Dianese’s new Energica Air jacket caught my eye as a potential summer riding jacket with its combination of abrasion-resistant Cordura fabric and perforated mesh panels.
I decided to thoroughly test this jacket in real-world conditions to provide fellow riders with an in-depth review.
Does the Energica Air provide unmatched airflow and breathability to justify its $400 price tag? Or are there better textile jackets that offer more value and features? Read on to find out!
Dianese Energica Air Textile Jacket
Introduction
The Energica Air replaces Dianese’s popular Super Speed jacket with updated features and CE-rated armor for impact protection.
This combination textile jacket is designed for riders seeking a sporty, slim fit along with ample airflow to stay cool on the road.
In this review, I’ll cover:
After thoroughly testing this jacket in various conditions, I’ll provide my final verdict on who it’s best suited for. Let’s get started!
Fit and Construction
The Energica Air has an athletic cut with a slim, sporty silhouette. The main shell combines 500D Cordura fabric panels with perforated mesh for maximum breathability.
It has CE-rated level 1 shoulder and elbow armor, plus pockets to add an optional back protector and chest armor (sold separately). This armor coverage provides impact protection without limiting mobility.
Reflective details on the sleeves and back improve visibility for night riding. The jacket also incorporates stretch panels under the arms to allow a full range of motion on the bike.
Overall, the construction quality feels robust while prioritizing comfort through strategic mesh placement.
Airflow and Ventilation
One of my top criteria for any warm weather jacket is airflow, and the Energica Air delivers in spades.
The mesh panels on the chest, back, underarms, and inner arms allow constant air circulation. Even during 90°F rides, I stayed cool and dry thanks to the breeze flowing through this jacket.
It’s one of the most breathable textile jackets I’ve tested, making it ideal for hot summer riding. The included windproof liner can be worn on cooler days to block wind chill without obstructing airflow.
Sizing and Fit Recommendations
I’m 6’0″ and 175 lbs with an athletic build. Based on Dianese’s size chart, I ordered a size 54, which is designed for a 42″ chest.
However, the jacket runs at least one full-size small, so I’d recommend ordering a size up from your usual. The size 54 fits me comfortably, with room to layer underneath, though the sleeves were slightly long.
My riding buddy is 6’0″, 220 lbs, and has a 44″ chest. The size 56 was too tight in the shoulders and sleeves. After exchanging it for a size 58, it fit him perfectly with a trim athletic cut.
So be sure to size up, especially if you plan to use the jacket with body armor. The stretch panels do allow some wiggle room, but the arms run narrow.
Interior Components
The Energica Air keeps things simple inside, with basic storage and liner options:
- Windproof liner attaches with snaps to block wind-chill
- Zippered stash pockets on each side for small items
- Interior pockets for optional chest armor
- Full-length zipper for attaching pants
I would have liked to see a waterproof membrane and short connecting zipper at this price point. However, the storage options are sufficient for daily use.
Price and Value
With a price of circa $300, the Energica Air sits at an awkward middle ground between budget textiles and premium race jackets.
The ventilation and protection are excellent for the price. However, I expected more premium features like a waterproof liner, short connecting zipper, and belt loops.
At this price point, it faces stiff competition from high-end textiles with more functionality. The lack of key features makes the value proposition questionable.
That said, if maximum airflow is your top priority, you won’t find many jackets that can match the Energica Air’s ventilation. It ultimately depends on your needs and budget.
Pros and Cons of the Energica Air Jacket
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Superb ventilation and airflow | No waterproof layer |
| Sporty, athletic cut | Minimal storage and liner options |
| Protective CE-rated armor | Price is high for features offered |
| Windproof liner included | No short connecting zipper |
| Reflective details for visibility | Limited adjustability/customization |
Final Verdict: Best for Hot Weather Riders Prioritizing Airflow
After extensively testing the Dianese Energica Air jacket, it excels at providing maximum airflow for riding in hot climates. The ventilation is unmatched in its price range.
However, the lack of a waterproof liner and other premium features make it a tough sell at its $400 MSRP. The jacket faces stiff competition from textiles that offer more functionality and weather protection.
Ultimately, the Energica Air is best suited for riders in hot, dry conditions who prize airflow above all else. It makes an excellent summer jacket, though it may require layering pieces to extend its versatility.
If you ride in cooler or wetter conditions, you can likely find jackets with more weather protection and features for the price. But when airflow is a top priority, the Energica Air delivers in spades.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Energica Air come with armor?
Yes, it includes CE-rated level 1 armor in the elbows and shoulders. There are also pockets to add optional back and chest protectors.
How is the sizing compared to other jackets?
It runs at least one full-size small. Be sure to order a size up from your normal jacket size for the best fit.
Is it fully waterproof?
No, there is no waterproof membrane or liner. The included wind liner blocks wind chill but won’t keep you dry in the rain.
Can you attach riding pants to it?
Yes, there is a full-length interior zipper to attach riding pants. But no short zipper or belt loops.
Does it have a reflection for night visibility?
Yes, reflective piping on the sleeves and back improves visibility in low-light conditions.
Conclusion
The Dianese Energica Air jacket is designed for maximum airflow and ventilation on hot rides. While it excels at keeping you cool in warm weather, it lacks some expected features for the price, like waterproofing and short zipper connections.
This jacket is hard to beat if your top priority is staying breezy on summer rides. But consider other textile jackets in the same price range for all-weather versatility.
This detailed review gave you the insights needed to determine if the Energica Air is right for your riding style and local conditions.
Never hesitate to reach out if you need personalized recommendations for jackets best suited to your needs. Ride safe out there!
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