Ride Tested | Gen 2 MSR Xplorer Suit, Xpedition ADV Helmet & Surge Heated Gloves

[@BigRockMoto]

➕I review gear from any and all brands out there, and my 2024 comprehensive gear guide is coming soon (it's a ton of work to put together - I tested over $15,000 worth of riding gear to find out what is best)➕ DISCLAIMER: USING THESE LINKS MAY GENERATE A COMMISSION THAT I RE-INVEST BACK INTO CONTENT: ⚡MSR Xplorer Jacket: bit.ly/3SjxHwk ⚡MSR Xplorer Pant: bit.ly/3Iraq6S ⚡MSR Xpedition Helmet: tinyurl.com/4a3rw2p4 ⚡MSR Surge Heated Gloves: tinyurl.com/vsvd4tvz ⚡Reload Heated Gloves: tinyurl.com/43vjejz4 ⚡MSR Base Layers: bit.ly/3K3bQ8s ⚡MSR Mid-Layers: bit.ly/3Ikkyi1 ⚡MSR Cold Weather Gloves (non heated): bit.ly/3IDXufg ➕SUPPORT➕ [I may receive commissions which are invested back into the channel] ⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia ⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz ⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto ⚡ Pacific Powersports (Motoz Tires, Barkbusters): pacificpowersports.com/ USE CODE BRM2024 ⚡ 3D Cycle Parts: www.3dcycleparts.com/?aff=3 ⚡ Taco Moto : tacomoto.co/?ref=fi6gv640 ⚡ Cyclops Adventure Sports: tinyurl.com/2kaknpfn ⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A ⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/

[@triguywon9938]

I have the Xplorer Gen 1 and live along the CA coast with a Mediterranean climate. I have one season of riding mainly coastal and fire roads, in winter and summer, the jacket and pants are fantastic. Waterproof is excellent and tested during the recent hurricane rains. The venting is fantastic for 90 degree weather as long as you keep above 30 mph.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for sharing!

[@GregLanz]

Thanks Ian, I have Reynaud's which makes my hands go to freezing at even moderate temperatures so these gloves are very interesting. I paid about $400 for my Outdoor Research heated gloves which work great but do not have the protection and cost $400 Canadian almost 10 years ago. It's also great to know that the MSR gear has been updated. I've been checking them out for a while now, it looks like it's finally time to pull the trigger

[@dscc]

I also have Reynaud's and do the same...wear heated gloves even in temps where I see some riders barehanded. I've got an old pair of Gerbing gloves that still work well, but these do look like a good option.

[@FluxExplorer]

It’s just a shame all the work that went into that gear but there isn’t a CE rating. Nice to know that they made some good updates. Unfortunately, they kept pushing the stock date back so long that I ended up with an Alpinestars jacket instead.

[@kevinpakravan2947]

Without ECE safety rating the helmet doesn’t prove any level of safety… I know that ECE testing is expensive but without it I have no context for its crash performance (DOT means nothing).

[@lukefish7562]

Agreed. That’s why you’ll find me sporting my Arai XD4. Hell I guess my Fly racing and Bell are ECE too. But if not mistaken Arai only one of mine that has the elusive, independent Snell certification.

[@VizziMoto]

@@lukefish7562Arai XD5 should be in the states by May or possibly sooner!

[@lukefish7562]

@@VizziMoto whhhhhatttttttt! 😁 Well now, I wasn’t aware. Thanks for the heads up. Enjoy that red dirt! 🏍️💨

[@VizziMoto]

@@lukefish7562 I am stoked for it. There is only one video up on it by Kimpex Inc, I would link it, but KZbin doesn’t usually like that.

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

Agreed. DOT is meaningless. I'd rather order an ECE 22.06 helmet from Europe that isn't DOT certified and use it here "illegally" than get a DOT only helmet that hasn't passed ECE testing. DOT would pass a paper hat.

[@John-zr4vz]

Just ordered MSR Xployer jacket & pants. After hearing the updates. Great info... Thanks John

[@erichagen8053]

Thanks Ian. Have you thought about doing an armor review for dual sport/adv riding in the summer months? I'm sure you have.

[@yinyangthang]

The KLIM Baja jacket and pants incorporate SuperFabric panels.

