Bell RS-1, Revolver, Moto-9 Helmet Unveiled

The new Bell Helmets that have had us excited for the last couple months have finally been unleashed to the riding world. Something for everyone, this series of Bell lids does an extremely good job of filling holes in their lineup in addition to introducing motorcyclists to a brand new concept. The Bell Revolver Helmet is an absolutely revolutionary lid, being the first modular helmet ever designed for true sport riding. While we are patiently awaiting the helmets to arrive so we can shoot our video reviews, we can share some high resolution photography (click to enlarge) and some quick details about each lid.

Bell RS-1 Helmet

Bell RS-1 Shattered Helmet

Bell RS-1 Solid Helmet

The brand new Bell RS-1 Helmet is designed to be a head-to-head competitor with the Shoei RF-1100 Helmet; a mid-level price point helmet that delivers high-end performance for the sport touring market. The RS-1 fills the void in the Bell lineup between the Vortex and the Star, delivering an extremely aerodynamic design, a comfortable and airflow-rich interior, and a lightweight and protective shell. This helmet is going to be huge in amongst the sport riding community.

Watch our Bell RS-1 Helmet Review below:

Bell Revolver Helmet

Bell Revolver Rally Black Helmet

Answering the call of the sport rider, the Bell Revolver Helmet is the first modular helmet truly designed to perform in street riding scenarios. Most modular helmets are completely focused for the sport and ADV touring markets, with little regards to street riders looking for versatility in a lid. At an extremely reasonable price point for a Bell helmet with this degree of functionality, the Revolver should be a big hit this season for Bell. 

Bell Moto-9 Helmet

Bell Moto-9 Stunt Helmet

Bell Moto-9 Legacy Helmet

Bell's newest dirt lid is completely performance focused. Aerodynamic, lightweight, comfortable, and featuring improved safety elements, the Bell Moto-9 Helmet has taken dirt helmets to the next level. Featuring a brand new Eject Helmet Removal System, the Moto-9 becomes extremely easy to gently remove in a serious accident scenario. With Snell 2010 certfication, TriMatrix composite shell, and the adjustable Flying Bridge Visor, the Moto-9 was developed in conjunction with Supercross pro James Stewart who is currently wearing it on the circuit.

Check out the Bell RS-1 Helmet Josh Herrin Photo Shoot video:

Also, don't miss the Bell Moto-9 Helmet Intro with James Stewart:

Stay tuned for our video reviews of the new Bell helmets on RevZillaTV.com. Coming soon!

-RetroZilla

Related:

Bell Moto-9 Helmet Sneak Preview

Bell RS-1 Helmet Sneak Preview

Bell Revolver Helmet Sneak Preview

Dainese Steel Core Carbon Gloves Review

The Dainese Steel Core Carbon Gloves arrive new for 2011, and are second in command in the food chain of Dainese race-level gauntlet gloves. Second only to the Dainese Full Metal Pro Gloves worn by MotoGP pro racer Valentino Rossi, the Steel Cores offer a great deal of features and functionality and are a great choice for the regular track day rider and racer alike. With upgrades across the board over the mid-level Dainese Pro Carbon Gloves, the Steel Core gloves will perform extremely well in all active racing scenarios.

Check out our Dainese Steel Core Carbon Gloves Review:

Starting out, Dainese utilizes a single piece of premium cowhide leather that is cut to the shape of the glove. Less panels equates to higher levels of safety and lower likelihood that the glove will tear by eliminating superfluous seams. Every reinforcement panel is stitched on using Kevlar jersey thread, an extremely high-tensile-strength thread that has high levels of resistance to tearing, with double stitching in all high-wear and high-use areas. Moving beyond the chassis, the armor that protects against impact and abrasion is constructed from the most technical materials available. At the backhand and main knuckles, a carbon fiber hard part is thermowelded to a stainless steel base plate, while the finger knuckles have TPU hard part protectors. The outside of the pinky has TPU sliders in addition to Dainese's distortion control system, which protects the pinky against torsion and subsequent breakage. There are also TPU hard parts at the outside of the palm and protecting the ulna bone, both of which allow the hand to slide in the event of a low-side on the track.

For comfort, there is perforated leather between the fingers and at the gauntlet, encouraging high levels airflow to the hand when riding at speed. The fingers are precurved for ergonomics and overall fatigue reduction. Strategic areas of the glove, like the back of the thumb and the top of the wrist, utilize Spandex fabric and microelastic paneling for full range of motion when working the controls. The palm of the hand features double layer leather reinforcements to extend the longevity of the Steel Cores. There is a single velcro tightening strap at the wrist for a snug fit while the single velcro cuff closure allows enough room for the glove to be worn on the outside of your racing leathers. Overall, the Dainese Steel Core Carbon Gloves are a solid pick
for the racer or track day enthusiast.

To see other choices, please visit our Dainese Gloves section and Motorcycle Race Gloves page at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese Pro Carbon Gloves Review
Dainese 2011 Sport Glove Overview
Dainese 4 Stroke Gloves Overview
Dainese Ricochet Gloves Review

Fly Paradigm Helmet Review

A brand new part of the Fly Street collection from Fly Racing, the Fly Paradigm Helmet is one of the most exciting pieces of gear they're releasing for Spring 2011. Extraordinarily lightweight, quiet, and aerodynamic, the Fly Paradigm Helmet comes in at an unheard-of price point (under $200) for a helmet that touts this level of features. Available in graphic versions in addition to a sleek matte black finish, the Fly Paradigm Helmet is going to be extremely popular this season amongst the sport and street riding crowd.

