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Anyone who thinks chaps will protect you when you go down is dreaming. They will separate at the zippers or snaps and you will have zero protection.
I used to wear chaps when it was cold out as they do a good job of blocking the wind. However, now I wear textile pants with armour at key locations. I can wear the pants without jeans underneath even on a 35 degree day. (Haven't tried them when colder yet) They cut the wind nicely, and have a zip in waterproof liner for when it rains. My jacket is also textile with armour and a zip in waterproof liner for when needed. Both items are Joe Rocket products.
Both the pants and jacket have zip out sections that reveal mesh in areas that don't need protection for ventilation on hot days. Perfect.
Yah, I know it isn't "leather". I am more interested in function than looks.
I'd have to differ with you on that one. I've worked more motorcycle wrecks than I care to remember in the last 20 years of my career, and never saw a pair of chaps fail to protect or come apart.
I figure if I am not going to put a lid on why leather.
It's possible to hold your head off the pavement if you're sliding on it. It's not possible to hold *everything* off the pavement if you're sliding on it.
Riding for almost 30 years. Gone down a few times at different speeds, never had chaps.
There's probably something to be said for wearing them as protection, but how much do they really protect. They wrap around your legs & thigh, but leave the crotch and butt areas uncovered. If you're going to wear leather, wear full leathers with armour and call it done.
Like others have said, if you're wearing chaps but a half helmet or none at all, how much sense does that make. Oh goody, my legs aren't scraped but bones are still broken and my face looks like hamburger meat. Good thing I wore my chaps. If you think you'll get a substantial amount of protection when "sliding down the highway", I think that road rash is the least of your worries.
I ride with jeans or when it's cold, lined pants and a nylon jacket and a 1/2 helmet. I can wear all that when it's 100 degrees and stil be relatively comfortable in the wind.
How many of you guys iron yur chaps? I swear I've seen it done. Nice crease right down the middle.
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