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Average Rating
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4.74/5
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# of Reviews
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99
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MSRP
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$ 60.00
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Weight
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More Products from Core Rat
Submit a Review
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Description:500 Denier Nylon Cordura lined overshort
Durable poly mesh ventillated sides
Black with choice of red, green,blue, yellow, or black side stripe
"No seams where it counts" boxer cut crotch
Deep front pockets,single rear pocket with velcro closure
Elastisized waist for comfort
Compatible with Core Rat Hip Pads
Sizes available: S-M-L-XL
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Submitted by
Dave
a Weekend Warrior
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$95.00 | | Purchased At: | direct from Angie | | Strengths: | Extremely tough. | | Weaknesses: | hot, heavy | | Similar Products Used: | lots | | Bottom Line: | This review is for the 3/4 length. I use them when working the the brambles in my back yard - they just bounce off. Crashed on these shorts without leaving a mark. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Fernie, B.C.
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Georges Cycle Edmonton | | Strengths: | Durable | | Weaknesses: | Weird fit, limited breathability, feels like you are wearing cardboard | | Similar Products Used: | Azonic, Fox, Oakley in DH shorts, Sugoi, Fox, Oakley, LouisGarneau, Zoic in Trail baggies | | Bottom Line: | Had to post after seeing that these won MTBRs "Best of" Award again. These are sort of okay shorts, not even close to great ones, I don't even know if they are still around but I have to say in my somewhat excessive collection of shorts these are at the bottom of the pile. They are very sweaty, the mesh on the sides gets caught and rips relatively easily, they fit way to restrictively in the crotch area (granted being that they are hand made there can be errors, but I tried another set made later than mine and they were the same) and the noise they make while riding, it's worse than those cheap Czech corduroy pants my mom used to buy for me when I was 8. There are sooo many shorts better than these, they aren't bad enough to get 1 chili - the durability and quality of stitching should count for something I guess. If you miss Eastern Bloc Communism and want something that lacks technology and style and is solely utilitarian buy these. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Marshall
a Weekend Warrior
from Steamboat Springs, USA
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Every single one of them | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Core Rat | | Strengths: | Quality of construction, materials used, and design. | | Weaknesses: | None. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Turner 5 Spot, RS 140 Pike Coil, PUSH'ed Fox DHX5.0 Coil, XTR/XT components, Saint Hubs laced to Mavic 819's, Maxxis 2.5 HR DH rubber, XT 203 rotors and XT calipers, Goodridge brake lines and pads, FSA DH Carbon bars, Gravity Dropper Turbo seatpost, WTB Lazer V Team DH saddle, Crank Brothers Mallet pedals, King Headset, FSA Mega Exo Carbon crankset. | | Bottom Line: | My second set of Battle Shorts from Angie - this time I told her that the Large were slightly too big and the Medium would be too small, so she suggested a novel idea - she would make them custom for me.
They arrived and I wore them for the first time last Sunday in Fruita - perfect fit.
I cannot say enough good things about this product and Angie's personalized service.
Another way of looking at these shorts is you get what you pay for - most shorts of this type sell in the $70 range but they don't compare in terms of durability and quality, plus who knows who the President/Owner of Fox, RockGardn, Six-Six-One is? And can you talk to them about their products? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Marshall
a Weekend Warrior
from Steamboat Springs, CO USA
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$99.00 | | Purchased At: | CoreRat.com | | Strengths: | Quality of stitching, thoughtfulness of design (Angie must ride a bike!), utility - pockets, nice fit, and those valuable hip pads. | | Weaknesses: | None that I can see yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Only have worn lycra for 30 years. | | Bike Setup: | 2005 Turner 5 Spot with '07 Talas 140, RP23, XT and XTR component mix, Mavic 819 Rims, Thomson seatpost & stem, FSA DH riser bars, etc. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first pair of baggies after being a die hard lycra wearer for 30 years. I researched quite a bit before buying - there seemed to be no choice but to buy these because there were so many satisfied users.
I have avoided baggies for many years as I was afraid of getting hung up on the seat if I had to slide backwards for a drop - not a problem here - they move easily without snagging.
Just got back from Moab and two days of riding on Poison Spider and Porcupine Rim. I hit the ground a few times attempting some up and over moves on rock - the hip pads are well worth the extra $15 to get them with your shorts.
