DAINESE REVIEWS

What Mountain Bike - Issue 48 - September 2005

BEST BODY ARMOUR
DAINESE ARMOUR

The faster bikes let us go, the harder you'll end up hitting stuff, so you might want to get yourself some protection. In terms of impressively lightweight, comfortable, ride all day protection, nothing matches the cutting edge Tupperware turned out Italian armourers Dainese. It also comes in every shape and form from lightly padded shirts to QR leg guards or full DH bodysuits so you can match your level of protection to your riding risk.

Mountain Biking UK - Issue 188 - August 2005
Safety Jacket Next Racecut

Dainese have always produced the armour that everyone else has tried to emulate, but the latest Race Cut of the Safety Next jacket puts them a step ahead again.

For a start it's super mobile and comfortable to ride in thanks to a new breathable fine mesh fabric that sucks the sweat away immediately (the Safety Next jacket gets a standard mesh for £225). The mix of soft padding and plastic plates has evolved over the years to keep all the essentials covered without restricting movement or causing arm pump. Thumb loops, an ample kidney belt and excellent cup moulding all keep it in place when you go dirt surfing, and we've taken some serious stacks in Dainese and jumped straight up again. Ventilation is excellent too, especially through the articulated spine plate, which has a crushable aluminium honeycomb core for maximum protection. You can even zip it off and throw the rest in the washer, which makes life much more fragrant in the long term. Four adult sizes assure ideal fit and there's even a kid's Gladiator jacket (£119.95) in three sizes for stunt grommets.

If we had to quibble, the adjustable collarbone straps move a bit too much, but if you can afford it this is the best armour there is by a clear margin.

MBUK Verdict 10/10
The best armour available - if you can afford it

Mountain Biking UK - Issue 188 - August 2005
Short Protector MTB

These extreme undercrackers have been hiding under snowboard pants for a while, but now Dainese have stuck a quality contoured pad in for us bikers. The main protection comes from two big vented thermoplastic panels on either thigh and a shaped tail plate over your coccyx. More soft panels stop bruising of your butt cheeks and hips which makes these the most protective panties around.

Despite all this, once they're on, the soft breathable mesh means they're just as comfy as normal shorts and we were happy pedalling round in them all day. The twin zip fitting even means the paramedics can get you out without slicing them up. The amount of protection means it's going to be a serious slam that leaves you in that state, though, which makes £75 a price well worth paying.

MBUK Verdict 10/10
Perfect crash-proof riding grundies for under pant action

Mountain Biking UK - Issue 187 - July 2005
Knee Guard Revolution

Dainese's evolved Revolution guards are easily the slickest-looking pads here, and they ooze the Italian manufacturer's usual awesome quality. They offer an immediately comfortable fit, with no itch or excess velcro, and mould to the leg far better than any other pads on test here.

The plate length is perfect, with a neat but well-shaped knee cup, a new rubber 'mudflap' ankle protector and extra outside edge soft padding. The new QR straps also lock everything in solidly, but without excessive tightness. The Revolutions are equally stable when pedalling or pile driving into the trail, so they will suit all styles of riding.

Dainese has really thought of everything with these guards, and the suspended mesh behind the ventilated shin plate means they're the coolest and least sweaty set here, so they're great for all day riding. The price is perfectly reasonable for the performance and quality you get.

MBUK Verdict 10/10
The very best lightweight knee/shin pads just got even better

Mountain Biking UK - Issue 187 - July 2005
Techno Lite Gloves

Protective gloves merit a whole group test in themselves, but we thought we'd give you a look at one of the smartest pairs around.

The Dainese Techno Lites feature moulded protective panels over your knuckles and finger joints, as well as a cunning plastic slider plate on the outside edge of your palm. The rest is a mix of vented mesh and finest Pittards leather, for maximum feedback, grip and tactile pleasure. They're finished with Dainese's usual impeccable attention to detail. Like most knuckled gloves, you'll need to watch the fit at full grip to avoid arm pump.

MBUK Verdict 10/10
Excellent protection and peerless quality at a reasonable price