It’s hard not to be a gear snob when Dainese keeps coming up with things like the Horizon jacket, a stylish little black number made with its exclusive D-Stone fabric.
D-Stone, a nylon-based material made for Dainese by DuPont, has been around for a few years now, so yours will not be the Beta-test flesh. And the sharkskin-shiny fabric appears to be good stuff: Dainese claims it’s more abrasion-resistant than leather but also considerably lighter and more breathable—an excellent thing in hot weather. It doesn’t flow quite as much air as a mesh or a liberally perforated leather jacket, but the effect is great enough to keep you nicely aerated (and even chilled when the thermometer drops).
D-Stone’s also a little stretchy, so a nicely snug-fitting Horizon moves with you when you need to reach for a pair of low clip-ons. You get composite padding in the shoulders and elbows/forearms, and stylish (but easily scratched) little steel plates on your shoulders. Plus, there’s a zippered pocket in back to accept a back protector and a zipper to attach the Horizon to Dainese pants. Furthermore, the thing seems to be quite water-resistant, and deceased arthropods come off easily with a little soapy water and a brush.
Style-wise, the D-Stone fabric is actually kind of expensive-looking (even though the Horizon costs less than a Dainese leather jacket), and the leather-trimmed jacket cuts a figure dashing enough that we barely get to wear ours, thanks to a fashion-conscious friend’s near-complete abscondment. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
DETAILS
Dainese USA
1645 Superior Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92627
949/650-2300
www.dainese.com
Price…$399
Ups>
- Comfortable and protective
- Italian style at a reasonable price
- Available in chest sizes 42 to 60
Downs
- Girlfriend always "borrowing" it
- Black only
- Back protector not included
