Dainese Estrema Air Tex Jacket (EU 46 Only)

We measured a selection of these jackets and also tried them on our Fit Check mannequins Huey and Dewey to see how they fit (Huey is in a Euro 52 and Dewey is in a 56). This sizes fit, but they are VERY snug.

This product is sold in European sizes. Generally speaking, the US chest size in inches is equivalent to roughly 10 points less than the European jacket size. Example: a 56 Euro jacket is similar to a size 46/XL men’s US size. But since this jacket style runs a bit more snugly, we recommend buying one size larger, add about 12 points to your US chest size to get the right Euro size. I’d suggest you measure yourself with a tape and get your chest size and belly size, then use the size chart to pick the smallest size jacket that will be big enough for both your chest and belly using the chart below. Approximate US alpha sizes are also listed in the chart so you can check if the jacket size you choose is the same alpha size as you normally wear in men’s clothing.

Sizing tips for upgrading armor: If you plan to add a back protector add 1” to both your chest and belly. If you add chest pads add an additional 1” to your measured chest before using the size chart.

The overall cut of this particular style jacket is very much in line with many Dainese sport jacket styles. The max belly is about 4” smaller than the max chest which is about what we expect.

Need help measuring? Get it here.

The Dainese Estrema Air Tex is another twist on a textile/mesh jacket. This is a sport cut jacket with a full complement of armor options… even a back hump. Wind liner is included.

Last week, I reviewed the Dinamica Air D-Dry jacket which is a very close cousin to this one. The Dinamica has a full waterproof liner where this jacket has a lighter duty windproof liner. But this jacket has a rear speed hump where the Dinamica doesn’t. Both jackets share the exact same internal armor package/options. The only armor related difference is that Dinamica has an armor plate on the shoulder with a hard plastic backing and this jacket just has the armor plate without the backing.

The main shell of this jacket is designed for mild to hot summer days as most of the shell is flow-thru mesh material. Other parts of the jacket are a mix of materials. There is a good bit of stretch textile materials. The stretch material makes this sport cut jacket move a lot easier on you than if it was all non-stretch materials.

The armor included in the shoulders and elbows and very strong stuff. It’s a hard plastic and foam type typically found in race suits and jackets. The elbow armor extends all the way down the forearm to give great coverage. For optional back and chest armor, this jacket is set up with pockets built into the inside liner. The back armor pocket takes either of the two back pads listed below. For a summer style like this, I’d steer you toward the Pro-Armor unit allows air to flow through it. You can also add chest armor (also listed below) and I’d also recommend the Pro-Armor unit for the chest, again for the best airflow. With the full set of armor in this jacket, it is a FULLY ARMORED jacket. Lastly, you’ll see on the back of this model is a speed hump. It’s an “abbreviated” speed hump to be more practical for everyday use. It’s made of fabric materials and it is smaller than race humps you see on race suits.

As I mentioned, this jacket will shine in hot weather, but it includes a removable wind liner too. The wind liner is removable and you can use it on cooler days to block the wind, and so you’ll be able to use this jacket at other times of the year aside for hot summer months. Although the wind liner isn’t “waterproof” it would be better than nothing in a light rain. The liner has a zipper set up so you can wear it off the bike too. It may come in hand if you are traveling and need something for a “destination” jacket.

You can pair this jacket with Dainese pants using the installed all-around zipper to make a very nice 2pc riding suit. I think this is another very nice choice for summer riding. :: Paul, 05-16-19