Outstanding product. Angie is also great to communicate with by email and phone - imagine that - she answers her own phone! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto Canada
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Purchased At: | Angie direct | | Strengths: | Everything!! best I have ever owned | | Weaknesses: | None after over 3 years use | | Similar Products Used: | Oakley, raceface | | Bottom Line: | Angie is great....Love her stuff...once you try it you'll never switch...just ordered more stuff..can't wait!!!!!
Thanks ANGIE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Clark
a
from Squamish, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 11, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | direct from angie | | Strengths: | tuff material, impeccable sewing and finish, good fit. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Core Rat DH pants (3 years old and still like new) | | Bottom Line: | New West Coast design, full length shorts. Fit much tighter than older battle shorts, but cut perfectly for riding position with no extra bagginess. not so tight that you look like a dork though. real comfy. solid construction and finish, as always. i know these will last years and are worth the $$. plus all materials sourced from north america and hand-made in canada 100% by owner, who's a better rider than you are. buy some! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Boston, Mass USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lynn Woods | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | core rat | | Strengths: | The material seems tuff. | | Weaknesses: | I hate the fit. The leg oppenings are very big. I found that out the first time I was going down something really steep. I got back behind the seat to go down, and could not get back up on my seat because it was caught up in the leg oppening. I have to crank the belt tighter than I would prefer to keep them up aroung my waist. I bought em because of the reviews on this board. I used em twice and threw em in my gear bag. I keep meaning to put em out on Ebay. Maybe its just me, but I dont like the look or the fit or the leg opening. | | Similar Products Used: | fox, azonic | | Bike Setup: | Turner Six Pack | | Bottom Line: | Un-useable for me. Like the other poster said......I tend to wonder if all these great reviews are friends of this Angie person. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Downhiller
from ephrata, wa.
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | from core rat | | Strengths: | unbelievalbly glowing reviews on mtbr! | | Weaknesses: | everything else | | Similar Products Used: | bellweather-roach-performance-zoic-levis | | Bottom Line: | this is a final review. i would just send these things back but why waste the time? How can the reviews for these shorts be soo perfect? both pairs that i bought are complete garbage! the stitching has come apart all over the place. the"hook and loop" doesn't velcro any more. the straps that link the tri-glides don't stay. my roach shorts after 5 years finally needed some attention so i bought the core rats. I bought them cause of the reviews. and when i had problems with them right away angie blew me off and basicly told me the warranty she gives is only for stuff thats never been worn.
one thing tho- it looks like shes got lots of friends that like to write mtbr reviews | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Fred
a Cross Country Rider
from Whistler
Date Reviewed: November 22, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | something long and technical | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | on-line from www.corerat.com | | Strengths: | the best pair of shorts I have even owned - through two years of solid abuse, no rips, tears, or wearing through. the more you wash them, the softer and more comfy they get. I updated this summer to the full-length shorts (originals were the shorter legs) and love them. they come down to my knee pads, and protect the thighs from branches and scrapes with passing trees and sticks. great quality. the side vents work great, and for the amount of coverage, these are pretty cool when wearing them. I wear a pair of light chamois stretch shorts under these and have comfort and protection. lots of pockets, adjustable waist with secure clips, and a cut that does not chafe, get in the way, or hook on the seat back on the steeps
got the first pair as a gift and went back for more.
| | Weaknesses: | none - maybe if you are looking for something to pick on, they can be a bit warm on real hot days - but I understand Angie has come out with some lighter ones - so if you want something cooler, go for those | | Similar Products Used: | tried a bunch of different shorts, and tore, ripped, was left hanging out of, or otherwise ate them up | | Bike Setup: | Giant Reign 1 freeride | | Bottom Line: | where to start? value , quality, durability, personal service, lots of color choices - all beyond any I have had. a pair of shorts you will have to go ballistic on to destroy. made by a small business with GREAT customer service, and unlike any other product on the market. I have the original pair and now the longer ones as well. washed them skidded on them, and smacked them off all sorts of objects – and they still look great.
when you add in the made in north america (Canada eh) and the fact there are no sweat shops or overseas materials involved, this is a pretty solid purchase that makes sense on any front. the worst part of my experience with these shorts is I will probably end up buying the lighter versions as well – for a fleet of three! the corerat products rock
buy them and get riding!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bawitdaba
a Downhiller
from Pine Plains
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anything on Whiteface | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$59.00 | | Purchased At: | right from Angie | | Strengths: | Hard core gear for hard core riders...
They run a little big which makes them quite roomy and comfy, but not sloppy. At Angies recomendation I got the extra long (I'm 6'-2", 36" inseam) and I'm glad I did. The shorts cover my knees and they don't hang up on the tops of my leg armor. Very well built, tough, heavy and protective. If you should have the misfortune of going down or doing any butt surfing (which I'm really good at)you don't have to worry about these shorts ripping and/or burning through, allowing the shale and stuff into your flesh. | | Weaknesses: | Not to many color selections. | | Similar Products Used: | Different bike and cargo shorts... | | Bike Setup: | Time for the end of the season new bike for next year... | | Bottom Line: | I use these as an outer short over my bike shorts and I'm quite happy with the performance. These shorts would be best for folks who ride hard or extreme and may be exposed to going down hard or on sharp stuff. Keep in mind that they are primarily a protective gear.
Another bonus-keep in mind that her site prices are in Canadian Bux. I'm looking forward to Angie's new line coming out because I will get some more stuff for next year.
Remember, Angie is an acomplished rider herself, so she has a real good feel for what we need and what works.
FIVE WELL DESERVED FLAMIN TURDS... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
rick williams
a Downhiller
from BC
Date Reviewed: August 26, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Seventh Secret | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Squamish | | Strengths: | Durable, comfortable, well padded | | Weaknesses: | AMedium size is a little large for a 34 inch waist | | Similar Products Used: | Roach | | Bike Setup: | Kona Stinky Delux | | Bottom Line: | Excellent product, on my 3rd pair. I like to have an extra pair and my first pair has been well used. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: July 18, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Angie @ Core Rat | | Strengths: | Burly material and construction. Look good. Big pockets. Withstands gnarly crashes. Comfy offset belt cinchers. They fit well. | | Weaknesses: | None when used as intended. | | Similar Products Used: | Other overshorts with less room for pads. | | Bottom Line: | These aren't for XC. The cut doesn't lend itself to prolonged seated climbing. But that's okay because they're for FR/DH use, and they rock the casbah. They're some burly sonafabeatches. Buy em. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Downhiller
from ephrata,wa. usa
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$170.00 | | Purchased At: | corerat | | Strengths: | some good materials | | Weaknesses: | -inseam stitching came loose after 2 washings. ambiguous warranty. | | Similar Products Used: | roach-fox | | Bike Setup: | 02 stinky primo(now with the popular cracked frame), rohloff hub, avalanche dhf ti, misc. atom lab azonic | | Bottom Line: | the problem with these shorts are with the way the warranty is written. I bought 2 pair.The regular battle fit fine and I like them ok, but the inseam came apart. No big deal. The other pair were the cargo shorts. And they fit real bad. I wore them on one ride thinking maybe I could do some adjusting or something to make them fit better. No luck.
Washed them up an sent them back. This is the warranty return info-We warranty our products provided they have not been worn
outdoors more than once, are returned in clean condition,
and are returned within 30 days of purchase. Products may
be exchanged or returned for refund, no questions asked, if
the item is in new condition and has not been worn outside."
Does this warranty mean they only warranty thier stuff if you only wear it one time or what. I give up. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andrew M
a
from Vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Direct from Angie | | Strengths: | After two years they look brand new. | | Weaknesses: | A little hot in the middle of august when compared to the bathing suits other companies are marketing as freeride shorts. | | Similar Products Used: | Fox (for "overshorts"), Sombrio, Sugoi, Kona | | Bottom Line: | I spent two years riding the same pair of long battle shorts on every ride. Despite repeated washings, more then a few crashes, and general neglect they looked brand new. I have to use past tense here because a couple weeks ago I lost them somewhere between the trail and the pub. If I hadn't, I'm pretty sure they would have outlived me.
Long story short, I e-mailed Angie and ordered two pairs to replace the ones I lost. One pair of long shorts with cargo pockets, and one pair of regular length battle shorts.
At this point all I can say about the new shorts is they look sweet and they fit awesome, but if they are anything like my last pair they'll be the last shorts I buy (again).
P.S. I've found the best thing to wear under Angie's shorts is a basic chamois/liner rather then a pair of full on lycra shorts. You'll get way less sack-sweat and I've found the combo to be as comfortable as a lot of other shorts on the market while offering way more protection.
