GEAR GRINDER: Klim XC Riding Gear

On Sep 8, 2016

Durability, function & style rolled into one By the staff of Dirt Wheels

**The XC gear has great style, and even though it’s durable and well built, it still feels light and comfortable.**

As a rider, purchasing riding gear will sometimes challenge your pocketbook. There are also a vast number of companies that you can choose from that makes the process even more difficult. We at Dirt Wheels always try to provide the best information to make this buying process a little easier by offering tests on the best gear that we can find. We feel that protection above all else should be number one. Our test this month we decided to give the Klim (pronounced “climb”) gear a go.

Klim manufactures gear for any type of rider. From ATV, UTV, snowmobile and adventure riders, they have it all. With multiple options available, we went with the XC gear, F4 ECE helmet and Radius Pro Moto goggles. The XC gear is offered in multiple colors: blue, green, orange, Orange Flame and red. However, most of those colors actually have multiple color changes throughout the design.

**We liked the venting and fit of the Klim Radius goggle. An extra lens, tear-offs, and a premium carrying case are sold with the goggles. Quite the bargain at $89.99.**

XC GEAR (JERSEY, PANTS & GLOVES), $270

Klim is known for how durable its gear is and didn’t skimp on the XC gear. Some of the features include Cordura nylon and mesh-wicking polyester to help keep moisture at bay while riding. The full gear set feels light and very comfortable. If you ate too many carbs over the weekend and you’re feeling a little bloated, the XC pant has two adjustable waist straps to compensate. The XC jersey follows the XC pant design. The jersey utilizes breathable foam in the elbow region for added comfort and protection. We liked this option, as we haven’t tested many jerseys with this sewn into it. Even with the foam option, the XC jersey is still light.

The XC glove complements the gear well with the same styling and durability. The strapless design makes it so that you can’t tighten the fit, which some riders don’t like, but Klim designed them to fit snugly and comfortably. The palm offers a single-layer Ultra Grip construction and the top layer offers padding. We found that the XC gloves provided a lot of traction, which comes in handy when you get fatigued on longer rides. One thing to always keep in mind when buying gear is ventilation, especially if you ride in a climate where the temperatures are in the triple digits. The XC gear offers great ventilation; in fact, we suggest wearing a base layer in the colder climates with this setup.

Notice the large vent system on the F4 helmet. It literally forces air around your skull for the best vented helmet we have tested thus far. It’s also very comfortable and fits well. — **Notice the large vent system on the F4 helmet. It literally forces air around your skull for the best vented helmet we have tested thus far. It’s also very comfortable and fits well**.

F4 ECE HELMET, $399.99

At the moment Klim only offers one helmet line—the F4 ECE helmet. However, the F4 is offered in multiple color schemes that will complement any set of gear well. This is the most ventilated helmet we’ve ever tested at Dirt Wheels. With large EPS air channels integrated into the helmet providing continuous fresh air to an inner pressure chamber, you can almost feel the wind rushing through your hair. With more airflow, however, more noise comes into play. After about 10 minutes you won’t even notice the increased noise.

One of the other cool things that our test riders loved is how light this helmet is and the comfort of it. The original version of the F4 helmet was pretty heavy at 3.9 pounds, while the F4 ECE weighs in at 2.75 pounds. That’s over a pound of weight savings that feels much better on your neck after a long ride. It’s manufactured with aerospace fiberglass, carbon fiber and Kevlar, so you can be sure it’s safe. One thing to mention is that it is not DOT or Snell approved. For European riders you’ll be safe, as it meets ECE 22.05 requirements. If you plan on riding with this helmet on the freeway or in competitive racing in the USA, be sure to check the rules on helmet requirements before purchasing the F4 ECE.

RADIUS PRO MOTO GOGGLES, $89.99

While riding, it’s very important to have a solid goggle. Not only one you can see out of, but one that is comfortable and has great features. Klim spent a lot of time developing its off-road goggles after having success with their snow line. The Radius Pro Moto goggle has comfy foam that has moisture-wicking material, and they have an airtight fit. That is really important when picking a goggle. If it’s not a tight fit, especially around the nose, it will allow dirt to pass up to the lens and your eyes. Trust us; it’s not a fun time! We opted for the great styling of their Fire Thorn color scheme goggle to throw some other coloring into the mix. The goggle also comes in Flat Black. The lenses offer UV 400 protection, which is killer, and the lens passed three safety tests to keep the debris at bay. At $90, it is Klim’s premium goggle. However, each Radius goggle comes with a premium case, cleaning cloth, a bonus smoke-tinted lens and a removable nose guard, which makes it a great value.

OUR THOUGHTS

All of this gear fits well, is one of the most durable on the market, and is stylish, lightweight and boasts great features. With great features, though, come a bigger price tag. You’ll spend a little more money on the Klim gear, but it will outlast most other gear that is available today. If you’re interested in getting a set for yourself, call (208) 552-7433 or go on the web to www.klim.com.