By Michael Hannas

If it seems a little late for a review on Shift's 2009 Faction pants, jersey, and gloves when the 2010 gear is already coming out, I have a simple explanation.  I just couldn't wear the Shift Faction gear out!


 

Here at 2WheelTimes.com, when we do a gear review, we like to see how much abuse stuff can take and how long it can really last.  When the Shift Faction gear just kept taking ride after ride and wash after wash without any signs of abuse, I decided to see just how long it could hang in there.  I still haven't found out because it is still perfectly wearable after almost a full year of riding.  Of course I have other sets of gear and didn't wear the Faction gear every ride, and made a point not to wear it on super-muddy or rainy trail riding days since I had the white and blue combo and I know from experience the "roost bulls-eye" you become to your riding buddies with white gear on a muddy day, but the Shift gear took over 25 rides and washes without so much as a loose string.

The durability of the Shift Faction pants comes from the premium nylon and polyester construction, combined with full-grain leather inner knee panels on both knees for maximum heat and abrasion resistance.  They are also super easy to move around in while on the bike as a result of Shift's "X-Stretch" 4-way stretch panel in the crotch area and accordion knee panels, as well as the rear flex panel on the back and Lycra insert liner gusset.  The fit is also somewhat customizable with the adjustable ratchet waist closure system and natural cuff on the pants bottom, so they should still fit when your waist and even your ankles, uh, swell up.  I personally was not a fan of the non-elastic natural cuff as it left extra material in my boot with my skinny ankles, but it wasn't a big issue and I did actually like being able to pull the pants up higher for a little extra room in the knee area without the cuff stopping them.  The sizing seemed a little on the baggy side to me, with plenty of room for knee braces, so if you are usually between sizes, go down a size if you like your stuff "old-school" tight.  If you like a little more room, go with your usual size, there is plenty of give in the adjustable waist for you big guys.

As far as the Shift Faction jersey goes, it gains its durability from the multiple polyester and mesh fabric construction, fade resistant sublimated graphics, and surged bottom hem.  The 22-panel construction gives excellent mobility, while the strategically-placed mesh ventilation on the back, side panels, and bottom of the arms keeps you cool at the end of a long moto.  The 5-piece Lycra insert collar and micro arm cuffs give an unrestricted feel, while the drop-tail back keeps your jersey tucked in so you don't look like J-Law.  There is even a little added protection on the elbows.  The sizing on the Faction jersey matches the pants, just a little baggier then average with awesome mobility, and it is long as well so tall guys should have no worries keeping it tucked in.

Now the Shift Faction gloves were in my opinion the weak link as far as durability goes.  They are more of a lightweight moto glove than a hardcore trail riding glove.  While the durability was not as strong as I would have liked, the feel of the Faction gloves was awesome.  I am picky about gloves as far as comfort goes, and the Shift Faction is my new favorite most comfortable glove.
 
I would gladly buy them twice as often as my next favorite because they are that much more comfortable to me.  The pre-curved finger sidewalls and single layer Clarino palm and thumb area with no seams or extra padding on the palm of your hand where you grab the grip offered amazing feel and control, as long as the conditions were dry.  The silicone graphics applied on the middle and pointer fingertips designed to offer additional lever grip in the wet also failed to do their job as they wore off within the first hour of riding in the dry.  However, I wear other gloves on rainy muddy days so I had no issues with the lack of grip in those conditions, except when falling down in a moto and getting my palm and grip all muddy, and at that point it doesn't matter too much what glove you are wearing.  Since I mostly wore the Faction gloves on sunny days, I really appreciated the breathable, flexible top of hand panels and Airprene stretch knuckle panel, which keep your hands cool and help eliminate the swamp hand syndrome.  Fit is average to a little on the tight side with these, and they seem to stretch less than a multiple-panel glove.

While I was unsuccessful in my attempt to wear out the Shift Faction pants, jersey, or gloves, I did succeed in finding a new favorite set of gear.  I have always liked Shift's unique style, durability and comfort; and I am glad the tradition continues.  While the 2010 gear is now out, I'm sure Shift's attention to detail and solid construction will not change.  And besides, now you can get the 2009 stuff on sale.  While retail on the pants, jersey, and gloves was $149.99, $49.99, and $32.95, respectively; now the pants are advertised on sale for $129.99 and the jersey for $39.99 at www.Shiftracing.com.  In this day and age, that is a bargain for the many days of riding pleasure you will have with the Shift Faction gear.

Now if they could just figure out how to make it wash itself...

2WheelTimes Tested Report Card: Shift Faction MX Gear

Fit/Comfort:      A

Style:                  A

Durability:          A

Performance:   A

Value:                A-