Airlite vs Desert Dawgs

[dandantmm]

I just put on my Airlite chaps and really do like them. I had Desert Dawgs on my 02 so I can give a comparison. Quality is good on either brand. The main difference is how they attach to the bike and what they cover. The Desert Dawgs are in two pieces and attach in the middle using quick release clips on straps. The Airlites are one piece and secure with velcro on each side. The Airlites get my vote because they cover the gap between the radiator and the frame. Since they are one piece with a hole just big enough for the radiator they allow no wind through. The two piece Desert Dawgs only go up to the outside of the frame. This leaves a gap for air to get through between the outside edge of the frame and the radiator. In cool weather this is not an issue, but in cold weather that airflow from the gap negates any heat you may get from the engine and will make the inside of your leg cold. So, if you are on the fence trying to decide which one to buy...I highly recommend Airlite.

[refugio]

My vote is for the Airlites too.......Had had them for my 900 and liked them enough to get a set for my Nomad when I got it.,,,,Very good quality chaps.

[Netnorske]

I have the Airlite chap too, very nice being one piece and all. In a long ago thread about these, Blowndodge expressed concern about the lack of airflow through the mesh covering the radiator. After trying to blow through it myself, I concurred and did as BD suggested and cut out the mesh piece using a razor knife.

After riding around a bit, I found that without the mesh piece in the center to keep the chap taught, the force of the wind would kind of push it "out of whack" for lack of a better term.

My solution was to put a couple Velcro strips down the front vertical edge of the radiator and the other pieces on the corresponding edge of the chap itself. Immediately, I found the Velcro would not adhere very well to the chap, so I grabbed my staple gun and stapled the edges of the Velcro piece to the chap over a small 2x6 piece of wood.

I then pulled the staples from the wood and used a small hammer to flatten the staple points. I suppose you could sew this piece on easy enough, but the staples were handy and are barely visible (even less so if I take a black felt pen to them). This worked great and the thing is now solid, taught and lets maximum airflow into the radiator.

An added benefit to the Airlite is the major reduction in helmet buffeting, especially in concert with larger lowers. For that reason alone I plan to leave my chap on year around, hence the need for good airflow to the radiator... ;)

Here are a couple pics of what I did...

[caddman11]

I use Airlites too and like the way they mount, no slack anywhere and quiet at hightway speeds. I only use them in the cold, below 50, but then again at the end of the day for the ride home from work, it might be 70. I've left the mesh in and have never had the fan kick on so I'm assuming then the the lack of air is not an issue.

[johnb]

Just got the Airlite chaps for my Nomad and I really like the way they go on, one piece construction make them real neat. They look good and function great.

[Netnorske]

Originally Posted by caddman11

I use Airlites too and like the way they mount, no slack anywhere and quiet at hightway speeds. I only use them in the cold, below 50, but then again at the end of the day for the ride home from work, it might be 70. I've left the mesh in and have never had the fan kick on so I'm assuming then the the lack of air is not an issue.

Caddmann,
I think the greater concern is when riding in say....85+ temps. That might make your motor sweat...and liquid cooled or not, unobstructed air flow would be good thing...JMHO... :)

[burkazoid]

I've got the airlite as well, and I don't feel the fan kicks on excessively. I've had a lot of guys who rides bikes to work (ultras, road king) say they liked it, and wanted to know where I bought it.

[caddman11]

When it's 85 degrees, I want to do everything I can to get the heat of that motor away from my legs, there is a lot of heat down there; so I remove my chaps. I've heard a lot of guys run chaps for long distance rides to keep the wind from beating their body, and I've even heard of people getting better mileage with chaps on. Maybe the answer is a second set that's a two piece for summer distance riding.

[dogdoc]

My vote is for the Airlites. Well made and Im on my second winter with them. I have no air flow problems like caddman stated. Ive even left them on too long in spring in warmer weather and no over heating. But I normally remove them when spring hits.

[radco]

I have tne Airlite Chaps as well,,VERY WELL made and the Qwner,,(Scott I think his name is ) Is GREAT to Deal with....