New hi-viz Smart Jacket from Dainese

[advrider]

Dainese is updating its Smart Jacket with a new hi-viz version that should help keep riders safer.

If you’re not familiar with the Smart Jacket, we first wrote it up back in early 2019. Basically, the Smart Jacket is an airbag vest that can be worn over or under other riding gear. Unlike early airbag suits used in motorcycle racing, which required a corded connection to the bike, the Smart Jacket is self-contained. Onboard electronics measure the jacket’s acceleration 1000 times per second to detect a crash, triggering the vest’s inflation. As we told you when the initial jacket was released:

Using a series of sensors, as well as a gyroscope, an accelerometer and GPS the vest’s brain samples the riding environment approximately 1,000 times a second. A Dainese proprietary algorithm then processes this data to determine whether there is any danger to the rider.

The algorithm is so sophisticated that it can sense dangerous situations including low sides, high sides, collisions with objects or other vehicles and rear-end collisions. And, for the first time with a motorcycle airbag system, activation also occurs in a collision with a stationary vehicle. stationary vehicle and stationary rider collisions. If the vest calculates a dangerous condition, it automatically inflates providing protection to the rider’s torso.

Because it’s self-contained, the Smart Jacket is compatible with not just Dainese riding gear, but other brands as well. And now, it comes in hi-viz yellow, for improved visual safety.

No doubt some riders will eschew this sensible measure, saying the high-viz coloring is too ugly.

A picky-pants rider’s reaction to hi-viz yellow.

However, for those of us who put function over form, the hi-viz is a welcome added safety feature—indeed, many riders already put hi-viz vests over their standard riding gear for improved visibility.

Added protection; if cagers can see you, they’re less likely to run you over. Photo: Dainese

Other than the new color, this new version of the Smart Jacket appears to have the same technical parts as as the original version: Seven onboard sensors, a 26-hour battery life, and no hard-shell parts. The chest protection is CE 2-rated, the back protection is CE 1-rated, and it weighs four pounds. Decent. For more deets, head over to Dainese.com. Pricing starts at $699.95 in the US.

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