Dainese Springbok 3L Jacket and Funes Gloves [THE TEST]
Road test of the Italian outfit for limitless motorcycle touring
Choosing technical clothing that's truly effective year-round is no easy feat. It's a significant investment, as garments capable of adapting to any climate require premium materials and refined design. The versatility of a high-quality outfit lies precisely in its ability to transform: warm and protective in winter, thanks to internal padding and waterproof membranes, and cool in summer, thanks to vents and removable panels that make the garments fully perforated.
In this context, between January and February, I had the opportunity to try on a designer suit for about a month DaineseI focused mainly on the jacket, reserving the right time to test the trousers more carefully during my next off-road trips, for which there will certainly be no shortage of opportunities. The Italian brand needs no introduction when it comes to safety and design. Specifically, the test focused on the Springbok 3L Absoluteshell™ combined with gloves Funes Gore-Tex®Temperatures during the test ranged between 3° and 14°, allowing me to check thermal stability even at speeds above 110 km/h.
SPRINGBOK 3L ABSOLUTESHELL: LONG-HAUL TOURING JACKET
The jacket Springbok 3L Absoluteshell™ This was the heart of my test. It's a three-layer adventure touring jacket, optimized for four-season use thanks to its modularity. It consists of a fabric outer jacket Mugello elasticized and Duratex™, a waterproof lining Absoluteshell™ removable and a padded thermal destination layer, which can also be worn separately once off the bike.
What I immediately look for in a travel jacket is the practicality of the pockets, and here Dainese has done an excellent job. The jacket has two very roomy front pockets: the one on the right side is a real Water Proof Pocket with a waterproof zipper and double flap closure. The other front pocket is designed for quick access, without a zipper but with a practical elastic band. I would perhaps have appreciated a sleeve pocket for a Viacard (for example), but the internal pockets and the roomy rear mesh cargo pocket more than make up for this.
As for ventilation, which is essential when physical exertion increases (such as off-roading), the back and chest feature large panels that can be opened with just one hand, transforming the garment into a breath of air. A detail of pure design and functionality is the collar closure system: the front part is easily foldable and locks with a magnets, a smart solution to avoid discomfort while driving while maintaining maximum protection when needed.
SPRINGBOK 3L TROUSERS: SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE
As anticipated, I will describe the trousers in detail, but I reserve the right to come back to talk about them after a more intense test as soon as I have the opportunity in Off Road. They are always the Springbok 3L Absoluteshell™ and immediately convey a strong spirit AdventureThey share the same three-layer technology as the jacket and integrate reinforced knee inserts in soft suede, a detail that acquires charm and unique nuances with time and use.
Technically, I really appreciated the calf adjustment via straps and the presence of stretch at the bottom, which allows you to quickly decide whether to wear the boots inside or outside the trousers. Safety is guaranteed by protectors Pro-Armor Level 2 on the knees, adjustable in height, and with a predisposition for protectors Pro-Shape 2.0 on the sides. Thanks to the connecting zipper, the jacket and trousers become a single piece, maximizing protection.
FUNES GORE-TEX GLOVES: WARMTH AND SENSITIVITY
Moving on to gloves, the Funes Gore-Tex® They represent excellence for long-distance travel at low temperatures. They are made with a membrane Gore-Tex® and padding Primaloft® Gold with technology Cross Core™, designed to ensure optimal grip from zero degrees upwards.
Despite the thickness required to protect from the cold, the sensitivity on the controls is surprising thanks to the technology Gore Grip, which prevents slipping between the glove layers. Being winter gloves, they are naturally bulky (especially in the XL size I tried), so you need to pay attention to the dimensions if your motorcycle has handlebar-mounted mirrors. The softness of all the garments is immediate, unlike other brands that require a "break-in" period for the fabrics to soften. The products Dainese they fit immediately like a second skin.
THE ROAD TEST: FROM COLD TEMPERATURES TO SPEED
I tested this suit for about a month, facing temperatures ranging from 3° to 14° degreesAnyone who rides a motorbike knows that, at over 110 km/h, the wind can turn 5 degrees into a sheet of ice. And yet, the Springbok 3L It held up very well. The neck section, when properly closed, offers excellent wind protection, eliminating those annoying drafts that become tiresome over time.
In the saddle, the jacket follows every movement. The central double-slider zipper is an excellent choice, allowing the bottom of the jacket to be opened, ensuring greater freedom of movement for the legs. The protectors Level 2 Pro-Armor on the shoulders and elbows they are so soft and thin that you almost forget you have them, but you know they are there doing their job.
A small note should be made about gloves in combination with certain motorcycles: Having a size XL, the Funes Gore-Tex® are quite bulky, as is normal for a winter glove of this quality. On bikes with limited space between the handlebars and the mirrors, those mounted at the ends, it's easy to bump the mirror slightly when using the clutch or accelerator. It's a small compromise to make to keep your hands warm and protected. A detail to keep in mind. The internal heat is constant, you don't sweat even if the day heats up a bit, and the feel of the controls on the switches remains precise.
Very useful in case of rain. Visor Wiper on the index finger which helps to quickly clean the visor.
The price list of these garments reflects their technological profile. The Springbok 3L jacket stands at 749€ and the pants on 449€, while the gloves Funes Gore-Tex® have a price of 189€; the latter boast a decidedly competitive quality-price ratio.
Investing in this type of gear means purchasing protection, comfort, and long-lasting durability. A little tip: if the price seems steep, check out the official Dainese website; you can often find significant offers and discounts that make these pieces an unmissable bargain for any serious motorcyclist. I can't wait to put the outfit to the test. Springbok 3L Absoluteshell in summer and on off-road routes.
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