Check out our Fly Paradigm Helmet Review:

Fly Paradigm Classic Helmet

The first thing that impressed us about this lid is how lightweight it is. While it boasts DOT & ECE certification, with ECE usually adding some extra weight, the Paradigm still weighs in right around the 3.5lb mark. The composite outer shell is a blended weave of fiberglass, kevlar and carbon fiber which provides exceptional protection from impact but maintains the helmet's lightweight nature. The dual density EPS liner system reduces the shock of impact by dispersing energy evenly. For air flow, the Paradigm has three large open/close intakes (designed to operate easily with gloves on) with six rear exhaust vents that will keep your head cool on the most blazing days of the year. The venturi effect airflow will suck the hot air from the front of the helmet and out the back for maximum cooling.

Fly Paradigm Winner's Circle Helmet

Inside, the extremely soft Comfort Liner is moisture-wicking and antibacterial. Both the liner and cheek pads can quickly be removed and are completely washable. The ventilation is channeled through the EPS and lines up with the comfort liner to ensure that your head gets the airflow, not the helmet's materials. The anti-fog shield that comes stock with the helmet operates with a quick change mechanism that literally can be removed in seconds. There are multiple shields available for this helmet including tinted, mirrored, and colored styles. Since the ventilation and aerodynamics are designed for the 3/4 or tucked position, this helmet will work best in street and sport riding scenarios.

The new Fly Paradigm muscles its way into the group of mid-level price helmets that offer a feature set that exceeds their price tags. This helmet is sure to have a great deal of appeal in the sport riding community this year. Check out our full selection by visiting Motorcycle Helmets at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Scorpion EXO-500 Helmet Preview
Icon Variant Salvo Hi-Viz Helmet
Bell RS-1 Helmet Preview
Arai Vector 2 Helmet Review

Dainese 2011 Sport Glove Overview

In this video, we take a high-level look at the lineup of sport riding gloves in 2011 from Dainese. Bear in mind that we have detailed reviews of each of one of these gloves available on RevZillaTV.com, but this video will give an idea of the features and functionality that you'll get out of these gloves, from short cuff hot weather street gloves, all the way up through the glove that Valentino Rossi wears on the track, the Dainese Full Metal Pro Glove.

Check out our Dainese 2011 Sport Glove Overview:

Dainese 4 Stroke Gloves

Starting with the Dainese 2 Stroke Gloves, you've got a short cuff, stylish and protective glove built for summertime street riding and touring. Ergonomics and comfort are the focus with this glove, with pre-curved fingers and tons of mesh to keep the air flowing in the hot weather. The knuckles feature carbon fiber and foam protection, and there are leather reinforcements on the palm for safety. Moving up, the Dainese Gasket Gloves are slightly more technical with TPU hard part knuckle protection, a cowhide backhand and goatskin palm construction. Microelasticated panels and pre-curved fingers provide ease of movement and ergonomics, while the perforation between the fingers and at the palm create airflow. The Dainese 4 Stroke Gloves are the godfather of this short cuff bunch, replete with a TPU hard part that sits atop a stainless steel plate across the main knuckles and backhand. TPU protects each of the fingers and the sides of the pinky features the Distortion Control system. These gloves also feature a goatskin palm with TPU sliders at the palm of the hand and the outer cuff to assist in a slide situation. The 4 Strokes are the most technical of the short cuff gloves from Dainese.

Dainese Full Metal Pro Gloves

Moving on to the gauntlets. Designed with the entry level track rider in mind, the Dainese Carbon Cover Gloves have the right amount of protection for the casual track day rider. A full cowhide construction, the Carbon Covers have carbon fiber knuckle protection. Moving up, the Dainese Pro Carbon Gloves are also a full cowhide construction, but feature a combination stainless steel and carbon fiber knuckle protector in addition to TPU sliders on the outside of the pinky. They are a slightly more technical option. The Dainese Steel Core Carbon Gloves start to get into the seriously protective gauntlets. The backhand and main knuckle is protected by a carbon fiber hard part set into a stainless steel plate. The finger knuckles feature TPU hard parts and the little finger has a TPU slider (and Distortion Control) with sliders at the ulna bone and at the palm. A full cowhide leather construction, the Steel Cores also use Kevlar Jersey fiber in the stitching for added protection. Finally, the granddaddy of them all, the Dainese Full Metal Pro Gloves are designed with the pro racer in mind. Worn by Valentino Rossi, the Full Metal Pros use extremely high-end materials like titanium, carbon fiber, Kevlar yarn, and more. Almost too many details to list here, be sure to check out our Dainese Full Metal Pro Gloves Review if this is the level of protection you're seeking.

Check out our Dainese Full Metal Pro Glove Review:

To see more options, visit our Dainese Gloves page and our Motorcycle Gloves page.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese 4 Stroke Gloves Review
Dainese Pro Carbon Gloves Review
Dainese Ricochet Gloves Review

REV'IT! Tarmac Gloves Review

TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots Review

Far and away the most popular boot in the TCX Boots lineup, the TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots are extremely popular in the Sport Touring community. For 2011, TCX gave these boots an overhaul, vastly improving the style and streamlining the design. These boots will perform great on the bike in long-distance touring and cruiser situations, but they are sleek enough to look good under a pair of jeans
(as you'll see in the video) when you're walking around town.

