levi’s-style riding jeans – which is just what lots of people like.

REAX 610

Reviewer John Burns
MSRP $180
Construction and Key Features Basic 5-pocket slim-cut slightly stretchier jeans with Aramid twill reinforcement in likely slide areas and included knee armor, CE EN 1621 certified.
Available Sizes Eight sizes, US waist 28 x 32 in. – 42 x 32 in.
Size Tested 36 x 32 in.
True to Size? Yes
Armor Included Knee
Armor Type Icon D3O EVO X Hip Armor
Available Colors Blue, black
Care Instructions: Remove armor, machine wash, line dry

The 610s are a slimmer-fit, second version of Reax’ original 215 jeans. The 1% Elastane (99% 11.5-ounce cotton) gives a tiny bit of stretch. The slim fit still leaves enough room for average-sized people to fit, but keeps the legs narrow enough that the included knee armor, which is nicely adjustable via Velcro, should stay in place in a crash. The 220 grams-per-meter Aramid twill reinforcement in the rear and hips doesn’t make these jeans any cooler when it’s hot, but should provide increased protection if you find yourself sliding along the pavement.

The only problem out of the box is that the upper seam of the knee protector pocket is glued on; it’s already coming unglued, and snags your foot when you try to put the jeans on. Both sides of the pockets are double-stitched on, though, so you could easily fix it with some iron-on fabric tape. Still, for 180 bucks, should you have to?

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