Long-term test: Esquad Jacob motorcycle jeans

MNC tested the Jacob motorcycle jeans produced by the French manufacturer Esquad for a year. Reinforced and waterproof, these carefully crafted motorcycle pants are a stylish alternative to bulkier and heavier gear. Trial.

Style and Protection

Among the first to offer reinforced motorcycle jeans in 2003, Esquad distinguished itself in this segment, which has become buoyant thanks to its models reinforced with Amalith, a material that is ultra-resistant to abrasion but quite rough to the touch (see in particular our Essay 2008 E-Stein motorcycle jeans).

The company based in Haute-Vienne (87) has since diversified its range and is now developing two distinct collections: the "Legendary" models reinforced with Armalith and the "Intelligent Concept" jeans, including the Jacob tested for 12 months by MNC.

On the jeans in this "Intelligent Concept" range, abrasion protection is based on a membrane called "Kevcor", which mixes resistant Kevlar and Cordura fibers to preserve the most exposed areas (on the sides, knees and buttocks).

In addition to this alloy described as a "heat shield", the Jacob is equipped with semi-rigid protections placed above the knees and hips.

Well designed and not bulky, these removable reinforcements do not cause any discomfort, neither when riding a motorcycle nor when walking. On the other hand, the knees are not as well wrapped as in "big" motorcycle pants, with the inherent risks in the event of a fall.

In addition, these approved protections would benefit from being able to adjust in height at knee level, for optimum comfort on any type of two-wheeler. A sports motorcycle, for example, requires very different ergonomics from that of a custom or a scooter (legs bent or legs stretched out), hence the needs that are also different in terms of the positioning of the hulls.

Trendy and understated

The trendy cut and the dark blue coloring of the denim cotton makes the Jacob pleasant to wear, even rewarding. Made with care and cut close to the body, these jeans have nothing to envy to certain "traditional" models from major brands. Neither the look nor the rather high-end price: €199!

This "fashion" side is carefully cultivated in the Esquad range, notably through faded models or in vintage colors. On the Jacob, this is reflected among other things in two-tone seams - yellow and brown - both discreet and resistant, a black leather label on the back or even rivets stamped with the "E" of Esquad.

On the other hand, if the small square rivets located on the pockets are indeed "stylish", their sharp angles are not very pleasant in contact with the hands, while the rivet fixed on the small over-pocket on the right - the "gusset pocket " - easily irritates the palm.

On the other hand, a storage space equipped with a closure (by zip or pressure) would have been very practical for slipping small objects into it - ignition key or change - without fear of "swarming" them on the road! Along the same lines, a zippered opening on the lower legs, even of short length, would make it much easier to put on motorcycle boots.

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If the internal lining is rather soft in contact with the skin, the external coating is far from offering the flexibility of classic cotton jeans and is even quite rough to the touch, despite the presence of elastic fabrics of the elastane type. and stretch.

This "stiffness" is explained by one of the very practical characteristics of Jacob jeans: their waterproofness! The outer membrane is in fact covered with waterproof laminated technical materials and receives a water-repellent treatment to prevent water from soaking the fabric.

In use, this "waterproof" barrier proves surprisingly effective, both against showers and wind, even after one year of use during our tests and several machine washes at 30°C. Another reason for satisfaction: if the membrane stops humidity, it does allow air to circulate, thus allowing excellent breathability.

In other words, Jacob jeans remain very pleasant to wear even in hot weather, without causing excessive perspiration. Unlike "classic" rain pants, waterproof but also airtight and therefore not very breathable.

Verdict: a relevant choice

Much more versatile than traditional reinforced motorcycle jeans thanks to their significant waterproofness, the Esquad Jacob is really successful because it looks stylish and functional.

Admittedly, motorcycle pants in leather or "multilayer" textile offer more protection, especially at the knees but also the lower back, quite exposed on the Jacob because of its low-waist cut.

On the other hand, the cut of specific "motorcycle" equipment is less elegant and its bulk is much larger.

In the context of daily "motorcycle-to-work" use, the Jacob motorcycle jeans are certainly more pleasant and discreet to wear, offering a satisfactory level of safety, appreciable comfort and an irreproachable presentation. So many advantages which - added to its impermeability - justify its high price.

Technical sheet of the Esquad Jacob motorcycle jeans

Photo gallery of our MNC test of the Esquad Jacob jeans