REV'IT GEAR 2 LEATHER PANTS
Note: As of February 2018, this model has been discontinued and the new name is the Ignition 3. I won't be changing this review as they are pretty much identical with minor updates to body armor and minimal aesthetic design
- MSRP $399.99, Sizes Euro 34-46, in standard/short and long. My size: 36 Standard
- Color: black/black
- Where to Buy: Revzilla.com
- Monaco Performance cowhide, Dynax mesh, PWR|shell 500D stretch, PWR|wax 500D, suede leather
- Detachable waterproof (hydratex®)/windproof (zips out)
- Outer shell: 59% leather, 40% polyamide, 1% elastane
- Lining: 100% polyester
- Armor: ProLife® ladies CE protection at knees, EVA foam at hips (IGNITION 3 NOW OFFERS CE-LEVEL 2 SEESMART AND SEEFLEX ARMOR)
- Reflection and zipper along the calves
- Stretch panels behind the knees for comfort
- Two front pockets
- 6 inch and full waist connection YKK zippers
- Sample provided by REV'IT for review
- Review Date: March 2012
Pic of my crashed Gear 2's, Summer 2016
Overview
When REV'IT offered to let me review the Gear 2 pants, I was thrilled. I was always in love with the previous generation of the Gear pants and was definitely impressed by the new, updated fit when I first saw them back in the fall.
The Gear 2 is the companion to the Ignition 2, an update to the popular Ignition.
I recently took two solo weekend trips to South Lake Tahoe and The Lost Coast / Northern California, going from 60 degrees to 100 degrees as I rode from the coast to the inland valleys. I thought it might be too warm for the hot temps, but it was totally manageable with my Klim moisture wicking baselayer. I have also worn these in cold temps (50s with windchill), and with the liner and my Schampa pants, I'm perfectly warm.
I also had the opportunity to take the entire outfit for a spin in the rain during one of the short rain storms (it was a dry winter) we had in April. I wore it for a couple of commutes across town and stayed dry the entire time and never had any issues with leaking or moisture. I haven't taken it for any long rides on the freeway, but did do a quick 15 mile trip and stayed dry for that one as well.
January 2013 - Revit Ignition 2 Jacket - Front, after a wet ride. Wearing Size 38
January 2013 - Revit Ignition 2 Jacket - Back, after a wet ride, wearing size 38
The Gear 2 pants have the same features as it's predecessor, a removable waterproof liner and hybrid leather/textile construction. There are two updates to these pants. First is the fit. They borrowed from the discontinued Marryl pants and integrated them into this version. They did a fantastic job making them feel like a pair of bootcut jeans tapering slightly at the knee and flaring just enough at the ankles to allow for the pants to go over your boots.
Second is the additional textile that was brought up all the way to the waist. On the previous pair, the entire waist / torso was leather. I think having more textile makes these a little more comfortable and allows for a little extra space after dinner...
The zipper is about 6-8" long, just long enough to get them over any pair of boots. Stretchy panels behind the knees also make these feel more comfortable.
Gear 2 pants, back leg; wearing Size 38
There's still a full 3/4 (almost all the way around the waist) and a 6-inch YKK connection zipper, and velcro adjustments on each side. As well as two pockets in the front, which I can actually use and put my keys/cash or whatever in, as long as I don't have my gloves on.
Gear 2 connection zipper and waist adjustment; wearing size 38
Gear 2 pants, front pockets; wearing size 38
Although these are hybrid, you will find the leather portions breaking in just a little bit, so keep that in mind when you sit on the bike while trying it on.
Fit
I love what they've done with the new fit on these, as they took the shape and fit of the now defunct Marryls and incorporated into this version.
I think one of the main things that makes a great pair of riding pants is how much it tapers around the knees and down the leg. We need room around the hips/butt/thighs, but our knees will never be as wide as our hips. A wide leg riding pant just doesn't make sense, simply due to the fact that the knee armor must be secure up against our leg, and not just in riding position. That goes for your jacket too. If you're thrown from your motorcycle, you have no idea what position your legs are going to be in or what's going to happen. You want your knee and hip armor to be covering those bones and be snug so that they don't move away from your body.
When you're on the short-ish side, and you have a really short inseam, it can make a huge difference if the pant legs are fitted down the leg, because then inseam doesn't matter. Sure, you may have a little bit of bunching but the fitted legline can keep the pants from feeling too big. I'm very lucky that I don't need the short version, but these are available in short and long sizes, depending on the size.
As you can see below, these are sagging above and below the knees quite a bit. You do need a little bit more length while standing, and that's ok. I have the waterproof liners in as well.
ignition and gear; wearing size 38
Gear 2 pants, from the back; wearing size 38
Damn, I hate that pic! But I had to show it to you. Your leather pants should never look this saggy. If they are, you probably bought them one size larger, or the cut isn't quite right. I still love these pants, even if my body has made them slightly unwearable.
I really think REV'IT knows how to make pants for women that are flattering, comfortable, stylish and functional. Going down a size shouldn't change the width of the legs or the length too much, but according to the size chart, it will decrease the outseam by 1 inch, and the inseam won't change at all.
With its unique design, lightweight construction and fit, I'd definitely recommend the Gear 2 pants to any rider. They're still one of the best fitting leather pants for women on the market today. And, with it's partner, the Ignition Jacket, you have the perfect all around riding outfit.
Update 2014: I've since purchased a size 36 so they fit properly, MUCH better!
However, these pants are definitely more of a curvy friendly pant. My butt is so flat, so it barely fills out the seat of my pants. I wish I could squeeze my hips into a 34 but it's definitely too tight. I also want to mention how much these stretch out and it will definitely feel too snug when you first put them on. If they feel a little too tight I recommend not zipping them and just wearing them that way for about 30 minutes before you zip them up. If it looks like the seams are pulling across your hips and stressing the seams then you probably need a size down. But if it just feels too tight in the butt/thighs, etc. then that's normal so give it at least a half hour and see what happens. After you break them in, the butt just gets saggier, and the thighs get looser. I'm working on beefing up my glutes, but in the meantime these pants still sag for me. :-(
Summer 2016: Wearing a size 36 pant.
Summer 2015: wearing my 2nd pair of Gear 2's after weight loss, size 36 [I currently weigh 130lbs, 5'2"). Although if it weren't for my hips, my butt would definitely fit into a 34.
