Helmet For Motorcycle
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Overall Rating: 4 out of 5.0
Dainese Jet Stream Tourer Review
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Italian gear manufacturer Dainese has an enormous reputation in the motorcycle industry for producing quality products – you will pay dearly for them, but they are well-designed and very durable, for the most part. For some time, even before the company purchased AGV, Dainese was also making motorcycle helmets. One of the more popular models is the open-face Dainese Jet Stream Tourer motorcycle helmet.
The Dainese Jet Stream Tourer is constructed in two different sizes of a thermoplastic resin shell; this allows for better fit and superior protection. Inside that technically advanced shell sits multi-density EPS foam padding which has some complex ventilation channels carved into it throughout the interior. Covering this impact-absorbing layer is a hypoallergenic and very plush washable and removable padded material. To further the ventilation properties of the Jet Stream helmet, this liner is exceptionally breathable and allows air to flow through it easily.
Up front on the Jet Stream is an optically perfect, scratch-resistant, UV-blocking faceshield which does exactly that – it protects the entire face when it is in place. This shield can, of course, be removed very easily without the use of tools and has around 10 detents to allow for several configurations. It is growing in popularity, but it is still cool that the Jet Stream also has an integrated sunshield which is deployed using a rubberized wheel on the side of the helmet; yes, you can set it where you want it within its range of travel.Â
As for the weight, the Jet Stream Tourer scores very well as it only tips the scale at 2.6 pounds (1179 grams), making it a real lightweight. At first, you might find the lid a bit flimsy feeling, but the paint finish is rather good, it has a think clear coat, and you can see Dianese put some work into making the Jet Stream well while keeping the weight down. You secure the helmet with the rather uncommon Euro-style ratcheting chinstrap, but it works well to adjust the fit.
When you first place the Dainese Jet Stream Tourer on your head, you will instantly notice just how light it is and how well you can see out of it even if both the faceshield and sunshield are down. In fact, when it is on your skull, you actually have a hard time seeing any of the Jet Stream structure in even your peripheral vision. The fit is close to round, or an intermediate oval, so it will fit many people, and the Jet Stream does fit as true to size as a helmet can – the size chart is reliable.
As the Dainese Jet Stream Tourer is a three-quarter sized lid, that padding and ventilation are very important, almost as important as on a full-face. Thus, the vents which are built into the shell itself are very well designed. The front brow vents are uncovered when the faceshield is down and the air exits through mesh vents at the rear. And, it works unbelievably well. Some have said that wearing the Jet Stream Tourer while moving feels like wearing a pasta strainer on your head. This does mean that cooler weather will need to be dealt with by other means – or simply use the Jet Stream when it gets hot outside, it certainly brings new meaning to the phrase ‘keeping a cool head’.
Noise levels inside the Dainese Jet Stream Tourer are not as bad as its ventilation and design would indicate, but it is not quiet inside either. Some is certainly due to the thin shell, but any motorcyclist who travels for long distances is sure to have ear plugs, so make sure to use them when wearing the Jet Stream.
The Dainese Jet Stream Tourer motorcycle helmet is currently fully ECE 22.05 certified, but has not yet obtained DOT approval – keep that in mind when purchasing. Suggested retail is around US$180, but you will need to have it shipped as well.