We should have seen Scorpion's rise in the industry coming. Initially the company wanted to test the motorcycle market with a line of affordable helmets rivaling those costing hundreds more. As we all know by now, the helmets have become a huge hit-so much so that the company has signed AMA racers Larry Pegram and six-time champion Mat Mladin to wear its stuff this season. Riding this wave of good fortune, Scorpion is now expanding its line to include full-body coverage for both men and women. The Stinger jacket and Deuce pant are two examples of Scorpion's new riding-apparel line.
The Stinger is made from 1.2-1.4mm leather, perforated for airflow during the warm seasons. A full inner liner is also included for near four-season riding. As is to be expected in a riding jacket, CE-approved armor rests in both the shoulder and elbow areas. Five pockets can be found on the Stinger, two on the outside and three inside. The neat thing is that Scorpion thought ahead and made a cutout of the inner liner to access the interior pockets-a feature that is overlooked on some other jackets.
The Deuce pant is currently the only men's riding pant available by Scorpion. It's constructed from 600-denier, ballistic nylon mesh that provides airflow and ventilation. Conversely, a windproof and waterproof liner can be zipped in should you need to block the cold air on a chilly day. CE-approved articulated armor is placed in the knee and hip areas. The Deuce features four zippered pockets-two on the sides and two in the rear-that have decent room for keys or cell phones. Reflective piping lines the sides, and should you have inseam issues, Scorpion even adds three inches of additional material at the ankles for easy hemming.
Immediately we were impressed by the fit and finish of the Stinger and Deuce. If we didn't know better we'd think Scorpion had been in the apparel business for years. The Stinger has a comfortable fit, and the armor rests in a natural position, especially while riding. With the liner removed the fit is a little roomy, but that's to be expected. The YKK zippers are sturdy and smooth. On the road the inner liner does a great job at keeping the elements at bay. And while it wouldn't be our choice on the coldest of winter mornings, it can definitely perform on a typical California winter day. Without the liner the Stinger flows a moderate amount of air, but again, it shouldn't be mistaken for a summer jacket.
The Deuce pant is also a comfortable piece of kit. Though the sizing uses the letter system, the pants fit like a pair of jeans. When in the riding position, the CE armor is flexible and contours to the shape of your knee, another feature we liked for its comfort-though we question its performance in a fall. Like the Stinger jacket, the liner in the Deuce blocks much of the outside air when riding. Remove the liner, however, and you've just opened the floodgates to airflow-it really is a night-and-day difference. Another nifty feature of the Deuce is its zippered sides and Velcro closure system at the cuff, allowing it to be worn over riding boots. This is especially useful in the rain.
Overall, the Stinger jacket and Deuce pant are an impressive combination. Their usability and practicality make them great for everyday riding in almost any weather condition. The Stinger is available in black, blue, red and white in sizes ranging from small to XXL. The Deuce pant is available in any color, as long as it's black, in sizes all the way to 3XLT. Pricing varies from $379.95 to $404.95 for the Stinger, while the Deuce starts at $149.95 and hits its cap at $174.95 for the 3XLT.
Scorpion Sports USA
(888) 672-6774
www.scorpionusa.com