ATVPT

All Terrain Vehicle Product Tests ATV Technical Magazine

        

2008 Shift Dual Sport Riding Gear

I have been using Shift Riding Gear here for several years now with very good results. I approached Shift to see if we could put a 2008 set of gear together that we could use as "Dual Sport Riding Gear".

With this in mind we would require a set of gear that would suit the needs of ATV, Motorcycle riding(on & off road), UTV, and any other type of riding we would encounter that would require protective clothing.

This gear would not only have to cover the warm weather riding, but wet and cold weather as well. So Brian Horton with Shift, a very seasoned MC rider who has rode on both continents in the same riding conditions, came up with a great choice of riding gear to meet our demanding Michigan Climate.

Featured below is the Shift Flak OffRoad Jacket for upper body protection, and the Shift Woody Pants for the lower body protection from the elements. For hand protection we are using the Shift Torrent SS Waterproof Glove for wind and rain protection, and the Shift Chill Glove for cold weather riding.



SHIFT Flak Offroad Jacket   
#10018


Product Facts:
  1. Durable 100% polyester and nylon construction.
  2. Pre-curved sleeves for superior comfort in the riding position.
  3. Ballistic reinforcements on the shoulders and elbows for abrasion resistance.
  4. Removable zippered sleeves convert jacket into vest.
  5. Large front cargo pockets and rear cargo pocket with organizer hold all the essentials.
  6. Rear pocket to hold sleeves while riding.
  7. CE approved, removable elbow protection.
  8. Adjustable zippered vents on front and additional vents on back and sleeves to keep you cool.
  9. Front drink port for use with hydration pack.
  10. Lightweight and breathable polyester mesh liner.
SHIFT Woody Pant   
#04040





Product Facts:
  1. 100% waterproof internal liner with waterproof zippers throughout.
  2. Heavy-duty polyester construction provides excellent durability.
  3. Unique internal double waist adjustment for a personalized fit.
  4. Full-grain leather inner-knee panels provide maximum heat and abrasion resistance.
  5. Two large cargo pockets to hold all the essentials.
  6. Reflective piping for added visibility.
  7. Internal lower leg gaiter helps keep water and dirt out.

SHIFT Torrent SS Waterproof Glove
#70100




Product Facts:
  1. Long gauntlet-style waterproof/windproof glove.
  2. Hipora waterproof breathable insert.
  3. Windproof nylon outer-shell.
  4. Goatskin leather palm with Chamude reinforcements.
  5. Integrated microfleece wrist cuff for added comfort.
  6. Pre-curved finger inserts and palm patter for a comfortable fit.
  7. Reflective piping for added visibility.
  8. Leather cinch strap with elastic wrist gather to keep water/wind out.


SHIFT Chill Glove
#03109




Product Facts:
  1. 3M Thinsulate® insulation with Hipora ® waterproof lining for the ultimate protection in cold weather riding.
  2. Water resistant neoprene and spandura construction throughout.
  3. Single-layer Rima® palm for added feel and durability.
  4. Fleece wrist cuff for added comfort and water resistance.
  5. Pre-curved finger sidewalls provide a superior grip.
  6. Silicone fingertips for increased lever control in wet weather.

My Impressions:

Pros:
Great ability to layer for different climate conditions, and adjust vents for different types of cool or hot weather rides.
 
Waterproof liner in the pants work excellent.
 
Gloves provide adequate warmth for any cool to cold weather riding.
 
Gauntlet gloves provide a waterproof dry ride.

Cons:
None. This line of apparel is definitely at the upper end of Shift's 2008 line.

Bottom Line:
This line of Shift Apparel for 2008 is most definitely a winner here at ATVPT.com. I immediately noticed how well it fit when I first tried it on. This is my biggest pet peeve, the gear must fit and be comfortable.
 
The jacket fit perfect, especially around the neck area. I like the way you can remove the sleeves for warm weather riding or button everything up and ride in cooler weather too. There is an abundance of useable pockets, and trick openings that can be used for an mp3 player or water supply.
 
The pants provide great protection from the elements including being waterproof. I have been using them for snowmobiling this winter with great results. Having the waterproof liner makes them great in the snow. I have woollies that I wear under them, and I am plenty warm.
 
The gloves work excellent, and do their job. The gauntlets provide nice coverage for you sleeves to prevent wind from entering. I like the fact that they don't let water through either. Dry, warm hands make your ride that much better.
 
I wear the chill gloves constantly while riding the ATV's or snowmobiles. Bare in mind the snowmobiles that I drive have heated grips. The comport that these gloves provide you make a long day on the trail nice. one thing I hate is having hand fatigue while riding. It takes the fun out of riding if you have cramped hands or are cold too.
 
The bottom line is this years apparel line from Shift will most definitely put a smile on your face with not only their great looks, but unsurpassed comfort & function as well. I have looked forward to wearing this gear in a lot of different temperatures, both cold and warm here this year and last. I really like the fact that I can use this new line of apparel for not only warm weather riding, but I can use it for cold weather too. This gear has already served dual duty as ATV Riding gear, Motorcycle Riding gear, but also Snowmobile Riding gear (with extra warm gear worn underneath) too.
 
I highly recommend taking a look at what Shift has to offer for 2008 if you are thinking of upgrading your riding apparel.

Contact Info:
 
Web Site:
 
Corporate Address:
SHIFT
18400 Sutter Blvd.
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
USA
 
Phone & Fax:
Phone: 1.888.744.3848
Fax: 1-408-776-8610
Customer Service: 1.888.826.5143
 
E-mail: