Just picked up one of these off the clearance rack at my local cycle gear [thumbsup]
[img width=450 height=600]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/Hemansd/Bike/Ducati/photo2.jpg[/img]
[img width=450 height=600]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/Hemansd/Bike/Ducati/photo3.jpg[/img]
[img width=450 height=600]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v186/Hemansd/Bike/Ducati/photo4.jpg[/img]
1st impression. Damn sexy jacket. Damn comfortable too. Leather feels like it's been broken in for years. I'm 5'10, 150lbs and size 52/42 fits snug (funny because I just sold my Dainese Zen in a 52/42 that fits me pretty loose). I could have gone with a 50/40 but that would have been a super tight fit (Ok if all I wear are t-shirts). 52/42 gives me a little room if I want to add a hoodie underneath during the winter season or the occasional dress shirt for work. I think it also helps that this jacket is designed with stretch panels in key areas that help with slight body size variations within a particular jacket size. I'm pretty tall for my weight so as usual, the sleeves are a bit shorter than I would like (about 1/2"). However, again with the stretch panels, the sleeves do not ride up even further (like other jackets do) when I bend my elbows during riding.
Now for the road test. So far I've ridden in this jacket in temperatures ranging from 60F to 90F (desert environment w/ low humidity). Man do I love Dainese's new bubble liner technology. It creates a thin gap between the liner and the leather to allow air to flow. I have the non-perforated version and I still get a nice amount of air in. The jacket has 2 front and 2 rear vent zipper pockets. You can feel the air come through the vents and travel through the pockets created by the bubble liner. With the vents close, the jacket keeps you pretty warm. The stretch panels do allow some air in.
Safety: The jacket have some reflective panels that are cleverly integrated into the jacket design so not to stick out like an eye sore. They are located on the arms, elbows and back. Unlike my Zen jacket, the elbow and shoulder armor are integrated into the jacket underneath the bubble liner. The armor on my Zen are just velcro'ed onto the liner. This is nice as it doesn't move around and the inside of the jacket is seamless. There is also a neck brace that I've found useless so far. I guess it's suppose to support your neck when the wind is pushing your head back? Overall, I've extremely happy w/ the jacket. I would not pay full price for it though.
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