Products 2 Oct 2014

Reviewed: 2015 Shift Faction Gear Set

MotoOnline.com.au reviews Shift's 2015 Faction racewear.

Shift’s Faction Gear Set represents their high-end offering of motocross gear and features the latest technology for 2015.

The Faction jersey features technical, moisture-wicking polyester and mesh fabrics throughout. A full mesh back panel offers maximum ventilation and the articulated, multi panel construction provides unrestricted movement at all times.

A technical collar design collar design, paired with functional lightweight wrist cuffs also offers unrestricted movement and optimum comfort.

The Faction pant, constructed from durable 900D main body material, uses an aggressively articulated design. Multiple stretch zones, including a hidden rear flex panel, provide ease of movement in all directions.

Featuring dual layer, full grain leather inner knee panels, the Faction pant is built to last. Knee panel flex zones also provide increased flexibility along with the natural, contoured lower leg cuff.

The Shift Faction glove features a single layer padded clarino palm and thumb reinforcement. Lightweight, breathable and flexible materials are located on the top of the hand and pre-curved, articulated finger sidewalls provide superior comfort and grip.

Positives:
Firstly, we can’t talk about the 2015 Shift Faction camo gear without commenting on the looks – it’s just plain rad. Since Shift brought the camo look back into fashion for 2013 with a modern version of the old school Jeff Emig era gear, it’s been a massive hit.

For 2015, Shift decided to do something slightly out of the ordinary mixing their signature camo styling with bright and bold red colour blocking. The verdict? We think it’s awesome!

Aside from great looks, the Shift Faction racewear packs a tonne of features and performs quite well out on the track. The jersey is super lightweight and features plenty of ventilation. Having worn this gear in some of the warm weather of late, that ventilation definitely works!

The fit of the jersey is right on point, not too baggy, not too tight. The collar and cuff designs have been well thought out and offer a comfortable fit that’s just right.

The Faction pant is once again right on the money in the fitment department, big fan of the fit of these pants. The waist sizing is perfect and the amount of room allocated for knee braces is right there.

The best thing about the Faction pant is the amount of flex zones and overall comfort it provides. Featuring large flex zones on the crotch, knee area and a hidden pocket of flex to the rear of the pant, not once did I find myself searching for extra movement.

Adding to the amount of flexibility and comfort is the minimal TPR logos used. Shift has put together a combination of both sublimation and TPR logos to brand the thigh area of the pant. Let’s be honest, nobody enjoys the feeling of huge bulky logos on your thigh.

Image: Jeff Crow.

Image: Jeff Crow.

Shift also went to the trouble of creating air vents on the knee area of the pant. These vents not only contribute to keeping you cool on those warm Summer days, but they also look great!

Capping off the 2015 Shift Faction racewear is the Faction glove. The glove was designed using the same camo colours as the gear to provide that perfect matching set. I’ve always been a minimalist when it comes to gloves, single layer palm, minimal knuckle padding – can’t go wrong.

Thankfully Shift have done just that and created a great glove. The fitment is great and the overall performance of the glove ticks all the boxes for me. No palm bunching, no weird blisters in unexpected areas and I looked cool wearing them – that’s all you need, right?

Negatives:
I really can’t pick much bad about the 2015 Shift Faction racewear. My only gripe, which is something I have with 95 percent of gear on the market, is that the lycra liner on the pant hooks around my knee braces when removing them.

Verdict:
The 2015 Shift Faction racewear and glove combination is by far one of my favourite setups I’ve worn to date. It performs really well on the track, is built with high quality materials and looks absolutely badass. Shift’s design team needs a pat on the back, these guys are killing it in the style game.

At a recommended retail price of $69.95 for the jersey, $219.95 for the pant and $44.95 for the glove, be sure to head to your local Shift MX dealer today and check it out for yourself or head to www.monzaimports.com.au for more information and stockist listings.

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