Soft Shell v Event Waterproof

dthom3uk
dthom3uk Posts: 11
edited January 2008 in MTB buying advice
Here's the problem.

I currently have a Montane breathable top that I stick on in heavy rain. I live in Huddersfield and there are a number of hills around here so the Montane top doesn't breathe that well when you are pushing up some long and grinding hill.

I want a jacket I can wear for about 2 hours in persistant rain that will keep me warm and dry.

Should I go down the Soft Shell route like the Gore Phantom, or go for one of the Event fabric water proof tops?

Any ideas?

Comments

  • Mr_Orange
    Mr_Orange Posts: 198
    Advice given in similar threads would indicate that eVENT is the fabric of choice. That being the case, you do have to pay for it though!
    ---
    Handjob XC
    Handjob Flightdeck
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  • Mytchett Mike
    Mytchett Mike Posts: 175
    Although Wiggel have the Gill Pro Speed at around £80 at the moment.

    Ordered mine on Sunday and used it Tuesday. No pockets but I felt I could do without.

    Mike
  • squeeze_10
    squeeze_10 Posts: 21
    Mytchett Mike wrote:
    Although Wiggel have the Gill Pro Speed at around £80 at the moment.

    Ordered mine on Sunday and used it Tuesday. No pockets but I felt I could do without.

    Mike

    Mike - I was looking at ordering one of these jackets. How does the sizing come up? Is it a true 'size' fit or does it come up small/ big?

    Many thanks
  • Mytchett Mike
    Mytchett Mike Posts: 175
    The small fits me fine with room underneath for base layer & fleece gillet (I was hot but not unpleasantly) & the arms are quite long (enough to fit in winter gloves) but not enough to irritate. I think it is quite short but felt (based on tryin on Altura) that Medium was too big.
    I reckon I'm around 38" chest & 5'9 if that helps. This would be at the top end of the "small" range. It's a fairly close fit but not excessively.
    Reckon this weekend will be the test of how waterproof it is :)

    Mike
  • Cheeky
    Cheeky Posts: 113
    Bought an Endura eVent jacket recently and wore it next day down at Afan in pouring rain for 6 hours with no wet getting through AND no overheating.

    Worth mentioning that I sweat like the proverbial and have yet (until now) found a jacket that could keep me dry "inside and out". Bought it for £135 from Grfham and worth every penny.

    Hope this helps!

    Cheeky
  • Mr_Orange
    Mr_Orange Posts: 198
    Having advised that eVent is the way forward, I am considering cheaper alternatives...

    Does anyone have experience of the Berghaus Blade jacket?

    Here is the blurb on it:

    Extremely light, packable and breathable – this jacket is made from Berghaus’ new 2.5 layer Aquafoil® waterproof and breathable fabric. With a mountain sports cut, the Blade is ideal for fast moving outdoor activities. The internal face fabric is also comfortable to wear next to the skin.

    * Aquafoil® provides lightweight waterproof and breathable protection
    * Full-length zip with double storm flap
    * Fold down mountain sports hood with stowaway tab
    * Narrow venting underarm zips
    * Inner security pocket
    * Hem drawcord to dial in the fit
    * Supplied with a stuff sac for easy packing

    It sounds right to me, and I have ascertained that it does not have a cycle specific cut, like the Montane jackets, but it seems like a good compromise on performance/cost, since it can be picked up for around half price at the moment.

    Any thoughts please?
    ---
    Handjob XC
    Handjob Flightdeck
    STOLEN Handjob
  • Mytchett Mike
    Mytchett Mike Posts: 175
    Looks ok.

    Not sure I would want to wear the eVENT next to my skin, however, I have been impressed & pleased with the Gill.

    I think for waterproofing the eVENT is likely to be better but you probably need to "feel" the difference between the fabrics.

    Mike
  • BOYDIE
    BOYDIE Posts: 528
    I use an Altura Kinetic jacket for shorter runs around 2-3 hours.It retails at around £50 but can be had for £30 at Merlin cycles.Its a fully wind proof and water resistant softshell,that can be worn next to the skin on milder days.Keeps me dry and even in the heaviest downpours,and very cosy but breathes very well.I prefer a soft shell for most riding as a full water proof can get abit sweaty,on saying that I do use an Altura Nevis waterproof jacket if im out for longer or It really is going to bloody horse it down.

    I use my soft shell for the road bike also,it s a nice fit and is cut well to stop wind flap,never get cold nipples.Team it up with a long sleeve base layer and your good to go all winter.

    http://www.zyro.co.uk/product_detail.asp?pid=1385

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