Dainese New Drake Air Textile Pants

I am very picky when it comes to my clothes, especially the ones I ride in. The Dainese pants are worth every penny I gave for them, and exceeded my expectations.

They are true to their size chart for sport riding. I am 5'10", 175 pounds. I got the 50 after measuring 34" around my belly-button, and they are spot on. I usually wear 32/32 jeans, and these are just slightly bigger than those in the waist to accommodate for a sport bike riding position. The velcro on the sides of the waist help to cinch them down to the right waist size, and get exact fit, they feel super-comfy. If I was still riding Harley/cruiser style bikes, I would have gotten a size down to my normal jean size. So keep your riding position in mind when deciding which size to get.

These pants are not meant to wear over a pair of jeans or other normal pants. This is another thing to remember. I don't wear these when going to work, or meetings that require me to look a certain way. They are motorcycle pants, and that's about it. However, they don't feel like other motorcycle pants that I have had. They are light and comfortable compared to those, and are a pleasure to ride in. I ride aggressively through tight turns, and they are easy to maneuver in. They don't make you slide all over the seat like some textile pants can while hard breaking or ripping out of a hairpin.

The knee armor is positioned correctly for a guy my height. It doesn't move around or feel awkward at all. The hip armor is comfy as well, and made for street riding. These aren't for racing, so don't expect much besides the knee protection. There is just foam (like what you get for back protection in a stock jacket before upgrading) in the hips, but it's better than nothing. I think it the hip foam adds to the flow of the pants rather than the protection, but that's fine for the street, and the price.

The vents work surprisingly well. I got the pants for colder weather. I have been putting long thermal/microfiber underwear underneath for cold days, and it works really well. There were a few days where it got 75+, so I snapped opened the vents above the knees, and cooled right down. I was very surprised at this. We all know how useless vents in jackets and helmets can be. these were different in that they actually work. So now I have a pair of summer riding pants as well.

They are very high quality. The seams are strong and neat. The snaps and velcro are strong. Exactly what you would expect from Dainese. Keep that in mind when considering the price. Also keep in mind your inseam when ordering. Again, I'm 5'10", and I think these size 50 would only accommodate a guy maybe another inch or two taller.

Overall, I'm impressed. These look good, feel good, offer protection, and are of superb quality. But there are two things that I would recommend:
1) Check your inseam with the measurement chart so you won't wind up with floods.
2) Consider your riding style when choosing size.

I've put in a few rides in these pants and agree with a number of the previous reviewers who shared excellent insights. I just had a few other comments.

First, just to be clear, I've had friends tell me I'm hard on Dainese when I say they are of "average" value. I believe Dainese is typically 2 or more times better than most equipment out there. They make excellent excellent gear and I'd certainly say it's "worth it". But value by definition should also consider cost and since Dainese is often at least twice as expensive I would simply say their value is average. I'm not saying they aren't worth it.

I think these are great pants. That said, I do think that they are positioned or marketed a little differently than they should be. These are not pants for the "hottest days" as you might read in some of Dainese's promotional materials. The vents over the knees are helpful (a partially upright riding position benefits most, less so someone riding in a more tucked position), but generally speaking these should be considered alongside a typical textile pant. And since Dainese can run a little snug (and these a little short - tuck em in) you're not going to be sitting on your bike in 85+ degree weather in even reasonable humidity feeling perfectly cool and comfortable. You're going to feel the pants and notice some warmth. Is it a deal killer? No. I'm glad I made this purchase. They are great pants with fantastic quality. They will serve as a solid spring and fall pant (and perhaps a colder day if you have some thermals on underneath) and you'll certainly get away with them on some summer days too. But don't buy these thinking that you're going to get rid of your favorite mesh pants for July / August street and intermediate distance riding.

Finally, one of the previous reviewers hints at a really good point. The images are taken at angles that make this seem like a pretty stylish pant no one is going to mistake for your average motorcycle pant. Sorta. It looks good and is definitely more stylish than the average textile pant. It won't scream "baggy armoured motorcycle pant" at someone from 100 feet away. But the material, padding and armour are noticeable up closer so don't think you're going to hop off your bike and go clubbing in these without quite a few stares.

Great quality in materials and armour. Good pants (especially for the street rider crowd - I've always been partial to the naked streetfighter-type bike). Just understand what you're buying.

FIT: I'm 5' 10' with an athletic build. If you must know, I wear 33x32 Levis. However, these are not meant - or cut - to fit like jeans. So do yourself a favor and - as Anthony suggests in the video - measure yourself.

My measurements were 87 cm waist, 101 cm hips, 81 cm inseam, and 106 cm outseam which = a size 50.

Waist, crotch, thighs, and knees fit perfect. They sit over the ankle portion of my ankle-high track shoes nicely while standing. And the end of the pant rests about 1/4" above the top of the boot while riding in the 3/4 position. Great for a little ventilation in summer, may allow for a slight chill in late fall.