Check out our TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots Review:

The TCX X-Five Plus Boots are a premium full grain leather upper with a Gore-Tex waterproof breathable membrane. What you're getting is an Italian-styled leather boot that protects you from all forms of precipitation but allows the foot to breathe and perspiration to escape away from the skin. Gore-Tex is the most breathable of air waterproof membranes, and the waterproofing element is guaranteed for life. Internally, the moisture-wicking comfort liner furthers the breathability by pulling perspiration away from the skin and helping it to pass through the Gore membrane. The anti-slip, oil and petroleum resistant rubber sole is high-grip but allows enough flex that you won't be uncomfortable off the bike and walking around.

For protection, the X-Five Plus has a reinforced TPU shin plate to protect against the extremely common injury of breakage of the tibia when it comes in contact with the foot peg in a get-off situation. The X-Five Plus also features anti-impact hard part lateral malleolus protection that will also act as a slider and TPU medial malleolus protection. The toe box is reinforced with hard part protection and the PU high-grip shifter panel is double stitched for durability. Flex bellows at the lower shin and back of calf allow for uncompromised movement on the bike while the padding in the rear of the calf provides extra protection. Finally, the zip and velcro panel closure system is backed by a full-length inner gaiter that maintains the waterproofing of this boot.

The TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots have been one of the bestsellers in the past within the sport touring community and this new style design should only continue its success. To see similar boots, visit our Waterproof Motorcycle Boots and our Sport Touring Boots sections at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Related:
TCX Boots 2011 Overview
Icon Patrol Waterproof Boots Review
Sidi Laguna Gore-Tex Boots Review
Dainese Nighthawk Gore-Tex Boots Review

Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Pro & Multiset

Brand new for 2011, the Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Pro and Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Pro Multiset offer even higher levels of functionality than the best selling Scala Rider Q2. Expected to be shipping in late February of this year, the Q2 Pro has us extremely excited.

Here are some significant upgrades of the Q2 Pro versus its predecessor:

• Greater Distance of Communication: Upgraded to 700m (2300ft) over 500m (1640ft)
• Brand new PLC (Packet Loss Concealment) provides real-time compensation of audio loss which translates to clearer and smoother conversations without losing fidelity
• MDC (Multiple Device Connection) allowing GPS instructions, intra-bike communication, phone calls, and mp3 or radio listening
• A2DP Technology allowing wireless stereo music or mp3 player connection

Cardo Systems has addressed some of the issues frequently complained about with the Q2: the audio fidelity of conversation, wireless stereo connection for radio and mp3, and the range of communication. Already a best-selling bluetooth communicator, we expect to see the popularity of the Cardo Scala Rider Q2 Pro continue to grow with this newest iteration.

Dainese Spring 2011 Motorcycle Gear Overview

The new Dainese Spring 2011 Gear lineup is loaded with new products, from leather jackets to leather pants, waterproof textile jackets to summer sport riding gloves, and more. Some of the standouts that we think are going to be extremely popular are the Dainese Alien Leather Jacket, an aggressive street and trackday riding jacket, the Dainese Air-Flux Textile Jacket, a mesh sport riding jacket with an aggressive design, the Dainese 4 Stroke Gloves, a lightweight short cuff summer sport glove that provides high degrees of protection, comfort, and ventilation, and the Dainese TRQ Race Boots, available in waterproof, perforated, in (for inside race suit) and out (for outside race suit cuff) versions.

Check out our Dainese Spring 2011 Gear Overview:

Please note that every single one of these products has its own in-depth HD video review available on RevZillaTV.com. This is simply our high-level overview that gives a brief look at the highlights of the new Dainese 2011 collection.

We've released a handful of blogs already detailing some of the new gear, but stay tuned for an in-depth blog that discusses each product in the lineup.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese Air Flux Textile Jacket Review
Dainese Alien Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Spring 2011 Leather Jacket Guide

Dainese Air Flux Textile Jacket Review

Certain to be a big hit among the sport riding and metric crowd this upcoming season, the Dainese Air Flux Jacket complements the Dainese Shotgun Jacket for warm and hot weather riding in the Dainese lineup. The Air-Flux is replete with Boomerang mesh, a high tensile strength mesh fabric for extreme levels of air flow during aggressive hot weather rides.



Check out our Dainese Air Flux Jacket Review:

While the Air Flux is going to flow a ton of air with its high percentage of mesh construction, there is no sacrifice to your safety when riding. In impact areas, Dainese uses a combination of abrasion-resistant XY Stum fabric and extremely high tensile strength D-Stone fabric. In the elbows and forearms, you'll find removable CE rated armor, hard part protectors backed by shock absorbing foam. The back of the jacket features pockets to accommodate the various CE rated back protectors in the Dainese lineup, in the event that you wanted to bulk up the protective elements. With all of this in mind, you can feel ensured that you'll be protected in the event of an unfortunate get-off scenario.

Overall, this jacket is built for comfort and ergonomics in the hot weather. With multiple zones of adjustability, at the waist, wrist and collar, you can ensure proper fit and comfort on long summer rides. There are four external pockets on this jacket in addition to a large exhaust vent at the top of the back for even more airflow.

