Have you ever wondered how motorcycle jeans can feel so soft and comfortable, yet be highly protective and abrasion-resistant in case of a crash? Motorcycle apparel manufacturers use a variety of fabrics and fabric combinations to achieve this, with one of the most versatile materials in motorcycle gear being Dyneema®. There's no question, Dyneema® is among the highest-quality materials used in motorcycle jeans and other protective gear, but what exactly is it? How is Dyneema® unique, and why should you choose gear that uses it?
What is Dyneema®?
Dyneema® has a second name: Cuben Fiber (CTF3). Don't mistake it for carbon fiber, despite its similar-sounding name – Dyneema® is a different animal altogether.
One of the most robust materials in the world, Dyneema® is often blended or uniquely meshed with other fabrics. These combinations are frequently used in military and law enforcement armor, sails, outdoor gear, and, most recently, protective motorcycle apparel. Dyneema® boasts impressive properties – it is 15 times stronger than steel but can float on water.
What is Dyneema® made of?
Dyneema® is the result of innovative engineering rather than a natural fiber, so much so that it's often dubbed a space-age fiber or space fabric. However, there's nothing otherworldly about it: Dyneema® is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), which gives it extremely high tensile strength, while remaining lightweight.
During the creation process, synthetic fibers are spun in a patented gel-spinning process. The Dyneema® fibers are then woven into yarns, which are used to knit Dyneema® textiles.
Here's how Dyneema® compares to other products:
| Material | Material Type | Relative Strength | Relative Weight | Relative Stretch |
| Dyneema® | UHMWPE Fiber | Extremely high tensile strength | Ultra-lightweight | Low stretch |
| Cordura | Cotton + INVISTA T420 nylon | High tensile strength | Lightweight to midweight | Flexible |
| Armalith | Cotton + UHMWPE Fiber | Extremely high tensile strength | Lightweight | Low stretch |
| Kevlar® | Aramid fiber | Very high tensile strength | Lightweight | No stretch |
| Steel | Metal alloy | Extremely high tensile strength | Very Heavy | No flexibility |
SPACE FABRIC: 15 TIMES STRONGER THAN STEEL BUT FLOATS ON WATER
Dyneema® fiber is used in many different ways: as a laminate, as a standalone fabric, or, in the case of riding gear, in combination with other fibers and materials to create the unique blend that offers exceptional protection. At the same time, the garment remains soft and comfortable rather than heavy or rigid. Dyneema® is incredibly versatile and is manipulated and integrated into different ways to produce different results.
Here at Pando Moto, we uniquely use Dyneema®. We adapt the double-face technique and the Armalite-spun yarn, where we cover the UHWPE core with cotton. This is what makes your riding jeans so comfortable while providing high levels of protection in case of a crash. And it's not just a few buzzwords: our unique UHMWPE and Cordura combination has received AAA+, the highest safety grade out there.
Who invented Dyneema®?
The original material was invented as early as the 1990s by the Cuben Fiber and Cubic Tech Corporations. At first, it was developed for the military, sailing, and fishing industry; in 2015, Cubic Tech was acquired by Netherlands-based DSM. Cuben Fiber became “Dyneema® Composite Fabric.” And this is the name DSM uses for all their products that are based on the UHMWPE technology.
Dyneema® making process
Dyneema® is made by laying the UHMWPE fibers on top of each other in a grid. And then melding it between layers of the polyester film, resulting in the so-called “sandwich laminate.”
Some Dyneema® fabrics are made even stronger by adding ripstop nylon, and the most rigid version of Dyneema® features woven fibers that are then fused to the primary “sandwich laminate”. Dyneema® is very versatile, so each final product has its unique properties and a different manufacturing process.
What is special about Dyneema fabric?
Often called “miracle fabric,” Dyneema® is fifteen times stronger than steel. But it is 30% lighter than nylon and polyester and 45% lighter than aramid. This makes this fabric so desirable in manufacturing motorcycle gear. In addition, Dyneema® is abrasion and tear-resistant, and because it's so much lighter and softer than other high-tensile fabrics like Kevlar or Cordura. It makes for a perfect addition to motorcycle riding jeans, jackets, and other gear. It also features high heat conductivity, which, translated into human language, means that if you crash and slide, your jeans will absorb and pass the heat instead of burning your skin.
Where do you use Dyneema®?
Some of the first adopters of Dyneema® were climbing rope, protective armor, sail, and tent manufacturers looking for industrial-strength materials to reinforce their products. However, because Dyneema® is so versatile, it soon began to be used in outdoor gear and motorcycle riding apparel. One of the unique properties of Dyneema® is that it doesn't need to be used as an additional layer. But it can be seamlessly combined with other fabrics like cotton. Dyneema® fabrics are woven in rather than layered on top, which gives the end product a much lighter, better feel.
How can Dyneema® fabric improve protection for motorcycle gear?
Motorcycle gear has a particular set of requirements. First and foremost, it has to offer a high level of protection in terms of abrasion, tear, seam burst, and heat resistance. On top of that, it has to allow for freedom of movement and be as comfortable as possible for various riding conditions.
Dyneema® ticks all of these boxes: when it comes to Dyneema® vs. Kevlar or Dyneema® vs. Nylon. For example, Dyneema® tends to come out on top because it's stronger, lighter, and more breathable than other materials. Dyneema® jeans and Dyneema® body armor will have a high level of protection and abrasion resistance. But it will always feel better than more rigid materials.
Sometimes, gear manufacturers use a blend or a combination of all of these materials. Still, if you see Dyneema® on the label of your motorcycle jeans, you know you're getting a high-quality product. It will protect you well, feel great, and last no matter what you throw at it.
FAQ
What makes Dyneema® so strong?
Dyneema's® strength comes from its structure. The long polymer backbone created during manufacturing helps spread force evenly across the material, instead of concentrating it in one spot. This gives it high tensile strength, while remaining light.
Is Dyneema® cut-proof?
Dyneema® isn't completely cut-proof, but it is highly cut-resistant thanks to the structure of the synthetic fibers. In fact, Dyneema® is one of the main materials used to make cut-resistant gloves.
What are the downsides of Dyneema®?
One downside of Dyneema® is its melting point, which is around 130–150°C. This means prolonged exposure to high-friction heat could cause an issue. That said, all Pando Moto Dyneema® motorcycle apparel is CE-approved to protect against friction during a motorcycle slide.
What Is Bio-Based Dyneema®?
Dyneema® bio-based fibers are produced using renewable raw materials sourced from waste. The properties of these fibers are the same as normal Dyneema® fibers; it's just a more environmentally friendly way of producing them.
Is Dyneema® breathable?
The breathability of Dyneema® depends on how the fabric is constructed. Dyneema® fibers that are woven into a denim or blended with other fabrics for motorcycle apparel can provide the airflow needed to enhance rider comfort.
Is Dyneema® stronger than Kevlar®?
In terms of tensile strength by weight, Dyneema® is generally stronger than Kevlar®.
Is Dyneema® or Cordura stronger?
Cordura is a durable, abrasion-resistant material that is appropriate for use in motorcycle apparel. Dyneema® is significantly stronger than Cordura, both in tensile strength and cut resistance.
Is Dyneema toxic to humans?
Dyneema fibers found in finished products are considered non-toxic. This is one of the reasons why they're used in a wide range of applications, including protective equipment.