Gear Review: Dainese New Drake Airs Ladies' Pant

Dainese in Motion [Bell RS-1 Helmet, Sidi Fusion Lei boots]

Dainese New Drake Airs, Retail $259 at Revzilla or locally at the D Store in Costa Mesa Photographs by Dale Hameister Photography

The New Drake Airs are my go-to pant for moto to photo events. I am very gear-centric so I will always be wearing something from head to toe. That said, not every article of motorcycle gear can attractively remain on my body when I am out and about. First and foremost, I put safety above sexy. Period. At the end of the day, I’d rather have enjoyed the ride, peeled away the gear, and changed into a little black dress – than have experienced an accident where I could have escaped injury to some extent had I worn protective gear. With respect to that little black dress, some folks have witnessed that happen in a parking lot, balancing on one stiletto. Panniers are your friend.

That said, it doesn’t take much to stand out as a manufacturer when the gear you produce has a streamlined, flattering fit. And don’t think that that sentiment is echoed only by women. Men are concerned with their appearance as well. You just won’t hear them talk about it amongst themselves. For women however, it is often a choice between safety or sexy, but you can never both. So when I had to do a photo shoot…over Christmas…with everyone in corporate offices gone for the holidays, I headed over to the “D” Store in Orange County to give the Dainese brand a try. I was hoping to achieve something a little less bulky than my current adventure gear that would perhaps signal from afar that I am female.

Hands down the New Drake Airs were an easy choice. The pants give a slightly stretchy, flattering fit, thanks to Dainese’s proprietary Mugello fabric, made of micro nylon and elastomer, and are patterned much like a straight leg jean with just a slight boot cut. The ankle zip allows for you to re-zip the pants over your boots if you prefer. Velcro hip fasteners secure the waistline. And to my surprise, not only did the pants fit nicely despite my 33-inch inseam but the knee protection is actually knee and shin. The shin overlaps a bit with my Sidi Fusion Lei’s but to amend that I pop the armor outside of the boot. Of course, best of all they are flattering.

The fabric is not waterproof and is very breathable, so this would be more of a two-season pant (or a California three-season) due in part to wind breakthrough, especially at highway speeds. An easy remedy to warm up the pants for evening rides or when the temps drop is to change up your baselayers and add one that is a mid-weight merino wool.

There are only two modifications I would make to these pants, the most important being a pocket for optional hip protection. The second is more a fit and finish observation with the knee vents. Instead of just unzipping the flap and bringing it straight up to button on the pants, you have to fold over the flap and catch the snap on the opposite side. Photos below for clarification.