sers

While at my local EMS, I came across their Gunk Softshell Jacket on sale for $111:



As it turns out, It's made of Schoeller WB-400, which is the material I was looking for to get me through this winter.

I tested it out today and I'm very very happy with it. It has a nice stretchy fit, the sleeves cover my arms when I'm on my drops, and it covers my lower back when I'm dropped down. I'm amazed at how something so thin can keep me comfortably warm and dry, even during a strenuous ride.

So if you're in the market for a quality soft shell at a nice price, snatch one up.

Bekologist

SWEET! nice coat!

Wearing a softshell is a paradigm shift in ones' personal clothing system.

sers

Most definately. Thanks for your help on that sub $150 softshell thread as well. After scouring sierratradingpost.com and the internet for Schoeller soft shells, I was pretty much set on dropping a lot more money on a BeyondFleece Cold Fusion (also WB-400). I just happened to come across this when I was picking up a pair of Gore Windstopper fleece gloves. I had seen this jacket on the EMS website, but they didn't specify what type of Schoeller it is. I was so impressed with the jacket, that I went back and picked up a Schoeller beanie.

I've really come to like EMS and it's products. The people at my local EMS are really helpful and knowledgeable as well.

vrkelley

I too am considering the Bek's Cold Fusion and also the BeyondFleece. Problem is, if a j$ck$t doesn't cut it under your riding conditions, you can't return the frozen/sweaty thing.

Sers, Gunk looks like a good choice. What sort of temp ranges do you have slated for this jacket?

winston

Hey - that sounds like it's basically the new version of the Apollo jacket that I recommended in the other thread... I just started wearing that jacket again this season and was surprised once again at how warm it keeps me. My friends always ask me, "Aren't you cold with just that on?", but the answer is usually no -- and I get cold pretty easily. WB-400 is good, isn't it?

If your experience is like mine, you'll find that the jacket is significantly less breathable than one made of Schoeller Dryskin. I have to use the pit zips if I'm working hard and it's above 40 degrees. Still better than most hard shells, though (I think that my Gill eVENT jacket is more breathable than the Apollo, but it's hard to compare directly since it's also much less warm).


Does the Gunk jacket have normal hand pockets? Are they zippered? The one thing I don't like about the Apollo is that it has mesh-backed "core vents" instead of regular hand pockets. Stuff falls out of them easily, and you can't put your hands in them without exposing your body to the cold.

sers

Well, it was about 37F today. I ended up cracking the pit zips during a 4 mile run mostly made up of various climbs, and all I was wearing underneath it was a long sleeved cotton t-shirt. Other than that, it seemed to take care of the temp regulating for me, even at varying levels of exertion.

The chest and hand pockets are all zippered, and all three are lined with a very soft fleece. They specify that they are handwarmer pockets.They were also suprisingly easy to zip with gloves on. I stuck my cell phone in the chest pocket and my gloves in the hand pockets and they didn't feel bulky. It also has a drawcord hem, which I haven't had to use yet. I can also say that the velcro wrist straps comfortably seal out the cold against bare wrists or gloves.

As far as the temp ranges I have planned... I would imagine that it would keep me warm even on the coldest days, albeit with a fleece sweater and baselayer. I think my comfort breathing and my how my face and fingertips feel would be more of a deciding factor on bitterly cold days.

sers

I've had a chance to ride it through the rain @ 35F... kept me warm and dry.

1-track-mind

What's the sizing like ? I'm usually a large but have long arms which sometimes puts me int an XL.