Dainese "Santa Monica B" Motorcycle Jacket Review

Overall Rating

Beautiful build quality and materials.

Distinctive and very visible.

Expensive.

If I'm nitpicking, the cuff-flaps are fastened by velcro, rather than press-studs on the collar, and the removable thermal lining is well designed, but still irritating when taking the jacket on and off.

At this price, I think a back-protector could have been included.

I've never bought anything by Dainese before. Mainly because they've always seemed very overpriced. Okay, Signor Rossi wears them, so I always assumed that was the reason for the extra cost.

However, I took the plunge when I had the cash, and bought this jacket in blood red because I wanted to be visible without resorting to a yellow HiVis vest.

I have to say that this is the best riding jacket I've ever used. The fit is excellent (I wear a European size 46), the quality of materials and safety padding is exceptional. The insides of the arms are made from stretch-fabric, which means you can really move around, in contrast to most full-leather jackets. The design details are clearly designed by people who ride all the time

The ventilation is outstanding on a hot day. The jacket comes with a removable thermal liner, which fits well and secures in place nicely. However, the elasticated cuffs are annoying when putting the jacket on and taking it off. The liner makes the jacket a much closer fit, which may be restrictive for some, and it's difficult to pull your arms out of the jacket without releasing the press-studs that hold the liner in place in the sleeves...

Instead, I just use an EDZ Innershell which I put on if I'm cold and I want to stop air flowing through, and it works much better for me than the thermal lining, without adding bulk inside the jacket.
It comes with a zip attachment for Dainese leather pants, turning it into a two-piece suit if you wish, as well as a pocket for a Dainese Wave G back protector.

The Dainese Santa Monica B costs a lot more than many jackets, but it is so good that I'm starting to wonder about other Dainese products. The Full Metal Racer gloves are twice the price of my existing (excellent) Alpinestars SP-1s, but I'm sorely tempted to take the plunge, just to see if all Dainese products are worth the premium like this jacket.

I've asked my friendly local Dainese dealer to let me know if the Santa Monica is ever going to be discontinued. I'll buy another one and keep it in the cupboard for when this jacket wears out.
Or I might buy one in white because it makes you look a bit like Stormtrooper. I've said too much...

I doubt this jacket will ever wear out, though, even if I wear it every day for the next five years.