Product Review- Dainese D-Dry Gear
By Bill Carr / Ducati Indianapolis (a Dainese Authorized Dealer)
Thanks to Chris Favro, Regional Sales Manager for Dainese, I had the opportunity to test some products from the Dainese D-Dry line on a trip to Texas across the Gulf States in a wide variety of riding conditions. The specific gear I tested was the D-Dry Dawson Jacket and D-Dry Hooper pants.
Conditions ranged from 42 Degrees F and driving rain and wind for 2 days on the Interstate to 94 Degree F on Desert Back roads in West Texas.
The D-Dry gear was a big improvement over the Dainese Dry-Line jacket and pants that I used for my trip to Alaska in 05 and previous Iron Butt rides. Although that older gear was very water and wind proof there was absolutely no venting and when it warmed up I needed to unsnap which made my riding gear blow up at speed like a balloon.
The D- Dry gear had extremely good wind protection especially with the removable wind collar snapped in. There was also zero water infiltration at the neck and no run off from the back of the helmet. The adjustable snaps at the wrist also gave a good seal at the glove line and did not pull back at high speed. The jacket is very comfortable with a soft feel at the neck with the liner in or out. The jacket has a 2/3 zipper that easily attaches to the pants and the jacket has good armor in the shoulders, elbows, and lower arms with a slot in the back for the Dainese G 2 back-protector. There are numerous zippered waterproof pockets on the outside as well as the inside of the jacket. I was able to store my phone, wallet, notebook, camera, and I-pod where I could be sure they would be dry and accessed quickly. There is an inner liner that quickly zips and snaps into the jacket. The waterproof venting runs up the front of the sleeves and also just outside the shoulder blades in the rear. The venting works so well that I needed to wear my Gerbing heated liner when the temperature dipped below 50 degrees.
The pants also have knee and hip pads as well as two waterproof pockets and zip tight at the ankles either inside or outside the boots.
The most amazing aspect of the combo was that it was both waterproof and vented, a great combination that allows you flexibility and will save you time on the road, especially when the riding conditions are changing rapidly. When zipped together, the combo is cut properly to provide comfort for sport touring. At the end of the day a little cleaning with a wet cloth and you are ready for the next day with clean gear.
In summary this was the best sport touring apparel I have ever worn. The D-dry apparel is offered in a variety of styles and colors and will work well for commuting and short trips.
Isle of Mann TT Champion Guy Martin wears a D-System D-Dry jacket.