A great choice for the summer sport and street rider, the Dainese Air-Flux Textile Jacket is sure to be a home run for Spring and Summer 2011. To compare jackets like this one, visit our Summer Motorcycle Gear, Textile Motorcycle Jackets and Dainese Textile Jackets sections at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese Alien Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Alien Leather Pants Review
Dainese Spring 2011 Leather Jacket Guide
Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket Review

TCX Boots 2011 Overview

Making their triumphant return back to the United States after a brief hiatus, TCX Boots are a brand that we're extremely excited to have back in stock at RevZilla. We had the opportunity last week to take a look at the entire lineup of basic commuting, sport and ADV touring, and mid to pro level race boots last week and we're extremely impressed with what we're seeing from TCX. From the basic functionality of the TCX X-Square Boots all the way through the pro-level racing application of the TCX S-Race Boots, their lineup has something for every rider out there.

Check out our TCX Boots 2011 Overview and Guide:

Starting at the most basic boots in the lineup, you've got the TCX X-Square Boots, designed for basic commuting and light motorcycling. Moving up the food chain, the TCX X-Cube Boots beef up the protective elements and feature a waterproof breathable membrane for more versatility in varied riding scenarios. The last boot in sport riding lineup before you get into Gore-Tex boots are the TCX X-Action Waterproof Boots, fully waterproof and breathable with a higher cut and more of a sport touring functionality than the previous two. Also fitting into this group are the TCX Jupiter 2 XCR Boots, a new version of an extremely popular TCX boot that features the highly breathable Gore XCR membrane which is completely waterproof. These are a great commuting and light riding boot.

TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots

The TCX Ladies Aura Boots are a womens specific sport touring boot, with a narrower toebox and heel in addition to a higher arch that feature a waterproof breathable membrane. Gore-Tex functionality sets apart the TCX X-Five Plus Gore-Tex Boots, by far the bestselling TCX boot worldwide, if only based on their extraordinary style, slick design, and all-season all-weather protective performance. If mild to hot weather riding is more your style, the TCX Air Tech XCR Boots will breathe extremely well with the combination of the breathable XCR membrane and ventilated AirTech material. However, all precipitation will be blocked before it enters the boot. For the ADV touring market, the TCX Infinity GTX Boots are an extremely rugged dualsport boot with a Gore-Tex membrane, a highly
technical sole, and a cam lock buckle closure system.

TCX S-Race Boots

If you're a racer, there is a TCX boot for you too. At the entry level, it's going to be hard to find a boot on the market that can come anywhere close to the TCX S-Zero Boots and their level of functionality. Also available as the TCX S-Zero Waterproof Boots, these boots are loaded with hard part protection that will keep you safe on the track, but also are comfortable enough for serious sport touring. Stepping into the pro-level, the TCX S-Race Boots have extremely levels of protection, using the Torsion Control System at the ankle, Metatarsal Control System to protect the toes, and PU hard parts throughout, including an alloy toe slider mounted on a hard PU backing. These boots are the choice for the serious trackday rider or racer out there.

As you can see, there really is a TCX Boot for every application. Stay tuned for our detailed blog breakdown of every one of these boots. Also, be sure not to miss the in-depth video review for each of these boots on their individual product pages over at RevZilla.com!

-RetroZilla

Related:
Teknic Chicane Waterproof Street Boots Review
Teknic Chicane Race Boots Review
Dainese Quito Riding Shoes Review
Dainese Torque Pro Out Boots Review

Scorpion EXO-500 Helmet Preview

All we know at the moment is that it will be available soon, But as far as "bang for the buck" is concerned for a sub-$200 sport helmet, the Scorpion EXO-500 Helmet will deliver in spades.

It builds on a lot of the technologies we have seen in other Scorpion lids, but for a very reasonable price. It will include the AIRFIT pump fitment system as well as a dropdown tinted sun-visor and DOT / ECE cert. The basics by way of liner, shield and anti-fog, which Scorpion does so well, will no doubt be part of the deal.

Stay tuned for preorder details, but we think it will be a big hit for the spring.

-BoochZilla

Dainese 4 Stroke Gloves Review

A brand new street and sport riding glove, the Dainese 4 Stroke Gloves are an extremely stylish and protective short cuff summertime option. A big step up in features and functionality from the Dainese Ricochet Gloves, the 4 Strokes are sure to be a big hit for sport tourers and aggressive street riders within the Dainese lineup.

Check out our Dainese 4 Stroke Gloves Review:

Let's take a look at how these gloves are constructed. The backhand chassis is an extremely abrasion-resistant cowhide leather while the palm is a strong, lightweight, and very tactile goatskin leather. There is perforation all over the back of the hand, at the palms, and in between the fingers to suck air into the gloves. Protection is loaded up in the 4 Strokes: the main knuckle is a composite insert- TPU hard parts on the knuckle and back hand that are thermowelded to a stainless steel plate. The finger knuckles all feature TPU hard part armor while the pinky uses TPU sliders and Dainese's Distortion Control System to prevent serious injury to the little finger, which is an extremely common racing injury. There is addition TPU slider at the heel of the
hand and at the cuff. This is a ton of armor for a short cuff glove.

For comfort and ergonomics, the 4 Strokes have microelastic inserts across the fingers, and at the thumb and cuff, so there is no discomfort when actively working the controls. The palm features leather reinforcements in high-use and high-wear areas to extend the longevity. Foam inserts at the thumb and palm provide additional safety. The glove has an ergonomic pre-curving to reduce fatigue while a single velcro cuff closure provides a snug fit. The fingers also all feature double layer leather reinforcements for added safety. Across the board, the Dainese 4 Stroke Gloves will excel in summertime street and sport riding and they are a welcome addition to the Dainese lineup, brand new for Spring 2011.

