Fly Racing Kinetic Mesh Gear Set
(discontinued)

Vital Rating:
Discontinued
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Tested: Fly Racing Kinetic Mesh Gear Set
Rating:
Vital Review

Review by Michael Lindsay // Photos by Andre Barbosa and Michael Lindsay

Summer in sunny Southern California means a few things to me, like long days, flip flops and the beach. But when it comes to riding, it means one thing above all others. Vented gear is a must-have! For my latest trip down vented lane, I grabbed a set of Fly’s new Kinetic Mesh gear to put to the test. This is the same gear that Trey Canard and Andrew Short have been racing in since temperatures started to rise.

FLY Kinetic Mesh Features:

Three color options: Blue/Navy, Red/Black, Teal/Orange

Jersey:


  • Multi-panel construction - for maximum performance and comfortable fit.
  • Mesh ventilation panels - integrated into the jersey in key areas to help dissipate unwanted heat.
  • Tagless printed collar - for added comfort.
  • Sublimated graphics - allow for the highest quality in powerful detailed graphics.
  • Extended tail - helps keep the jersey tucked into your pants.
  • Comfort-stretch collar.
  • Integrated Mesh-Tech panel design - allows massive airflow to help keep you cool.
  • Shorty cuffs with elastic sleeves - reduces unwanted arm pump.
  • MSRP: $32.95

Pants:


  • Leather heat shield panels with Kevlar® stitching - located on the inside of each leg for durability and heat resistance.
  • Ratcheting Fly closure - allows for adjustability and positive closure for a secure fit.
  • Zipper Lock system - exclusive Zipper Lock system keeps pants closed and secure.
  • Adjustable waist belt - for maximum fit and adjustability.
  • Stretch-rib panels - strategically placed for flexibility where you want it most.
  • Comfort mesh liner - ventilated mesh liner helps keep you comfortable and cool.
  • Customizable leg cuff design - low-profile stretch cuffs with removable elastic band.
  • Internal pocket - located inside the waistband.
  • Sublimated graphics - allow for the highest quality in powerful detailed graphics.
  • Soft-flex protective rubber badging - ventilated for increased airflow, mechanically integrated.
  • Ultra-durable multi-panel mesh and 900D construction - to withstand the rigors of track and trail while providing extra breathability.
  • Ergonomically pre-shaped and fully vented knee - generously contoured to accommodate all types of knee braces and guards while a massive air-intake system cools and protects.
  • MSRP: $109.95

First Impressions:

Lighter and simpler gear is the current trend amongst gear manufacturers. Once I picked up the gear, it was obvious that Fly was onboard the lightweight train as well.

The jersey is made completely from a mesh material, as to be expected of a vented jersey. Once on, the jersey was a bit baggy like most vented jerseys I've tried, but the sleeves were also on the large side. Oddly, one of our jersey’s used an asymmetrical design, with a section of larger holes on the right side of the jersey, running from the sleeves to the torso and down the sides. These larger holes were not found on the left side of the jersey, though. However, one of the other designs from this this line we tested, had the larger holes on both sides.

The pants are quite minimalistic, with all the logos being sublimated into the material. Only the vents, which are located on the front of knees are separate from the material of the pants. Surprisingly, these aren't just for show and actually flow a decent amount of air considering their size. For materials, there are quite a few different types used throughout the pant to ensure you have the needed movement.

On the Track:

Once you’re up and moving is when you reap the rewards of vented gear. The jersey flowed a great amount of air, which left me with no complaints in that department. But the larger sizing came back into play as the sleeves are fairly long. To solve this, I rolled them up a bit so they wouldn't try to slide over my gloves mid-moto. In return, this left me with some bunched up material along my arms.

