CMA HeartBeat March 2023 | Page 11

GEAR REVIEW

GEAR REVIEW

By SHAWNA Hall
LEATHER LEGS HALF CHAPS have been asked so many times where I got my

I half chaps . I decided to write a gear review to share the information . Many of you know that Brad and I live in south Alabama . It is very hot in the summer and even hot in the fall and spring . I am trying to be better about wearing protective clothing while I ride , but often that can be overbearing due to the heat . Half chaps are a great option to provide some protection from the elements ( bugs , rocks , road debris , and limited knee protection ) without the bulkiness and heat of full chaps .

Brad had recently bought a set of soft black leather half chaps at Daytona Beach Motorcycle Rally . His can be wadded up in a ball and cover the lower leg more like a hiking gator would . I noticed that it also helped keep his pants clean of all the bugs that get on you as you ride long miles . I decided to investigate getting a pair myself . At the Thunder Beach Motorcycle Rally in Panama City Beach , Florida , I came across the Leather Leg booth . Leather Leg half chaps are stiffer and come up over the knee . I really liked the look of these . I tried on a pair at the booth to figure out what size I would wear . I talked with the owner , Lisa , who was very helpful . She informed me that she could custom design them however you would like with different color leather , different conchos , tassels , etc . I got on the website and looked
Brad and Shawna Hall oversee the Southeast Region as National Evangelist .
around at the options available . I decided that custom was the way to go for me . I looked through the options and didn ’ t see exactly the style I wanted . I inquired about leopard leather , and she sent me pictures of what she had available . We worked together via text and photos of different options until she presented me with what I was dreaming up . A couple of weeks later , I received them in the mail .
Leather Leg chaps were more expensive than the $ 75.00 that Brad spent on his pair , but well worth the money . They range from $ 115.00 - $ 200.00 plus , depending on what you add to them . I like that they are handmade in the United States , you get personal advice from the lady making them , they are stiffer and offer more protection than the soft leather ones , they are customizable , and they look better as they age ! Here is a little backstory on Leather Legs straight from their site ( www . leatherlegs . com ): “ A little History ~ Originally designed in 1988 , to increase comfort on a motorcycle , today we sell them to bikers , cowboys , cowgirls , hunters , hikers , oilfield workers and to anyone who needs lower leg protection . Leather Legs has proven to be an all-weather , all temperature , ideal alternative to hot and bulky chaps ! With a tapered fit and unique design , Leather Legs are made one at a time , in the U . S . A . from handselected leather and feature tough stitching and a strong , smooth operating zipper ' s in the back . Since leather breathes well , Leather Legs are unlined to insure maximum comfort . Just zip ' em on and go . As they break in , they settle down over the top of your boots and are frequently mistaken for extra tall boots . The difference being , you have leather protection over the knee .”
Whether you go with Leather Legs or get a pair from a booth at a rally , I highly suggest getting a pair of half chaps . The added protection and other benefits they offer are well worth any price you spend on them !! Safe and happy riding !
CMA
11⎪MARCH 2023⎪www . cmausa . org