PRODUCT REVIEWSScorpion Birmingham
by Dan DiMaioWith the scrambler market on the move, companies are
jumping on the band wagon with classic, retro-styled gear
to fit the look. Scorpion is no exception; a few years ago they
brought to market their spin on the traditional-styled waxed-
cotton riding gear, with the Birmingham jacket and pant.
The problem with the old-style waxed cotton was that it
didn’t offer much on the protective side of things. Scorpion
kicked it up a notch by creating their own 53% cotton/47%
nylon EXO wax-coated outer material (waxed cotton) fabric
that is made stronger by weaving in nylon for additional
abrasion resistance.
Waterproofing comes from a laminated/breathable
membrane. A total of seven pockets with four external, two
large inner, and one large rear pass-through pocket provide
plenty of stash places. YKK zippers and snaps are used for
carefree zipping and snapping.
To keep you protected in the event of a spill, Scorpion
added SAS-TEC CE-certified armor in the elbows and
shoulders. The back pad is PE foam and can easily be
upgraded to Level 2 armor. Elbows and shoulders use
heavy-duty reinforcements for added protection.
Overall, the jacket and pants have a traditional fit. Be
warned that it takes a bit for the jacket to break in and feel
more natural. The collar is extra stiff and takes a bit longer
to break in, too.
The pants fit like your favorite pair of Levi’s and use a 23%
cotton/77% nylon EXO wax-coated outer material that’s
100% waterproof with heavy-duty reinforcements at the
knees, shins and seat, and SAS-TEC CE armor at knees and
hips for added protection. Pant storage isn’t an issue, with a
total of six external pockets.
All in all, I’ve been pleased with the Birmingham jacket
and pant combo. I would like to see Scorpion use a less
stiff collar material for more comfort. And the pants don’t
incorporate a zipper on the leg for the ease of getting
them over the boot. This could be challenging, depending
on the boot. MSRP: Jacket—$299.95−$314.95 | Pants—
$179.95−$194.95 ScorpionUSA.comPROS
Affordable pricing for high tech gear
Classic look
Three-season readyCONS
Stiff collar
No pant leg zipper26 July/August 2019