ARM | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
p kenney
a Cross Country Rider
from Osawano, Japan
Date Reviewed: April 1, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | no name | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | 60 | | Strengths: | Well built, the padding on the hips are a plus as well. | | Weaknesses: | Sags when I walk...the belt system may need to be redesigned. (This may have been addressed as I haven't seen a recent version of these over shorts.) I'll add that this isn't a problem when riding. The shorts are made for riding so this is where it counts! | | Similar Products Used: | various | | Bike Setup: | Not important | | Bottom Line: | This will be my third year wearing these (over) shorts and I'd buy another if these fell apart. I've had my share of smacking into the ground and these shorts have held up to it all, no dents or scratches. Even a slide on the asphalt to avoid a fallen rider in front of me produced no torn skin and no bruises (I use the hip pads). In the summers which are hot and humid here, I continue to wear these shorts for the protection, in the fall and spring they are perfect. Thanks angie... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael Staples
a
from Sonoma
Date Reviewed: December 21, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lawndale to rough Go | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Core Rat | | Strengths: | Well built. Look great. | | Weaknesses: | It's an OVERSHORT. | | Similar Products Used: | Nema Crown Jewel | | Bike Setup: | Kona Caldera. Race Face bashring. 2.5 tires. Good for trials. | | Bottom Line: | When I bought these I didn't know they were an Over short ment to be work over lycra padded shorts. so I was surprised to see no built-in pad. I guess these are good for wearing over the kind of armour you use for downhill or freeride. Still, I like the a lot. They are built really well. I have a pair of Crown Jewels I never got along with. Bought these as a replacement -- which they aren't, really. If you are looking for an over short. I highly recommend these, even though they are pretty expensive. combine these with a good set of lycras and you have around $200 covering your butt. But I don't think it is possible to ever wear these out. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimbo
a Downhiller
from London, UK
Date Reviewed: November 15, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Couple of belters in Big Sur, CA. | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Core Rat, from Angie. | | Strengths: | Look great, feel great, ride great. Dry out in no time, clean easy, loads of room in the leg yet a great fit around the butt and the rest (you know what I mean). My only grumble is to ask why on earth these serious riding shorts have hip pockets (no bad thing) yet the lighter use cammo versions don't? | | Weaknesses: | none yet, but others seem to find the velcro goes in the end. i'm still waiting... | | Similar Products Used: | Airwalk, Fox | | Bottom Line: | These are great shorts, and they look fantastic too. Moreover, the little firm making them is cool, and isn't some horrific corp, so get on there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Weekend Warrior
from Vancouver
Date Reviewed: September 6, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Excellent protection. | | Weaknesses: | Stitching fails after a year or so. | | Bottom Line: | Loved these shorts until the velco closures started coming off. Seems to be a common problem. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Empey
a
from Michigan
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | Core Rat | | Strengths: | Tough (these will outlast my useful life!). Comfortable on and off the bike. I've tried on many shorts, and these are the first that actually fit comfortably, especially while riding. I was reluctant to buy shorts without a chance to try them on first, but took a chance based on all the (+) reviews. | | Weaknesses: | The weight of the material is on the heavy side, and some lighter weight versions might be a thought. But not a big deal---just know these shorts will not wear out. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, Lycra | | Bike Setup: | Giant Iguana | | Bottom Line: | Everything you've read in these reviews appears to be true! After reading all this reviews, I felt I knew Angie before I spoke with her. Very responsive. Received only a few days after placing the order, even in spite of the distance involved. The US-Canadian exchange rate is another nice feature of these shorts. If you're in the market for shorts, these are the ones to invest in. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Maxfield
a Downhiller
from South Dakota
Date Reviewed: August 5, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Spearfish Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | At Angie's website | | Strengths: | I bought two pairs--one for me and one for my nephew. These shorts are the perfect mix of comfort, function, and style. Angie does excellent work. My wife does a lot of sewing, and gives these very high marks. | | Weaknesses: | No weakness | | Similar Products Used: | Tomac Shorts, Sugoi Shorts, Fox Shorts, Roach Shorts | | Bike Setup: | Off road unicycles: Kris Holm and Telford | | Bottom Line: | These are the best shorts I've used. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott P.
