Joe Rocket Phoenix Ion Pants

Below is a chart provided by Joe Rocket for these pants. I’ve checked a selection of pants across the size range, and happily can report the pants measure out just about right for both waist and inseam.

There is a range listed for waist because there are two adjustment straps on the side of the waist that allows you to snug these pants down below the max waist size list (but they don’t adjust bigger than the range).

You can wear these pants over underwear, or shorts or other pants even. I’d recommend you measure yourself just below the navel and buy these pants accordingly. Motorcycle pants like this ride a little higher on your body than some jeans, so it is best to measure, particularly if you have a bit of a belly.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

Overall, I really like the design of these new Phoenix Ion pants. Like previous designs, they hit the main points… a pair of pants that will flow a LOT of air for summer use that can be worn as pants, or overpants, and with some good armor for the knees and hips. Bingo!

The overall quality of the pants is great and the looks are sharp, and there is a light color for those in seriously hot climates who are averse to wearing all black. Being almost fully mesh, they’ll be the “go to” design for summer use.

These pants come with side zippers to allow the use of these pants as “overpants”. This is a feature found on MANY riding pants to make them useful for touring riders and commuters who want to wear street clothes under them. The leg zippers are on the inside of the leg. On the positive side, it is easier to reach on the inside than the outside. You can sit, put a foot up on a knee and presto! They’re unzipped. One possible downside to the inside location of the zipper is that the zipper being on the inside could possibly mar painted surfaces on the bike. Granted, there is a robust fabric cover over the zipper, but it can easily fold back. And thankfully the zipper is plastic and not metal, so the whole issue isn’t a deal killer, but it is a concern for those who are paint job anal retentive.

Sizing was spot on when I checked it and the side waist adjusters work as advertised. With that kind of adjustment you can wear these pants over underwear, over shorts or even pants. Also, there is a small Velcro adjuster on the pant leg end so you can tailor the pant to a good size for your boots or shoes. Also, the armor pocket in the knee has Velcro strips so you can “trap” the armor in the elongated pocket at different heights to suit your inseam.

Overall, I like these pants a lot… the styling, the color choices and the overall quality. Joe Rocket’s mesh pants have always been a staple for summer riding and they are stylish and affordable. :: Paul, 04-24-15