Product Review: Taranis Elite Motorcycle Jeans by Roadskin

Product review by Gnarly Magazine editor Jeff Alexander

There have been innovations within the crowded landscape of protective moto gear. Initially, riders often complained of ill-fitting bulky armor and apparel that lacked durability. As riders became more demanding, companies worked to respond and earn the trust of riders. TechNavio, a market research company recently completed its study of protective moto gear and forecasts the industry’s global valuation to grow another $4 million by 2027. As the market continues to prove more lucrative, manufacturers need to discern themselves to not only capture market share but also provide riders with products that offer superior protection within affordable price points.

Roadskin, a UK motorcycle gear company proudly seeks to discern itself within this crowded market with their newest offering, Taranis AAA-rated armored motorcycle jeans. Recent changes to European motorcycle protective gear ratings, standards, and CE certification now have the following 5 classes: AAA, AA, A, B, and C. The ratings focus on abrasion and impact. Officially, companies cannot use their own, in-house testers to achieve CE certifications. These certifications have also been adopted by U.S. manufacturers. Motorcycle armor also has ratings of CE Level 1 and CE Level 2.

Roadskin’s Taranis jeans earned AAA ratings for successfully weaving over 26% of Kevlar into the denim, designed to minimize tearing during accidents. This extra safety feature restrict movement, making the flexibility of Roadskin jeans impressive. Taranis jeans include CE Level 2 knee and hip armor, and the company strongly recommends utilizing them, as they state the fabric itself is not designed to properly withstand impact without them. With all the armor inserted inside the mesh lining, the jeans do not sag or restrict any motion and due to their cut, they do not appear baggy. Waist sizing was approximate and fit well thanks to added stretch from 2.6% Lyrca.

Roadskin jeans are not ‘fashion cut’ nor do they follow the weekend warrior, ‘generous’ fit that far too often looks baggy and ill-fitting. When upgrading the supplied armor to Icon D30 Level 2 armor, the jeans do not suffer much from the additional weight. D30 armor has earned a reputation for upgraded protection while enabling more airflow within moto gear. On a hot test day with D30 armor, Roadskin jeans did not cause excessive heat, as they say, the mesh lining is designed to promote airflow.

I have joked that if your protective gear is too comfortable, it’s not doing its job. However, several reviewers state Roadskin jeans can be worn off-bike for extensive periods without becoming uncomfortable but I would recommend removing the armor and some may start to feel some heat if worn indoors due to the sturdy construction.

On bike, the Roadskin Taranis jeans offer great mobility and on cooler morning rides, they don’t feel like another layer is required. High-speed runs up to 90mph+ still have the jeans fitting properly, with no material ballooning or armor shifting. The D30 knee armor only slightly moves while the stock-supplied armor remains in place, which I attribute to the D30’s additional weight.

It’s always difficult to conclude if moto protective gear does its intended job unless you experience a crash or worse, injuries. As a firm believer in all the gear, all the time I work to make informed decisions about the protective gear I purchase. Roadskin Taranis jeans can be recommended for earning AAA CE certification, Kevlar weaved into the denim for sturdier abrasion protection, stock CE Level 2 armor, and a great fit with all armor secured without restricting movement. At under $200 before shipping, Roadskin offers protective jeans at a reasonable price point, and several options for sizing.

Website: https://roadskin.co.uk/

Specs and additional info from Roadskin: