Reise x Spidi Diablo Pants Long Term Review - 2 Month Report

I have been using the Reise x Spidi Diablo pants for the past two months, and during this time I had a chance to use the pants in various different circumstances, from weekend rides through the ghats to offroad riding. Now, after extensive use, here’s what I think about the pants and what they have to offer.

Protection

The Reise x Spidi Diablo pants offer really good protection, it is built using abrasion-resistant 600D polyester fabric on vulnerable areas like the knee and the buttocks. It also features CE-certified Warrior Tech level 1 hip protectors and CE-certified Warrior Tech level 2 knee protectors inside. 

On paper the protection is quite good, and during my rides the pants did inspire confidence. The lightweight nature of the protectors makes the pants feel quite light. The thin construction of the hip protectors is another thing that I appreciate, it feels quite comfortable and is easy to remove when washing the pants.

Comfort And Ventilation

The fit and how well the protectors stay in place are things which I really love about these pants. As someone who is 5’7 and 63kg, the pants fit me quite well, offering good range of motion. Walking with them and even sitting down are not uncomfortable experiences. The protectors also stay in place quite well, and during my rides I didn’t have to worry about constantly adjusting them. 

Not being able to walk properly and having to worry about constantly adjusting the protectors was something I struggled with while using knee guards. With the pants that issue has been sorted.

When I was using the pants for this review, it was peak summer. But this didn’t cause any issues as the ventilation levels of the pants were quite good. The mesh construction at the thighs helped in keeping me cool to a great extent, but I found the mesh construction at the shins not that helpful when riding with boots. While wearing riding shoes, it does help.

Now, there is one thing I must say about these pants. Unlike many others in the market, you cannot wear the Diablo pants without using base layers, as the mesh construction makes your legs feel too exposed.

Practicality

The Diablo pants only have one pocket on the side, and this leaves you with limited options for storing items like keys, photos and wallets. I personally use a waist bag while I am out riding wearing these pants, so it becomes easier to store things properly. 

The lack of pockets is not a major letdown for me, but other riders may find it to be a bit annoying. If you are planning on getting these pants, I would recommend getting a waist bag as well. Another issue here is that the pants don’t have a zip connector to join with your jacket. This is a big let down at this price range, and Reise could have included this.

Washing & Maintenance 

Washing the pants is not as simple as putting it in the washing machine after removing all the protectors. Washing it in a machine can damage the fabric, so it is best to do it in a bucket by yourself. This is a bit time consuming but is worth it, if you want to ensure longevity.

For the best wash, what I’ve noticed is that washing the pants with unscented detergent or baby shampoo works best. I usually wash the pants in a bucket of water, after removing the protectors and later rinsing it with cool water. Drying is best done indoors, preferably under the fan. 

Verdict

The Reise x Spidi Diablo pants are quite versatile, and manages to combine protection with good comfort and ventilation. The only issue I have noticed is the lack of pockets, which takes away from the overall practicality. The lack of a jacket connector is another issue, which is bit of a letdown at this price range. 

But overall, the pants have held up pretty well during these two months, and have served me well through many different scenarios. If you’re someone who is looking for a pair of simple riding pants that offer good protection and comfort, then the Diablo is an option worth considering. At Rs 7,999 it is a decent deal, and makes up for the lack of practical features with the good build quality and comfort.