Check out more options by visiting our Dainese Gloves, Motorcycle Gloves, and Short Cuff Motorcycle Gloves sections at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese Spring 2011 Leather Jacket Guide
Dainese Ricochet Gloves Review
Dainese Pro Carbon Gloves Review
REV'IT! Tarmac Gloves Review

Dainese Alien Leather Pants Review

A brand new sport touring and racing pant for Spring 2011, the Dainese Alien Leather Pants already look to be a smash hit for the upcoming season. What's really impressive about this newest leather pant option from Dainese is their versatility and the extreme attention paid to ergonomics and comfort over long distances. Any motorcyclist who is a trackday enthusiast or a long-distance sport touring rider knows that there is nothing more crucial than staying comfortable (and protected, of course) so as to not have any distractions from the active task of riding.

Check out our Dainese Alien Leather Pants Review:

Designed as the complement to any leather jacket in the Dainese lineup (via 360º zip) but particularly the Dainese Alien Leather Jacket, the Alien pants are constructed from a full D-Skin leather chassis. Proprietary to Dainese, D-Skin leather offers significantly higher abrasion resistance than traditional cowhide and offers an extra soft and comfortable feel thanks to a special wax and silicone treatment. I stressed comfort in the intro to this blog and now I'll explain how exactly that is achieved. First off, as stated, the leather is extremely soft. The other big piece here is the S1 Stretch fabric; S1 is a highly abrasion resistant fabric that also allows for ease of movement and expansion. This fabric can be found in the crotch and inner legs, at the backs of the
knees, and the small of the back.

The Alien leather pants feature CE rated armor not only in the knee and shin area but also at the hip. Rarely do we see pants come stock with CE hip armor, so this is a nice upgrade from Dainese. Inside, the Aliens have a NanoFeel mesh liner system; NanoFeel is a silver ion treated fabric that is sanitized, antibacterial and antibacterial. It is also moisture-wicking, allowing the skin to breathe in active riding scenarios, pulling sweat away from the body. The S1 stretch at the backs of the knees also airs for additional breathability. Bi-elasticated stretch paneling above the knees is there for articulation in the riding position. Another awesome feature in these pants is the double calf zip closure system. One zip is for expansion to accommodate riders with bigger legs, the other for closure.

The Alien pants feature two hip pockets that are tipped with reflective paneling, belt loops if a belt is desired, a full 360º zip for jacket connection and track legality, safety stitching throughout the pants, and elasticated inserts in the waist for comfort.

These pants are going to be an absolute home run this season as Dainese delivers another option for the sport touring rider and the casual trackday rider. To see comparable products, visit our Dainese Leather Pants section and our Leather Motorcycle Pants page.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Alien Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Delta Pro Leather Pants Review
Dainese Spring 2011 Leather Jacket Guide

Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket Review

Another extremely technical racing leather jacket from Dainese, the brand new Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket is one of the most feature-rich street and track jackets in the Dainese lineup. Also available as the Dainese Rebel Non-Perforated Leather Jacket, there are few leather jackets that offer a higher degree of technicality in the Dainese lineup. And as always, you make no sacrifice in style, as Dainese gear truly pays as much attention to the design of their gear as they do the protective and performance elements.

Check out our Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket Review below:

The Rebel is a premium Italian cowhide leather chassis, complemented by S1 stretch fabric along the inner arms. In the perf version, there is a fully ventilated scheme of cowhide for maximum cooling on hot days. The S1 stretch fabric contributes to this cooling by allowing air to flow through; it also provides comfort and flexibility due to the nature of the material. While we're talking comfort and ergonomics, the bi-elasticated stretch panels, found at the backs of the elbows and under the arms wrapping to the backs of the shoulders, allow for a full range of motion when maneuvering on the racetrack. The collar also features an elasticated insert for a snug and comfortable fit against the neck. Airflow is furthered by the zip-open chest vents and
the zip-open side of torso vents.

Armor on the Rebel is some of the best that Dainese has to armor. The CE rated shoulder armor is a titanium slider welded to a hard part plastic base, all of which is backed by shock-absorbing foam. The elbow armor is CE rated and extends to the forearm, forming a highly protective cup. The back features two slots which can house any of Dainese's CE rated back protector inserts. At the chest, there is a pocket for the Dainese Thorax Chest Protector. Upgrading in these areas significantly improves the protective elements of this jacket. Temperfoam injected panels are strategically placed and give an added boost to the overall safety. Lastly, the aerodynamic speed hump also keeps the body off the ground in the event of a crash scenario.

For true Spring-Summer-Fall functionality, the Rebel also has a removable full-sleeved quilted thermal liner that can be utilized when the temperature dips. The mesh lining of the jacket is a NanoFeel liner, treated with silver ions for antibacterial, antimicrobial and sanitizing purposes. The Rebel has a 360º zip for track legality, four outer pockets, two internal pockets, and reflective ticks in strategic locations. That rounds out the feature set of this 2011 standout product from Dainese. See more choices by visiting Dainese Leather Jackets and our Leather Motorcycle Jackets sections at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese Alien Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Spring 2011 Leather Jacket Guide
Dainese Cage Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Delta Pro Leather Pants Review

Dainese Alien Leather Jacket Review

One of the most exciting products in the Dainese Spring 2011 Gear lineup is no doubt the Dainese Alien Leather Jacket. The Alien fills the need in the Dainese line for a classic-styled leather jacket whose performance matches its sporty look. Comfort, technicality, performance and style all come together in the Dainese Alien, which fits a step above the Dainese Racing Leather Jacket and a step below the features of the Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket in their lineup of aggressive street and track leathers.

