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Throttle Closet
Full specification As published
Material100% full-grain cowhide leather
ArmorCE Level 1 shoulder/elbow protectors
LinerRemovable thermal inner jacket
ClosureYKK zippers with adjustable snaps
Weightapprox. 2.8 kg (size 52)
Mass2800 g as published
Coverschest, back, shoulders, elbows
Bench rank58 of 200 on this site
Jacket · Rank 58 of 200

Dainese Super Speed 3 Leather Jacket

by Dainese

The Dainese Super Speed 3 is a full-grain cowhide leather jacket with CE Level 1 armour, built for sport riders who want race-inspired styling with genuine street usability.

4.5 Rider rating 4.5 out of 5 Bench score 49/100
  • Full-grain cowhide leather
  • CE Level 1 armour fitted
  • Removable thermal inner jacket
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Specs taken from the manufacturer No paid placement Bought at retail
Verdict

The Dainese Super Speed 3 delivers a compelling mix of track-inspired styling and genuine leather protection, making it a strong choice for sport riders who want both performance and street usability. The price is high, sizing runs narrow, and the back protector is a separate purchase, but the quality of materials and armour justify the investment for riders serious about safety and aesthetics.

Dainese builds the Super Speed 3 from 100% full-grain cowhide leather, weighing approximately 2.8 kilograms in a size 52, a figure that reflects the genuine leather construction rather than any padding added for its own sake. CE Level 1 armour covers the shoulders and elbows, reinforced further by Pentagon composite protectors at the shoulders for added impact reassurance in a fall or slide. A removable thermal inner jacket extends usability beyond fair-weather riding into cooler months of the year and shoulder seasons. Stretch panels sit on the sleeves and back, letting the jacket move through a full reach for the bars without the leather binding. YKK zippers with adjustable snaps handle the closures, hardware chosen for reliability over repeated use rather than looks alone.

On the bike, the race-replica cut hugs the body closely, which suits an aggressive riding position but means the jacket runs narrow compared with a standard fit, so most riders find sizing up a notch necessary, especially over a base layer in cooler weather or early mornings. Stretch panels at the sleeves and back let the jacket move with the rider through a lean or reach without restricting motion at speed on a fast road or track. The armour stays correctly positioned even as posture shifts over a longer ride. The leather needs a genuine break-in period, feeling stiff for the first few outings before it starts to soften and move more naturally with the body.

The Super Speed 3 suits sport riders who want race-inspired styling and serious leather protection for spirited street riding or occasional track days on a familiar circuit or canyon road. It isn't the jacket for touring or commuting in changeable weather, since there's no waterproof membrane and ventilation stays limited even with perforated panels cut into the leather itself. The back protector is sold separately, adding to the total cost before the protective package is complete for a full track setup. Against textile sport jackets, the Super Speed 3 trades all-weather versatility and looser sizing for genuinely superior abrasion resistance and a tighter, race-inspired fit that doubles as street wear off the bike.

What works
  • Full-grain leather delivers excellent abrasion resistance
  • Race-replica fit hugs the body for a connected feel
  • CE Level 1 armour comes fitted at shoulders and elbows
  • Pentagon composite shoulder protectors add extra reassurance
  • YKK zippers and hardware feel durable over time
  • Doubles as street wear thanks to its styling
What doesn't
  • Runs narrow, so sizing up is often recommended
  • Back protector isn't included and must be bought separately
  • Ventilation is limited in genuinely hot weather
  • Sits well above competing jackets on price
  • Leather needs a real break-in period before it softens
Bench scorecard
Protection66Weather32Airflow32Comfort51Value66

Derived from this product's own specification, key features and owner-reported pros and cons, then adjusted by its rider rating. Same rules for every piece.

Key features
  • 100% full-grain cowhide leather construction
  • CE Level 1 shoulder and elbow armour
  • Removable thermal inner jacket for all-season use
  • Pentagon composite protectors on shoulders
  • Stretch panels on sleeves and back
  • Adjustable waist and cuff closures
  • YKK zippers with adjustable snaps
Where it sits in jacket
This piece 49 Category median 52 Category best 65

Bench rank 39 of 50 in jacket. The median piece in this category scores 52; the best scores 65.

What it covers
headfaceneckchestbackshoulderselbowshandswristshipskneesshinsfeetankles

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Who it fits
  • Riders building a kit on a budget who still want something that lasts.
Stack it against
Held Zeffiro 3.0Bench 65 · 4.6 ★
Klim Marrakesh JacketBench 62 · 4.6 ★
Klim Badlands Pro JacketBench 59 · 4.6 ★
Klim Induction JacketBench 54 · 4.6 ★