The pants had me quite impressed from the first few laps. The knee area is what really caught my attention with these pants. In my past experience if too much folding material is used, there is a chance of binding and ripping them with knee braces. But if there are only move-able panels used, there isn't enough room to flex the knees properly. Utilizing a combination of multiple panels and a small bit of accordion-like folding material, the movement with large braces in the Kinetic Mesh pants was excellent!

I’m not usually the person that has trouble with pants staying up during motos, but the thin waist material had me a bit worried. Fly uses a few means to ensure the pants do stay on though; including a ratchet closure, adjustable waist size strap, and the zipper lock. Now the zipper lock may sound like a complete gimmick, but is actually quite useful. This ensures that the zipper doesn’t try to work its way down during a moto, thus expanding the waist size and causing your backside to be displayed to the world.

Long-Term Durability:

In my mind, this has always been Fly’s strong point. I’ve yet to find a set of gear from them that I can ruin. After spending around the last three months in one set, the Kinetic Mesh is no exception. The worst damage I’ve been able to produce is a few stray strings around the backside of one of the knees. This is partially due to my knee getting caught on the radiator shroud a few times.

The Last Word:

As for the fit, the jersey and pants would rank a bit different for me personally. I quite like the pants, as they are possibly the best set on the market that I've recently tested, and I would give them a top rating of five stars. The jersey however didn't win me over solidly as the pants did. Due to the large fit and unusual venting differences, the jersey would get a lower rating from me. As a set though; considering the price point, quality and durability, Fly’s Kinetic Mesh line is still a great purchase.

Vital MX Rating:

Check out FlyRacing.com for more info on the Kinetic Mesh line or Fly's other products.

About the Test Rider:

Michael Lindsay- is a born-and-raised moto freak and gearhead from the heart of motocross in Southern California. First swinging a leg over a bike at the age of five, he immediately caught the racing bug, spending nearly every weekend behind a gate…and a lot of time on the couch while injured. While swinging back and forth between moto and the off-road scene, giving him a wide range of experience on the bike. Of course, all of this led to one thing: Lindsay loves working on his bikes almost as much as he loves talking about them. When he’s not in the Vital MX forum or writing his latest product review, you can find him out at the track taking dirt naps, snapping some pictures, or drooling over the latest parts for his bike. With an outspoken personality, gearhead background, and as Vital MX’s guru for product, Michael is here to share his unbiased opinion.

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Specifications

Product
Fly Racing Kinetic Mesh Gear Set
Type
 
Materials
 
Colors
 
Size
 
Miscellaneous
Jersey: Multi-panel construction - for maximum performance and comfortable fit. Mesh ventilation panels - integrated into the jersey in key areas to help dissipate unwanted heat. Tagless printed collar - for added comfort. Sublimated graphics - allow for the highest quality in powerful detailed graphics. Extended tail - helps keep jersey tucked into pants. Comfort-stretch collar. Integrated Mesh-Tech panel design - allows massive airflow to help keep you cool. Shorty cuffs with elastic sleeves - reduces unwanted arm pump. Pants: Leather heat shield panels with Kevlar® stitching - located on the inside of each leg for durability and heat resistance. Ratcheting Fly closure - allows for adjustability and positive closure for a secure fit. Zipper Lock system - exclusive Zipper Lock system keeps pants closed and secure. Adjustable waist belt - for maximum fit and adjustability. Stretch-rib panels - strategically placed for flexibility where you want it most. Comfort mesh liner - ventilated mesh liner helps keep you comfortable and cool. Customizable leg cuff design - low-profile stretch cuffs with removable elastic band. Internal pocket - located inside the waistband. Sublimated graphics - allow for the highest quality in powerful detailed graphics. Soft-flex protective rubber badging - ventilated for increased airflow, mechanically integrated. Ultra-durable multi-panel mesh and 900D construction - to withstand the rigors of track and trail while providing extra breathability. Ergonomically pre-shaped and fully vented knee - generously contoured to accommodate all types of knee braces and guards while a massive air-intake system cools and protects.
Price
$142.90
More Info

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