Pando Moto Skin UH 03 armoured leggings in black

It was Bowtex that first introduced motorcyclists to the concept of armoured and abrasion-resistant base layers. Worn beneath a casual trouser, a business trouser or a pair of jeans, they seem to negate the need for protective motorcycle wear.

Well, predictably perhaps, we don’t think this would make sense. Armoured base layers are not going to be comfortable in the hottest weather. But even when it’s cooler, the absence of a waterproof/windproof membrane will mean that there’s no protection from the effects of wind chill. Nonetheless, there are circumstances in which a pair of leggings like these will come in useful. Perhaps you need to ride somewhere in your suit trousers. We know that leggings like these have also been popular with those who ride on events like the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride.

We have sold Bowtex base layers in the past, and indeed we still do but, in our view, these Pando leggings are much more comfortable and much nicer to wear. They have a silky smooth feel next to the skin in the way that Bowtex just doesn’t.

But nice as the Pando Skins are to wear, they are also incredibly strong. The key areas are made from a fabric with a 65% UHMWPE content. Now Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylenes are hugely strong. This is the main component in Dyneema and materials like Armalith that Rokker uses in its Rokkertech jeans. All the key areas of the leggings are made with with this material, although this is interspersed with areas of Spandex in the crotch and down the inside of the legs where breathability is more of an issue, and abrasion resistance less of one.

The armour in the knees and hips is super-thin, Level 1, SAS-TEC armour that is every bit a match for D3O’s Ghost armour. There’s a drawstring at the waist for adjustment, and at the ends of the legs you get YKK zips and stirrups. The pants are rated AA under EN17092.

This is not the ultimate solution to all your motorcycle protection needs, but for some people, in some situations, these leggings will perform a very useful function. We are convinced that they are the best of their kind. If you want a protective legging, these are the ones to go for.