I reviewed an earlier version of the Bilt Iron Workers Kevlar motorcycle pants way back in 2013. The older version received a 4-star rating, but these pants have been improved over the years.
The new Iron Workers Kevlar pants are available in several colors, I purchased the khaki version. They were more brown than khaki but acceptable. I read that the sizing was running a little small, so I bought one size up from my normal and it worked out well, a good fit.
They look more like casual office pants than any of the other motorcycling pants I currently own. With the knee pads removed it would be even more difficult to discern they are motorcycle-based clothing.
Speaking of knee pads, the Bilt Iron Workers Kevlar pants have an external zipper that allows for “easier” access. I placed “easier” in quotes as it can still be a bit of a struggle to get them in and out, but it is much better than turning the pants inside out to access the armor pockets. This is a plus over many other pants I own.
While the Bilt pants come with armor for the knee they do not come with hip armor, luckily, I have several extra pairs. Unlike the knee armor the hip armor is not as easy to insert or remove. The pocket openings face the outside pant leg, and it can be a bit of a struggle to put the armor in place. Once the hip armor is installed, they are comfortable and snug. This is about the same as other pants I own.
After riding in these pants for a few thousand miles, I have to say I like them quite a bit. While heavy they are not too hot in the heat, and they have some decent wind breaker qualities that help in the cool weather.
The cargo pockets are secured with heavy-duty Velcro and, wow, it is some really heavy-duty Velcro. It can be a bit of an effort to pull the pocket open. You will not need to worry about the cargo pockets coming open during your ride! The regular pockets are just regular pockets. This is a plus over other pants I own.
The only downside and it does not impact my rating is the hip armor pockets, they could be better with a pocket opening facing the inside of the pant with a Velcro closure. Some people might complain of the limited use of the Kevlar lining but there is a price point consideration.
For their price these are very good motorcycling pants.
The concept is intriguing enough to me that I sent them a couple Twitter messages asking questions about their products.
I JUST WANT 2 RIDE!! 