Whether you ride Motocross, Enduro, or are a weekend trail rider, a good jersey and riding pants are an essential part of your gear. Searching through the huge range available to find the best dirt bike riding gear combos can be a time-consuming task.
Even for the adventure rider, motocross-style riding pants and jersey are an option, with an adventure jacket worn over your jersey, and maybe waterproof over-pants worn for those long road sections.
I recently replaced my own worn-out riding gear so thought I’d share my research in this post to make the selection process a bit easier for others in the market for new riding gear.
There are a few things to be aware of when looking for dirt bike riding gear.
Quick Summary
Here’s a quick summary of 5 of the best Dirt Bike Riding Gear Combos being reviewed here:
1. O’Neal Element Warhawk Jersey Pants Combo Set – Best Bang-For-Your-Buck
2. O’Neal Element Factor Jersey Pants Combo Set
3. Fox Racing 2019 180 COTA Jersey Pants Combo Set
4. Fox Racing 2019 360 MURC Jersey Pants Combo Set – Best Of The Best
How to Choose the Best Dirt Bike Riding Gear Combo for You
Top 3 Things To Consider:
1. Durability:
This must be the number one priority for dirt bike riders. Dropping your bike is always on the cards, so having riding gear that can take a bit of wear and tear is essential.
Look for pants with more durable fabric panels used in the high wear areas like the seat, inside of legs, and knees. A 600 Denier fabric is pretty commonly used. A quality main zipper (like a YKK) is important.
For Jerseys, there’s not a lot of padding used, but generally sewn-in padding at the elbows is something to look for.
2. Flexibility:
Another important factor when you consider the amount of moving around done when riding a dirt bike. Stretch panels used in movement areas like above and behind the knees, rear yoke, waist, and crotch are typical places to be aware of when selecting pants.
Ergonomically pre-shaped knees help with a good fit, and something to keep in mind is to be sure that they will fit comfortably over your knee guards or braces.
Jerseys generally incorporate stretch panels under arms, at the neck, and cuffs, but if you wear your jersey over body armor you will have to go up a size to allow for it.
3. Breathability:
A big factor to keep in mind, especially if you ride in hotter conditions. Generally, motocross riding gear by its very nature is very well ventilated with lighter weight breathable panels located away from bike contact points.
The stretch panels usually allow a certain amount of airflow, and because motocross-style jerseys and pants aren’t waterproof, the general construction fabrics breath well.
Other features like cool graphics, matching your jersey/pants combo with gloves, boots, and helmet, and your brand of dirt bike are all things to keep in mind.
With that thought in mind, here are what I consider to be some of the best dirt bike riding gear combos available today, ranging from the $100 entry-level price point, up to the $240 top-level gear that the pros use.
1. O’Neal Element Warhawk Red/White/Blue Jersey Pants Combo Set
O’Neal’s Element series is their ‘value for money’ range that won’t break the budget. The Element lineup offers an affordable gear set for the whole family with men’s, women’s, and kids’ sizes available.
There is a broad range of fresh graphics and colorways that are updated yearly.
The Warhawk Red/White/Blue is a particularly striking design and was my own personal choice when I recently replaced my riding gear.
I especially love the silicone banding on the pants waist which helps keep the extended jersey tail tucked in. The ratchet closure system at the waist is another nice feature.
There is ample room at the knees for knee protectors or braces, and the stretch panels give great flexibility.
The tapered legs and elastic cuffs don’t bunch up when the boots are tightened down. A small thing, but important for comfort.
JERSEY FEATURES
- Breathable, moisture-wicking material to help keep you cool
- Bold, non-fade sublimated graphics
- Sewn-in elbow padding
- Extended tail that keeps your jersey tucked into your pants
- V-neck collar
PANTS FEATURES
- Heavy Duty but lightweight denier fabrics provide comfort and protection while you’re riding
- Durable, wear-resistant panels located on the seat, inside of legs and knees
- Lighter weight, more breathable panels are positioned away from bike contact points
- Stretch panels located in key points on the front, back, and knees of pants for greater freedom-of-movement
- Elastic to the waist with an adjustable ratchet closure system for a secure and snug fit
- Protective rubber patches for extra protection in the incident of a crash
- Tapered legs with elastic cuffs for a snug fit inside boots without bunching
- Fully lined interior for added comfort
- Removable, internal, EVA foam hip protector
The O’Neal Element Warhawk is sometimes unavailable on Amazon. Alternative link to O’Neal
2. O’Neal Element Factor Gray/Orange/Blue Jersey Pants Combo Set
At the same price as the Element Warhawk above and with similar features, the O’Neal Element Factor is another entry-level jersey/pants combo.
The Element line is designed for a roomy, comfortable fit and includes an extensive range of sizes and colors for men, women and youth riders.
The Factor Gray/Orange/Blue graphics design would be an ideal choice for KTM riders of all levels, whether used for motocross, enduro or dual sport riding.
The heavy-duty denier fabrics, combined with lighter weight breathable panels make the Element jersey/pants combo a great choice for any rider.
