Dainese Air Chrono 2 – Does It Live Up to the Hype?

My mesh jacket has seen better days after countless miles on the road. So, I’ve been researching the market for a replacement that can provide maximum airflow and safety.

The Dainese Air Chrono 2 caught my attention with its abrasion-resistant construction paired with ample mesh ventilation.

However, the main question I will answer in this review is: Is this the best mesh motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!

Our Dainese Air Chrono 2 Final Verdict

Comparison To Other Models

Model Name	Features
Sedici Federico 2	CE Level 2 armor, 1680D ballistic nylon reinforcements, removable thermal liner, reflective details
CE-approved armor, FreeAir mesh shell, waterproof treated Rock Tex, removable full sleeve liner	CE Level 2 armor, 600D reinforced zones, removable waterproof liner, adjustable waist
Joe Rocket Analog Jacket	CE-approved armor, FreeAir mesh shell, waterproof treated Rock Tex, removable full sleeve liner.
REV’IT! Liv Women’s Jacket	Monaco Performance cowhide, PWR shell 500D stretch, Seeflex CE Level 2 armor, detachable thermal liner

The Sedici Federico 2 and Sedici Marco 2 are very similar in price and features, both offering CE Level 2 armor, reinforced abrasion zones, removable liners, and adjustability for around $160-170.

The main difference is the Marco 2 has a waterproof liner while the Federico 2’s liner is only thermal.

The Joe Rocket Analog is also comparably priced at $170 and shares features like a mesh shell, CE armor, and a removable liner. However, it uses a proprietary Rock Tex material rather than ballistic nylon for abrasion resistance.

The REV’IT! Liv is the most expensive at $440 but stands apart with its Monaco Performance cowhide construction and PWR shell 500D stretch material. It still has a removable thermal liner and CE Level 2 armor like the others.

The Liv is a significant step up in premium materials and price compared to the Sedici and Joe Rocket options.

Construction and Materials

The Dainese Air Crono 2 is built to withstand the demands of spirited riding while keeping you cool and dry.

The main body of the jacket uses Dainese’s D-Synth 350 fabric, a durable, abrasion-resistant material that provides peace of mind in case of a slide. This synthetic textile is also lightweight and breathable.

To maximize airflow, Dainese strategically placed large mesh fabric panels on the chest, back, and inner arms.

These perforated sections allow cooling air to flow freely through the lining, which is a must-have feature for me on sweltering summer rides. The mesh also lets trapped body heat quickly escape.

As an added bonus, the Air Crono 2 comes treated with a water-resistant coating. While not a substitute for a true waterproof membrane, this coating provides some protection from light rain and road spray. It’s enough to get me home dry if I get caught in a brief summer shower.

One thing to note is the large mesh panels, while great for ventilation, won’t provide much insulation from cold air. This jacket is definitely designed for hot conditions.

If the temps regularly dip below 70°F where you ride, you may want to consider layering or a more versatile multi-season jacket.

Sizing

The Dainese Air Crono 2 is designed with comfort and performance in mind. Its highly ventilated construction features large mesh fabric panels on the chest, back, and arms to provide maximum airflow and cooling on hot summer rides.

This lightweight textile jacket feels comfortable against the skin while still offering solid abrasion resistance.

The Air Crono 2 has a sporty cut with pre-curved sleeves that conform to an aggressive riding position on a sportbike.

Thanks to adjustable sleeves, neck, waist, and wrists, you can fine-tune the fit. I like how the longer back provides full coverage even when I’m fully crouched over the tank.

One potential drawback is it seems to run a bit snug compared to other brands, based on my testing.

However, it does appear to be consistent with Dainese’s normal sizing. I’d recommend carefully checking the size chart and possibly ordering a size up if you’re between sizes or prefer a looser fit.

Overall, the Air Crono 2 looks to be an excellent choice if you’re seeking a highly breathable summer sport riding jacket that doesn’t compromise on protection.

The lightweight, athletic cut and adjustability should make it comfortable for long days, carving up twisty roads in the heat.

Sizing Chart

Euro Size	44	46	48	50	52	54	56	58	60	62	64
Alpha Size	S	S	M	M	L	L	XL	XL	2XL	3XL	4XL
USA-UK Size	34	36	38	40	42	44	46	48	50	52	54
Height (cm)	166-169	169-172	172-175	175-178	178-181	181-184	184-187	187-188	188-189	189-190	190-191
Chest (cm)	86-90	90-94	94-98	98-102	102-106	106-110	110-114	114-118	118-122	122-126	126-130
Arm (cm)	56-57	57-58	58-59	59-60	60-61	61-62	62-63	62-63	63-64	63-64	64-65
Neck (cm)	36.5-37.5	37.5-38.5	38.5-39.5	39.5-40.5	40.5-41.5	41.5-42.5	42.5-43.5	43.5-44.5	44.5-45.5	45.5-46.5	46.5-47.5
Waist (cm)	74-78	78-82	82-86	86-90	90-94	94-98	98-102	102-106	106-110	110-114	114-118

The sizing runs from Euro 44 to 64, corresponding to US/UK sizes 34 to 54.

