Which (Endura) softshell jacket?

d3matt

Now that the weather is turning, I need a jacket. On the assumption I wont be riding when it's chucking it down (at least at the start anyway!) and that I need something windproof & breathable, I thought a softshell would be best. It does need to be waterproof too as I do get caught out in showers or drizzle.

I've been into two Evans stores now looking at jackets and today tried the Endura Stealth. I've read the good reviews of this, but at £160 its more than twice the price of the Endura Windchill softshell. I've not seen this jacket and would have to buy blind on the internet, so has anyone seen or have experience of both? Is the Stealth twice the jacket?

Or are there any better ones? I do like Endura stuff. Just seems better thought out/design that the other brands.

And do softshells get soaked/wet through when riding in fine drizzle or do they cope with it?

Beardface

I've got the Endura Convert II softshell jacket, which can be had for around £60-70.. IMO, it's brilliant. Windproof, and withstands the rain.

Also, the arms can zip off, so you get a jacket and a gilet for the price of one. As a gilet, naturally breathability is fantastic, and it's not too bad with the arms on too

d3matt

I did think about that one, but I don't think I'd ever want a gillet. It would be my arms that get cold more than my body.

Beardface

I know what you mean, and I thought that too, but have actually used the gilet on some spring/autumn rides when it's wet but warm. It worked nicely and always good to have that option.

I should add that it's a good fit.. large is perfect for me (6ft, 14st), and it folds down really well too.

DodgeT

Not endura but I have a regatta softshell top and it is excellent, got caught out the other day in a heavy storm and it was only my shoulders which got damp underneath. For light drizzle, rain it is very good,keeps me dry as a bone.
If, softshells are similar between makes, it should be good as i'm impressed with my endura gear, shorts, top, skull cap etc.

d3matt

After reading more reviews, I am a little concerned that the Endura Windchill is more of a jersey than a jacket. It does get top class reviews though.

Coolnick

Stav wrote:

I've got the Endura Convert II softshell jacket, which can be had for around £60-70.. IMO, it's brilliant. Windproof, and withstands the rain.

Also, the arms can zip off, so you get a jacket and a gilet for the price of one. As a gilet, naturally breathability is fantastic, and it's not too bad with the arms on too

Where is the Endura Convery II softshell £60-70??? :shock:

nferrar

Convert 2 is very similar to the Gore Phantom (which I have), although I've only taken the arms off a handful of times just being able to unzip the pit area is something I use a lot more often.
I do have the Endura Stealth but I tend to only use it on road rides when it's very cold out, it's waterproof but not very breathable so you'll overheat quickly when putting a bit of effort in (and worse on an MTB you don't have the same amount of windchill effect to cool you). If it's bitterly cold out then it's the one to go for but most of the time I think it would be overkill.

The Spiderman

I`d second what nferrar says.I find I rarely need anything too thcik,a Gilet is pretty much all I need on most autumn days.

A windproof fronted jersey is more than adeqaute for most rides in winter.

I`d think you`d only need something like the Stealth on sub zero rides.

Beardface

Coolnick wrote:

Stav wrote:

I've got the Endura Convert II softshell jacket, which can be had for around £60-70.. IMO, it's brilliant. Windproof, and withstands the rain.

Also, the arms can zip off, so you get a jacket and a gilet for the price of one. As a gilet, naturally breathability is fantastic, and it's not too bad with the arms on too

Where is the Endura Convery II softshell £60-70??? :shock:

I got mine from CRC when it was on sale for £60.. sorry, slightly wrong figures there! They're still about £70 ish though

Coolnick

Ah ok, thats the jacket and not the softshell.....was gonna say!

*AL*

nferrar wrote:

Convert 2 is very similar to the Gore Phantom (which I have), although I've only taken the arms off a handful of times just being able to unzip the pit area is something I use a lot more often.
I do have the Endura Stealth but I tend to only use it on road rides when it's very cold out, it's waterproof but not very breathable so you'll overheat quickly when putting a bit of effort in (and worse on an MTB you don't have the same amount of windchill effect to cool you). If it's bitterly cold out then it's the one to go for but most of the time I think it would be overkill.

I found that too with the Endura Stealth, I was wetter on the inside than on the outside....

I have a couple of Gore Phantom 2's now, on for off road one for on road.
Granted it's not sold as a "waterproof" jacket, but it's done everything I've ever needed upto now.

tribegrandaddy

if your using it off road go for gore i have used one for the last 3 winters not sold as waterproof but does a really good job i just wash mine every few rides with the nixwax reproofer it works a treat

ddraver

The stealth is a warm waterproof jacket not a softshell (in the traditional sense of the word)...

I use mine when the temp is about 5 deg C or below, It's great for MTBing cos you can open all the vents on the up and do them up for the downs,but it does need to be cold or else you ll sweat like a something in a somewhere...I found a HH base layer underneath worked well as it wicks sweat but dries nice and fast!

d3matt

Thank you all for your comments. With these comments and reading the reviews, it would seem that the Endura Windchill is the better jacket for what I want. I'm going to order one blind off the net today. Just hope the sizing is right! I know how Endura sizes are strange.
When in Evans I did try both a L and XL Stealth jacket and both seem to fit ok and there didn't seem that much difference. I've got size L Endura trousers, yet their size chart says I should have M. So I guess I'll opt for a L size again.

ddraver

I find Endura fit normal people (i.e less honed, why have a six pack when you can have the barrel) people quite well...If you re a skinny road whippet then you may struggle...

d3matt

ddraver wrote:

I If you re a skinny road whippet then you may struggle...

No, I'm definitely the barrel type! I wasn't until I got into my thirties. But now into my forties and having to reside to fact that no matter how much mtb'ing I do, the belly is not going to go.

horizon

I have a Windchill - absolutely brilliant. Windproof where it matters, warm, but not overly, big zip pits are effective. I wore it on the road all through last winter with a merino base layer (and sometimes another) and was never cold. It’s a 'normal' cut, ie for blokes of a certain age and size (I'm 50 and 14 stone - an XXL fits me perfectly, as does all Endura stuff). Certainly water beads off the surface, and I've worn it through heavy showers without an issue. How long it would last in a downpour I don't know. Only slight problem I had was some stitching around the cuff came undone.

d3matt

I've ordered a size L. Just hope it's large enough.

benpinnick

+1 for the windchill. Mine is way more versatile than it really ought to be for the money. Love it.

d3matt

My new Windchill jacket turned up today after waiting 18 days for it.

One thing that I can't work out what it is, is a rubber disc inside the left side. What is it for?

mattyg2004

The one with the headphone symbol on it.

d3matt

Ahh, is that what it is. I see now that there is a hole through to the pocket.
...something I wont be using though.

mattyg2004

I didnt know what it was in the shop either Its only seeing your picture it became obvious.