sportful survival vs gore oxygen active shell

silver2789

i am looking to buy a light weight waterproof jacket and have narrowed it down to these two

- sportful survival jacket
- gore oxygen active shell jacket

i can get them both for around the same price, anyone had any experience with these jackets and which should i buy

many thanks

luv2ride

can't answer directly but I've just gone for the Sportful Survival jacket, as I could get it a smidge cheaper than the Gore jacket. Did my head in trying to choose (so much choice) but figured I could easily return it if I didn't like it in the flesh. I'll let you know what it's like when it arrives 8)

foggymike

I've tried the Oxygen active shell but had to send it back based on fit. I wear a medium in everything (including other Gore stuff, Assos, Castelli etc) and this was OK with a base layer or summer top underneath but with anything even slightly bulky it was just too tight across the chest though it fitted well elsewhere. I'd have needed to go a size up to get the chest to fit but then the body and arms are too long and the stomach/waist area becomes too loose and flappy. Still, maybe it's a fit that you just have to try - no good for me though. I used to have the older style oxygen and that was fine so it's a shame they have messed with the fit.

I'd also say it does not pack as small as some if you are after something to stuff in a rear pocket for emergency use. I have a Castelli Sottile which is great for this and doesn't even fill a rear jersey pocket, but the Gore is really a bit too bulky to carry around just in case.

It may also be worth noting the wrists are not tight or elasticated. They would be OK over bulky gloves but there is no way to snug them up over lighter clothing or on very cold days.

I can't comment on the breathability or waterproofing as we didn't get that far

luv2ride

my Sportful Survival jacket arrived the other day. Sized up to a large based on Internet comments, and fit is good (I'm 5'9 with 38" chest and 33" waist) but still allows for some limited layering up underneath in the winter. First impressions are it looks very well made, but pit zips only reveal relatively small openings - there is no more venting other than perhaps not zipping up the front and just using the front Velcro fasteners. The zipped sleeves are quite elasticated even with zips undone, so don't see any major forearm venting option there. There are minimal reflectives, in the form of a Scotchlite seam over the front and rear shoulders, but no more than that.

Had a look at the new Specialized Goretex Active shell jacket today - nice reflectives all over, a simple single rear pocket, but no pit zips, vents of any kind or hem adjustment. Would have to size up to a Large in that also. Exactly the same fabric and colour as the Sportful, but expensive at 200 sniffs.

Ideally, and as theyre both made from the same Active Shell fabric, I'd take the reflectives and rear pocket of the Spesh, combined with the pit zips and zipped cuffs of the Sportful. One day someone will do the perfect riding jacket :?

dennisn

If they are pretty much the same jacket type, well, get the one that fits you best.

silver2789

thanks for all the comments and advice, i ordered both from wiggle and ended up sending the survival back, i liked the style/features/overall look of the survival far better but my only gripe was the fit, the survival just came up too short on the front for although fit perfectly everywhere else. the gore's fit was alot better and the only thing that it really excelled in compared to the survival.

having had the chance to test the gore, i can say it is a fanastice waterproof for what it is, i had a baselayer on and quite a thick long sleeve thermal jersey on and even with the gore jacket on top, i was comfortable and dry but not too hot and when i get home i was completely dry so overall thumbs up

luv2ride

I also ended up sending my Sportful Survival back. Really nice jacket and very well made, but as with Silver2789, the fit just wasn't quite right. I sized up and it was ever so slightly to loose round the body, and the arms were definitely too long for me. Unfortunately I reckon the Medium would have been just a tad too fitted for me. Ordered a Mavic HC H20 instead but the postie has yet to deliver so didn't manage to get out on the bike today

luv2ride

The Mavic H2o arrived last week, but the 2013 version has a very stiff waterproof zipper which means the front bulges out when in the riding position. Also the red jacket has a highly contrasting yellow mesh vent strip. Great idea but the colour clash is out of this world, plus the way it was stitched meant it didn't lie flat (perhaps a rogue jacket which missed QC?) Also, sizing around the hem is too loose, with no way of cinching it up. This got sent back also.

Sportful Survival medium arrived at weekend (even cheaper this time on Wiggle sale), and fit is close but especially so under the arms. Beautiful jacket but in two minds whether to keep or send this back also. Might get some wheels instead!!

silver2789

just thought i would report back after having the chance to fully test the gore oxygen in the lovely british weather.
just ridden for an hour and half in non stop rain this week and when i got home, i was completely dry. on the road i was warm but not boiling and very comfortable, i just had a normal summer short sleeve jersey on underneath and the jacket kept me at a nice warm temperature. i also had on endura's windchill gloves and they performed brilliantly in the wet and never let a drop of rain though