[@4940markhutchins]

Thanks for the thorough review. The CE ratings may not be perfect, but it’s the only standard that gets you past these guys’ marketing hype. AA or better rating for abrasion and level 2 for impact are the only levels I’ll consider. My Alpinestars touring jacket meets that.

[@orangelion03]

Ordered, received, and tested the MSR mid layer, and couldnt be happier! Fit is really good and the material is super stretchy. I bought a large (typically wear XLs in my base and mid-layers) and it's nice trim fit, but it stretches comfortably over my Moose Racing XCR armored shirt. As noted in some reviews, the arms are a tad long but I dont find it a significant issue.

[@BigRockMoto]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@AdvTechMoto]

Agree they need a pinlock option. I'm about to test a universal antifog. Just did a video on the cardo install on the helmet, seems to fit well. Great video as always!

[@theeschatechannel2854]

Great video as usual. Adventure spec has some nice stuff too.

[@LeisureTimeLarry]

Ian, nice work as always. Would you kindly consider adding a "Eyewear Friendliness" type data point when reviewing helmets? I use prescription eyeglasses/sunglasses while riding. All data considered, I will only purchase a helmet if it is relatively easy to put on or take off my glasses while wearing it, and it should still be comfortable for a reasonable amount of time to wear the helmet + glasses.

[@BigRockMoto]

Good idea!

[@redchahid1810]

Thank you for all the information. Any suggestions for a water bladder and chest armor that will fit the explorer jacket?

[@OneManTrail]

Recommending a mesh suit in hot weather shows inexperience in riding in extremely hot weather. Mesh is great for 75-90F, but when you get to 100 to 115F you need insulation and protection from the heat. You are supposed to sweat a bit in the jacket, the vents use that moisture to create evaporation and cooling. Essential to stay hydrated so the process can continue. This coming from riding in Yuma Arizona summers. Thanks for the review.

[@HoratioBunce503]

Thanks for another great review, Ian👍🏼🤙🏼 You’ll be getting our PNW pineapple express weather for a change, and we have a mild, dry weekend and week. Thanks for taking our precip for a while. I’m taking my Transalp to the Oregon coast today (yay!)

[@ynotjf]

I ordered the Explorer Jacket & Pants in Jan 2024 and really wanted to love them but.. I didn’t! Pants only come in Regular 33” or Long 36” and I wear a 30” inseam. Same with the Jacket sleeves, I wear a 33”-34” sleeve and the jacket was a solid 3” too long. I was hoping the fabric would loosen up and make the fit better but I just couldn’t do it, I felt like the “Tin Man” wearing this suit. Returned & Ordered the Carlsbad suit and instantly noticed how much softer & more pliable the GoreTex is over the eVent fabric. Carlsbad pants comes in short version 31” that fit me much better, the Carlsbad jacket sleeves were too long for me but Rainy Pass Seattle was able to alter the length so now the Carlsbad fit is perfect. Maybe the MSR would have worked out if the fit was better but I really appreciate the feel of the GoreTex.

[@samhill3496]

Good job. A lot of work behind the scenes that most just don't understand. A lot to do even if you don't do anything else time consuming. Gloves are interesting. If they used some kind of common camera battery it would be good. i.e. affordable and available. Some heated gear uses the battery packs for hand held power tools. Gerbing makes a lot now for sportspeople of all kinds. Next time.

[@advidaho8643]

Ian, just an observation i have noticed, and this is meant as a purely constructive comment. In looking for new gear myself I have noticed a missed opportunity in most videos on gear, If the pants are Over-boot style, what styles of boots will work with them? I am sure you are well aware that some boots are a tad wider than others and will not work with some pants designed for over-boot use. I have recently encountered this problem myself with preferring the over-boot style, but with preferring to wear an MX style boot (Tech 7 Drystar in my case), where i live we unfortunately do not have much if any options for shops that stock a variety of quality gear to go try on (most are tiny shops with very little on hand) so we have to take our chances with special ordering and seeing what might work, not the most ideal method, and often somewhat frustrating. Thank you for all of your hard work, and excellent Videos, keep up the good work.

[@thaumaturgeishere331]

No CE rating no purchase. BTW great reviews.

[@Adventure_blac]

I had no idea. That does make me reconsider

[@Getting-On]

Another excellent and honest review of the gear,m do you know if the MSR gear has a European distributor/reseller?