a Downhiller
from Saskatoon, Sask. Canada
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$75.00 | | Purchased At: | Online from corerat.com | | Strengths: | High quality materials and workmanship just like everything else from there. Needed it in a rush and received it (with extra customizations I requested so it wasn't just straight off the shelf) in under two days from 3 provinces away. Great customer service. | | Weaknesses: | None - super tough stuff | | Similar Products Used: | Roach and Mace shorts. Nothing wrong with Mace stuff - avoid Roach clothes like the plague (but they make nice shin guards so that's something). | | Bike Setup: | 03 Norco 4by with various drivetrain and suspension mods. | | Bottom Line: | Buy Corerat. Now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
erick
a Cross Country Rider
from Tacoma
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | corerat.com | | Strengths: | Durable materials and durable craftmanship. Handmade products tend to wear better than mass-produced items. Nice choice of nylon for strength and abrasion resistence. They are comfortable and dont get caught on the seat lip. They run a bit large. | | Weaknesses: | I've lost to much weight so I have to buy smaller pair. | | Similar Products Used: | Roach Indy (has that mass-produced feel to it, but a good product too) | | Bike Setup: | GSR DH HT built for speed. | | Bottom Line: | Great product and functions as well or better than expected. Super-fast shipping from Corerat.com. Quality that will last, worth the price of admission. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
William March
a Cross Country Rider
from Chandler, Az.
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2004 | | Favoriate Trail: | Desert Classic | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$82.00 | | Purchased At: | Core Rat | | Strengths: | Very comfortable wear like iron | | Weaknesses: | No pad | | Similar Products Used: | Fox racing Pearl Izumi | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Superlight fizk seat E70 post fox dual supension | | Bottom Line: | I wear the pants, hip pats, and fore arm protectors. Riding back in with blood runing down your arms and stepping into the shower awaiting the water to hit those abrasions is not my idear of fun. There are other products that will give the same protection but not with the comfort this product gives. I would rate customer satisfaction as superior. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jason
a Weekend Warrior
from Sacramento
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$70.00 | | Purchased At: | www.corerat.com | | Strengths: | Cordurability | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale, P.I. etc. | | Bike Setup: | Marble Peak, xtr, selle italia saddle | | Bottom Line: | Just got these in the mail. Only took two days. I've waited longer in line at La Bou. Handmade quality that can't be beat. Angie even added a little extra velcro just in case I needed it. The reviews here said they ran large and I tend to be one of those poeple who are continually in between sizes. I wrote her an email and she answered the same day. Thanks for that... I don't really see how these things could wear out. They don't hang up on the seat thanks to some pretty good engineering and they look good too. My one complaint might be that they are a little stiff at the waist but I'm sure that will soften up after a little wash and wear. As a friend told me once "We can't afford to buy cheap products." You can buy something else but you'll just end up spending more in order to get this kind of quality. Overall, this is a superior product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from socal
Date Reviewed: September 24, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$100.00 | | Purchased At: | Core Rat direct | | Strengths: | Functional design.
High quality materials and construction.
First rate customer service and FAST shipping. | | Weaknesses: | none observed | | Similar Products Used: | Lycra cycling shorts.
Mt. Borah Sawtooth baggie shorts. | | Bottom Line: | I went looking for overshorts because I kept tearing up expensive lycra shorts with my involuntary dismounts. I ordered the Core Rats based just on the MTBR reviews and the CR website. Wish I had seen these before getting the Mt. Borah baggies, as overshorts over lycra is the way to go.
From reading some of the reviews here I was concerned that the sizing ran large, but the mediums fit perfectly on my average build and 33"-34" waist, per the sizing chart. And they aren't cut so cycling specific that I could't hike in them or drive to the trailhead.
Don't forget to order the Hip Pads ($10 CDN), as the velcro attachments are already in the shorts. I did forget the pads and e-mailed Angie, who promptly put a set in the mail.
That's the other nice thing is dealing directly with Angie herself and getting that great customer service that's missing from most transactions today. This is a company that makes you look for reasons to like their products.
I wish I could say these shorts have already saved me from some horrific injury, but I've only had them a couple of days. However their quality is obvious and I know they will do the job. Thanks Angie. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tyron
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$60.00 | | Purchased At: | www.corerat.com | | Strengths: | -durable, well built, good material selection
-simple long-lasting design
-solid protection from falls and other outdoor debris (bushwhacking during adventure races)
-comfortable enough for all types of sporting activities
-I bought my first pair over 3 years ago and there are very little signs of wear. And even then, these shorts are worth repairing. | | Weaknesses: | My first BattleShort purchase was 3 years but I just purchased 2 more pairs so my comments will focus on my first pair.
- The original shorts used a single compression strap on the waist to adjust the waist size. I feel this caused the shorts to be slightly off-centre if you weren't the right waist size. The new design uses two compression straps on the waist which solves this problem.
