Dainese Gran Turismo GORE-TEX® Jacket - Review
If you want the best all-weather touring jacket money can but, look no further than the Dainese Gran Turismo GORE-TEX® Jacket.
Dainese is probably the most iconic and evocative motorcycle clothing brand in history.
Dainese is the same age as me, born in 1972 when Mr Lino Dainese made some leather motocross trousers. This was the birth of a biking brand that has since brought style and innovation to motorcyclists the world over.
Most of the fastest and greatest riders in history, across a wide range of motorcycling disciplines, have worn Dainese. A few names you might know are; Valentino Rossi, Nicky Hayden, Max Biaggi, Giacomo Agostini, Barry Sheene, Kenny Roberts and so many more. They are much more than just motorcycling though, with a huge range of ski and cycling clothing and protection and even a range of equestrian protection. Oh, and of course suits for astronauts. Yes, that's right, Dainese work with NASA to design and develop cutting edge clothing for the astronauts.
Dainese’ Gran Turismo GORE-TEX® Jacket is a fantastic touring jacket that offers the best comfort, safety and practicality for long-range journeys, in every condition. I’ve worn mine for a couple of thousand miles now, on all sorts of motorcycles and in all sorts of weather, from driving rain to glorious sunshine and the jacket has performed faultlessly in all conditions. It’s vented enough to be able to be used in warm weather and well insulated to ensure you stay warm and in cold weather.
The Gran Turismo has a Gore-Tex waterproof membrane which is laminated to the nylon 6.6 high abrasion-resistant fabric, which makes this the most waterproof jacket I have ever used.
Armacor combined with DuPont™ Kevlar® inserts reinforce the jacket at key impact areas and CE level 2 armour at the shoulders, elbows and back protect against impact, should the worst happen. This jacket offers the ultimate in protection. To help to insulate you from the cold, there is a removable thermal fleece that can be removed and worn separately if you choose, when you get where you are going perhaps. Removable no-wind gaiter on sleeve bottom ensures your lower arms stay dry and keep the wind out too. Pockets are fully waterproof, two external and two internal plus a waterproof cargo pocket on back. There is also a removable thermal collar to keep your neck nice and warm.
When things heat up, you can remove the thermal collar and fleece and Dainese has kindly added two body vents on the chest to allow cooling air in to flow around your torso. A similar direct to body rear vent allows the hot air to escape.
Protection is excellent with Pro-Armor back protector certified to EN 1621.1 Level 2 and removable composite protectors on elbow and shoulders certified to EN 1621.1 Level 2. You would expect this from Dainese with over four decades of development and innovations.
This jacket boasts a host of other features such as; pockets designed to be easily used while on the bike, S.T.O.P.® (Side Time-Saver Outer Pockets) for gloves and other items, an internal lumbar belt, external lumbar adjustment, 3M reflective inserts, jacket-to-trousers fastening system, neck and sleeves easy adjustment and more.
Dainese has pulled out all the stops with this jacket. Of course, you can buy jackets that cost less, but you have to think of the bigger picture. The Gran Turismo offers the best weather and abrasion protection out there, and the superb quality means it will continue to keep you safe and dry for years. Nylon 6.6 high abrasion resistance fabric, Armacor fabric with DuPont™ Kevlar® inserts on high impact areas and laminated GORE-TEX membrane waterproof 45,000mm make this the best all-weather touring jacket you can buy.
EN 17092 certified motorbike protective jacket