[@rolandwehlend]

One topic that would be very interesting to explore are CRASH BARS. What types work best, which ones protect what, is there a 100% bike protection? And where to get them 🙂 Cheers, Roland

[@advredbikes]

Thank you Ian for the great Video on the MSR Gear. I hope to find it here in N.B Canada.

[@stiingya]

Those gloves sure look like rebranded versions of the ones I got off of Amazon? BUT, I think I paid more than that, so could be a good deal...

[@orangelion03]

I have ordered the mid-layer jacket via your link Ian. I've wanted the Klim Inferno but didnt want to spend the money for it (I have a Klim Baja combo, so I dont mind spending extra because the Baja is exactly what I wanted).

[@metalmystic6214]

What do you recommend for those very hot days? Was looking at the Revit Tornado 4. Then grabbing the MSR for the fall/winter.

[@KHender]

Love the gear reviews!

[@BincePrice]

Hi Ian, I recently purchased the Tech-Air Off-road and want to purchase the MSR jacket in this review. In your opinion and experience with this jacket , do you think sizing up one step would accommodate the Tech Air? Thanks for all your excellent reviews.

[@floydball9421]

Awesome video and keep up the great work

[@AbramsGunner]

Reading the questions on the RMATV helmet page, they don't have replacement shields yet. Honestly, I've never had to buy a replacement shield for any of my helmets, but it seem prudent to wait for the option. Edit: It is too hot most of the year here in Lower Alabama for a suit like the Xplorer... but the new updates have my credit card nervous... LOL

[@toltod]

Odd there is little room in this one for communication systems. I find that the MSR motocross helmets I"ve owned seem to have decent space for my Sena units. Which I assume this one is based off...otherwise cannot recommend MSR helmets enough at their price point and the fact you get MIPS.

[@MishMashMoto]

I have the MSR Surge gloves also and give em 👍🏼👍🏼 Good review as always,

[@BigRockMoto]

awesome

[@bitterlifes]

For me personally MSR clothes are the best in terms of quality and price. But unfortunately it is very hard to find here in Europe!

[@Baconator1990]

How “bulky” are the gloves. I bought a pair of Sedici Antonio Waterproof Gloves with thinsulate in them. I don’t know if I just never gave them enough time to break in or what but they feel too bulky. My dexterity for using the clutch/front break as well as the controls feels greatly reduced. I like the look of these gloves, would give me more waterproofing than my normal summer mesh gloves as well as some warmth when I need it.

[@dscc]

Very good review. Did you happen to wear sunglasses while testing the helmet? I wear prescription eyeglasses and some helmets don't accommodate eyeglasses very well. Thanks!

[@BigRockMoto]

They fit ok, yes. Not as good as arai though

[@dscc]

Thanks!@@BigRockMoto

[@d.l.1660]

Nice and informative. Video would look a lot more professional with a different background and if you got rid of your phone for looking at info. Maybe a list of changes under the camera so you're looking ahead VS down to a camera.

[@4tech69]

No pinlock is a deal breaker for me on any of my main helmets, but if it's something I'm going to throw on for a couple hours then I can over look it.

[@ggs0605]

No Ian! You don’t have Dumbo ears!😊

[@dr.x4050]

Great review, as usual. I checked the MSR Xplorer jacket, but I could not find chest armor anywhere. Is there another chest armor that fits in the internal front pockets? Thanks!

[@RajReviewsDualSportPhotoGadget]

A review suggestion: Thor “Range” Jacket, Pant and Gloves, with D3O CE Level-1 protection - Color: Army/Orange I think Thor “Range” line of products is really good. Bought all three last month. Have yet to ride in them. All three items ran one size small, as compared to RE’VIT. I went with the size chat on Revzilla, instead of the size chat on Thor’s website. I wear M, but I ordered L for jacket and gloves.

[@dstubby82]

How bout a long-term review on any equipment you'd recommend for its durability above 1 year, 10,000 miles, etc? 😃🤙

[@BigRockMoto]

Coming soon

[@papaduck2443]

Hey Ian, what makes those base layers motorcycle specific?

[@BigRockMoto]

Nothing really.

[@davidwilkening2904]

At what speed does the visor vibrate and how bad is the vibration? How easy does the visor come off. How well does the visor block sunlight?

[@airadaimagery692]

I like the helmet, but I would like a tinted shield, MSR!