JERSEY FEATURES
- Breathable, moisture-wicking material
- Bold, non-fade sublimated graphics
- Sewn-in elbow padding
- Extended tail that keeps your jersey tucked into your pants
- V-neck collar
PANTS FEATURES
- Heavy Duty but lightweight denier fabrics provide comfort and protection while you’re riding
- Durable, wear-resistant panels located on the seat, inside of legs and knees
- Lighter weight, more breathable panels are positioned away from bike contact points
- Stretch panels located in key points on the front, back, and knees of pants for greater freedom-of-movement
- Elastic to the waist with an adjustable ratchet closure system for a secure and snug fit
- Protective rubber patches for extra protection in the incident of a crash
- Tapered legs with elastic cuffs for a snug fit inside boots without bunching
- Fully lined interior for added comfort
- Removable, internal, EVA foam hip protector
The O’Neal Element Factor is sometimes unavailable on Amazon. Alternative link to O’Neal
3. Fox Racing 2019 180 COTA Black Jersey Pants Combo Set
Fox’s 180 racewear range is the benchmark of their entry-level motocross gear. The range has long been popular across all four gear lines – adults, women, kids, and toddlers.
The 180 Cota, along with the 180 Prizm, and the 180 Czar ranges give you a huge selection of graphics and colors to choose from.
The main body of the jersey is constructed of a moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you dry and comfortable. Airflow is increased with the use of vented side panels in the jersey.
The pants utilize Fox’s RAP (Rider Attack Position) construction, which means that comfort is increased because they are designed to suit the rider’s position on the bike.
Strategically placed stretch panels at the knees, rear yoke, and crotch give you the flexibility to move on the bike.
The durable 600 Denier polyester main construction combined with leather knee pads means these pants will be strong enough to handle all that you can throw at them, ride after ride.
JERSEY FEATURES
- Moisture-wicking polyester main body fabric helps keep you cool and dry
- Vented side panels for enhanced airflow through the jersey
- Light mesh collar and cuff design for a comfortable unrestricted fit
- Sublimated graphics for fade-free color for the life of jersey
- Lightweight arm cuffs provide a precise fit without feeling restrictive
- Drop tail at back hem keeps jersey tucked in pants
PANTS FEATURES
- RAP (Rider Attack Position) construction for a precise fit on the bike
- Heat and abrasion-resistant leather knee panels on both legs offer further reinforcement in the most critical wear areas
- Durable 600D polyester main body construction
- Woven 4 way stretch panels at knee, rear yoke, and crotch for unrestricted movement on the bike
- Sublimated graphics that won’t fade
- Hip pads included
The Fox Racing 180 Cota is sometimes unavailable on Amazon. Alternative link to Fox Racing
4. Fox Racing 2019 360 MURC Light Gray Jersey Pants Combo Set
The Fox Racing 360 series is the choice of top professional riders like Ken Roczen, Austin Forkner, and Adam Cianciarulo. The 360 series is battle-proven in some of the biggest motocross events in the world.
The jersey uses a moisture-wicking fabric for the back, shoulders, and side panels to draw moisture away from your body and help keep you cool. This is aided by the large hole polyester mesh back panel which allows airflow to channel through the jersey.
The extra length of the drop tail rear helps keep your jersey tucked into your pants.
The 360 Pant is Fox’s core race pant. The strategic fabric placement gives you a combination of stretch panels for mobility and rigid panels for durability.
The ‘TruMotion’ 4-way stretch fabric gives you an almost limitless range of motion, and the use of 600D polyester gives you protection in the high abrasion areas.
Fox’s RAP (Rider Attack Position) construction is designed to give you a precise fit in the riding position.
JERSEY FEATURES
- Moisture-wicking polyester is used in the main body fabric
- Large hole polyester mesh to the back panel gives you enhanced airflow
- The athletic fit collar provides superior comfort
- Minimal athletic precision fit to the cuff
- Drop tail rear design helps keep your jersey tucked in your pants
- Dyed main body fabric with premium screen printed and heat transfer graphics
PANTS FEATURES
- RAP (Rider Attack Position) construction for a precise fit in the riding position on your bike
- 600D Polyester Main Body with zonal TruMotion panels
- Dyed main body fabric with premium heat transfer logo treatments
- Laser-perforations and vented TPR logos in key areas
- ‘TruMotion’ 4-way stretch fabric which offers excellent mobility
- Double layer to knee area with full-grain leather knee panels backed with abrasion-resistant material
- Thin hem at the cuff to eliminate bulk in boot
- Triple-needle stitching in critical areas
- Laser-cut perforations and vents which channel air through the pants for added breathability
The Fox Racing 360 MURC is sometimes unavailable on Amazon. Alternative link to Fox Racing
Final Thoughts
With such a wide selection to choose from with graphics and colors that allow you to coordinate the whole look, even to suit your dirt bike brand, it’s impossible to say that one is best.
It all comes down to your own budget and your personal taste in graphic designs and colors.
Personally, I have recently replaced my whole riding gear set – jersey, pants, gloves, and boots and gone for the O’Neal Element range, which has previously given me years of riding wear at a reasonable price.
So my Top Pick ‘Bang-for-your-buck’ would be the O’Neal Element Warhawk Jersey Pants Combo based on personal experience.
If you simply want the Best Of The Best and don’t mind paying for it, it’s hard to go past the Fox Racing 360 MURC Jersey Pants Combo.
With all the features you could want, along with some of the coolest graphics available, it’s easy to see why they are the choice of many professional riders who demand the best.
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Have you used any of the Jersey/Pants Combos featured here? Is there a gear set that you can highly recommend?