Review: Pinkbike.com - 100% R-Core X Pants

100% R-Core X are made from a DWR coated polyester/spandex four-way stretch woven fabric. The most unique feature of these pants is the waist closure/cinch: it utilizes a simple, single BOA system for waist retention duties. There are no other zippers, buttons or Velcro adjusters for the waist; just the BOA dial, which takes care of everything from fastening to security and to literally "dial in" the fit. The interior of the waist band has printed silicone for some extra grip, and there are laser cut holes on the inside of the inseam and behind the knees for ventilation. The R-Core X also have two zippered pockets with a small internal "stabilization pocket" inside the right one to keep a multi tool from bouncing around.

Fit: The four-way stretch fabric that most of this pant is made out of gives it the ability to be cut slim, yet still fit well without any tight spots. While these pants are more fitted around the knee than some of the others in this review, I'd say they have just the right level of "snugness" to accommodate most of the knee pads I would wear (the Ion pads I tested with fit like a champ). This helps keep pads in place without restricting my movement on or off the bike. The BOA system for the waist closure is very quick, is super easy to use, and adjustments can be made one handed; but since the fly is nothing more than gusseted fabric, the fit over the hips as you pull them on can occasion a bit of a struggle. Leg length is good, but the cuffs are quite snug—I could just barely pull them down over the neoprene uppers of my winter shoes. The pockets are generously sized, and will readily swallow up your phone, keys, a tool, etc.

Testing: As described, this pant is intended to be a DH pant for cooler weather and it shows—it's definitely on the warmer side, even with the laser cut venting. Consequently, if you're going for a pedal with some climbing, expect to get a bit toasty in these. Enough so that I'd recommend saving them for shuttle days or rides below 45-degrees F. And while I had some reservations about the BOA closure creating a pressure point under my hip pack buckle, that turned out to be a non-issue. The DWR coating does a fine job of beading off splashes, mud, and light rain; but don't expect too much more from it; at the end of the day it's still just a DWR, not a waterproof layer. 100% has crafted a great pant in my book. These are exactly what I'd grab for cool weather shuttle laps or all day ate/early season play in the park.

Pros

BOA system is quick and easy to get perfect
Lots of colour choices other than all black

Cons

A bit warm for pedal missions
Waist and leg cuffs are snug when putting on/taking off pants

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