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So my endura fusion has just given up the ghost after a good few years service, loved that coat, warm, well fitting, kept a bit of rain off, could be worn to the pub without looking like a cyclist.
Looking around now I cannot see a direct replacement. Don't want roadie pockets or detachable sleeves, want something that gets filthy, hosed down, into the washing machine and just survives....
So whats the go to jacket for warmth rather than waterproof (I have a seperate waterproof)
Budget is not huge, but if I get another 5 years service out of it then I'll be happy.....
As per Scotroutes recommendation, perfect for your needs, and reduced from 90 to 30 quid.
https://www.polaris-bikewear.co.uk/AM-Enduro-softshell-mountain-biking-jacket-p/pol01-5313-p.htm
I got one of the new Go Outdoors Calibre branded jackets https://www.gooutdoors.co.uk//zucci-peak-softshell-p433844
Only had a first ride out in it last weekend, but all good thus far.
I beat that Polaris. Any idea how they size up?
As per Scotroutes recommendation, perfect for your needs
Ah. I meant to ask how any recent purchasers got on. I don't think it's worth the £90 rrp but it's a bargain at anywhere around half that. £30 is a steal.
IMO depends how much of a sweater you are, if like me you sweat a lot it rules out membrane sofshell fabrics like windstopper. Something like polortech power shield is a much more breathable fabric, I have a montane jacket from a few years ago made from it, and it is hardwearing and breathable if not as waterproof as membrane fabrics (unfortunately they don't seem to make those jackets any more).
At the moment I would go for something like a marmot shield jacket, I saw this one on a quick google search going at a good price if you are a medium.
I have one of these which I wear to work in the car. I don’t like being too hot so this fits the bill. It takes the cold morning chill off when I’m not very active. I do wear it cycling but only on very cold days in minus figures. The hood is nice because it has a draw string so I can retain good vision and it fits under my helmet. You can get it cheaper than tha5 price as well
https://www.madison.cc/p/roam-men-s-softshell-jacket/cl00627
Edit, i should say, I think you will find it warm. I meant I can only wear it when I’m not very active unless it is very cold
Polaris AM Enduro - based on Scotroutes recommendation I bought one, only used it on one night ride around 0-3 degrees with a thickish base layer but am very impressed with it. Kept me warm enough for the 3 hours or so. No idea on longevity but previous Polaris items have lasted well. For that price I don't think there is anything similar.
whats the go to jacket
There’s no such thing. Same as any clothing recommendations on here, everyone has something different.
My favourite is a Izas one from SportPursuit, I’ve had for about 3 years... but they have loads on there for great prices.
I have a Gore Tool and it's chuffin brilliant, but anything over about 7degC and it's too warm. I've had it a few years and I'm not sure what the equivalent is now.
I also have the Polaris one and it's almost as good, not quite as warm but that means I wear it more. Recommended 👍
I just found my favourite riding softshell yet. Leatt DBX 2 for £60 from Wiggle. Windproof, water resistant, breathable, not too hot (I’d say ideal from about 0-10 degrees C), elasticated cuffs that mean the sleeves can be pulled up to regulate temp, single breast pocket, and clever magnet system that stops good flapping about. Kept me very comfortable on a 3 hr MTB ride today. Fit is very slightly on the small side but I don’t feel the need to size up, preferring a close fit.
I got the polaris jacket a couple of years ago because swavis had one. It's ace. Just bought another because £30.
My favourites are for riding are a mountain hardware super chockstone and a rab vapour rise alpine lite. Montane dyno stretch also good
No membranes, but so good, might be over budget though
Another Polaris here, excellent not as warm as the Gore Phantom I wear on the road but more than adequate for on the mtb. Since I bought it just before xmas , I have worn it every ride. If previous stuff from Polaris is anything to go by, it should last for ages. Sizing is fairly standard. I am L or XL according to brand and the XL is fine with room for a reasonable base layer
I have the Polaris as well. Bought last year in the sale but only worn this year (was a bit fatter and the Medium is a snug fit). It’s not as warm as my Gore Phantom (as per post above) but perfect with a base layer for cold winter days. Gore is a bit too warm for MTB unless it’s absolutely brassic. I have a very old Endura Stealth which really does need arctic type conditions to be of any use.
I reckon the Polaris is about perfect for UK (maybe not Scotland!) winter conditions. Nicely made as well. At £30, that’s a billy bargain!
+1 for the Polaris. Just bought a spare as £30 is a steal.
Also they have gloves for £3 currently (in all sizes too which is unusual for a sale!).
Cheers all, will give that Polaris a go and see how it works out.
Polaris AM Enduro or AM Vapour though? Tempted with the latter for spring/ autumn.
Polaris AM Enduro or AM Vapour though? Tempted with the latter for spring/ autumn.
I've already got the Enduro but find it a bit too warm in anything above 5 degrees. Is the Vapour a cooler jacket?
I heard that the sleeves aren't the longest on that Polaris jacket
Excellent customer service as well....
Ordered some bits yesterday. Email and phone call today to say that one item is out of stock, and would I like a refund for that item, or to change it to something else. Then another email about an hour later to say that they've had a good look around the warehouse and actually found one of the item that I wanted so it'll be on it's way tomorrow.
I heard that the sleeves aren’t the longest on that Polaris jacket
Canny see that, I'm 6'2", with fairly long arms, and the Large is spot on, I'd like it a bawhair longer in the body, but it's no biggie.
Vapour sounds cooler so I'll try one of those for size.
4 year old review but looks the same
https://enduro-mtb.com/en/team-tested-polaris-vapour-all-weather-jacket/
Indeed, the Vapour sounds exactly what I’ve been after lately, cheers. Though the longs, gillet & gloves seemed to slip into my basket a bit to easily
@Nobeerinthefridge, you sure your jacket is a large? I'm 6'2" also, fairly slim build apart from disproportionately large beer gut but ordered the XL based on their sizing chart. It came yesterday and is perfect fit for me, plenty long in sleeves.
Aye, defo a Large Jordan.
I'm also 6'2" and large is bang on.
OK, must just be the gut filling the XL then 🙂 Although it doesn't feel too loose anywhere else.
I got a Polaris AM Enduro one the other day and have realised it’s a bit big. Anyone want it for £30 posted, saving a fiver, before I send it back for a refund ? It’s size L, blue, tags removed, unworn apart from trying on in the house.
I've received my XL Vapour and it quite snug (again 6'2") but I'm more concerned that it seems tight around the shoulders, which is annoying as I really like it.
My vapour gets a proper test tonight, up to the warm pub then down, cold, home.
1st test ride was encouraging though. Fit perfect for me, M, 5'11, avg build, 33 waist.
Good call on the AM Enduro chap's , did a 1.5 hr ride last nite @ around 1c degree's. just had 2 compression tops under it & I was very comfortable 👍
Thanks
Ordered a Vapour using the 15% off code posted up on the high viz thread (totalmtb15). Rude not too!
Hopefully it's a bit cooler than my Enduro
Damn I missed the code! Let us know how they compare 🙂
Am Enduro Jackets now up to £54