The o in the Hekla Absoluteshell is actually an ‘Ø’, which has everything to do with the fact that DAINESE developed this laminated, adventurous motorbike jacket for long on- and off-road trips in harsh conditions. Less harsh too.
The Hekla is an Icelandic volcano and not coincidentally, DAINESE used an adventurous 5-day trip on the Northern-European island to extensively test this top-of-the-bill motorcycle clothing set (there are pants too).
The Hekla Absøluteshell PRO 20K has a laminated outer layer in textile. The QuickDry, Ripstop and the membrane (Hekla Absøluteshell PRO 20K) result in a sturdy, wear-resistant, waterproof and windproof, and – we must add – a very light exterior. Beneath the top layer, there’s Level 2 Pro-Armor-impact protection, which not all motorbike jackets can proclaim.
Let’s start at the beginning: the outer layer. The 20K refers to the 20.000mm of water the laminated membrane can withstand on a limited surface. The average motorbike rider won’t really bother with this and just wants to know: is the Hekla Absøluteshell PRO 20K waterproof? The answer is ‘yes’.
The challenge for a laminated motorbike jacket is not really in keeping things dry, it’s in ventilation. Waterproof and ventilated, it’s a tough combination. Unless you – like DAINESE did here – equip a number of storage compartments and ventilation openings with watertight Fidlock®closures. This definitely inspires confidence, that’s for sure. The Hekla Absøluteshell PRO 20K will probably never be able to feel summery but then again, that’s not its purpose: the presence of an autonomously wearable (hence, neatly finished) Polartec® Power Air™-thermal lining suggests the opposite. Although we knew that when we started discussing the Scandinavian ‘Ø’.
So, wintery, with an excellent ventilation option – the Nanofeel®lining with silver ions has a breathing and wind-guiding effect – and all the protection against the elements you can think of. An extra flap covering the central zipper connects at the top to a high collar that can be fixed in its open position with a magnet. You can ‘click’ the central cover flap open in the same way with pushbuttons. Remarkable for quite a few options: they can be operated single-handedly. The connection between the two ventilation exits on the back are the clearest proof of this principle, that has been advanced pretty extensively by DAINESE. Up to and including the two centring straps-with-buckle, almost every zipper, every button and every slider can be manipulated with one hand.
We’re not there yet. The two mesh pockets – one on the chest, one on the back – are intended to store away wet gloves and such. Whatever you want to keep dry, you store in the slash pockets at the front. The adventurous touring cut is specific to these types of motorbike jackets and ensure proper protection of the entire upper body. Individual adjustment options (and a little play whether the thermal lining is present or not) are in the form of pushbuttons on the sleeves, a drawstring in the waist and the previously mentioned centring straps-with-buckle.
The impact protection is impressive: Pro-Armor, level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors come standard. The Ripstop already forms an additional outer layer and a back protector and/or chest protector (double, two-part version) can be fitted fast and easy. Reflective inserts perform their duty without being too conspicuous during the day.
We definitely need to mention the integrated Magic Connection™-system which allows you to temporarily attach your motorbike gloves to your jacket in the bottom right with a magnet. They obviously need to be equipped with the Magic Connection™-system as well.
You combine the Hekla Absøluteshell PRO 20K with the eponymous motorbike pants for a perfect combination that can handle every adventure.
Below you will find an overview per body length of the appropriate CE homologated Dainese back protector.
| body length | Pro-Shape Back Level 1 | Pro-Armor 2.0 Level 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <165 | => | Short level 1 | or | Short level 2 |
| 170-185 | => | Long level 1 | or | Long level 2 |
There is maintenance clothing and then there is clothing maintenance. Good,
solid motorcycle clothing is an investment in comfort and personal safety. So
invest in its maintenance after your purchase and enjoy your gear for longer.
We put the best tips & tricks on this maintenance page.
