Latest kit
Dainese Sport Master jacket £649.95, trousers £449.95
Ridden and rated
THE CLAIM
“The first true two-piece textile race suit. The highest expressions of sport and touring come together. The external laminated Gore-tex membrane makes it possible to deal with any weather condition comfortably and safely. The innovative integration system for the jacket and pants makes this garment an ideal solution to face any route.”
THE REALITY
The comfort of textiles, the protection of leather and the waterproofing of laminated Gore-tex sure sounds like a dream combination. This newfor-2020 novel hybrid is made from multiple materials. The outer is mostly nylon, with cowhide panels at shoulders, elbows and knees. There are stretch inserts behind knees and shoulders, plus neoprene wrist and ankle cuffs. Fit is instantly comfortable and perfectly proportioned, giving great movement on and off the bike. Waterproofing has been faultless, while the removable thermal linings and zipped vents at chest and thighs work across a range of temperatures.
There are plenty of pleasing practical touches. Zips feel chunky and sturdy, thumb loops helps keep a windproof seal at the wrist, and the collar comes up high without being intrusive. Neoprene ankle cuffs easily stretch over boots while wrists can go under or over gloves. There’s a very high waistband attached to the braces, so it’s virtually impossible for any wind or rain to sneak in where jacket meets trousers.
However, it’s disappointing to find the trousers lack pockets — especially when the website and catalogue both explicitly claim they have two.
There’s Level-2 armour at the shoulder, elbow and knees but hips get lower-spec Level 1. That’s still better than the back — armour isn’t included. And despite the brochure boasts of a ‘textile race suit’, both top and trousers only get a basic ‘A’ protection rating in CE testing. Typically, that identifies kit suitable for low-speed urban use.
Another let-down is one of the loops of fabric holding the braces on has come apart in less than 1000 miles — poor form for a £1100 suit. I’m not blown away by the thickness of the leather on the knees either — they’re already looking worn.