Dainese provides guidance on how to take the key measurements:

• Chest: Measure around the fullest part of your chest, under the armpits, while standing with a relaxed breathing position
• Arm: Measure from the bony protrusion on top of your shoulder down to your wrist bone with your arm relaxed at your side
• Neck: Measure around your neck about 2cm below your Adam’s apple in front and at the 7th vertebra in the back
• Waist: Measure around your waist just above your hip bones while standing relaxed

Reviewers mention the Air Crono 2 has a snug, athletic fit, especially in the arms, so you may want to size up if you are between sizes or prefer a looser fit.

Checking your measurements carefully against the Dainese size chart is recommended to get the best fit.

Styling

When I first tried on the Dainese Air Chrono 2, it was immediately clear this jacket meant business. This is an aggressively styled garment with sportbike riding in mind, which is evident in multiple ways.

First, bold Dainese logos stand out on the sleeves, front, torso, and back. You’ll make no mistake about the maker of this jacket.

Secondly, with color options like black, white, red, and fluo yellow, the Air Chrono 2 comes in choices sure to get you noticed.

But beyond aesthetics, the most obvious aspect of this jacket is the fit. The pre-curved shape and close cut create a performance-oriented silhouette.

For my 5’10”, 175lb frame, I opted for a size 54, which felt exactly right. As Dainese intended, the Air Chrono 2 has a truly athletic fit.

Now, let’s discuss the construction quality and materials used. Starting with the outer shell, the Air Chrono 2 combines an abrasion-resistant polyester material (Dainese SIM 350) with ample 3D air mesh panels. The mesh sections span the jacket’s front torso, inner arms, and entire back.

This pairing creates a great balance between durability and airflow. Despite some get-offs hitting the ground, it still looks brand new after several rides.

To create structured areas while maintaining flexibility, the Air Chrono 2 incorporates Micro-Elastic inserts under the arms and at the elbows.

Seam construction and stitching are impeccable, with no signs of loose threads or flaws in manufacturing. And small details like embroidered logos and subtle piping add visual interest and depth.

Overall, the fit, quality, style, and materials used in the Dainese Air Chrono 2 earn top marks across the board. It looks and feels like a premium product.

Key Takeaway: With robust construction and a sporty slim cut, the Dainese Air Chrono 2 provides a quality foundation for safety and comfort.

Ventilation – Keeping Cool When the Going Gets Hot

Of course, the defining feature of a mesh riding jacket is airflow — and this is where the Air Chrono 2 really shines.

With mesh panels making up the majority of the jacket, the wind easily penetrates from the front, back, and sleeves.

I stayed remarkably cool during testing at temperatures from 85 to 100+ degrees Fahrenheit, even at highway speeds.

Heat builds up noticeably only when sitting at stoplights for more than a minute but gets whisked away again as soon as you start moving.

The torso area offers superb airflow. With the wind collar snapped open and fully unzipped, it feels almost like wearing a mesh vest.

The mesh and perforated panels even continue through the upper chest to the pit area, which is a sweat zone for me.

Also assisting ventilation are the short-cut waist adjusters with elastic at the lower back. This prevents it from ballooning at speed while allowing air to flow completely around your torso.

So, it’s hard to imagine a mesh jacket that could perform much better than the Dainese Air Chrono 2 when it comes to staying cool in sweltering conditions.

Riders in hot climates or those who run hot themselves need to have it on their shortlist.

Key Takeaway: With ample mesh panels strategically placed throughout, the Air Chrono 2 provides class-leading airflow for riding in the summer heat.

Protection – Armor Shields You from Impacts

Now, ventilation and cooling are crucial for a warm weather jacket, but protective capability remains just as important. Here’s an overview of how the Dainese Air Chrono 2 delivers impact protection:

• Shoulder Armor – CEE Level 1 certified composite protectors absorb shock while remaining flexible. The armored area extends far down the upper arm for expanded coverage.
• Elbow Armor – More CEE Level 1 composite protectors offer great flexibility without impeding movement. Generous-sized elbow pieces disperse impact forces.
• Back Protection – No standard back pad, but it is ready for an optional Manis back insert to be added for Level 2 protection.
• Chest Protection – Optional Dainese chest pads can be inserted into interior pockets to shield the sternum and rib cage.
• Reflectivity – Micro-elastic inserts on the outer arms contain reflective treatment to increase nighttime visibility. The white color version has reflective logos.
• Abrasion Protection – Durable, high-denier poly fabric used in impact zones deflects friction and slides during a crash.

