Core 5 Gear Review

Hardcore

Over the last several years, motocross has experienced unprecedented growth. One by-product of all the attention is an influx of clothing companies trying to cash in on the burgeoning popularity of the world's infatuation with motorsports.

While it's nice to have choices, finding quality riding gear among the plethora of choices can be a difficult task. However, there are a few brands that consistently put out quality gear and one of those is Thor Motocross Gear.

Leading the way for Thor is its top-of-the-line Core 5 product, supplanting its Core 4 line. It is designed and built to hold up to the demands of riders who navigate racetracks as well as trails.

The Core 5 pants are constructed from heavy-duty nylon. The seat panel uses 1000-denier Kodra (a type of cordura) for extra toughness, and leather on the inner calf and knee area provides insulation from engine and exhaust pipe heat. Stretchy Schoeller Keprotec knee panels provide protection yet still allow for excellent flexibility. We outfitted our resident dirt monkey Brian Chamberlain in a Core 5 outfit for the winter and spring seasons to see if he could dish out enough punishment to stress the new gear. After racing on the track and ripping through single track for the better part of six months, BC was all smiles when asked about the Core 5 outfit.

"Everything about the gear was good, because I didn't notice it," said Chamberlain. "Usually you only are aware of your gear when it's falling apart or it's uncomfortable. The best compliment I can pay a piece of clothing is to say I didn't even notice it, and that was the case with the Core 5 gear."

One of the features that "Brain" was stoked about is the oversized knees in the Core 5 pants. They allow riders to put knee and shin guards on underneath the garment for extra protection. He also appreciated the leather inner knee panels that are not only wear resistant, but they provide a sticky surface for gripping the tank.

Getting in and out of Core 5 pants is a snap, literally, as they utilize a dual-snap closure system. And for those days when breakfasts run on the large size, Thor added dual side waist adjusters for a custom fit.

While most jerseys are just nylon shirts with crazy graphics, Thor added a few important features which prove the designers are listening to the riders and not just blindly churning out clothing. The jersey, made from three different types of polyester, is extra long and has rubber grips at the tail of the shirt to keep the jersey tucked regardless of how much you're bouncing off the seat of your bike. The underarm areas are vented so people can stand to be around you even after you're done riding, and shortened elastic wrist cuffs are less restrictive that larger ones.

After a season of riding, Chamberlain was impressed with the gear because it was more than just comfortable, it was durable. When you're spending your own cash on gear you want something that's going to hold up to the abuse of hard riding.

"The gear is great," commented Chamberlain. "There's no construction defects at all and the snaps, zipper and side closure still work as if they were new. And after crashing my brains out, there are still no tears, scuffs, or loose seams.

"The only thing I would say has gone wrong is a little discoloring on the shirt and pants and slight wear on the leather knee pieces," continued BC. "Other than that you could probably put them back on the shelf and sell them as new."

Gross.

With a retail price of $49.95 for the jersey and $139.95, Thor's Core 5 gear isn't cheap. But I never forget my dad's words of wisdom when he told me, "You get what you pay for." What you get with the Thor Core 5 gear is high quality, good design, top-notch comfort and strong durability - all things that are worth paying for.

---

Check out the current Thor Gear line up at our Motorcycle Superstore.

ThorMX.com