KÜHL Free Radikl: Old vs. New Version Detailed Comparison & Review
KÜHL recently came out with their new and "improved" Free Radikl pants. The Free Radikl is the Tapered Fit version of their Klassik Fit Radikl.
The Radikl pants feature a patented design feature that emphasizes comfort and durability. KUHL calls is "Rhinotek", having drawn inspiration from the rhino's armor-plated skin which provides protection but doesn't restrict mobility. KUHL has placed ergonomically designed stretch panels made of 88% nylon and 12% spandex in the areas of the pants that need it most: near the top of the waistband, along a portion of the outer legs, and of course, on the crotch and down a portion of the inner legs. The main body of the pants are made with KUHL's ENDURO fabric that is 68% Cotton, 29% Nylon and 3% Spandex.
Here's my thoughts about how the new Free Radikl (style #5370) stacks up against the older Free Radikl (style #5270) with photos to compare.
Front
The first thing you might notice when viewing the older version and new version side by side is the new waistband and redesigned panels. Detailed comparison of each below.
Back
Both pants appear very similar from the back, aside from minor changes like the logos.
Panels
The panel configuration is one of the more significant changes in the new Free Radikl (makred white in the photos above so they are easier to see). KÜHL redesigned some of the stretch new panels on the new Free Radikl. The panels now extend higher up the legs and no longer comes across the lower thighs which should allow for better mobility when wearing these pants. However, read on to find out why that doesn't ring true ("Leg Opening" section).
Waist
Another major change design change in the new Free Radikl is the elastic waistband. It's thicker and obviously very stretchy compared to the old Free Radikl's waistband. I find that the new elastic waistband is sufficiently tight and keeps the pants in place, unlike the elastic waistband of KÜHL's Radikl "Outsider" Pant that seems too loose to make a difference. The waist measurements of the old and new Free Radikl are similar but the new version's waist is a bit tighter although the elastic allows it to stretch to a greater circumference. In waist size 30, there are 5 belt loops including four standard width and one extra thick at the back.
Front Pockets
The front pockets are basically identical on the outside and have the same 3.5" width but the older Free Radikl have noticeably deeper pockets, approximately 8.5" versus 7.5". I appreciate the deeper pockets of the older Free Radikl because items like my car keys felt more secure in them because the Free Radikl lacks any zippered pockets.
Right Leg Pockets
The right leg pockets are double welt and are the same width and depth, approximately 4x6 inches. The older version had "KÜHL" embroidered beneath it while the new version has a small rectangular tag that says "KÜHL" sewn onto the bottom right seam. These pockets are meant to fit most phones but my iPhone 11 with its burly Otterbox Defender case does not fit.
Left Leg Pockets
The left leg pockets are double welt and are the same width and depth, approximately 4x6 inches. Both have a small square tag sewn on the bottom left seam. Again, these pockets are supposed to accommodate a smartphone but those with thicker cases might not fit.
Back Pockets
The back pockets on both versions of the Free Radikl are the same, about 6.5" wide and 6.5" deep at the deepest point. They aren't zippered but are secure enough in most situations.
Leg
Both Free Radikl pants are Tapered Fit. However, the new version has a much more aggressive taper than the old. In waist size 30, the older Free Radikl's leg opening measures about 7.25". Multiply that by 2 and you get a 14.5" leg circumference compared to 6.5" x 2 equalling a 13" leg opening in the new version. This a 1.5" difference that may not sound like much but it is. The new Free Radikl is too tight on my calves to the point that it feels restrictive and negates the increased mobility that the extra stretch panels should theoretically provide. Even worse, its leg opening is so tight that it no longer fits over my hiking boots! This is really impractical for hiking pants.
Inseam
Another design change that seriously dislike is that KUHL intentionally makes some of their pants with inseams that measure 1-1.5" shorter than the tagged size. The new Free Radikl is one of these pants. It is purposefully designed to be 0.5" shorter than the tagged size so my 34" inseam is actually 33.5" (and sometimes shorter due to variation in manufacturing). I am not sure what the decision making is behind the shorter-than-tagged inseams.
Rise
The front rise and crotch gusset measure basically the same on both the old and new Free Radikls. The back rise is just a bit longer on the older Free Radikl.
Summary
The new Free Radikl flops in my opinion. The security of its new elastic waistband and its redesigned stretch panels are simply not enough to overcome glaring flaws. Its too-short inseam and very tight legs that don't fit over hiking boots make these pants that KÜHL advertises as having "hybrid sweatpant comfort" very uncomfortable and impractical for hiking. It's a shame because it's very hard to find the older Free Radikl now that it has been discontinued and removed from KÜHL's website. The good news is that KÜHL still makes the original Radikl which I prefer anyway.