Dazzling Dainese D-air Innovation

In world cup skiing, safety is paramount. The technology behind keeping skiers like Lindsey Vonn safe and injury free is no longer just padded speed suits and the odd spin protector. With new gel, airbag, and armor technologies coming out every year, the line between cutting edge racers and the average skier hitting the slopes in Aspen is getting more and more blurred. Nowhere is it more apparent than with Dainese’s micro airbag system.

Started in 1972 as a motorcycle armor and apparel company, Dainese is at the forefront of innovation in both protective gear and apparel. From their first motocross trousers in 1972, to the world’s first back protector in 1979, Dainese’s moto products defined the entire market. Then, in 1994, three Italian alpine world cup racers used Dainese moto products in ski races. An entirely new market was discovered, and the Dainese Technology center in Italy continued to explore new products beyond the core moto and ski world. In 2000, Dainese debuted the D’air airbag vest for MotoGP racers, and it was quickly picked up by skiers and downhill mountain bike pros as well.

Dainese D'Air
Dainese D'Air
Dainese D'Air Lindsey Vonn
Lindsey Vonn
Dainese D'Air
Kristian Ghedina

An entirely new market was discovered, and the Dainese Technology center in Italy continued to explore new products beyond the core moto and ski world.

The current iteration of the Dainese D-air is a favorite of skiers like Vonn, and we got a chance to speak to her about it recently. With less bulk than typical gel based protectors and smart accelerometers that can inflate specific portions of the vest, it’s a staple of Vonn’s (and many other racers on the circuit) safety gear. The ability to analyze crash data, and provide targeted protection is paramount to keeping racers safe, especially as limits of speed and gear get pushed harder every season.

Dainese’s ski products don’t stop and end at the D-air though. Utilizing everything from gel-based armor, to the respected Dermizax EV waterproof membrane and Primaloft Gold insulation, Dainese’s ski line will keep you arcing GS turns no matter if you’re on Deer Valley’s famed corduroy, or battling deep powder in the Alps.

www.dainese.com