Dainese D-Air Carve Master - review

Unlike some systems, which must be tethered to the bike, Dainese’s is self-contained, using a rechargeable battery and sensors claimed to trigger the airbag within 45 milliseconds when they detect that an impact with the ground is imminent.

What they won’t do is protect a rider who is stationary when hit by another vehicle; in this scenario the airbag protects only against the second impact - with the floor or other surface.

Using the airbag is simple. It is ‘armed’ by fastening a magnetic catch, when the wearer draws the two ‘ends’ of the airbag together over the chest. This activates a well-positioned LED on the left sleeve. The light confirms that the system is ready to go. When it senses that the bike is moving via GPS sensors it glows green, signifying that it is fully armed. Other colour combinations denote the battery’s level of charge.

If the rider loses GPS contact - perhaps through a tunnel - the sensors rely on vibrations from the motorcycle, instead. If you stop riding, the system is disarmed. The battery is claimed to last for 26 hours in use, and a totally flat battery can be recharged with the supplied cable within four hours.

If the airbag is deployed, it must be sent to an approved Dainese centre to be refurbished, at a cost of £200-£250. Not cheap and - if you’re half-way through a tour - inconvenient too.

Compared with the previous generation Carve Master - which I reviewed in 2016 - the D-Air version is noticeably heavier and slightly bulkier, weighing in (according to my luggage scales) at 3.95kgs compared to 2.55 kigs, including liners.

Despite both being size 50, the thicker fleece-style D-Air liner makes it a tighter fit around the shoulders so try one on first - with liner - in-store.

The newcomer also has a higher-rise collar, a slightly intrusive ‘bulge’ in the back from the protector (you get used to it after a while), more streamlined (but still usefully large) external, waterproof side pockets, and the addition of a big, rear ‘map’ pocket.

The rear vents are the same size but sit lower while the front vents are slightly larger, and there are additional vents at the top of the arms. The side adjustment straps are now better designed. Unfortunately the zip-up chest pocket inside the storm flap on the left, useful for a phone, has gone, to accommodate the airbag.

On the move the jacket’s additional weight disappears and it feels, generally, very comfortable. However the neck - presumably to accommodate the airbag - is a little too high and catches my chin, which is irritating. In warm weather this can be partially offset by folding down the left hand side of the collar and fastening it back. But there’s no such fastener on the right hand side, leaving it sitting tall.

The shoulder armour sits comfortably as does the excellent elbow and forearm armour. It’s hard to compare venting and warmth between old and new, but it feels as though the airbag system reduces air movement over the shoulders and chest, something to bear in mind for hot-weather touring.

I’ve ridden only in light rain but - if it is as effective as the previous Carve Master - it will be highly effective.

I also tested Dainese’s Carve Master Gore Tex pants. They’re a very comfy slimline fit and the liner feels good to the touch. With liner removed however, the remaining trouser lining feels a little clammy against the skin. It’s a shame that - compared with previous versions - Dainese have removed the pockets. So if you stash your jacket while out on a ride, there’s nowhere for your phone or wallet - irritating! Venting is adequate rather than impressive, while the knee and shin protection is excellent, although, disappointingly, there’s no additional hip protection.

The price of safety? The standard Carve Master costs around £470 whereas the D-Air airbag version is £1,110, plus ‘repair’ costs if your unlucky enough to have an off. The pants cost £339.95.

I value highly the extra reassurance that the D-Air Carve Master offers, and find it easy to use (even if plugging the charge cable in is a little fiddly). Just as with your ‘best’ gloves or ‘best’ helmet, it feels almost reckless to leave the D-Air at home and wear alternatives instead, for instance on a short hop into town. It’s a valuable extra layer of protection which, should you have an off, you’ll be very glad you were wearing.