Check out our Dainese Alien Leather Jacket review below:

The Dainese Alien Leather Jacket is constructed from Dainese's proprietary premium D-Skin leather. D-Skin offers significantly higher tensile strength and abrasion resistance than traditional cowhide, and it is also treated with a special silicone and wax treatment for superior softness. The Alien features S1 stretch fabric that runs the length of the inner arms, providing comfort, mobility and airflow. Speaking of ventilation, the standard version of this jacket has a full perf scheme but there is also a Dainese Alien Non-Perforated Leather Jacket available for riders in milder climates. Inside, Dainese's 3D Bubble Liner is used; by creating tiny pockets of air between the skin and the jacket, a microclimate is created within the jacket, allowing hot air to escape in the
summer, but keeping warmth close to the skin in the colder months.

For protection, CE rated co-injected armor is used in the shoulders, an aluminum slider welded to a hard plastic cup that is backed by shock absorbing foam. There is also CE rated armor in the elbows that extends down the forearm. The Alien features two pockets in the back that can house any of Dainese's proprietary back protection inserts. A brand new feature that we're starting to see more and more, the chest of this jacket features a pocket for the Dainese Thorax Chest Protector. Injuries to the chest are some of the most common in motorcycling; as a result, manufacturers are being more attentive to riders' desires for added protection in that area of a jacket. With the addition of optional back and chest protection, you can significantly
enhance the safety features of this jacket.

Some more of the features on this jacket include: S1 stretch paneling that wraps under the arms and to the backs of the shoulders for mobility when hitting the race position; a leather-rolled comfort collar; adjustability on each side of the waist, and at the neck; nubuck leather panels across the chest and at the outside of biceps for style; a fully sanitized antimicrobial liner to keep the inside of the jacket from getting musty; reflective paneling in strategic areas; two outside pockets and one internal pocket; and finally, temperfoam injected panels for added protection. This jacket also has a 360º zip for track legality and it is a great match for the Dainese Alien Leather Pants for track days or even sport touring applications.

Dainese delivers once again with a technically-sound and extraordinarily stylish jacket. The Dainese Alien Leather Jacket has a classic look that simply won't go out of style, and it's also going to perform extremely well in a variety of applications.

To see more choices, visit our Dainese Leather Jackets page; to see our full selection, visit our Leather Motorcycle Jackets section.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese Spring 2011 Leather Jacket Guide
Dainese Cage Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Delta Pro Leather Pants Review
Dainese Red Line Racing Suit Review

Dainese Spring 2011 Leather Jacket Guide

Every Dainese loyalist is about to be extremely excited. Brand new for 2011, Dainese is releasing four new leather jackets, a new leather pant choice, and new colorways on an extremely popular leather staple of the Dainese lineup. While we have already shot a video review of the Dainese Cage Leather Jacket, we just recently were able to see the entirety of the new lineup and we will be rolling out all of our video reviews for the line in the near future. In the meantime, consider this a sneak preview, where you can see the reviews of the new leather jackets and pants. Make sure you stay tuned for the detailed blog breakdown of every one of these products in the very near future.

But in the meantime, first up is our Dainese Alien Leather Jacket Review:

The Dainese Alien Leather Jacket is a track-ready leather that utilizes Dainese's D-Skin Leather and a 3-D Bubble Mesh liner. D-Skin is more abrasion-resistant and offers higher tensile strength than cowhide while the 3D bubble liner creates a microclimate and thereby maintains your core temperature no matter whether it is hot or cold outside. CE rated co-injected aluminum shoulder armor with CE rated elbow/forearm armor, the Alien also has pockets for the Dainese Wave or Dainese Shield Back Protector and the Dainese Thorax Chest Protector. The Alien is fully track ready with a 360º zip for pants connection. It is also available as the Dainese Alien Non-Perforated Leather Jacket.


Next up is the Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket Review:

The Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket is close to the top of the Dainese food chain for racing leather jackets. The only things higher in price and functionality are the Dainese Santa Monica Jacket and the Dainese New Delmar Jacket. A premium cowhide leather construction with a silver ion treated sanitized liner system and a removable thermal liner, the Rebel has CE rated co-injected titanium shoulder armor with CE rated elbow/forearm armor. The Rebel features an aerodynamic spoiler for racing and trackday riding and of course a 360º zip to connect to pants. The Rebel also has pockets for optional back protection and chest protection. Stay tuned for the full breakdown coming very soon.


Next up is the Dainese Racing Leather Jacket Review:

The Dainese Racing Leather Jacket has been a staple product in the Dainese line and this year there are brand new colorways available. There are now versions of this jacket that will match for the Yamaha and Gixxer riders. Premium cowhide is used in the construction of this jacket, with co-injected aluminum CE rated shoulder protection and CE rated elbow/forearm armor. You've got a 360º zip for pants attachment and trackday riding; this jacket will perform excellently both on the street and the track. Again, stay tuned for the full details on this jacket when the blog is released.


