WHAT IS IT? Faction gear is Shift’s top-tier line. Shift’s
edgy taste in gear and riders, such as Josh Hansen and
Jeremy Stenberg, puts Shift in a league of its own.
WHAT’S IT COST? $54.95 (jersey), $169.95 (pant).
CONTACT? www.shiftmx.com or your local dealer.
WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand
out with the Shift Faction gear.
(1) Jersey. The Faction jersey uses moisture-wicking polyester, along with mesh fabric throughout. The
multi-panel construction is articulated for a good fit. The
entire back panel is mesh for ventilation. The cuffs and
collar have a rigid fit, meaning that if you have a big
head or arms, there is limited elasticity to allow them to
get through. One other minor MXA beef with the jersey is
that it doesn’t come with sewn-in elbow padding.
( 2) Pant. Shift didn’t skimp on the quality of its leather
heat guards, which is one reason the Faction pant is so
durable. The leather knee guards extend into the rider’s
boots, so the risk of the nylon being melted by a four-stroke pipe is reduced. Gussets have been strategically
placed in areas where the pant needs to flex, such as
the knees, buttocks and inner thighs. The ratchet waist
closure is simple and easy to use. There’s also a sewn-in,
half-length mesh liner that’s necessary to prevent skin
abrasions and post-ride discomfort. Shift also minimized
the use of rubber logos to reduce weight.
( 3) Fit. Shift MX gear is tailored to riders built like
racers. For muscle-bound bigger riders, the Faction gear
will be a tight fit. The waist runs slightly small. Riders
who normally wear size- 32 pants could still fit, but they
were on the edge of having to go up a size.
( 4) Performance. The Shift Faction gear does a good
job and passes the test of time. The jersey was a bit
short and rigid for some of our taller, broader or wider
riders. For the most part, test riders had no complaints
about the pants other than that the mesh netting inside
started to show wear. It is no secret that Shift and Fox
are under one roof. This allows Shift to benefit from
Fox’s R&D.
( 5) Options. If you are looking to stand out from the
crowd, wearing Shift Faction designs will do that for
you. The Shift Faction line is offered in three colors. The
jersey is offered in sizes small to extra-extra large, and
the pant comes in sizes 28 to 38.
WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? If you are big in the waist,
bulked up or just plain gargantuan, you will find the
pants to be snug in the waistband—and this will require
you to go up a size, maybe two. This gear is intended
for riders with narrow hips and slim legs. On top of that,
the jersey was a little odd.
Due to great styling and comfort, the Faction
gear was right up our alley, but it lost two stars
because it’s not right up everybody’s alley.
MXA RATING
SHIFT MX FACTION GEAR
MXA TEAM TESTED
