Dainese Carve Master 3 GTX jacket in black / grey / red

If we were tasked to put together the spec. for the perfect sport-touring jacket, it wouldn't look very different to the spec. for Dainese's latest Carve Master. There are bits that, in the execution, perhaps fall a little short; but the brief for the jacket was spot on. And certainly they got the design right. It really is a beautifully styled jacket that would look right on any naked, on any tourer, sports or otherwise; or on any adventure bike. 

 

It's overtly and unapologetically a motorcycle jacket, but it is undeniably executed with a streak of Italian flair. You could turn up in the boardroom in this jacket. And even in the poshest eatery, no maitre d' would turn you away. This jacket has a sophisticated look that definitely says something about the rider. 

 

In terms of waterproofing, the jacket is equipped with a drop-liner membrane. Drop-liner jackets are warmer, they are more comfortable, but importantly they are more reliable. They almost never fail. But if you need more reassurance on that score, the membrane in the Dainese Carve Master 3 comes from Gore, meaning that it's guaranteed to be waterproof for life. 

 

The outer fabric is something that Dainese calls Mugello. And the reason the jacket is so comfortable is that it contains stretch. All we can say is that it feels substantial enough to go down the road in, but soft and comfortable enough for a leisurely stroll around town.

 

The jacket comes equipped with Level 2 armour in the elbows and shoulders. That's good. You also get abrasion-resistant panels, something a bit like SuperFabric, in the same two areas on the outside. The back protector is not included. A T7 from D3O fits perfectly, and will be much nicer than whatever Dainese recommends.

 

On the subject of protection, it would have been nice to report that the Carve Master is rated AA under EN17092, but it's not. Some people will pass on the jacket because it doesn't tick the AA box, but we have to say that the rating wouldn't bother us too much. And don't forget that some of the best jackets on the market, like the Rukka Nivala and the Klim Kodiak, are single-A rated. Now the reason the Carve Master is only A-rated is that, as with the Klim and Rukka jackets, the outer fabric incorporates a stretch component. But with its Level 2 armour the Carve Master 3 is going to be more than up to any road riding accident; especially once you've fitted a Level 2 back protector. The A rating is what you pay for the Carve Master's outstanding comfort. And for us that's an acceptable trade off.

 

Venting is plentiful, although as the construction is drop-liner it's not direct-to-body. There are large vents on the chest, There are vents on the biceps but also, unusually, at the waist. You also get two, large exhaust vents in the back of the jacket.

 

The stretch in the outer chassis of the jacket makes the Carve Master particularly comfortable to wear. The stretch will also ensure that it will fit most people nicely, but to this end you get adjustable straps to cinch or expand the waist. And this is something we always like to see on a longer jacket. At the ends of the sleeves there are zips and Velcro flaps to assist in getting them over your gloves. You also get poppered adjusters on the biceps. And there's a robust-looking drawstring in the hem.

 

Pockets. You get a few. There are two on the front. These pockets are waterproof, and come complete with waterproof zips. There's a large, map pocket on the back of the jacket. On the right side, at about chest height, there's a Napoleon pocket, access to which can only be gained by opening the storm flap. There's another side-entry pocket inside the jacket.

 

For warmth, the jacket comes equipped with a hollow-form fibre filled, inner jacket that attaches to the main jacket with zips and poppers. It's not a destination jacket; and truth be told it's not going to be up to much. Our inclination would be to leave it in a drawer, and use something like the Rukka Lahti instead. You'll avoid constantly doing and undoing zips and poppers; you'll be much warmer; and you can wear it off the bike. There is, though, a pretty neat thermal neck liner that poppers in to place. We'd probably hold on to that. When that is removed you still get a nice, soft lining to sit against the neck.

 

Now, there is a matching pant, but as it comes in only one leg length we cannot take it particularly seriously. And our view is that if Dainese is only producing it in one leg length, they are not taking it particularly seriously either. And that's not unusual with the European brands because, in the southern part of Europe, nobody wears waterproof motorcycle trousers. It doesn't rain a lot, so they tend to ride in jeans. 

 

And frankly that's what we would do. Wear the Carve Master over a pair of Rokkers. Take a set of Scotts for when it rains. Wear some Merino leggings in the cold. It's simply a much nicer, more amenable way to ride.

 

At times, Dainese's focus on style often means that their gear fails to hit the mark in terms of its delivery. But Dainese knows how to make things look good, and so it has always been the case that when they get the technical stuff right, they can produce some sensational gear.

 

Well, we love this jacket. It's got everything. It looks right. It's as comfortable as any waterproof jacket you'll ever wear. We have complete faith in the Gore-Tex membrane. And no worries about the A rating under EN17092. For us comfort is a big thing. Ride comfortably, and you'll ride safely. We love it.