Next is our Dainese Tourage Leather Jacket Review:



A classically styled leather jacket that looks just as good walking around town as it does on the bike, the Dainese Tourage Leather Jacket is designed with the refined rider in mind, perfectly marrying motorcycle protection and sport touring performance with Italian fashion. The Tourage is designed to be comfortable in the upright or 3/4 position, with articulated panels that match this design. It utilizes a vintage cowhide for a soft feel and a classic appearance and suede lettering that screams vintage. CE rated armor in the shoulders and elbows with a pocket for CE back protection, the Tourage also has an antimicrobial and antibacterial sanitized lining.


Finally, our Dainese Alien Leather Pants Review:

The Dainese Alien Leather Pants are the perfect match for the Dainese Alien Leather Jacket, forming a track-ready combo or simply a protective and comfortable sport touring outfit. The Aliens use D-Skin leather, more abrasion resistant and higher tensile strength than cowhide, and also extremely comfortable. They also feature large S1 stretch panels for comfort, mobility and airflow in the lower back, back of the knees, and crotch and inner leg area. CE rated armor in the knees with large foam hip protectors, a sanitized NanoFeel liner system, and reflective inserts for visibility. The Alien pants also have a double calf zip, one for expansion and calf size accommodation, and one as a closure. The 360º zip connects these pants to any race-legal leather jacket.

There you have it, our brief overview of the brand new Dainese Leather Jackets for 2011. Stay tuned for our in-depth write-ups of all of this gear in addition to our review videos of the full Dainese Spring 2011 lineup that we'll be rolling out soon.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese Cage Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Xantum D-Dry Jacket Review
Dainese Bruce Gore-Tex Jacket & Pants Review
Dainese Delta Pro Leather Pants Review

Teknic Chicane Race Boots Review

A brand new redesign for the Teknic 2011 Collection, the Teknic Chicane Race Boots are another example of a Teknic product whose value greatly exceeds its price point. The Chicanes are loaded with track-level protection and provide a great value to the casual trackday rider who doesn't need all of the futuristic technological elements found in a pro-level boot.

Check out our in-depth Teknic Chicane Race Boots Review:

Starting out, the Chicanes are a full synthetic leather and microfiber upper construction. Due to the fact that synthetic leather can be manufactured without any flaws, it is actually a more expensive material than cowhide. At the instep of each boot is a suede grip panel to interface and grip the bike without damaging or scratching the metal. There is a stretch microfiber at the entry of the boot to allow for a broad range of fit and overall comfort. Inside, a breathable and moisture-wicking bubble mesh liner is used to ensure maximum comfort in active track riding conditions. The boots also feature a 15º forward slant, ergonomically designed for comfort in the riding position. There is also strategic perforation in the Chicanes to flow air into the boots.

Moving in to the protective elements of the Chicanes, the first you'll notice is the replaceable aluminum/nylon toe slider. At this price point, it is extremely rare to see anything but a basic PU slider and you especially don't see replaceable aluminum parts. The ankle is protected medially and laterally by an injected PU ankle brace system, which wraps around and also provides achilles protection. This brace system limits side to side movement within the boot to prevent some of the more common racing injuries to the ankle. An anti-crush injected PU cup protects at the heel while a double injected rubber sole has an anti-crush shank to keep the bottom of the foot safe. The shins are kept safe by a double injected PU shin protector: an extremely common injury in motorcycling is the foot peg striking and breaking the tibia and this PU protector helps to stop that.

Within the Chicanes, you'll find double stitching in all high-use and high-wear areas for the highest level of resistance to tearing. A PU injected shifter panel at the top of the toe interfaces with the shifter. The anatomic foot-bed in the Chicanes can be removed if you so choose and the zipper-and-velcro closure provides another level of flexibility in fit and comfort. Again, for the price, you won't find many other boots that are ready to hit the tarmac and provide this high of a degree of features and functionality. They are a great match for the Teknic Xcelerator Race Suit or the Teknic Violator Race Suit.

To see similar options, visit our Motorcycle Race Boots and Motorcycle Boots sections at RevZilla.com.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Teknic Chicane Waterproof Street Boots Review
Teknic Xcelerator Race Suit Review
Teknic Violator Leather Jacket Review

Teknic Chicane Waterproof Street Boots Review

When we first got a look at the brand new Teknic Chicane Waterproof Street Boots, we immediately knew that they were going to quickly climb the ranks of our favorite riding shoes. Teknic pulled out all the stops for the Chicanes, loading them with features and protective elements that are completely unheard of at this price point. Designed for aggressive street and sport riding, the Teknic Chicane Street Boots are certainly going to be in standout in their realm for 2011.

Check out our Teknic Chicane Waterproof Street Boots Review:

The Chicanes are a synthetic leather and microfiber upper construction. Synthetic leather is actually more expensive than traditional cowhide, due to the fact that it is completely flawless when manufactured. It provides a great deal of abrasion resistance and protection. Inside, the boots are lined with a moisture-wicking polyamide interior that allows the foot to breathe and moisture to evaporate away. Between the liner and the upper is the Powerskin waterproof breathable membrane, keeping all precipitation out, but letting hot air escape from the skin. The anatomical footbed is also completely removable while strategic perforation in the exterior flows air into the boots on hot days.

