vrkelley

How much better the eVent Showers Pass jackets are compared to the older pertex jackets? If there's a better jacket out there that doesn't parachute or leak at the zips, what is it?

Needs
Jersey-like style not parachute
Must be remain waterproof while riding 18-35mph - sorry tech-wash doesn't cut-it
Range 20-55F
Expected usage, 2hrs/day, must dry for return commute.
Wt under 1.25lbs

Problem
My 2002 Showers Pass jacket (no pit zips) has 1 cm hole at the neck (strange place to wear out) with a 3X6" peeled blotch. With about 15K miles on it, it's starting to take on water. This jacket was probably one of their original 100 sold.Back then people laughed about waterproof cycling gear. Gore Tex was it!

Now there's lots of parachute-style competition. So I go to their website ??no more Pertex?? Their tech link does not give waterproofing stats for the newer eVent jackets (suggesting that the stuff is not as good).

mycoatl

The SP Elite is eVent, but the SP Century is Pertex if you want a Pertex jacket. They are cut a little different so I recommend trying them both on. The Pertex is definitely a lighter-weight material. I have the Elite and wouldn't trade for anything (like most people). Event is a better material for jackets, in my opinion (Pertex is great for down sleeping bags), and I'd highly recommend it.

ColorChange

I love my elite. One of the best pieces of kit I own.

vrkelley

Thanks all... I dug around and found these ratings

Pertex 1,500mm water column resistance
eVent 30,000 mm

The Women's jacket reports these findings (notice the other brands mentioned):

Fabric The eVent fabric used in our Elite jacket has a waterproof rating of 30,000 mm and a MVTR of 22,000. The US Military has done extensive testing on waterproof breathable fabric technology. According to Dr. Phil Gibbons, the eVent MVTR rating is about 20% higher than Entrant GII XT from Toray. It is about 80% higher than Nextec from Patagonia, and 100% (or more) higher than Gore-tex XCR, Dermizax, Memebrain from Marmot, Sympatex, Conduit from Mountain Hardware, Omnitec Titanium from Columbia Sportswear, Schoeller WB-400, and Northface Hydroseal. eVent makes the most breathable waterproof fabric on the market today, and only a few companies are licensed to use it. Showers Pass spent almost a year working with eVent to obtain a license to use their fabric - they want their logo on only the best gear!

https://showerspass.com/cart/product_...6ac87de9dc3ae4

donnamb 

VR, I tried on one of the 2007 Elite models a few weeks ago. It's really nice. Everyone I've spoken to here in town loves theirs. Most important for me, the women's cut is the only decent rain jacket that fits me. It's on my "purchase before next rainy season" list.

Jarery

Vr, I wouldnt trade my showers pass Elite for any other waterproof.
It has no thermal abilities just 100% waterproof and windproof.
I commute 2 hours a day, and have never had it leak (Vancouver BC). On warm days i can overheat it though when climbing.

Pertex has more of a fabric, soft feel to it. And it can soak up moisture and need to dry. Event is more like the goretex/potato chip bag feel that requires no drying time.

For a 100% waterproof it is the maximum breathable material, with the most venting options of any brand, and all in a cycling cut.

newbojeff

Jarery convinced me about 9 months ago. It is great. Wore my SP Elite everyday through the winter. Now that it's warmer, it feels funny to get on the bike without this jacket.

vrkelley

The pertex without the zips was excellent. I'll bet both jackets with the zips can be worn more often.

Jarery

Well its almost too warm in our neck of the woods to wear it anymore though. Was a warm ride from work today

vrkelley

Follow up:

I got one of the last Pertex Century jackets $130 with zips. Probably not as good as the EVent but the price was excellent. Ironic...got one of the first Century jackets, now buying one of the last Century Pertex jackets.