Getting the previous versions as manufacturing " Green" regs have reduced the waterproof Ness ?
Ive been reading the MBR review of the latest MT500 nowhere near as robust or waterproof.
I was going to go for a Madison DTE from Cyclestore they are on offer for £120 , Summer price ?
I probably don't need one for a while but if things are going " green " I reckon it's best before there's nothing suitable available.
If a product isn't as robust that it needs replacing more often how environmentally friendly can that be ? 🙄
I’m certainly interested in what you are saying. I can see that the new environmental rules might mean less breathable particularly in wet weather. But not sure why they would be less robust or water proof.
If a product isn't as robust that it needs replacing more often how environmentally friendly can that be
Isn't it less to do with sustainability, and more to do with the chemicals used in manufacture? By all accounts, PFAS are bad news.
I've got an MT500. The 40k breathable one. It's definitely more breathable than all my other waterproof jackets which are a mix of 3l goretex, goretex style 'in house' 3l fabrics and eVent.
It's been waterproof so far but needs a bit of Nikwax and a cool iron every couple of washes to keep it beading.
It's not a warm jacket though. I used to use an eVent based jacket because it packed down smaller than the goretex that I had. The eVent jacket felt protective and warm, the Endura doesn't. Sure, it keeps the wind off but I always have to take a warm layer out in the winter because I'll get cold if I just wear the Endura.
(lazy ebiker though innit.)
Fabric wise, I'm quite happy with it. The reproofing thing is an expensive habit and the sizing is hilariously bad. It was £60 from CRC though.
I was looking at the DTE at the same time and if (when) I ruin the Endura, that's what I'll buy. Everything I've ever had from Madison has fitted and performed really well. I'm guessing the fabric must be similar to the Endura as they're both 40k.
For £120, I'd say the DTE is a good shout. Pretty sure you can use topcashback with cyclestore for a little bit of cashback.
Anyway, yes I think modern waterproof stuff is a bit rubbish compared to the old stuff but the chemicals that made the old stuff work are bad. Not like a little bit bad, like really bad. The fabric itself is perfectly waterproof, it's the treatment that beads the water that's different.
Everything I’ve read about DWR over the past decades suggests that except in unique situations (really contaminated Event or similar membranes, or dirty Nikwax Analogy jackets), how well the DWR is working has no bearing on how waterproof the jacket is. The DWR is there is to stop the outer layer becoming waterlogged thus reducing breathability, it’s not part of the waterproofing of the jacket.
Unfortunately most reviewers seem to think that a jacket wetting out or having condensation inside is the same as it leaking.
It's certainly worth buying a hugely discounted jacket, which might also happen to be from before certain DWR chemicals were banned.
Did you have a look on SportPursuit as well? I got a very nice ION jacket off there for about £45 (reduced from £250ish) a while ago. Fully waterproof but with a softer feel to the fabric than some.
