Any FHE? Dainese Portland 2 vs Shotgun

[Slide Panda]

I live in norther VA, spitting distance from DC. Summers are hot (90-100) and humid so I need something with more air flow than my leathers.

So I'm trying to make the call between the Portland2 and the Shotgun. Price isn't a deciding factor as with a back protector they are very close. So it comes down between air flow vs protection.

I've seen lots of good photos of the Shotgun that show it should flow a ton of air in large mesh panels in the chest and out the lower back. The Portland - I'm not so clear on. Looks like there's mesh on the sides and around the back a bit.

So anyone (dan?) have some FHE experience the the Portland?

[Povidius]

I never rode with the shotgun, but did try it on at the store.   After talking to the folks at the Costa Mesa Dainese store, I went with the Portland 2 as it had a better fit (for me) and offered the best protection for a textile jacket.  It doesn't give as much cooling as the shotgun, but its good enough. 

I ride around in SoCal and have been in 90 degree weather with it so far.  Was comfortable as I wasn't stationary much, but I can tell it'll still get somewhat warm on hotter days if I'm stuck in traffic.  It comes with a removable back protector (not sure if the shotgun does or not) which is a nice bonus. 

Portland 2, Shotgun, and Air 2 review

[Povidius]

Maybe it'll be helpful to note that I also have the perforated leather Del Mar jacket and that moves A TON of air compared to the textile jackets. I'd wear that jacket more but its so heavy, bulky and restrictive compared to the textile portland 2.

[Slide Panda]

I've watched that vid a couple times... does a good job of making me want both...

If I had a Del Mar, this might not be an issue. But, I've got a Santa Monica witch doesn't have the zipper chest vents nor the perfs on the arms. I rode it a few weeks back in the upper 80's and humid and was feeling rather swampy by days end. Add ten more degrees and keep the humidity and the Santa Monica w/ the Delta pants will be very viable for a day out...

The Shotgun does not come with a back protector from the factory. Add one in as and additional purchase and it's only about $10 less than the Portland2.. Though I do have a couple strap on protectors that might fit the bill if I got a shotgun... hmmm

[danaid]

  OK, I've been riding in my shotgun jacket and new drake air pants for about a month now and just today the temp was in the mid 90's here in central Cali and it is going to get even hotter.  

This jacket does not flow air like my past mesh jackets, and the same goes for the pants. The fabric is dense that air doesn't seem to flow completely threw it like you might imagine a fabric jacket should, or like lesser jackets do.  The Portland jacket may flow a little less because it is missing any mesh panels on the front of the jacket. I was at the D-store SF and I tried on both jackets back to back, the fit, build, material, weight, interior, and style where almost identical for both jackets! So I chose the shotgun for simply the style and color selection ( I chose red). Portland comes in all black or a gray/magnesium color (actually a very,very nice color combo in person).
The best flowing with good quality was my Rev'it air jacket, and Mistral pants, which I just sold. I also had a Rev'it air-force and a Joe rocket air mesh something? that also flowed a lot of air, but, there is a big difference in material, being that those other jackets where mostly constructed in a mesh material. The shotgun feels sturdier, but of course the negative is that I was hot.
 After owning thinner jackets I feel IMOHO, that any less sturdy of a jacket may be a bad idea from a safety stand point. but If you don't mind go for the Dainese air-2 jacket for max airflow, I might pick one up if they go on sale.
Also, the shotgun has a specific pocket for the shield-air and one for the wave back protectors, which I added a shield-air protector. The sales literature does not state this.

I hope this helps
Dan  

[Slide Panda]

 OK, I've been riding in my shotgun jacket and new drake air pants for about a month now and just today the temp was in the mid 90's here in central Cali and it is going to get even hotter.  

What are your thoughts on the Drake? I'm thinking of snagging a pair of those to to mate to the jacket.

[danaid]

What are your thoughts on the Drake? I'm thinking of snagging a pair of those to to mate to the jacket.

Well, I can rave about the fit, finish, and comfort, but they don't flow a lot of air. Maybe hot is hot, at least in my area.
 
 Again going back to my best flowing gear, Rev'it Mistral pants that where mostly mesh but the fit was totally different and are like over pants.
 The Drake pants fit snug keeping the knee armor in place, my mistral pants where loose and I worried if I crashed, would the armor slide to one side.
 I ordered my jacket and pants from revzilla and received $30 store credit which I than used (use only on next order) to order the shield air protector.

[Slide Panda]

Well, I can rave about the fit, finish, and comfort, but they don't flow a lot of air. Maybe hot is hot, at least in my area.
 
 Again going back to my best flowing gear, Rev'it Mistral pants that where mostly mesh but the fit was totally different and are like over pants.
 The Drake pants fit snug keeping the knee armor in place, my mistral pants where loose and I worried if I crashed, would the armor slide to one side.
 I ordered my jacket and pants from revzilla and received $30 store credit which I than used (use only on next order) to order the shield air protector.

Hot is hot... you do hit diminishing returns no matter how much venting there is.

But the comments about the fit, finish, comfort and keeping the armour in place are appreciated. Thanks for that.