I was impressed with the fit of the jacket despite the fact I lack the physique of Brad Pitt. It was snug yet didn't feel like I was wearing a girdle, which makes longer trips much more enjoyable.
If there is one axiom when it comes to street protection it's 'there is no substitute for quality gear'. Not everybody can afford a $500 Suomy helmet, $200 boots, $100 gloves, and a $300 jacket, but they should. There is a reason some protective equipment costs so much more than other similar products, it could be the difference between walking away from a crash and being carted to the emergency room.
Basically, it's best to invest in the well being of your body and mind than it is to save 50 bucks towards a night on the town. Yes, good safety equipment can take a bit out of the bank account, but in reality spending a little more cash on your physical well-being is worth it, just ask anyone unfortunate enough to experience road rash without the proper gear.
A quality jacket in particular is a necessity any time you hit the road because it serves several functions: First, it will save your bacon if you happen to go down while a distracted soccer mom is simultaneously talking on the cell phone while reprimanding her little Landon Donavon and veers into your lane. Second, it adds an extra layer of protection form the elemental weather conditions during the summer and winter months. And finally it's an excellent modern day suit of armor to protect you from the onslaught of shrapnel kicked up by big rigs and seemingly insignificant Honda Civics.
The Alpinestars Dyno leather jacket seemed to fit all the criteria above when I took possession of it a few months ago. The 1.1 mm full-grain leather felt thick but not so heavy it would feel suffocating during hot days. Most quality protective garments range in thickness from 1.0 mm to 1.5, with most race rated leathers coming in at 1.5 mm. So, the thickness of the Dyno jacket should more than hold up under most asphalt induced abrasions. While I never (thankfully) was able to crash test the jacket, I rode with the confidence that I would be protected in the event of a non-water landing.
Like almost every other new leather jacket I've worn the Dyno started out a little stiff. This subsided about the fifth time I threw an arm down the sleeve. It soon formed to my absurdly muscular arms and massive chest all while looking fashionable cartoonish looking garments which usually grace motorcycle showroom floors.
The Dyno features two standard exterior pockets and one interior pocket located just inside the left zipper at chest level. There are also accommodations for attaching a pair of riding pants to the back side of the jacket.
I was impressed with the fit of the jacket despite the fact I lack the physique of Brad Pitt. It was snug yet didn't feel like I was wearing a girdle, which makes longer trips much more enjoyable.
The cut of the jacket is superb for motorcyclists as the arms are pre-curved in the optimal riding position. For many of the miles I was riding on a cruiser and the jacket was equally comfortable on the chrome and iron as it was on the sport bikes that typically occupy my riding time.
Wind protection was excellent as it kept the chill out during the morning commutes to work. My only complaint came during the rides home in the Southern Oregon summer where afternoon temperatures routinely jump up around the 105 degree range. At that point I was wishing for at least a few perforated patches in the Dyno but that is not a feature of this model.
Instead the Dyno is meant to satisfy the needs of a cool weather ride more so than sweltering at a stop light in the summer heat. If you are looking for a great vented jacket, turn your attention towards the Alpinestar V4 Leather jacket which comes with strategically perforated areas and a more elaborate venting system. If these temperatures are not a factor where you ride, then there shouldn't be a problem, but for those who live in warmer climates, it's something to be aware of. The jacket was comfortable up to about 80-85 degrees, anything over and it was obvious I shouldn't be wearing a thick leather jacket on a summer day.
As for the other end of the spectrum, I only experienced one trip in the rain and the Dyno came through with flying colors. Every inch of my Alpinestars covered body was dry when I finally pulled into the drive way after my 30-minute commute. The leather performed beautifully against an Oregon Summer thunderstorm although upon further inspection turns out it had received a coating of Scotch-guard waterproofing from one of our other road testers.
During the 6 months I wore the jacket it held up well. The leather started to show small signs of wear around the cuffs and along the zipper creases. The zipper was the recipient of my only real gripe.
While the zippers and buttons are made from quality components I almost always had trouble zipping the zipper past the ornamental leather piping across the chest. After struggling a few times I would eventually get the zipper past the piping but it almost always produced a few moments of foul language.
This obstacle was most inconvenient while navigating the road. It was all but impossible to accomplish this simple task with one hand. When it was hot and your instincts tell you to unzip for a rush of fresh air – think twice if you might want it closed up anytime soon. Incidentally this is a complaint I've heard from others who have purchased the Alpinestars Dyno.
Aside from the minor workmanship gaffe, the jacket was, in a word, sweet. Essentially, this was my first true Alpinestar experience, well, because of the price tag. The jackets aren't cheap and at just under $400 at Motorcycle Superstore, it had better be exactly what you want in the way of protection.
The bottom line for the Alpinestars Dyno is that it is a good jacket with excellent elemental protection for moderate to cool temperatures. Quality was high with a few minor workmanship details which need to be ironed out. 7.5 out of a possible 10.
