MXA TEAM TESTED: THOR MX PULSE AIR GEAR

WHAT IS IT? The 2021 Thor MX Pulse Air gear is Thor’s flagship line of vented gear, and it is unlike many other vented options. The Pulse Air line isn’t breathable because its designers used ultra-thin (and therefore frail) material but because of the exceptionally porous polyester mesh fabric they used. Riders such as Cooper Webb, Marvin Musquin and Dylan Ferrandis can be seen wearing the Thor MX Pulse Air gear. 

WHAT’S IT COST? $39.95 (jersey), $119.95 (pants).

CONTACT? www.thormx.com or your local dealer. 

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Thor MX Pulse Air gear.

(1) Jersey. The Thor MX Pulse Air jersey is constructed from a polyester-mesh main fabric that allows maximum airflow throughout the entire jersey. The fabric is also moisture-wicking to help you stay dry. The jersey features a four-way-stretch collar and cuffs, and the sleeves are tailored to fit snugly around the arms without excess material. 

(2) Pants. The Thor MX Pulse Air pants are designed to offer mobility, durability and breathability. The main fabric is similar to that of the jersey with a knit polyester mesh. The pants are pre-curved to fit naturally, and in-motion flex sections are used around the main vented panels to keep the pants moving with ease. The pant has a dual-side cinching sans-a-belt system to customize the fit, and the front closure uses a zipper and button. 

(3) Ventilation. All gear companies talk about ventilation, but not all have a dedicated line for it. Thor MX Pulse Air gear is the breathable brother of the Thor MX Pulse line, and the difference between the two is significant. The non-vented Thor MX pulse gear is durable, but the pants are not as flexible. The vented Pulse Air gear’s chassis is made of polyester mesh that is woven in a wide spread pattern that produces visibly large pores throughout the jersey and pants. Plus, both colorways of the Pulse Air gear feature a significant amount of white material without large sections of the black. Believe it or not, white gear is much cooler than black gear on a hot summer day. 

(4) Fit. In the range from spandex riding pants to ultra-baggy gear, the Thor MX Pulse Air pants have a relaxed but tailored fit. The pants are not skintight like some “athletic fit” gear, but they aren’t flowing with excess material, either. They’re very comfortable around the legs. The sizing on the Pulse Air pants felt slightly larger than usual, but we didn’t mind. The dual-side cinch adjustment straps help offer a snug fit for guys who are on the bigger or smaller side of the chosen size. The Air jersey has a relaxed and comfortable fit, and it’s true to size. The jersey also has slightly shorter sleeves than normal, and we liked them.

(5) Durability. The only areas on this gear that aren’t vented are the side panels on the pants, the leather knee panels and the nylon saddle. The polyester mesh material in the jersey held up well. The knee area of the pants always receives the most abuse, and the Pulse Air gear sacrificed durability for breathability in this region. Our knee braces tore holes in the back of the knees, and the material at the front of the knees was frayed from roost. On the plus side, the large vent holes and strong material resisted dirt stains easily, which was a pleasant surprise for white gear. 

(6) Options. The Thor MX Pulse Air gear is available in two different colorways—white/red and white/navy. The jersey sizes range from small to triple-extra large, and the pant sizes range from 28- to 44-inch waists. 

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? We don’t like using a button to close up the waistband.

MXA RATING: The Pulse Air gear isn’t trying to walk the line by appealing to cold-weather and warm-weather riders at the same time. Thor Pulse Air gear is an all-or-nothing vented line, and, in our book, it can compete with Moose Racing’s Sahara gear for the “Best in Ventilation” title.