I have been saving for the best part of 18 months to buy my Dainese Mission suit. Its the most expensive item of motorcycle gear I have ever bought, in the 20 plus years of riding.
Now Im not a racer, but consider myself a more mature rider,been personal with the tarmac on more than one occasion! So me purchasing such a high end suit probably makes me more of a poser! But even with my sedate riding the Mission suit is brill. Just happens to be the most comfortable suit of have ever worn, even though it is still breaking in and yes it is great to pose in too.
The suit comes complete with titanium plates on the shoulders, elbows and knees. I suspect these might be more for show than protection. But they should help the suit slide down the road without grabbing.
The armour around the elbows, shoulders and knees fits well and because it is moulded into the suit it will not move around and it does not. However for such a high end suit the armour around the thighs and pelvis is very disappointing. It is simply some fancy bits of foam, cut to fit fiddly pockets inside the suit. I also own a £500 Berik suit, which has much better armour in this area, than the Dainese. So Dainese, take note.
The 3D bubble liner in this suit works really well to keep the rider cool (relatively) in summer and fairly comfy on the chilly spring mornings. But I would advise the use of a decent undersuit. The lining works with the rear speed hump, that incorperates a venturi air system. So as the rider is moving along, air is channeled in through the top of the hump and out through the bottom. As it does so, this causes air to circulate around the lining. It sounds like it would be draughty, but it isnt. I must admit, its a good design and evidence of Dainese R+D team working well.
As with most of the suits in the Dainese range, the Mission has leather that is treated with wax and silicones to soften it. The leather does fell very suble and not at all stiff. They claim that it also improves the leather abrasive resistance, but obviously I have not, nor intent to, test that!
Is it worth £1600? Im not sure. The W Frame suit is very simular, without the titanium plates on the elbows and knees and fits just as nice, but can be found for £800 now. Also the new Red Line suit is quite simular also for around £800. However the fit of the Mission is just right (for me at 5,11 tall and slim build) and certain feels almost like a second skin, when sat on the bike. Well Im pleased with it anyway.
If you get one of these suits, take out helmet and leathers cover on your insurance though.
Posted: 27/05/2011 at 11:17