- The shorts use velcro instead of a zipper. The velcro wore out after a year so I replaced it with a zipper and they are still going strong.
-they can be very warm and heavy. But I wouldn't trade breathability and weight for durability and design.
-I ordered based on the waist size, which was a mistake. I normally wear 38x30 pants so I purchased he XL's which have a 38" waist. I ended up returning them for a Mediums which have a 32-34" waist and they fit perfectly. They have about an extra 1" stretch in the waist. I prefer the Medium measurements as well and would have still ordered that size and adjusted the waist size myself.
| | Bike Setup: | 3 yr old Kona Cinder Cone - pretty much stock. | | Bottom Line: | I've seen other product brands that I like but once I tried them on they didn't compare. I just bought two more pairs of BattleShorts and I know I'm going to be just as happy with these as I was with my first purchase three years ago.
I'm from Ontario so I don't do the type of downhill biking they do out in BC or other mountainous regions. But I do some adventure racing and these shorts are great for trail running, bushwhacking, paddling, and of course, mountain biking. There is very little reason for me to buy a specialized pair of shorts again.
The customer service is great since you actually get to email Angie, designer and owner, directly.
I'll never buy another pair of shorts again. Well, maybe one more pair to sleep in and two more pairs for work.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
trail toad
a Cross Country Rider
from A 2
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | core rat direct | | Strengths: | Like the pants the construction is great. they fit like a bike short should. they ride like a short should. | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | too many to name | | Bike Setup: | the toad is a truth with heavy duty componets. | | Bottom Line: | I ride trails,,,, the more difficult the better. The tougher the climb i.e. steep,rocky,rutted,logs and full of roots, the down hills the same. I wanted a short to fit so well that I didn't have to think about them getting hung up or slip around or rub me raw after two to three hours of trail riding. You can push the bike around anywhere and these shorts don't flinch. Slide off your saddle for a big drop and no snaggs when you finsh up at the bottom. They just disapear. If you tired of riding over a big log and having your crappy baggys hooking your seat or those thin spandix snagging ever stick or thorn bush get these shorts. angie makes great stuff. nuf said. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Don
a Cross Country Rider
from NH
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | they're all good | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | Core Rat | | Strengths: | Very durable, excellent cycling design, ability to use the hip pads if you choose. | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Fox, Nema, Sugoi, Pearl, Oakley | | Bottom Line: | The shorts just work. The cordura fabric is tough as nails and wears forever. If these get torn the shorts will be the least of your concerns. The design features work for cycling. The gusset on the bottom so you don't get hung up on the saddle, velcro fly and closure, and the adjustable side tabs keep these shorts simple and functional. I've had two pairs of battle shorts for two years and I just bought two pairs of the longer cargo shorts. Flawless. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Starling
a Weekend Warrior
from Orlando
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2003 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anyplace other than work | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Direct from Core-Rat | | Strengths: | Hand crafted by a human not a machine in China. Great style, tough as nails, great details in the sewing that don't show but do make a difference. Great customer service! | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy duty and a little warm for riding here in Florida | | Similar Products Used: | Various | | Bike Setup: | Santa Cruz Blur Disc | | Bottom Line: | I highly recommend these shorts. If I could get a pair in just a slightly lighter weight fabric it would be great. I washed these about ten times just to soften them up a bit.
Angie (owner) is great to work with and very prompt. Nice to work with the owner / designer of a small company. She's a rider as well. It all adds up to a great product and great service.
I also purchased one of her orange mesh jerseys and absolutely love it. You should check out her website for yourself. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jess
a Cross Country Rider
from Maryland, USA
Date Reviewed: July 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$90.00 | | Purchased At: | Corerat.com | | Strengths: | I've only rode them once, but man do they fit well. I got the long battle shorts...and if you're 6'4 like me, you're always looking for longer shorts. These shorts have perfect length. Comfy comfy comfy. | | Weaknesses: | -Fits weird when your not on a bike. ( if this upsets you, then think of why you bought them)
-Doesn't have one of those padded diaper thingies. | | Similar Products Used: | Zoic - Crap | | Bike Setup: | Homebuilt. Supergo frame, zocchi z3, little raceface, little lx,xt,xtr.. and a touch of time and s-works. | | Bottom Line: | Very well built. When you're standing, they feel like you dumped in your shorts. When you're riding, they feel so natural. Nice deep pockets for keys, etc. Fits the tall folks well.
Incredible customer service |
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