I’m looking out for one of those body armour suits that everyone seems to be getting and they look like an ideal option, (as i have to admit to being a naughty boy a couple of times on the way home from work), instead of wearing just a t-shirt.
although in practice they should cover all the main areas of impact, does anyone have any first hand experience of how well they’ve worked when put to use?? Also if there’s a large difference between the £200 items or the cheaper options!
Cheers
As someone that used to work for Dainese and have seen the R&D lab they have on many occasions, I can vouch for the effort and research they put into their products you can bet anything they produce will be as well thought out and as protective as possible.
The key issue then is suitability - a mesh jacket with armour is great for slower speeds under another garment, it will be a compromise when compared to a race suit but human nature as it is do we always put on a race suit for a quick trip? The armour is the same as in lower level Dainese suits but hasnt got the Moulded in Techno armour found at the highest level.
As far as the safety jacket having a thumb strap, that model is still available, has the same protective capabilities but is aimed at the ski market - though can be useful in stopping it riding back over outstretched arms in the prone riding position
Whatever you do DONT buy one of the copies of the iconic Dainese safety jacket that are out there - They retail for around 80 bucks and are really really cra* They look really similar and even have Dainese type logos on them.
As a matter of interest I no longer work for Dainese but am working with a new company that has developed a brand new impact protection system called d3o a “Smart” Material that is very soft and flexibile but on Impact the molecules lock together to form a protective barrier, when the impact has passed the material returns to its previous state, all in less than 1000th sec. - We are currently trialing this with several companies including Dainese so watch this space.
The new materials that motorcycle clothing will be made with shortly are fascinating - I am working with another company that specialises in Leather combined with different coatings that amongst other things give black leather the same photochromic signature as white leather making it much much cooler to wear, Kevlar incorporated into the fibres of the leather making it tremendously tear-resistant and another coating that makes concentrated sulphuric acid pool off the leather without affecting it at all
Whoa dude!!!
Guys, we’ve got a live one here! A real expert!
What’s your story then Andy, I’m fascinated by this info your dishing out. Keep it coming, or I’ll make stories up to tease it out of you. 
Very interesting, indeed! I’d love to find out more, I get off on all technical bike stuff, have wondered for a while why the clothing doesn’t seem as advanced as the bike-tech, looks like it’s all starting to change!
Thanks Andy for the advice, my earlier views have certainly been questioned by the responses on here and have definately helped, Thanks Guys!
As this was my first posted question on LB, i was interested to see whether i would find anything anyone said any use at all, or whether it was just another forum site with people with nothing better to do than rave on about something they know nothing about, but i’m glad to say that i’m extremely pleased with the levels of help and knowledge from you all, big pat on the back for everyone
I’m glad we passed the litmus test, thanks 
Speaking from experience, I wear Dainese Luce II leathers and also their “Gillet” jacket with back armour built in (because the Luce doesn’t have back armour for some reason… ). Anyway, I recently highsided at Rockingham and my only back injury was a pulled muscle. Can’t ask for more than that.
Dainese safety jackets are great…we sell loads of them…but, and its a big but…they are designed purely for protection against ‘impact’ and NOT abrasion…ask Ghostie…basically you would survive hitting the car but as you slide down the road you would loose most of your skin! Loose enough and its game over!
If you want one of the safety jackets make sure you also buy a kevlar sweatshirt (draggin jeans do one RRP £85 ) and save your skin too.
If you think a flimsy kevlar sweatshirt wont protect you bear in mind that kevlar can offer upto 4 times greater abrasion and tear resistance than leather…Dainese ( done the factory tour too 
) use kevlar on all their one piece race suits on the shoulders and elbows and knees for extra protection!! ( its the last layer of defense so you wont see it )
If your still not convinced I have a trashed pair of kevlar jeans at the shop…feel free to pop in and inspect them
Well I can bear testament to the fact that they work. There is virtually no damage to my body after my spill at all. I was wearing a gortex jacket over the top which took the abbrasion, well it wore through/cut ion a few places but the body armour suit did the job and saved me from a world of pain and hurt. Highly recommended after crash test.
