Worthwhile sub-$150 winter softshells?

[balto charlie]

I just got this link for a review of the Showerspass Elite jacket on a bike newsletter
http://www.roadbikerider.com/producttests.htm

[Jarery]

found a chart while searching on jackets

http://www.teamestrogen.com/jacketchart.asp

[threephi]

Based on the recommendation of the OP, yesterday I picked up an EMS Gunk jacket as well. It turns out that my local EMS store is closing, so prices are reduced significantly beyond the already-low post-Xmas winter clearance sale. I paid about $75 including tax :D

I haven't ridden in it yet, but my first impressions are, on the plus side, it was inexpensive, and I like the fit. I have found that most cycling jackets I have tried on are cut for a low-crouching drop bar position, which makes them uncomfortable when upright (as I am on my hybrid commuter) or standing. The Gunk is comfortable and stretchy. On the down side, it's designed for climbing/hiking so there aren't any reflective details.

[cabana 4 life]

i just got a foxmear evap http://www.foxwear.net/ there only $80 and pretty nice, look for a full review on my web site www1lesscar.com

ok review with pics done check it out.

[RocketsRedglare]

Try these:
http://jlracing.com/splash_jackets.shtml

[Jarery]

Another decent deal for Ibex currently is the Neve jacket, normally $270 on for about $160 at a few different places like Altrec.

Softshell, with core vents/pockets.

Similar to the speedplay but longer torso, and the heavier weight material, better for you easterners, probably too hot for us pacific north westerners.

[jwbnyc]

I picked up a Neve, as well as a few other Ibex pieces from Sierra.

It's really lovely stuff, but I did not find that it provided anything, over my Windstopper pieces, particularly in the area of insulation.

I found I needed an extra mid-layer to be as warm on days where the temp was in the Twenties. I also found it a bit less convenient for popping indoors: overheating with that extra mid-layer.

So, while it really is very nice, and certainly good stuff; I will be returning it to Sierra.

It's hard to justify the expense without any marked improvement over what I currently use.

[vrkelley]

Update on the Marmot ATV Sub-$150 soft shell does not cut it in freezing temps ...At 29F (no wind, casual riding), I needed a Showers Pass Pertex outer layer.

Update:

The Marmot ATV has been working well in light misting conditions. Last night the storm was blowing heavily, with streets flooding, The jacket was water resistant for about 15minutes. As soon as water started seeping in, the wind blocking capabilities dropped noticibly.

I stopped and added a layer of wool under the jacket and the last 6-7miles were better. Another major storm is on it's way, I'll be carrying a waterproof jacket from now on.

[vrkelley]

Now that some time has elapsed...Would anyone else like to comment on their jacket purchases?

[Ken Wind]

I picked up an Ibex Pingo for about $70 on Ebay, and it is very nice. I wore it in light to moderate rain, and it kept my torso dry. I've also worn it on a few cold rides (40 - 45 F). The water repellency was impressive, and the wind protection was adequate. It is very breathable too. Unfortunately this jacket just isn't cut for cycling. I think it will be good in the spring, but the arms pull up just a bit too much when I'm in the drops to use it as a winter jacket.

[flipped4bikes]

I bought a Sugoi softshell on closeout and I love it. Articulated, slim yet roomy. I can't remember the name of it, but I think their newest model similar to it is the Stealth.

[Lurker1999]

It's not $150 unless it's on sale but I find that the REI One (http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?storeId=8000&catalogId=40000008000&productId=48024612&parent_category_rn=4501460&vcat=REI_SEARCH) jacket is an excellent soft shell. It's water resistant, very wind resistant and cut pretty well for rides around town. Here's a review (http://www.backpackgeartest.org/reviews/Clothing/Jackets/REI%20One%20Jacket/Owner%20Review%20by%20Stacy%20Brock/) of it as well.

I've taken mine one a couple of quick rides and it works well. Don't wear too much underneath or you'll overheat though.

[vrkelley]

The Marmot ATV jacket is holding up well however, it appears to be picking up stains on the sleeves.

[shawneebiker]

Has anyone tried the GORE Bike Wear Tool Jacket? It's close to $150.... $159. I live in Chicago and I'm looking for a warm jacket too.
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/profile.cfm?SKU=19281&subcategory_ID=1130#

I have one. I think KC is fairly similar to Chicago as far as winters go. I've used it a few times now on 35-45 degree days with wind. This jacket is very warm. At 35 degrees I only need a light polartech base and this jacket. 45 degrees this jacket was almost too warm even with just a short sleeve base. Had to open it up after an hour because it was too warm. The jacket itself is very high quality. It has a chest zipper and underarm zippers. I was very impressed with the overall quality. For me I think it runs a bit small. I'm 6'2 200lbs and the XL fits snug like a jersey would. It is definitely "race fit".

[rainman99]

I have one. I think KC is fairly similar to Chicago as far as winters go. I've used it a few times now on 35-45 degree days with wind. This jacket is very warm. At 35 degrees I only need a light polartech base and this jacket. 45 degrees this jacket was almost too warm even with just a short sleeve base. Had to open it up after an hour because it was too warm. The jacket itself is very high quality. It has a chest zipper and underarm zippers. I was very impressed with the overall quality. For me I think it runs a bit small. I'm 6'2 200lbs and the XL fits snug like a jersey would. It is definitely "race fit".

Do you have any problems sweating in this on hard rides? I am having problems sweating in my "breathable" REI Stratos Jacket. Looking at the Gore Tool Jacket. Also, I am looking at Buffalo Systems pertex jackets, but they are impossible to find in the USA.

[Jarery]

Gore tool Jacket, and pretty much all gore products, are all made from variations of the same material. The Gore tool is made from their windstopper material, which is basically the same as their waterproof stuff without taped seems.

If your currently sweating in a REI Stratos, the gore stuff will drain your wallet, and you'll sweat just as much. The pertex jacket will breath a lot better, but start to let in water after a few hours.

The above gore ones dont really fall into the soft shell catagory though.

[Bekologist]

yeah, avoid any softshells with gore laminates or a PU barrier if you are having issues with sweating; the gore tool jacket, and other laminate softshells, are great in more inclement weather and very foul conditions.

i've been using Schoeller DRYSKIN softshell pants and jackets from Moutain Equipment Co-op for nearly a decade now (MEC Feratta Jacket, ROCKS!) for all sorts of outdoor activities. - I've used the same Feratta jacket in conditions as varied as winter SAR actions at 10,000 feet on Mount Rainier to protecting from evening mosquitos on a summer bike tour.

I've also been using a Marmot ATV jacket, and an Ibex softshell jacket, A couple of Patagonia's softshell offerings of pertex microfiber and dobby knit, and an MEC uncoated nylon cycling jacket as well. Almost all my softshell jackets are 'nonlaminated' softshells that perform very well in most conditions short of steady rain.

I've tested and used a few laminate softshells, and (to me) laminate softshells are less versatile in temp range and venting for active sports, but offer superior protection over nonlaminate softshells when the weather is truly foul like WET snow and high winds.

The jacket I've been reaching for the most for commuting when the weather is dicey out is the simple, MEC cycling shell. 60 bucks or so, lots of flecco tape, bigadze pitzips, long drop tail, and back pocket. for commuting this is a great jacket. uncoated nylon.

[vrkelley]

Bumping this thread for folks looking for this year's best Softshell Jackets. My Marmot ATV Softshell is still holding up well.

[koko_t]

cloudveil serendipity jacket available on sierra trading post.
online coupon for 20% off (expires 11/5--today) brings price of jacket to $119. Not bad for a great product. CC got some action today....