[@BigRockMoto]

Agreed

[@byrnewittig3913]

I had the same issue with the shoulder inserts. Talked to Rocky Mtn and they said that they had not heard anything about it. I just try to be easy with putting it on and they don't seem to fold up on themselves then. I would like to know where to get the chest inserts though. I couldn't find anything on their wesite?

[@trailtanadventures901]

Do you think knee braces would fit under the pants?

[@ezrafox4219]

Did you remove the protective plastic from the shield? Another KZbinr noticed the same problem before realizing it was even on there.

[@BigRockMoto]

Yes

[@jasonkendrick1974]

I just got the Surge gloves last week and really impressed with the MSR quality for the price. They arrived in a nice little storage bag too, with a dual charger. Almost fully charged too. The knuckle protectors have a faux carbon fiber look to them with a leather overlay. O! And the full goatskin leather palms give good good feel for the controls. With the crappy winter weather I've been riding around with them on high but not longer than an hour yet. Great way to start too to see if you like the heated gloves without stepping up to one of the $400 brands. Will definitely be checking out more msr gear and thanks for the review.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for sharing

[@tsmaple7765]

I really wish the helmet had built in sunglasses, unfortunately it’s a deal breaker for me or else I would buy it in a heart beat.

[@bdydrppup]

I'm using the scorpion exo and it has the integrated sunglasses. Love the helmet.

[@robynmolle5842]

Did Rocky Mountain also update their voyager line?

[@BigRockMoto]

No

[@MeerkatADV]

My biggest complaint of the MSR suit is it's just a Klim Badlands V1/V2 knockoff. They didn't even move the pockets/vents. The helmet is just a Fly Racing or AFX with different graphics, they come out of the same factory as the other $150-200 ADV helmets. It's a bit disappointing RMATV can't do a bit more for the quality side of their house brands.

[@BigRockMoto]

I hear you

[@clvrswine]

I see that the MSR ADV Windblock Gloves are already discontinued. So soon after they debuted.

[@lukefish7562]

You mean I just ordered and received the Xplorer pants and jacket this week and they’re coming out with a newer and better version? F me.

[@BigRockMoto]

You'll be getting the new ones

[@lukefish7562]

@@BigRockMotoahhhh, thank ya sir. 😆 Was real pumped to finally get them.

[@heinohansen9088]

Looks cool! :) I just board a new jacket (Domane) and panths (Novado) from Magna and they are awsome if anyone want to take a look at those :)

[@jimmylau6388]

Whats the weight of the jacket?

[@movaughn20]

Dang, what are they smoking, listed price on jacket is $420!?

[@65BAJA]

Heyyy. Number one.

[@jakaberdajs4378]

DOT on the Helmet and no CE rating on the pants/jacket is like saying "oh yea its safe, trust me bro"... And to top it all off there have been reports by rider who went down that they didnt hold up in slides. So i dunno, i wish these were as good as every one says, but no crash data or lack there of, paired with constant push of "positive" reviews from KZbinrs and other platform influencers. Really seems like a gimick to sell em, like what Ruroc did all those years ago, being then discoverd to be a cheap and unsafe brand of helmets. If these were as good as people and MSR say they are, why not sell em in the EU market as well? Seems stupid not to go the extra mile, especially if this is the "poor mans x-brand", due to wich these would sell like hot cakes. Anyway you turn it, shady.

[@gbner9991]

Nice review, honestly I would never buy a helmet without a pinlock.

[@BigRockMoto]

Fair enough!

[@markcomisky7106]

Get a belstaff coat and some decent pants and a bell helmut save the money

[@airadaimagery692]

The MSR and HJC dual sport helmets both cost less than the Bell.

[@samyb2834]

With all due respect, I wouldn't recommend that helmet. It's only DOT approved aka useless. I would never buy a helmet that is not ECE approved. It's the minimum.

[@trapskilla]

I really like the MSR gear I just wanna see more colors. I'm a big fan of earthy browns/greens myself and they only offer black, blue/orange, and grey.

[@newenglandscrambler2262]

I agree that they need to note the updates on the RM site. I know about them because of the affiliate videos like yours, but otherwise would have assumed that it was still thebsame model as last year that had a few complaints.

[@jimmylau6388]

Are the CE Level 1 armour removable for upgrade?

[@Ntmoffi]

At least the jacket is a decent length. So many adv suits come with a jacket that's made for someone 5'3".