This lightweight, flexible armor provides excellent impact protection in key slide zones without feeling bulky or restrictive.

For additional coverage, there’s a pocket to accommodate an optional Dainese G1 or G2 back protector. The G1 is designed for women, while the G2 fits men’s jackets.

There’s also a pocket for adding a Dainese Pro-Armor chest protector. I like that I can customize the protection to my preferences, though it would be nice if the back and chest protectors were included.

One convenient feature is that all the armor can be easily removed when you need to wash it. This helps keep the pads fresh and extends the life of the garment.

The only potential drawback I’ve noticed is that some riders with a shorter torso might find the back protector pocket may be a bit too long for them, even with the G1 women’s protector. But for most people, it seems to accommodate the Dainese armor just fine.

While I wouldn’t rely on the Air Crono 2 for hardcore track riding, I feel it offers solid protection for spirited street riding, especially considering its lightweight, air-permeable design.

The CE-rated armor and pockets for optional back and chest protection give me peace of mind when I’m leaning hard into the twisties on a hot summer day.

Durability and Long-Term Use

The Dainese Air Crono 2 is built to last, even with heavy use in harsh conditions. The main chassis uses Dainese’s D-Synth 350 fabric, a durable synthetic textile that resists abrasion and tearing.

I’ve put my Air Crono 2 through its paces on the track and street, and it still looks great after multiple seasons.

The mesh panels, while allowing tons of airflow, are also quite sturdy. Considering how much ventilation they provide, I haven’t had any issues with snags or runs in the mesh, which is impressive.

All the zippers and fasteners have held up well, too, with no failures or jams. The jacket-to-pants connection zipper is especially robust, never coming undone accidentally.

The only potential weak point I’ve noticed is the fabric directly behind the elbow armor pockets can show some wear over time from the armor rubbing. But this is pretty common for mesh jackets and doesn’t compromise the integrity of the shell.

One thing to keep in mind is that because of the large mesh panels, the Air Crono 2 won’t provide much insulation from the cold.

In my experience, this is definitely a warm-weather jacket. Below about 70°F, I find myself wanting another layer or a fully solid textile jacket.

But for its intended purpose of hot weather sport riding, I’ve found the Dainese Air Crono 2 to be very durable and dependable.

The quality of materials and construction gives me confidence that it will provide great protection and comfort for many riding seasons to come.

Weather Protection

The Dainese Air Crono 2 provides some basic protection from the elements, but it’s primarily designed for hot weather riding.

The main chassis is treated with a water-resistant coating that can shed light rain or road spray. This has been enough to keep me dry during brief summer showers.

However, the large mesh panels that provide excellent airflow also allow water to penetrate in a heavy downpour. If I’m expecting a lot of rain, I’ll pack a dedicated waterproof layer to go over the Air Crono 2.

The upside of all that mesh is it flows a ton of air, keeping me cool even on the hottest, muggiest summer days.

The Dainese Air Crono 2 really shines in 80°F+ temperatures. Below that, the air coming through can start to feel quite chilly, especially at highway speeds.

Some textile jackets in this category include a windproof liner to extend the usable temperature range. The Air Crono 2 trades that for maximum airflow, which is a worthwhile tradeoff if you’re buying it specifically for warm weather.

Overall, I’ve found the Dainese Air Crono 2 works best from about 75°F to 95°F. It’s not the jacket I grab if the forecast looks iffy, but for dry, hot days, it’s my go-to choice.

The light water resistance is a nice bonus for the occasional summer sprinkle, but it’s really optimized for maximum cooling airflow.

Convenience Features

The Dainese Air Crono 2 comes with a few handy features to make my rides more convenient. There are two outer pockets on the front of the jacket that are great for storing small essentials like my wallet, phone, or keys. They’re easy to access on the go.

Inside, you get two additional pockets. These are perfect for securely carrying important items I don’t need while actively riding, like my registration and insurance cards. It’s nice having separate interior storage to keep my valuables protected.

Another cool feature is the jacket-to-pants connection zipper. This allows me to zip the bottom of the Air Crono 2 to compatible Dainese riding pants.

Connecting the jacket and pants creates a unified protective suit that won’t ride up, keeping my back covered in a slide. It’s a smart option for sport-oriented riders like myself.

