Dainese Shield Air G Level 2 Back Protector
4.4
5
22
22
Well Thought out Back Protection but not for me.
I ordered this back protector in the G2 size for the Dainese Air Flux Jacket in size 52 since most Dainese stuff doesn't come with a back protector. Unfortunately the jacket and this back protector just weren't meant to be. Even though the sizing says that a G2 is the proper fit for that jacket, it was such a tight fit that I thought the zipper was going to come unstitched.
But I digress. This is actually a very nice back protector. If you hold the Shield AIr up to a light you can see right through this thing meaning that it is going to have much better airflow than a foam pad you get in most jackets. Then there is the armadillo-like plastic panels on the outside to ensure that it conforms to your shape even if in a tuck. Another great feature of the panels is that they overlap each other so that nothing can get in between them. The foam built into protector is sufficient enough to cushion you, at least modestly, from the plastic itself should you take a fall.
On the other hand, this thing is pretty sizable which has its ups and downs though. On the plus side, it covers a large portion of your back, but on the minus side, it's pretty thick: roughly 2".
I would say that if you have a Dainese jacket that would fit the Shield Air, I would definitely go for it but remember that due to its thickness, it's going to take up quite a bit of room in your jacket. You may have to go one size up if your jacket is snug. I haven't seen protection that was as well thought out as the Shield Air and that is why I believe that it should be a serious contender for anyone looking for back protection for their Dainese jackets.
May 17, 2013
Pretty big, inspires secure feeling...
Tight fit in my Dianese air flux jacket. Keeps inner fabric tight which keeps the shield off my back and improves air flow.
Seems big and bulky in the light jacket, but I like the feeling of excellent protection... That's why I bought it, right?
May 13, 2013
High recommended but a jacket back protector upgrade
Great flexibility. Does make you jack feel a little more snug but not much of a big difference. Very comfortable. Don.t even realize it's there anymore. This is a great upgrade from those weak foam pieces that come with jackets.
April 24, 2013
Untested for impact, but fits the jacket fine
I hope I never know how good or bad it is, but it seems to be well built and fits the Dainese jacket just fine. It's not heavy like the high density foam protectors, and it doesn't seem to be a sloppy fit (it is made for the Dainese jackets, afterall). Not much choice if you have a Dainese jacket!
April 8, 2013
Wow, that was FAST!!!
I ordered my first ever back protector - the Dainese Air G Level 2- and it is simply a sexy piece of rider tech. Big props to Revzilla for their shipping policies and practices. Again, this is I would have never expected to recieve anything to a US Army (Germany) APO, AE address so quickly. Six days from online order to mailbox is very impressive. I was a little nervous when it arrive though. The box was split and mangled enough to spark off PTSD. Ha Ha, Ha! However, Revzilla's packing was outstanding and my new safety toy was in perfect condition.
The Shield Air G Level 2 fit my new Dainese Frazer jacket (58) perfectly. A little snug getting sliding in on first try, but no issues once in half way. Unobtrusive, flexible and breathes well.
March 29, 2013
Good protection
i was afraid it wont fit my 2 dianese jackets but i was wrong...just the right size G2
February 2, 2013
As described!
Barely fit inside my jacket, which i believe is a dianese nero 56 leather, needed the larger protector since i'm 6"10" (the tallest rider in my area) but overall love the protection it has to offer and doesn't compromise the overall comfortability of my jacket. Makes me feel safer while riding incase the unexpected comes along and causes the worst case scenario ...
Like it overall, didnt slide into the jacket easily, but thats probably better that its a snug fit! Would recommend to other riders!!!! pricey, but i really can't complain about protection...you pay for what you get, and i put 100% trust in dianese
January 25, 2013
Major protection, but you should plan to size up
The Shield Air is probably the most protective back protector I've seen any jacket manufacturer make available as an insert. Normally, you'd expect this level of protection only from stand-alone armor like pros would wear under a race suit.
My only problem is that it affects the fit of your jacket by maybe ½ size (i.e. a size 50 jacket will fit like a size 49, or perhaps 48.5). The actual back protector is 1.5-2” thick (measured), and the thickest part of it is comparatively pretty big. That’s good for protection, but since these jackets are made to fit by the circumference of your chest, obviously that’s going to affect the fit. I would size up one size. If you've already bought a jacket and it's already pretty snug on your chest, I'd suggest getting the Forcefield back protector instead of this, since it's thinner and won’t alter the fit of your jacket, but it still offers a lot of protection.
4/5 rating for Protection/Durability because while it's really protective, the hard plastic design is meant to crumple in a crash, so it won't be durable after your first crash.
3/5 for comfort because it's really not really that comfortable compared to other back protectors I’ve used. I'm very conscious that I've got a two-inch-thick plastic board covering my back (granted, it is a little flexible), so I find I'm more tempted to take it out for casual riding - probably the opposite of what I should be doing from a safety standpoint. If comfort is a big issue for you, I'd again recommend the Forcefield back protector instead.
I have a size 52 Dainese R-Twin jacket and size 50 Dainese Cage Pelle jacket. I consider myself a size 50 in Dainese and other brands' jackets. The 52 R-Twin is a little long in the sleeves without the thermal liner (I bought it big so I could layer fleece underneath), but with the Shield Air back protector, it becomes a perfect fit, thermal liner in or out. The 50 Cage Pelle, on the other hand, is just too tight on me with the Shield Air back protector in it, so I use the Forcefield one, and it fits fine.
January 20, 2013