Submitted by
Jared Mosher
a Cross Country Rider
from Rio Ranho
Date Reviewed: March 1, 2005
Strengths: they an take a serious beating
Weaknesses: since im tall and skinny they could be a little longer
Bottom Line:
The first day i got these I wanted to try them out so I took them and my bike to one of my frequent spots and was hauling down a hill when I lost it and flew over my handlebars and had a nasty dismount which if I was wearing some other products I've tried they would have been shredded. To get to the point these just had a little bit of dust and come catus needles OH did I mention hte best customer service anywhere
Weaknesses: Every time I buy something from Angie the shipping bag is ripped open, but all the contents are there and in perfect condition. Maybe this is subtle marketing, showing what will happen to your skin if you don't wear her stuff? I don't know?
Bottom Line:
These pants are not heavy. These pants are not warm. These pants are good protection. These pants are of great design and well made. Angie is honest in her measurements - the size is exactly the size she says it is. Good product.
Submitted by
Yiyang Gao
a Weekend Warrior
from Shanghai , China
Date Reviewed: December 16, 2004
Strengths: the pants fit and look cool on and off my bike, even make me look cooler! mesh strips ventilate well, the crotch part is comfy.
Weaknesses: add zip-off legs?
Bottom Line:
Finally I got a pair of DH pants that fit my extra long legs! Learning from other reviews, I decided to give it a try though the shipping fee to China was so high. When I got the package I realized it's a right decision! The craftsmanship is outstanding, the material is well selected, and the black with yellow strips are so cool! But it's was on my bike that I learned its strength. The mesh liner inside keeps my skin comfort and cool. The roomy space is more than enough for wearing leg armors. The long cuffs make the pants look good off the bike as well. Nobody would notice it's a biking pants unless I tell them. I really love them and should summit a real report after some more time with the pants.
Strengths: the material that these pants are made of is great. very durable. comfortable mesh inside. the boxer cut seams are the best.they even have velcro inside for hip pads which are also nice. i have used them 10 times usually in temps around 40 degrees. the velcro straps at the bottom of the legs is nice keeps the pants away from the chain.
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2004
Strengths: Superior design and construction. The best materials available. Awesome customer service.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
Custom tailored to fit my stumpy body and in the mail to me overnight. The pants are awesome, the design and construction are the best quality that I have seen out there. I dealt directly with Angie who is a pleasure. It is nice to deal with someone who not only cares about her product but also is enthusiastic and responsible. I cannot say enough about the awesome work ethic and customer service that was displayed. I am not a down hill racer but I wipe out all of the time on rocks and roots and like the protection this product gives.
Strengths: Excellent fit and exceptional stitching, looks real good too!
Weaknesses: Could use belt loops for those of us who fall in between sizes for optimal waistline fit
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is I haven't got a better designed or constructed (with the exception of wanting belt loops - but that's just personal pref.) pair of pants. Period. They're new right now but based on initial quality and past experience, I can't see them wearing out anytime soon. Not like my roach stuff from this summer with the poor stitching that left threads hanging and loose seams opening all over hell after about 10 wash and wears. Who should buy it? Anyone wanting quality pants at a great price. That means you!
Bike Setup: Although it has nothing to do with the pants, I ride an '03 Norco 4by. Freeriding and dirt-jumping good times.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
JIM
a Weekend Warrior
from Red Wing, Minnesota
Date Reviewed: October 16, 2003
Strengths: Light, flexible, very very tough, looks great. Added feature for hip pads which I have needed on more than one occasion.
Weaknesses: Could use a full belt; has side draws and clips only. Waist slides down after jumps, etc.
Bottom Line:
These pants are outstanding. Very rugged and warm for Northern climates. I've washed out many times; even clipped a tree and went flying. Between the thick nylon and the hip pads, I come up smiling and go on my way. I've landed on rocks, sticks and gravel. Not only to the pants save my hide, but you can't even tell they've been whacked. Very high quality stuff. If you want to save your skin, look cool and stay warm, buy these.
Strengths: good fit , comfortable , room for pads , sizing chart on web site is very helpful , strong construction , light weight .
Weaknesses: elastic waist band needs to be stronger
Bottom Line:
These pants would be great if the elastic waist band was stronger , even when the adjustment straps are pulled tight they feel loose in the back and creep down . I'm happy with the pants , but may inquire about custimizing my next pair .
