MXA TEAM TESTED: FLY RACING 2023 KINETIC MESH GEAR

WHAT IS IT? Fly Racing’s 2023 Kinetic Mesh line is high-quality gear at a friendly price point. It costs the same as the popular Fly Kinetic line with much more airflow. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $39.95 (jersey), $129.95 (pants). 

CONTACT? www.flyracing.com or (208) 319-3079.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Fly Racing Kinetic Mesh gear.

(1) Jersey. The Fly Racing Kinetic Mesh jersey is made of 100-percent polyester dual-mesh material, and it has a multi-panel construction with a standard fit. The dual-stage mesh promotes airflow while preventing the roost from penetrating the jersey. With a tagless collar and a 1-1/2-inch-longer tail, the jersey is comfortable to wear and stays tucked in easily. 

(2) Pants. The Kinetic Mesh pants have multi-directional rip-stop panels down the side of the legs and at the knees to stretch with the rider and promote flexibility. The chassis is built with durable panels of 900-denier fabric, and there are two soft-flex rubber badges on each knee that move naturally with your legs and have large vents for airflow. The pants also have pre-shaped knees and a full-floating seat that moves with your body. Additionally, the leather heat-shield panels on the inner knees have DuPont Kevlar stitching to prevent tearing. 

(3) Fit. Fly Racing’s Evolution and Lite gear both have an athletic fit that is fashionable for riders who are in shape but not flattering for bigger riders. The Fly Kinetic and vented Kinetic Mesh lines both come in a standard fit that’s more relaxed and not skintight. Our Pro test riders prefer the slim-fit gear, while our Vet test riders prefer the standard fit. The ratchet-type front closure on the Kinetic Mesh pants doesn’t help tighten the waistband all that much, but the sans-a-belt Velcro straps help customize the fit by allowing 2 inches of adjustability. Additionally, the Velcro zipper-lock strap keeps the zipper from falling down. 

(4) Performance. “It feels like my gear has air conditioning when I’m riding,” said a young test rider the first time he wore the Kinetic Mesh gear. In the pits, you’ll notice the Fly Racing Kinetic Mesh gear is lightweight and breathable, but you’ll really notice the benefits once in motion. The perspiration built up under your jersey from sitting still in the sun will cool you down with the breeze that floats through the gear. 

Across the board, no matter how big or small, our testers didn’t have issues with mobility. We could lift our leg high without restrictions whenever throwing it over a bike or diving into ruts. The Fly Racing Kinetic Mesh jersey is serious about keeping you cool. It has great ventilation throughout.

(5) Durability. The MXA wrecking crew put the Kinetic Mesh gear through the traditional gear-testing protocols, and it held up well. The leather inner knee panels are positioned perfectly so that the leather connects with the bike rather than the more breathable but less durable polyester. The jersey held up better than most other vented jerseys when roosted, and the dual-stage vents made it harder for dirt to get through the jersey. Our two complaints were about the pants: the multi-stretch knee panels developed holes after heavy use, and some of the pants’ seams were frayed after a few long days at the races. 

(6) Price. The breathability and function of the Kinetic Mesh gear are top-of-the-line, but the price comes in below most competing brands. Only the Thor MX Pulse Air gear matches the jersey price and beats the Kinetic Mesh pants by retailing for $10.00 less. 

(7) Options. The Fly Racing Kinetic Mesh gear comes in four different colors. The jersey is available in sizes small to double-extra large, and the pants come in 28- to 40-inch waistbands.

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? The knees frayed and the pants looked worn out after four hours of hard riding and racing; however, if you get roosted less, they’ll last longer. 

MXA RATING: The Fly Racing Kinetic Mesh gear is exceptionally well ventilated, and it fits all shapes and sizes. It is perfect for warm-weather riding.