Review: One Industries Intel Noise Shorts & Defcon Jersey

June 19th, 2013

From motocross graphics to performance race wear, One Industries have never been a company to sit back and relax, choosing 2013 as the year to expand into a totally new market with some radically different products. Successfully entering the competitive and highly congested mountain bike apparel market is no mean feat, but then working with athletes like team GT and the Atherton’s has its plus points and from what we’ve seen from their specific MTB range, they’ve certainly done their homework…

Words: Callum Biggin & Olly Forster | Photos: Callum Biggin

In this review, we’ll be taking a look at the lightweight Intel Noise Shorts and Defcon jersey, both of which sit in that growing void between aggressive trail (or enduro) and downhill. While this kit isn’t what you’ll find Gee Atherton in when he’s tearing down a world cup DH course, it does correlate rather well with the needs of the average rider who is after something that is both functional and aggressive enough for the terrain and conditions ahead of them.

Intel Noise Shorts

The Intel Noise shorts are constructed from a multi-panel, four-way stretch polyester that gives them both a very silky and malleable feel that almost makes them feel too nice to get dirty in and at worst, crash in – even though they’ve come out unscathed after a big off on the DH bike earlier in the year. The snap up front closure and dual waist adjusters help keep them up and on and the rear yolk adds a little extra support when your getting out of shape on the trail.

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The Intel Noise Shorts were slightly too long in leg for me with a 13.5 inch inseam, meaning that at times the fit was abit awkward with kneepads on. That said, I am quite short in stature so the next size down could have possibly remedied this issue? While we are here, it’s worth mentioning the spaltter style graphics that really pop out and certainly stand out against some of the other designs on the market right now.

The inner thighs offer up some extra venting via some nifty and rather well hidden micro zips, which can increase air flow into the well positioned mesh liner as and when it’s needed. This is a great addition and one that will pay dividens when the seasons change giving you extra venting in the warm summer months and a little extra protection in the winter.

My main issue with these shorts was the pocket size as I’d actually rather have no pockets than pockets too small to fit an iPhone in, although One Industries do class these as “Micro pockets” and only designed to carry the essentials… I guess everyone has their own definition of the word “essential” and a lot of riders wouldn’t want an expensive phone in their pocket should they crash. One cool bonus with the pockets is the optics wipe and media port, should you want to fill your ears with something other than that of mother nature and noisy freehubs – there is room for a small iPod by the way…

Defcon Jersey

Manufactured from a multi paneled chassis and constructed from 100% polyester, the Defcon jersey stands out and not just because it’s bright green or “Chartreuse” as One call it. The strategically placed mesh panels, athletic cut and tailored fit coupled with an unrestricted collar design, unique cuffless sleeves and an “elongated tail” so your not too exposed when hunched over the bars, all add up to a pretty action packed jersey…

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The jersey I’m in here is a size small and more often than not, small jerseys come up a bit shorter on me, but the Defcon was surprisingly well fitting. The combination of longer, tighter fitting arms with quite a long cut made the Defcon feel like it was made to measure and way better than any other jersey I’ve previously worn!

DH or trails, pedaling or hiking, this kind of gear needs to be able to handle it all and come back for more…

With the bright colour (also available in black) and careful balance of logos and graphics, there’s no denying that the Defcon is great looking jersey that will tick a lot of the boxes from riders who want a jersey that can perform as well as it looks.

The tighter athletic cut on the Defcon also makes for a more “fitting” cut and especially so on the arms, which would almost certainly disadvantage anyone who wears elbow pads… This goes for the jersey as a whole and it would certainly pay to try before you buy, but would be easily remedied by ordering a size up if wearing armour is your thing?

All in all, I really liked the Defcon jersey. It’s light and ticks all the necessary form and function boxes – the only issue could be for bigger riders struggling with the more tailored cut and feel, but on the whole, the kind of rider the Defcon is aimed at will definitely reap it’s rewards.

Conclusion

Overall I’ve enjoyed riding in all the One Industries gear tested here (Knee pads and gloves reviews coming soon…) and I think it’s a good thing to see brands stepping up and making an effort to produce ‘proper’ MTB gear as opposed to re-labelled MX kit and overly engineered MTB kit. Mountain biking is physical and the lack of an engine means weight, unrestricted movement and the issues which relate to the level of perspiration, need to be tackled before endorsing gear as good enough to be classed as MTB specific…

Can’t beat a ride in the woods with mans best freind and while the demands are far from that of a world class enduro or a regional DH race, you still want you kit to perform and deliver a comfortable day doing what you love.

One Industries have done exactly that with their Intel shorts and Defcon jersey, using their knowledge and experience from moto and all the while listening to and working closely with world class athletes to deliver an exceptional array of gear for their first year in MTB. Lets talk economics. The Intel shorts come in at £90, which for a 4-way stretch, mesh lined and vented short that also comes with a not too shabby liner, is pretty bloody cheap when shorts are costing around and above the £100 mark and without a liner these days. The jersey is a far more down to earth £40, which is pretty much bang on against similar products and it certainly stands tall with what it has to offer.

So, to sum these two up I’d have to say that aside from the pockets on the shorts, which for me were pretty pointless and then perhaps the overly “well tailored” cut on the jersey, which for those wanting to run armour or are a little on the chunky side would probably need to go up a size from what they’re used to, but other than those minor grumbles I’m pretty impressed. They are well priced and show unequivocally that One Industries are serious about mountain biking!

For more information on the products tested here, tap the logo below. Happy trails, Callum.