Friday, September 16, 2011

Thor Motocross Phase Gear Review

Justin Dawes
Justin Dawes
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Raised on two wheels in the deserts of Nevada, the newest addition to the MotoUSA crew has been part of the industry for well over 15 years.Equal parts writer, photographer, and rider, "JDawg" is a jack of all trades and even a master of some.

I love fresh gear, and I especially like fresh, top-shelf gear. However, our duties often require us to test gear that isn’t the most expensive or the top of the line. A couple of weeks ago a big box showed up from Thor Motocross. Inside was a smorgasbord of 2012 MX gear for the Southern California crew to test. The sizing for the more spendy Flux and Core jerseys and pants were all tailored to Waheed’s skinny frame, leaving me with the budget-friendly Phase line-up. As disappointed I was not to be the rockstar this time, I would objectively and fairly review the set up even though I felt like chopped liver.

Phase Slab Jersey
Thor Motocross Phase Slab Jersey - $29.95


Thor is absolutely killing it with the insane amounts of colorways and designs available throughout its range of moto gear. Even those light in the pocketbook get can get the flashy graphics that used to be reserved for only the most expensive duds. The Phase Jersey features sublimated graphics in a 100% polyester, moisture wicking fabric. The neck and cuffs also get the high-end treatment with shaped openings designed to fight restriction of movement.

The fit of the Phase Jersey is not too tight and not too loose. As Goldilocks would say - it’s just right. Lightly padded elbows are a nice touch, and I am a huge fan of the shaped cuffs. This jersey is comfortable! Airflow through the polyester micro-mesh is decent and I had no issues with heat even on 90-degree days. For $29.95 there is no better deal out there.

Phase Slab Pant
Thor Motocross Phase Slab Pant - $89.95

Constructed of 600D poly oxford and 500D Kordura the Phase pant was designed to last while still looking cool. On the waist is a ratcheting closure and a small bit of elastic on the side. Leather inner knee panels are standard issue for battling the heat from exhaust headers and wear from knee-braces. The Phase Slab Pant has matching graphics that flow seamlessly into the matching jersey. As a whole this gear’s looks are far beyond what is expected of a budget set-up.

My first impression when pulling on these pants was they were way too tight in the the knee and leg. Sure I’m not exactly the most svelte tester out there, but if the waist fits well the rest should too. it took a little extra effort to pull the Spandura stretch panels over my Asterisk braces, but once in place the fit was surprisingly comfortable. The cut of the Phase Pant is tighter than other pants, but after the day riding in them I like it better. There is no bunching of the knee area to cause blisters or destroy graphics. I also think the waist on the Phase is superior to the more expensive offerings from Thor because it doesn’t pull down in the back when moving around in the saddle.

The 2012 RM-Z250 needs to be ridden aggressively to make use of its top-end power.
Thor's Phase Slab gear has found a permenant place in my gear bag right next to all the expensive jerseys and pants.
Overall Thor’s Phase Slab jersey and pant combo far exceeded my expectations of a how a less expensive set of gear could fit and perform. Riders looking for an economical way to protect their hide while looking good doing it should check out the Phase line up. I have to say that even though I am a gear snob, I really like this set of gear and plan on using it regularly.

The Thor Motocross Phase Slab Pant and Phase Slab Jersey can be found at Motorcycle Superstore.
Sizes: Jersey - SM thru 3x, Pant - 28 thru 40

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