Troy Lee Designs Gear Review

The Score

With the season of giving (and receiving) upon us, I must say the past few months have been my favorite time of the year. New dirt bikes were introduced and manufacturers such as Troy Lee Designs showcase their latest products for 2008. When MotoUSA's Off-Road Editor called me up and extended an invite to the '08 RM-Z250 Press Intro, I said, "For sure!" I didn't even snap my cell phone shut and dialed up my friends at Troy Lee Designs (TLD) where the Marketing Manger, Sheri Ridenour, invited me down to pick up a fresh set of gear. I got hooked up with a brand new Speed Equipment Gunner lid and a pant/jersey/glove combo off the new Grand Prix line. Sometimes Christmas comes early in the moto industry!

The Scoop

Speed Equipment Gunner Helmet

Let's start with the brain bucket. The SE Gunner is a notch down from TLD's top-shelf SE2 line, but don't think for a minute that this helmet has nothing to offer. The SE has been a longtime favorite for motocross enthusiasts, and for good reason. This product shines when you pull up to the starting line where you'll have more compliments about the style, paintjob and graphics than any other helmet. It's definitely a nice bonus, because if you aren't the fastest, at least you'll look good. Aside from the sleek aviator design, the overall fit and feel of the helmet is snug and comfortable. With the helmet weighing in at 3.1 lbs, it's no wonder my turns are faster since I'm able to hold my head up and look farther up the track. After removing the Cool Max liner to wash after several uses, a tendency of many helmets is to lose its original firmness in the padding. Not so with the Gunner - the padding is firm and intact every time I remove and replace the liner.

In terms of safety, the aerospace composite fiberglass/carbon fiber reinforced shell has held up marvelously, even after a big, fourth-gear swap that put me on my head. You know its safety standards have got to be good for it to exceed Snell M2000, M2005, US DOT, AU and CE requirements. The visor held up and the titanium attachment screws never backed out. Let's just say I'm glad to have the SE helmet protection for my gray matter's sake. Aside from the crash protection, the Gunner defends against excessive heat with an effective ventilation system that has mesh screen across the entire opening to prevent anything but air from passing through. A roost guard keeps the flying debris at bay and it's removable if you like more space inside the eyeport - all of this for $365. To boot, it comes with a one-year warranty.

Grand Prix Pant

Troy Lee Designs Grand Prix Race Pants

One word describes this pant: lightweight. Again, the Grand Prix gear is a less comparative line to the Speed Equipment, but is still a great product. Constructed of polyester, nylon and leather, the outside shell incorporates spandex sections in the knee, groin and hip area for flexibility. Leather to separate knee braces from your machine and plastic for the logos allow for some protection. A downfall to the pant would be its durability in the knee area. My knee braces need a tune up, but on the first ride I blew through the inside of the left knee. Keep in mind that my old, ragged braces are mostly at fault, but we were looking for them to last more than a single ride.

Back on the positive side, the pant leaves you feeling free to move around the bike without any hang-ups. It's snug around the hip so when leaning back on the seat for traction, the pant stays in place, but dancing around the cockpit is no problem thanks to the accordion knee panels and spandex in the crotch, seat, lower leg and knees. When trying on a pant for the first time, I look for how easy it is to put on and remove, much of which has to do with the liner. The last place I want to be after a long day of moto is stuck in some smelly gear, but the comfortable full-mesh liner is a nice interface between your skin and the 330 Denier Dot Dobby nylon and 1200 Denier polyester outer construction. Both have held up through a number of rides and washes and the triple-stitched seams play a big part in durability. The Troy Lee Designs Grand Prix Race Pants are reasonably-priced at $89.99.

Grand Prix Jersey

Troy Lee Designs Grand Prix Jersey

Made of 100% polyester bonded to 100% nylon, the theme here is also minimal weight. The cut and design of the jersey left me with a favorable impression of its comfort and good looks. The breathable material is great on hot summer days, and wearable on cooler spring/fall days as well. Its simple sleek design stands out from some of the competition as an original, and it looks every part of 42 bucks.

Grand Prix Gloves

Troy Lee Designs Grand Prix Gloves

I chose the color Red for the GP glove because of how it pops against my black pant and jersey - it helps keep my style-to-speed ratio where I need it. The $32 glove is constructed of synthetic leather, PVC rubber, nylon, spandex and uses a Velcro strap. Easy to get into and out of, the Spandex starts from your thumb and goes over to the top of the hand where it stops at the wrist. Comfort and protection are critical with any glove, and TLD provides just that. The PVC rubber is placed on top of the hand and partially on the fingers. The synthetic leather palm holds up well through numerous rides and washes. The fit and feel of the glove is above average in refusing to bunch while trying to re-grip the bike while pounding motos. Overall, this glove is a must have in your gear bag.

The Sentence

As a regular MotoUSA tester and dirt bike enthusiast, I'd easily give the Grand Prix gear and Gunner Helmet a 10 ranking as a set, even with the knee issue which we think was mostly a fluke. Not only did I like the gear - I loved it! This product will definitely see more use as the year continues. I like knowing for certain that I'll be riding in the style and comfort that TLD is renowned for, and the safety is equally present. As the old saying goes, "you get what you pay for." Well, the price is right, so we recommend ordering yourself or your loved ones a set of Grand Prix gear and a SE Gunner helmet today - and make it a real Happy Holiday.