PROTECTION: Knee armor feels very comfortable and sits exactly where it should with any adjustment from me. Whether walking or seated on the bike, I can hardly even tell the hip pads are there. The shell material seems very durable. I have no doubt they'll offer more than adequate protection for sport touring.

COMFORT (incl. Breathability): My 2 hour test ride included still stifling air of the greater Washington DC suburbs as well as the barely more breezy air of the VA countryside on a sunny, blustery 96 deg. F day.

By the end of the ride I felt no hotter in the Air Drake pants then I do in jeans on a 96 deg. day...

The real surprise was hot much more comfortable the Air Drake felt vs. jeans. In that heat, jeans usually stick to me because of the sweat. The Drakes didn't stick - which tells me that, unlike jeans, they were indeed circulating air... allowing sweat to evaporate... and keeping me more comfortable than jeans had.

Greater comfort in the heat than jeans and far more protection = one happy rider!

Also, these are not overpants. You'll feel like a mummy and melt like butter if you wear pants underneath them. However, I slipped them over a pair of shorts and felt quite comfortable in terms of freedom of movement - so it may be an option of you go someplace where you need to take them off to walk around.

Rider: Tall, athletic build (should stop drinking so much beer tho)

6'2"
185lbs
regular jean/pant waist 33-34"

These are my first motorcycle pants. Overall, i'm very happy with them.

The sizing chart is perfect, almost. Per my measurements, I ordered the 50 regular. They fit perfectly - the knee protectors were not out of place, etc. However, when I sat on my bike, 2012 Kawasaki Versys, the pants ride up a lot past the top of my boot which I can't stand. My boot is not a tall boot - it is an Alpinestars Ridge Waterproof Boot.

I returned the pants and ordered the 50 talls which was a mistake as I assumed the waist would stay the same but would simply be longer. The waist actually is smaller on the talls. My fault - I should have double checked and not assumed.

Finally, I bought the 52 talls and they fit pretty well. The waist is slightly bigger than the 50 regular but thankfully there are straps that one can tighten. There are no belt loops. The pants just barely cover my boot - I still feel wind coming up them but I realize that this is because I have a shorter boot.

The material is pretty thick so be prepared for major sweating around the legs and crotch/rear end if you live in humid areas in the summer. The vents in the knees do help.

LONG STORY SHORT: Sizing is true to size per the measurements provided but consider getting the tall version (double check waist measurements if you do) if you have shorter boots.

This review is going to depend on what type of fit you want out of these pants. If you scroll up and look at the picture of them on the model, they look snug, a bit TOO snug for me.
I am exactly 5.8 and 174 lbs athletic build. I ordered a size 50 and sent them back to get a 52. The 50's actually fit, but they were too snug (skinny jean style or not, I prefer a bit baggier look, but not overly baggy). Now the 52's are perfect! If you are shorter then 6 ft, length will not be an issue as the legs taper and mask the extra length, plus with boots on they are perfect. I hate when the pants rise up over the boot, it's a pet peeve of mine. The waist was a little big, but who cares as they are fully adjustable and cinched right up so that is a non issue. It was the legs that were my concern, I need a bit of room and the 52's are great.
The material and build quality are top notch! Seriously with the armor, these are perfect, and are not flashy but classy and go with all my gear.
Don't get caught up in waist size worries too much, nor length if under 6 ft.
I have a ducati and my legs are bent, and I have no issues with the bunching in the knee area I keep hearing about on these threads. It might be the position of the pegs that dictates that issue?
If you have 300 bills in the tank for pants, these should easily last 5 years or more and that is money well spent imo.
The only gripe I have is the button above the zipper being an eye hole that might need attention down the road.

Ducati Monster
Harley 48 1200

Size 48
5'11"
31/32 Jeans Measurement

The New Drake Air textile pants are a great textile riding pant option if you favor a slim cut. Overall, they over great protection, but their hot weather riding comfort is a bit less impressive than Anthony suggests in the video review. Check below for a detailed explanation of each review section.

Bang for the buck 4/5
I think the pricepoint on these pants is just right. I feel very protected and love the fit, but a bit better hot weather usability would have made it a 5/5. I would definitely buy these again given the choice, though.

Style 4/5
I really dig the style of these pants. They are very minimalistic and I think look best with the pant legs tucked into boots. I ride with Dainese TRQ Tour boots and there is enough room in the boot to fit these pants underneath. You can put the pant legs over the outside of full height boots, but they're quite tight. Speaking of tight, these pants are quite slim in their cut all the way from the hip to the leg opening at the bottom. I have pretty slim legs to begin with and they're a comfortable but slim fit all the way down. If that's your chosen style, these will work great, but definitely be aware that they're pretty closely cut.

