PI Pro Softshell 180 Jacket?
 

Does anyone have the subject jacket?

I'm looking for something that is warm and breathable. I'm leaning toward this one as the back of the jacket is just a thermal material versus something that is wind/waterproof. I'm thinking that a full softshell might not breath as well as something with just a thermal back.

I've also looked at some of the Gore jackets, but they seem to be full softshells.

I already have a Gore hardshell jacket for when the weather is wet, but I need something for cold and dry.

Thanks.

Actually yes, was using it yesterday in 37F windy riding, was very comfy, the breathable back is awesome, perfect vent

Thanks for the info. How is the sizing? Does it run true? I'm 5'10", 170lbs, based on their charts, I'm probably a medium.

I have this jacket which is very similar and it is awesome at keeping me warm no matter what the temperature, with 2 layers underneath, I can survive any temperature. Back pockets are a bit hard to use, especially since it's zippered and I'm usually wearing thick long fingered gloves with it, but that's to be expected.

I wear a size small at 5'8" and 135 and it fits great, I just wish the sleeves were a bit skinnier.

This looks like the REI Novara Headwind Jacket that I bought this season and like a lot.

http://www.rei.com/product/801494/no...ke-jacket-mens

Mines on order too. Seemed like a good jacket for the price.

Sizing is about average.. 6'4", 190, wear an XL, over the top of two layers a little loose.

I like mine. We just ordered my wife one too. The wind stop fabric (liner) is pretty phenomenal.

How is the breathability of the full softshell? I'm worried I might get to clammy with a full shell.

The Novara jacket looks promising. It looks like some folks had some issues with the seems on the sleeves. Any of you guys have any issues?

If you had an issue just take it back. REI has a no questions guarantee.

I did not have any issues yet. REI has 100% satisfaction guarantee. I returned a jacket that I bought two years ago that was too clammy for me and they exchanged it for the Novara.

i have the soft shell jacket. i think it breathes pretty well. i dumped the liner insert that came with it and just use as much wool layers as are needed. the soft shell stops wind very well.

It can definitely get a bit humid inside the jacket if you use it when it's too warm for it. However, at 45 degrees and below, it breathes well enough because there's a thin breathable material near the elbows to let in some air and a thin layer of material with slits in it at the armpit. If I'm worried about breathability I'll just unzip a bit and I'll be fine. That said, it's still not the most breathable jacket in the world, and I got it just worrying about staying warm, and I'm shocked by how warm it keeps me given how thin it is.

PI sizing are a bit generous. If you wear, say L in Castelli, you are M or even S in PI.

You talked me into it. I just pulled the trigger on one of these jackets. Anything to help me look forward to the colder weather rides..

I have a Gore softshell and clammy is not a word I would ever use to describe it. I have made the mistake of wearing it when it was a bit too warm out and I got warm but never clammy. They breathe well in my opinion and unzipping helps if you are getting too warm.

For cold and dry, why not just wear a windbreaker with proper layering? Breathes great, very versatile, price is good.

I've never understood the popularity of softshells for anything other than just walking around. Breathability is poor to mediocre and the range of temps they're comfortable in is very limited.

I have the "not 180" version of that jacket. And, as others have experienced in this thread, being a full softshell it really doesn't breath enough once things heat up. I don't sweat that much either. If you were never going to see a hill and it was truly a low heart rate ride it would work great. If I were buying a jacket for that 30 to 40 degree range again I'd try the 180 or a similarly designed product or as Baner said, just layer up.

I don't get why people dislike softshells. I guess like most things people have preferences, but I find a good softshell breathes just fine. I also prefer them over hardshells that are noisy and tend to bunch. Softshells stretch and give. You just need to find one that works for the temps you ride in.

Jacket PSA
 

FWIW, Amazon has the Gore Phantom Jacket on sale for $55 with free shipping. If I recall correctly, this is a fairly well like jacket.

That's a good price. I have one and it's great for cool riding conditions when you can wear just the jacket over a base layer or jersey. You can remove the sleeves if you heat up but they are slightly bulky to carry. You can also just roll them down around the writs. As the temps get into the low 20s and teens I find this jacket less friendly. It's too tight in the arm / armpit area if you have to add layers. That's why I ordered a different jacket for cold days.

Lately, I've found I like this jacket without sleeves. I wear a wool base layer and the jacket (with or without a SS jersey depending on how cold I expect it to be). I toss some arm warmers in the back in case the single layer on the arms ends up being not enough. Did this on Sunday and ended up adding the arm warmers but still liked it better than using the sleeves. Works well down to about 40F. With a fleece or wool vest down to 30F though with the sleeves at the low end. At that price I'd pick one up even if it wasn't going to be the main jacket.