Reinforcement of pants

[ted_ayers]

I have one heck of a time keeping my mission type M pants in one piece. I play roller hockey on a hard concrete outdoor surface which murders the knee areas of my pant. I came up with this grand idea of sewing Kevlar or fiberglass cloth to the knee areas of the pant. I have done considerable research on the fabrics, and I think my idea will prevail against all odds. Any thoughts or considerations to my idea? I wonder why roller hockey pant manufacturers have not incorporated an idea similar to mine into their pants?

[ted_ayers]

I have been told by a company that vends Kevlar and other assorted cloths that fiberglass cloth is not an option. They recommended a waterproofed Kevlar material, which is expensive. It?s hard as heck to find decent pricing on the stuff. Is anyone else interested in my idea? I am willing to pay 1/2 of the total costs, and split up the cloth evenly. Here's what the company told me in an e-mail "...Kevlar Comfort Style 310. Its 3.6oz. sq.yd and $30.85 a yard. With the water repellent finish its 33.85 a yard. The fabric is 63 inches wide by what ever yardage you like. There is a 10% short yardage cutting fee and UPS Ground charges too."

[MDE3]

I think your Idea has merit - but so many who play a lot end up on travel teams which are sponsored and are less concerned about the cost or durability of the pant because they end up with multiple pairs from playing for many different teams over time. In so many cases with younger kids, style drives the purchase over function, and as manufacturers come out with new "hot" products - the old pants go into the "hockey closet" whether damaged or not. For the player who wants to play recreationally and not be forced to buy new pants every few weeks or months, your idea has great merit - but you will not be appealing to the biggest market, so manufacturers are less likely to buy into it. Call Bill Peare from ECHO (look up ECHO hockey in search I dont have his website handy)- he is bringing some interesting stuff in from china - where almost everyone is looking for less expensive materials. He may be able to hook you up or even work with you.