Comfort 3/5
With these pants, you sacrifice a bit of comfort in favor of style. They're quite slim and look great, but that translates into the pants getting a bit warm and muggy in hot riding. The closeness of the cut keeps the mesh lining right up against your legs at all times, so you're going to sweat in them. There's no escaping it. Even so, they have good amount of stretchiness when swinging a leg over and even when walking around off the bike. One strange comfort thing to note though is that when off the bike, the knee/shin armor bumps up against the top of the TRQ boot. It isn't an issue when riding, but it is a bit annoying when walking around.

Protection 4/5
Great protection in these pants. Hip armor and knee armor stay in place in the riding position and are pretty beefy. The shin armor is actually quite long, extending past the midpoint of my shin bone. Very confidence inspiring.

Air Flow 3/5
These pants are notable for those patches of mesh on the thighs, but I honestly couldn't tell much of a difference with them open vs. closed. I think they were designed with protection and style in mind above all which is the right call, but the air flow suffers as a result. It cools off the top of the thighs a bit, but even on a naked bike, I can't really feel a great amount of airflow. The pants fit quite slim which also pretty much cuts out all of the airflow available inside the pants. Again, this is to be expected with this kind of protective/slim pant but the air flow overall is still marginal at best.

Features 3/5
Not too many features. Pockets work fine and the single back pocket comes in handy for storing my key while at work, but is a bit small for anything else. Zippers on the calves are quite good and make getting feet in and out of the pants very easy. It's a simple feature set, but they're all quite good.

I hate when reviewers don't add their measurements, so here are mine: 5'11" - 182 pounds - 34 x 32 jean size - Purchased Size 52.

The 52 is a great fit for me in the waist. I use the velcro waist cinch a bit, but definitely nowhere near as tight (or small) as it could go. As far as the length, it's a perfect length when walking around but a tad short when seated on the bike. I use mid-height riding boots.

As far as styling, these are the best textile pants I could find. It seems that every other textile pant I tried on were baggy and resembled snowboard pants. Not these. They have a nice slimmer fit, but not super skinny. Before pulling the trigger on these I was actually considering women's pants to get a slimmer fit.

Airflow is not as good as I expected, even with the vent flaps open, but I'm still happy overall. The knee/armor is much more substantial than other textile and overpants I tried on. Plus with the slimmer fit it the armor does not shift around. Hope this helps.

I use these pants for daily commuting and weekend canyon twisties. ('14 Triumph Street Triple R)

Very fashionable, slim/euro styling that has great protection.

The break-in period was about 2-3 weeks commuting for me. The pants are very tight behind the knee during this period if you ride a sport style bike. If you can make it past this period, they're great pants.

I'm 6'3, athletic/slim build. 185 lbs with a 32/33 waist. I ordered the 50 Tall and they fit great. I wear them tucked in to my Dainese TR-Course Out boots because the leg opening is pretty slim. It looks great this way.

The jacket also fully zips into my Super Speed Textile jacket for maximum protection.

Great fit. The pants fit very close to what the size chart says. They are definitely more fitted instead of baggy. I ordered a size 48 and the fit perfect. I'm 5'10, weigh 140 lbs, and wear a size 32/33 waist. Maybe a bit on the small side because it is pretty tight when wearing even dress pants underneath. One size up would be good if I wanted to wear under pants more often.

I wanted a inconspicuous pair of pants that I could wear on my way to work without looking like I was on my way to the track. These work great and blend in well. My only complaint is that they make the "swish" noise with every step. No issues on the bike though.

The pants do have vents, but I don't really feel airflow through them as I ride. But even though I don't feel the air, I still don't get hot or sweat in them even on 80+ degree days.

The protection is great in these and the knee pads are even removable. Unfortunately I had a chance to try out these pants in an off I recently had. These pants did a great job and I came out with only a bruise on my leg from it being under the bike.

These pants do have the zipper which connect to Dainese Jackets. It works great with my Super Speed C2 and kept the jacket from riding up when I went down.

I definitely recommend these pants. They did their job well and will continue to protect me every time I ride.

I purchased these for my summer wear as the May temps creep into the mid to upper 80's. I have not had a chance to wear them in the 90's, which is what I chose them for. However, I have put about 300 miles on them in moderately hot weather and I note the following:

1) The knee protection is excellent. Does not move or slide around at all, and protects both the shin and knee with a hard armor.
2) The hip protection is non-existent (as noted in the description by Anthony with RevZilla)...so, I ordered the Dianese Hard Shorts to supplement the pants. They fit nicely underneath these without looking preposterous.
3) Air flow is remarkably good. The knee armor inhibits air flow in the areas it covers, but the pants are very comfortable.
4) The pants are fit very well. Not baggy, not ridiculously tight.

I am 6'2" and 200 pounds and the size 54 fit perfectly. There are velcro adjustments on the side which I had to tighten up a bit.

I am becoming a fan of Dianese based on these pants and the Dianese Air Flux Textile Jacket I wear with them. Their products are not cheap, but IMHO they are well designed and constructed.