Dainese VR46 Leather Jacket Review

Brand new for 2012, the Dainese VR46 Leather Jacket is after the hearts of Valentino Rossi fans far and wide. The VR46 Leather Jacket is built on the chassis of the Dainese Racing Leather Jacket, one of the most popular Dainese leather jackets. This jacket strips the Racing Leather of its branding, retains all of the standout features and technologies, and tastefully adds Rossi's hi-viz yellow color accents throughout, including the "VR46" logo. Alongside the similarly-styled VR46 Textile, the new Rossi Replica Gauntlets, and the VR46 Sport Gloves, the VR46 Leather Jacket is one of many in a formidable line from Dainese that pays homage to the greatest racer of all time.

Check out our Dainese VR46 Leather Jacket Review:


Constructed of premium 1.2mm Italian cowhide leather, the VR46 Leather Jacket has protection, style and comfort in mind. At the shoulders, Dainese uses co-injected CE rated armor topped by aluminum hard parts, protecting from impact while enabling sliding in a get-off scenario. The elbows are using Dainese CE rated armor that extends all the way down nearly to the wrist for ample protection. There is also a pocket in the back of the jacket that will house a Dainese CE rated back protector, so you can really bulk up the protection that this jacket offers. There are additional foam injections on the biceps and at the back that add another element of protection in addition to a nice style.

For comfort and airflow, the Dainese VR46 Leather Jacket has strategic S1 stretch paneling which allows mobility when in the tucked riding position. At the backs of the elbows and biceps, there are elasticated leather panels in addition to reflective inserts. There is a full 360º zip to connect this jacket to a pair of leather pants and get you on the track as well. Internally, the mesh comfort liner has a sanitized treatment to ensure that it won't get funky. There are air intakes at the chest with exhausts at the lower back. It's the small details, like the neon yellow stitching used in areas like the arms and back, that really set this jacket apart from the rest and make it uniquely Rossi in nature. Alternatively, if you've gotta be uniquely Rossi in nature, just sport the AGV Corsa Turtle Helmet.

-RetroZilla

Also view the Dainese VR46 Textile Jacket overview:




Related:
Dainese 2012 Leather Jackets
Dainese 2011 Leather Jackets
Dainese Alien Leather Jacket Review
Dainese Rebel Leather Jacket Review

AGV K3 Helmet Review

AGV K3 Gothic Helmet

One of the best values at the sub-$200 price point, the AGV K3 Helmet borrows a ton of features from its big brother, the pro-level GP Tech worn by Valentino Rossi for many moons. Beyond the feature set within which you'll find excellent airflow and aerodynamics, Rossi fans will be happy with the multiple ever-changing legacy graphics that have been worn by The Doctor over the years. The shell is resilient and strong, yet sleek enough to cut through the wind, with a comfortable amount of ventilating qualities.

Check out our AGV K3 Helmet Review:

AGV K3 Dreamtime Helmet

The shell of the K3 is constructed from an extremely resilient thermoplastic resin and all graphics and colors are actually painted on as opposed to the stick-on decals that other manufacturers use. This speaks to the quality of the AGV Helmets family. For this price, the fact that this helmet (size MD) comes in at 3lbs 5oz is also a big deal. Inside, a removable and washable Dry-Lex liner and cheekpads is finished with a hygienic treatment to keep the funk at bay and is also moisture-wicking for comfort. As far as fit is concerned, the K3 uses the same shape as the GP Tech, a neutral oval that they found to be extremely ergonomic based on a three-dimensional study of thousands of head shapes. While this won't fit everyone's head (rounder HJC head shapes and super-long Arai Profile head shapes), it will fit a wide range of riders.

AGV K3 Helmet - Solid

The ventilation scheme is absolutely designed for the tuck or 3/4 position as are the aerodynamics. At the front, a chin vent and two chimney vents feed the air intake. At the rear, six extractor vents suck all of this air through the helmet to keep your head cool in the most active of riding situations. The shield is another standout feature of the K3 Helmet. The removal mechanism is AGV's XQRS, or Extra Quick Release System, and it literally takes seconds to take off or put on a new shield. The shield also uses AGV's Perimetrical Visor Seal, a thick gasket that lines the length of the shield and provides an extremely tight seal  that keeps wind noise to a minimum but also maintains a dry head in the event of a cloud burst.

AGV K3 Celebr8 Helmet

Overall, you're getting a sportbike helmet that provides a ton of value at its price point. For an extra few bucks, you can step up from a solid into the Rossi replica graphics, which will please a lot of riders. AGV is an Italian company committed to producing quality helmets, and the K3 represents another example of this dedication. To see comparable helmets, visit our Sportbike Helmets section.

-RetroZilla

Previously:
AGV GP Tech Helmet Review
Icon Alliance Freaky Tiki Helmet
Scorpion EXO-500 Helmet Review
Scorpion EXO-1100 Helmet