Dainese Cage Leather -vs- Zen Leather

[cpeck12]

I'm looking to scoop up a jacket for the colder months here in Chicago since my Dainese Shotgun is strictly a summer jacket. I've narrowed it down to either the Dainese Cage or the Dainese Zen (or maybe the Dainese Avro Textile since it gets great reviews).

Does anyone have any experience or insight with either of these jackets? They can both be had for around the same price. Zen has the thermal liner and Cave has the 3D bubble liner. I like both styles... Maybe the Cage a little more.

Let me know what you guys think!

Thanks.

[shift105]

I have the same question as well. Just curious, which one did you end up getting?

[Bully]

I love my zen, but I imagine the non-perf cage will work better in Chicago cold. Zen fits like a glove and looks like a normal jacket with shoulder armor removed. Its perf is great for deep south weather, about 60% airflow. I wear 2 layers in addition to liner in ~40 degree weather.

[cpeck12]

Originally Posted by Bully

I love my zen, but I imagine the non-perf cage will work better in Chicago cold. Zen fits like a glove and looks like a normal jacket with shoulder armor removed. Its perf is great for deep south weather, about 60% airflow. I wear 2 layers in addition to liner in ~40 degree weather.

Yeah the fact that the Zen is perforated, even though it has a thermal liner, is making me lean towards the Cage for the weather here. Especially if you wear 2 layers along with the liner in 40 degree weather.

The Avro seems like a great jacket too but I wouldn't mind getting a leather.

[moto]

The non-perf leather will be warmer - but since the Cage only has the bubble liner, you will still need something like this underneath: DAINESE Top Map Windstopper Fleece Top , DAINESE No Wind Layer Windbreaker or a heated vest.

I'm picking up one of these DAINESE R-Twin Jacket.
It has a thermal liner and chest vents.

-M

[cpeck12]

What temps would you say the Cage is good down to? The R-Twin looks awesome.. but the $270 price difference isn't. May have to go with the Avro since it has a thermal liner.

[TiAgM3]

I just rode in my Zen for the first time today. Temp outside was about 45 degrees at most and it was fine with the liner in and just a t-shirt on. I could feel the cold come through but it was bearable enough to ride for about an hour with varying speeds up to 80 mph...Without the liner in I imagine quite a big flow of air.

As mentioned above, the Zen is a great understated jacket. It also will get you through a couple of seasons. It's nice to not have to wear several layers under your jacket. A long sleeve t-shirt or base layer and the Zen would be plenty warm enough for me. The jacket will also get me through the spring/Summer transition and the Summer/Fall transition when it's a cold commute in the morning and a hot commute in the afternoon.

My buddy that has a Cage is looking to get something more versatile as his Cage is good for 60 - 70 degrees but outside of those ranges is either too hot or too cold...The textile under the arms and on sides will flow a bit of air and will not keep you very warm during the colder months.

[TiAgM3]

Originally Posted by cpeck12

What temps would you say the Cage is good down to? The R-Twin looks awesome.. but the $270 price difference isn't. May have to go with the Avro since it has a thermal liner.

To answer this directly...55-60 degrees would probably be the lowest. My friend with the Cage gets a bit cold at that temp with a base layer on. My Alpinestars GP-Plus is about the same. You'd be surprised how much air flows through the textile on the sleeves and sides at speed. Comfort range for the Cage and my GP-Plus seem to be between 60 and 75...Anything colder, you'll want something with insulation or would have to size up to fit more layers. Anything warmer, you'll want some perf.

[alape8]

I wear a light pullover sweater under my Cage on my morning commutes when it's about 30 or 35 outside. Going by the reservoir gets a little chilly, but it's not bad at all. I've ridden in the mid 30's up in the mountains too, with the sun out it hasn't given me any issues when just wearing a t-shirt