Strengths: I really love these pants. A friend recommended and let me try the DH pant and jacket. Both are great products. I find them very comfortable and very tough. I commute to work every day, rain or shine and the DH pant has saved my skin from road rash on several occasions when I should have known better. The material fairs very well against abrasion in this respect; gravel, pavement, mud and snoquialmie pass; I've fallen on all of them and the material holds up great. The inner liner allows for excellent wicking - so overheating down always leave the insides of your pants all "nasty". The adjustable waist band is secure, even after two years of heavy use. I've not used the hip pad insert, but it seems like a great idea. The pockets are great, two big front pockets and a velcro rear.
Weaknesses: The only downside? Is the time I wore them in Moab, in the sun. This product really is for the northwest climate.
Bottom Line:
Really, I cant find a better pant for more money either.... Perhaps the Fox DH pants are as good, but, they are a bit to flashy. I've done wore out my old pants and since Ive lost a few pounds, I ordered my next pair. I am very sold on the corerat line. The quality is super, Thank you Angie!
Bike Setup: Azonic DS2, Hayes, Marzocchi Z1, 34:19 gear on a Phil Wood hub.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
mark
a Cross Country Rider
from macomb,illinois,usa
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2003
Strengths: feel right when riding , great protections from earth,wind the dreaded thorn bush.my pads fit under fine.pocket for town use. look great.
Weaknesses: wish i they were a bit longer.
Bottom Line:
these are one of the best purchases you can make in your clothing line. Here in the heart of america we ride year round. I asked for them (v-day gift from the greatest woman that still want me around after 7 years)for winter riding.The weather in winter is unpredictable. My first ride with these pant hooked me. 15 degress F and a wind chill of -5 I was toasty warm. I build trail for the city park and had these babies deep into wild roses with no blood to show.I'm no downhiller but do push the limits of the truth.I've mountian biked for 16 plus years and I'm not a gracefull lander or navigator,so I have my share of tara firma time and frozen ground is unforgiving.These pant take a spankin'!!!! 5 rides and 3 days trail work no complants.When you're here in the middle of nowhere your bike and gear has to be reliable.thanks angie!
Bike Setup: ellsworth truth,romic,marzocchi,hayes hydros,mavic F519s onyx hubs,xt drivetrain ,north shore cranks with bash guard
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Gosline
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: February 10, 2003
Strengths: price, look, feel, comfort
Weaknesses: can't think of any
Bottom Line:
A very nice pant at a very nice price. I'm not a downhiller, more an intermediate freerider, so I can't comment on the performance of these pants for downhill racing. However, I have used the pants with their hip pad inserts for 4 shore rides so far, and loved every minute of it. They're comfortable, strong, and the hip pads provide a little more cushion for your ass when you bail (which is always appreciated:)
Strengths: Great chilly weather pants - much warmer than I would have expected. Windproof, solid fabric. Terrific design. Roomy enough to move in and wear chamois shorts under, but close enough not to snag on everything.
Weaknesses: My only complaint is that the leg is a bit wide at the calf and rubs on the front derailleur. The ankle strap doesn't adjust that part of the pant and I find myself floating my heel out unconsciously to keep out of the chain.
Bottom Line:
I love these pants. I use them mainly for commuting (not their intended purpose), and they keep me warm and dry and I don't have to prance around the office in tights until I quit sweating enough to shower. As I mentioned, I do float my heel out a bit to keep them out of the chain, but they were designed to go over downhillers' armor and not for urban commuters, so it's a compromise to intended function and not a design flaw. They're on sale now - buy some. I'm gonna buy some more.
No surprise here. I bought two pairs of battle shorts last year which I've used for downhilling (with the hip pads)and general trail riding. I love those and am just as happy with the DH pants. I'm prpbably going to get a second pair just for autumn riding. Core Rat is great to deal with as well. No fuss and quick delivery.
Submitted by
Keefe Ward
a Downhiller
from Dover, NJ
Date Reviewed: April 17, 2002
Strengths: Light weight, Well vented and well made. Great service. Weak Canidian dollar.
Weaknesses: May be a bit light weight for pure DH. Works great though for all around pant.
Bottom Line:
Ordered large at 1st but was way too long and bunched at weenie area, even though waist was correct. Re-ordered medium and bunching went away and they still fit fine due to strechy waist style. Perfect for all around use and work good with my Danise pads underneath.
Strengths: Great design, Tough materials, good fit and keeps me warm and dry.
Weaknesses: ....makes swishing noise when I walk...?
Bottom Line:
KICK ASS PANTS... Get some today. My GF ordered me a pair direct from Angie and had them two days later, and they were customised just for me (extra long) I also have the battle shorts and bullit vest, keep up the great work Angie!!!