On to the protective elements of this boot. There is a replaceable aluminum/nylon toe slider, injected PU ankle protectors medially and laterally, an injected anti-crush heel cup that covers an enormous part of the heel providing a ton of protection, and a double injected rubber sole with an anti-crush shank. The sole is also extremely durable, high-grip and anti-slip. At the inner side of each boot is a suede grip panel for interfacing with the bike, and at the top of the toe box is an injected shifter panel. The quick-lacing closure system is protected by a velcro panel that also acts as a tightness adjuster. Available in black and white, we think the new Teknic Chicane Waterproof Street Boots will be a home run in 2011.

To see similar gear, check out our Waterproof Motorcycle Boots and Motorcycle Riding Shoes sections.

-RetroZilla

Related:
Dainese Quito Riding Shoes Review
Shift Fuel and Kicker Riding Shoes Review
Icon Patrol Waterproof Boots Review
Alpinestars Ridge Waterproof Boots Review

Icon Variant Salvo & Salvo Hi-Viz Helmet: Brand New 2011 Lids

With motorcyclists becoming more and more cognizant of their safety on the roadway, manufacturers have been responding with gear that enhances safety, both with protective elements and with visibility. Icon Motosports has joined the ranks of its peers who are also making hi-viz gear. In Fall 2010, we saw the release of the Icon Alliance Hi-Viz Helmet, their first high visibility helmet. In Spring 2011, Icon will be taking these safety features to one of its most popular helmets, the Icon Variant Helmet. We will see the release of the Icon Variant Salvo Helmet and the Icon Variant Salvo Hi-Viz Helmet. While we haven't gotten our hands on one yet to do a RevZillaTV review, we do have some photos and some information that we've gathered.

The Icon Variant Salvo Helmet is designed to be black and sleek during the day but extremely bright at night time. The graphics utilize highly reflective paint that lights up like daytime when a motorists lights bounce off of it. Icon's idea for this helmet was to create a helmet that would provide higher levels of visibility and safety, but to mask all of this within a new graphical pattern. And they definitely succeeded with the edgy design of the Salvo that is also highly functional in night riding. The core of the Variant remains the same: Fiberglass, Carbon Fiber, Dyneema construction; long oval head shape; multiple intake and exhaust ports; removable and washable HydraDry moisture-wicking liner; quick-change fog-free shield; and much more.

The Icon Variant Salvo Hi-Viz Helmet takes the reflectivity of the regular Salvo to the next level by utilizing bright fluorescent yellow paint on the shell, to work in conjunction with the reflective graphics. It is also available in a fluorescent orange version.

Stay tuned for our video review of this helmet when we can get our hands on one!

-RetroZilla

Related:
Icon Variant Speedmetal Helmet Review
Premium Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide
Hi-Viz Motorcycle Gear Guide
Icon Patrol All-Weather Gear

Teknic Violator Leather Jacket Review

Loaded with technical features and boasting a ton of Teknic's proprietary innovations, the Teknic Violator Leather Jacket is an excellent aggressive sport and track riding option. The Violator is loaded with perforation for maximum cooling and features all of the advanced protective elements that a serious trackday rider needs. Also, one of the biggest features of this jacket, it comes standard with a Knox TP2 CE Back Protector. Generally a necessary post-purchase upgrade, the Knox comes stock with the Violator, so you can hit the track the day you buy this jacket.

Check out our full Teknic Violator Leather Jacket Review:

Let's get in to some of the features of the Violator. Starting with the shell, the Violator is a premium 1.2-1.4mm Brazilian Cowhide construction. On the inside of each arms is 500D Stretch Cordura fabric which provides comfort, flows air, and allows accommodation for a range of arm sizes; Teknic calls this the Full Motion Arm System. In the shoulders and elbows, dual layer leather is used for abrasion resistance. The entirety of the Violator uses the TASC system, Teknic Advanced Seam Construction. This system is multiple rows of safety stitching and provides the maximum resistance to tearing and abrasion in any sort of get-off scenario. Moving on to the armor, as I mentioned, the Violator comes with the Knox protector in the back. It also features the Teknic CE Rated Airblade System in the shoulders, a replaceable hard part that is backed by shock-absorbing foam. In the elbows, CE rated Knox armor is used, and the chest has pockets for CE chest protection. Finally, closed cell foam injections can be found in critical areas of the jacket.

The Violator features an aerodynamic speed hump that is ventilated for airflow and will also protect in a crash. Strategic accordion stretch panels allow for ergonomic movement, working in conjunction with the race precurved fit. The Violator is fully perforated to flow maximum air on days when the tarmac is baking, but also comes with a removable Fiberfill quilted thermal vest liner to stretch the seasonality into the cooler temperatures. There is a 360º zip to connect with track pants, a short zip and a belt loop if you're just riding on the street. The Violator utilizes YKK zippers throughout and features a moisture-wicking neoprene comfort collar. Finally, the mesh liner of the Violator is 3M Scotchgard treated and has moisture-wicking, antibacterial and non-allergenic properties.

The Teknic Violator Leather Jacket is another standout from the 2011 Teknic lineup, as it will easily go toe-to-toe with any similarly-priced leather jacket in terms of features and functionality. To see similar products, visit our Leather Motorcycle Jackets section.

-RetroZilla

Related:

Teknic Xcelerator Race Suit Review

REV'IT! Tarmac Leather Jacket Review

Shift Octane Leather Jacket Review

Icon Overlord Leather Jacket Review