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Review Of Buffalo Grenade 2 Cordura Waterproof Motorcycle Trousers - By Ren Withnell
I purchased these trousers in October this year. My Hein Gericke Jeans had remained waterproof for over a year but had finally given up the ghost, leaving me with the traditional wet crotch after a particular downfall one evening. I purchased them from Slingers in Preston. I was impressed with the relatively cheap price, £60, the loose fit that allowed comfortable sitting on the bike and the 100% waterproof guarantee.
For the first week or so I remained impressed. The quilted thermal insulation was warm enough, they were easy to get on and off and comfortable to ride in. A few showers did not penetrate the waterproofing, I was a happy man. Then one night I was riding home in a serious downpour. I decided to take the long way home, prove to myself these pants would keep me dry even in the worst conditions. The ride went well, I covered 30 miles in torrential rain and still felt warm and dry down below the waist.
This changed when I finally stopped and got off the bike. I could feel the moisture in my crotch, most unpleasant. Motorcycle trousers can be very confusing. My Hein Gericke pants would feel wet when riding, but an inspection of my shorts would reveal no wetness at all. These pants seemed to work in reverse, I felt totally dry whilst riding but as soon as I got off the bike my shorts would reveal a scene the incontinent would be uncomfortably familiar with.
OK, fair enough, perhaps I have got a dodgy pair. So I made the ride back t Preston and Slingers were happy to refund my money or replace them. I still like the trousers in terms of comfort so I decided to try again. Needless to say it did not rain heavily for quite a few weeks. Finally, last week the weather took to filling the reservoirs again, big time. This time the shorts inspection looked like I had been swimming.
Now some folks reading this may think that if I FEEL dry then all is ok, just get changed when I get back after my ride, not a problem. But what if I stop off somewhere, what if I am riding to a job or to stay at the girlfriends? I do not wish to sit in my own dampness for any length of time, then make a damp return journey. This can play havoc with the nether regions, I shall refrain from explaining.
Today Slingers gave me a refund. I cannot complain about Slingers' service, they have done all I can expect them to do. But could I recommend Buffalo to anyone? No, not unless they never ride in the rain.
ALWAYS keep the receipt. You never know if you will need it. And do not be afraid to complain. If something is sold to you as waterproof, then it should be. Not showerproof or splashproof, it should be totally waterproof. Many companies rely on two facts. One is that most motorcyclists do not ride in heavy rain, so showerproof will do. Secondly they know not many folks will bother to return the pants if they leak. Make them keep their promisies!
Reader's Comments
Simon said :-
In twenty odd years of riding in all conditions ( I commute Kent to London, 80 mile round trip, 5 days a week) I dont think I have come across any waterproof pants that are truely waterproof for more than a few weeks from purchase except for my leathers which I generously cover in beeswax once a month. Does mean I have to cover the bike seat with a cloth for the first couple of days after applying but it keeps me dry
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
gary said :-
ha ha ha im haveing same used mine in ice cold bit rain everythink lovly yesterday jezzzzzzzz it pissed down and yes my parts got soaked :( never kept receipt so looks like buy new pair :(
01/01/2000 00:00:00 UTC
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