Track Tested | O'Neal Hardwear Gear
Hardwear is O’Neal’s top-of-the-line line of motocross apparel, and it is built to last!
Track Tested | O’Neal Hardwear Gear
Price: $54.99 (jersey); $174.99 (pant)
O’Neal motocross gear has a fine reputation as being some of the longest-lasting a best-wearing in the sport, and for good reason: its Hardwear line of apparel is practically bulletproof! In a sense this is bad for a brand, as sales likely aren’t as good as they could be simply because the stuff never wears out and it can be several riding seasons before a rider needs a replacement set! For 2019, though, O’Neal gives its loyal fans good reason to buy the new Hardwear Rizer gear: it looks badass, boasts a slimmer, more athletic cut, and one pair of pants is designed to match two different jerseys, which makes it both affordable and possible to look like you have two totally different gear sets in your bag on raceday.
In the past, we’ve felt that the Hardwear line of apparel was cut too generously for our tastes, and have always preferred the mid-level Mayhem Lite line. For 2019, though, designers slimmed up the cut of both the jersey and pants and they now have a more athletic fit. Not to worry if you’re a big guy…Dommer still looks great in his Hardwear stuff after pounding a donut or four.
The Hardwear jersey is made of four-way stretch material, has extra-soft cuff and collar stretch materials, and a silicone printing on the tail to keep it tucked in. Sublimated graphics resist fading, wash after wash. The Hardwear pant, meanwhile, is super comfortable thanks to generous stretch panels strategically placed in all the right places. The most distinguishing feature of the pant is the built-in belt, which absolutely, positively, will not come undone while riding. Many top level pros have trouble with their pants popping open when seat-bouncing in other brands of pants…not the Hardwear. Just ask Dean Wilson…no zip ties as a precautionary measure in the #15 camp. The leather burn panels in the knee areas are generous in size and the leather stays soft and supple for maximum grip against the bike, even after a dozen washes.
As a whole, the 2019 Hardwear gear has taken a giant leap forward. Better looking, better fitting, and as durable as ever…it’s a winning set.
