Sneak Peek: New Additions to 2015 Dainese Line

by Zach White

There are still a few of us crusty old riders who remember when Swiss rider, Philippe Parakis, showed up on the 1991 race circuit in bright pink and yellow GP-style Dainese moto protection, modified to race DH in. The motorcycle-specific Italian company had no initial intention to stray from their focus, but Parakis’ popularity out on the circuit sparked a line of DH-specific gear that was all but monopolizing the gravity scene of the late ’90’s and early 00’s. But the last decade or so has been an entirely different story as it seems the average Dainese-clad rider today is a crusty old rider who hasn’t bought a new set of pads in the last decade, let alone washed them.

Dainese, while still a much bigger name in motorsports, have kept a solid European following for their cycling gear, and plan on making a push into the North American market with a dedicated marketing team specific to bicycle and winter sports. With the new marketing plan come a few new products that will be available in early 2015, which we were able to sneak a peak at this week at Crankworx Whistler. Riding or trying on the samples on-hand wasn’t an option, and both pricing and availability hasn’t been announced yet, but here’s a quick look at what should be available in 2015.

Dainese Pro Pack

The Pro Pack is a combination back protector/hydration pack/backpack. Chock full of features like a tethered waterproof phone pouch that is designed to be accessible via a vertically-zipped side pocket without having to remove the pack, an emergency whistle, anti-scratch fleece sunglasses pocket, and a helmet retention system that works for both open and full-face helmets, it seems well thought out. It has a maximum 12 liter capacity.

The pack can also be used in a lightweight mode as the main compartment zips off, leaving more of an open panel on top of the flexible back protector that houses a hydration bladder, pump, and other bare essentials.

Unlike most hydration packs, the Pro Pack’s adjustable torso strap is designed to run at or below the belt line, which is said to increase its stability both while riding, and taking advantage of the protective properties by skidding down the trail on your back. The waist straps are also removable.

Dainese Hybrid Knee and Elbow Guards

As the name suggests, the new Hybrid guards are a mix of Dainese’s thinner Trail Skins and the stouter Oak guards. Ventilation looks ample through both the perforated padding and mesh-like sleeve, and the thin hard shell knee and shin outer layer is still very flexible and lightweight. Small velcro closures on both top and bottom elastic cuffs dial in the fit, with added cinching with a diagonal velcro strap on the back of the upper calf.