Tested Dirt Bike Products - Answer Racing Alpha Air Vented Gear - Experts on Dirtbikes at Dirt Rider Magazine

In the not-so-distant past, vented gear was something you had only after an altercation with a pair of scissors. Today, riding gear with holes purposely woven in the fabric is popping up from just about every clothing company. Personally, I think vented gear is one of the best things to happen to riding gear. I run a bit warm when riding, so I want maximum airflow practically anytime the mercury climbs above 60.So I was elated to try the Alpha gear, since the staff would be racing at Glen Helen Raceway Park in September (for those in the rest of the country, that means one thing: hot). The pant, which retails for $129.95, was light, not overburdened with excessive rubber, logos or useless paraphernalia. The seat of the pant was ample enough to provide room where needed without that obscene baggy look, and the legs fit over my knee braces sans drama.On top, the $44.95 jersey continued this theme and was fairly roomy and comfy. The sleeves were a shade short on my long limbs; however, that's something I can live with. After a brief tip-over and the resulting tears, I did manage to get a hole at the seam on the ruined sleeve. Crash damage or not, that was the only problem I could uncover.I wasn't so sure about the $29.95 gloves at first. There is no closure system; you simply pull them on and go. But they fit fine, and once on the bike, I never noticed them—like a second skin. Overall, today's Answer race gear is a lot better than the stuff that I sampled four years ago, and this set will see more action.—Bryan Nylander