The only potential drawback with the pockets is they aren’t waterproof. While the jacket itself has a water-resistant coating, the pocket zippers are exposed, so I wouldn’t trust them in a heavy downpour. But for light rain or most fair-weather rides, they work just fine.

All in all, the well-placed storage and full-circumference pants zipper add some appreciated functionality to the Air Crono 2 without compromising its streamlined, race-inspired design. The pockets and connection zipper boost the jacket’s versatility both on and off the bike.

Who Is It For?

The Dainese Air Crono 2 textile is perfect for sport-oriented riders who want maximum airflow and cooling without sacrificing protection during hot summer rides.

If you don’t let triple-digit temperatures keep you off your sportbike, this jacket was made for you.

I’d recommend the Air Crono 2 for riders who prioritize staying cool and comfortable in the most extreme heat.

The extensive mesh paneling and lack of any wind-blocking liner make it ideal for summer riding in hot, humid climates. If most of your riding is done when the mercury is north of 80°F, this jacket will help you beat the heat.

At the same time, the Air Crono 2 doesn’t skimp on protection. With CE-rated armor at the shoulders and elbows, plus pockets for optional chest and back protectors, it’s a great choice for aggressive street or canyon riding. The snug, athletic cut won’t flap in the wind when you’re in a sporty riding position.

One thing to keep in mind is that the Air Crono 2’s laser focus on hot weather performance means it’s not the most versatile jacket.

The copious amounts of mesh make it unsuitable for cold-weather riding. And while there is a water-resistant treatment on the shell, it’s not a jacket I’d want to get caught in an extended downpour with.

But if you’re looking for a premium, stylish mesh jacket for ripping down your favorite twisty roads on sweltering summer days, the Dainese Air Crono 2 is tough to beat.

It’s a purpose-built warm-weather sports riding jacket that will help you stay cool, comfortable, and protected when the pavement is sizzling.

Comfort and Convenience

Any piece of riding gear needs to be comfortable to wear in order to be functional. Here’s a look at some of the comfort-oriented features built into the Dainese Air Chrono 2:

• A generous range of adjustment at the waist, arm openings, and collar allow you to dial in the fit.
• Micro-elastic inserts add flex and give at key movement points. The jacket moves with you on the bike.
• Mesh liners and perforations prevent heat build-up and sweat accumulation inside the jacket.
• Low-profile seam construction reduces chafing or irritation from inner stitching.
• Sleeve cuffs incorporate Velcro and snaps for easy adjustability when riding.
• Pockets are minimal, with just two side openings, retaining a streamlined profile.

Donning the jacket and moving around it feels like a natural extension of your body right from the first wear. The Air Chrono 2 remains stable and secure whether tucked in a tuck or riding aggressively.

Comfort enhancements like micro-elastic inserts make it surprisingly flexible and fluid, given the protective components. It’s built for performance riding, not casual cruising, and that’s reflected in the unencumbered feel.

Key Takeaway: Anatomical shaping and strategic stretch panels allow the Air Chrono 2 to feel like a natural second skin on the bike.

While we’re talking comfort and convenience, let’s quickly cover some additional useful features of note:

• Jacket-to-pant zipper integration makes connecting with Dainese riding pants easy.
• The neck collar can be left open or secured in multiple positions for customizable airflow.
• Simple hook and loop waist adjusters make it easy to tailor the fit.
• Soft edge finishing prevents it from irritating your skin.
• Lightweight construction and packable design make the Air Chrono 2 easy to take with you.
• Subtle Dainese branding and style provide understated looks for commuting or everyday use.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Dainese Air Chrono 2

Does the Air Chrono 2 come with a back protector?

No, it does not come standard with a back protector, but it does have an internal pocket where you can insert an aftermarket back protector like the Dainese Manis.

How long is the main zipper?

The main zipper measures approximately 28 inches in length, allowing it to open up wide for maximum ventilation.

What is the difference between the Air Chrono 1 and Air Chrono 2?

The Air Chrono 2 has a more aggressive sport cut, added mesh panels for better airflow, and more prominent branding compared to the original version.

Can you attach Dainese pants to the jacket via zipper?

Yes, the 270-degree zipper connects to compatible Dainese pants to create a complete zip-together suit.

Does it have pockets?

There are two basic side pockets on the hip area but no internal storage pockets. The design prioritizes ventilation and streamlined fit over storage.

Conclusion

The Dainese Air Chrono 2 mesh provides perfect airflow, protection, quality construction, and sporty Italian styling.

For riders who push their limits in hot weather, it should help keep you cool while also keeping you safe.

After thoroughly testing, I strongly recommend the Air Chrono 2. It provides incredible performance for the price. Ride protected – ride with Dainese.

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