Product Description
The gold standard. The Elite 2.0 cycling jacket uses event 3–Layer fabric for assured durability and exceptionally breathable, lightweight waterproof protection. Seven venting options allow for great protection with less overheating.
| List Price: | $240.00 |
| Price: | $191.96 |
| as of Fri, 22 Feb 2013 04:37:29 GMT ***Remember, deals price on this item for sale just for limited time*** | |
Product Details
- Size: XL, X-Large
- Color: Black
- Brand: Showers Pass
- Model: 1206
- Fabric type: 100% nylon
Features
- Fully taped seams to lock out water
- Full length two-way water resistant zipper
- Chest pocket with audio port
- Large back vent for flow through ventilation
- 3M Reflective taping on arms and back
- Large back vent for flow thru ventilation
Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful.
By Lost My Mind
The Showers Pass Elite 2.0 jacket is a fairly well thought out cycling jacket with a marginally better waterproof membrane. This jacket is not exactly appropriate for competitive cycling, but geared towards commuting, touring, or mountain biking.
The fit was somewhat uneven: the arms are extra long, shoulders are kind of small, and the chest and waist are too big. Shorter people may have trouble finding a good fit. People with longer arms will find the length to be a welcome change, but others may wonder if this jacket was made for a monkey. The waist can be cinched tight using an elastic cord--a nice touch, but it causes bunching if you're skinny.
The main issue with all of these aspects is that the jacket doesn't seem true to size. The waist on my jacket was at least 3-4 inches larger than it should have been--same with the chest. My arms are on the short side so I had a lot of bunched material on the sleeves. Shoulders felt really tight compared to how baggy the chest was.
The zippers are extremely stiff and can make the jacket uncomfortable at times. The pit-zips feel like you've got sticks under your arms and the collar can push against your chin uncomfortably. I haven't had this issue with other products with zippers in similar configurations. The fabric is quite stiff compared to all other cycling jackets I've tried and can be uncomfortable in the sleeves and collar.
The jacket is fairly well thought out in terms of features. The back pocket is large and even--no obstructions and has plenty of space to carry a thin pair of tights or tools/tubes/phones/energy bars. The chest pocket also has a headphone jack on the inside for those who enjoy music while riding. The pit-zips are extra large and the back has a vent as well as a loop for a light. With the zips open and cuffs loose, you are in no danger of moisture build-up. Unfortunately, the light loop doesn't work very well since it's not flush; lights tend to move around and face the wrong direction.
The jacket is completely waterproof; fabric, seams, and zippers do an excellent job of keeping the water out. Pit zips and a rear vent allow air to circulate and adjustable cuffs give your arms a stream of fresh air.
But does the jacket really breath? Maybe.
I don't feel eVent lives up to the hype and marketing. It is marginally better than older Gore-Tex jackets or PI WxB jackets, but about the same when compared to the latest generation Gore Tex, NeoShell, etc.
Some or most of its breathability can be attributed to the vents, not the fabric. Like most waterproof jackets, it "breaths" less than windproof jackets (ex: Windstopper). Unlike Gore-Tex or WxB, this jacket is *not* windproof--it blocks about 95% of the wind. About 5% of the air hitting the jacket is allowed to pass through the fabric. This helps force vapor out, increase evaporation, and circulate the air. In effect, the material itself is like having a small, permanent vent.
All that said, I still don't think the material breaths enough. If I cinch down the cuffs to prevent cold air from going into the sleeves, the moisture builds up quickly and it gets damp and clammy like Paclite or WxB. As a reference point, I don't experience this when using Windstopper (a windproof, water-resistant material), and is a little worse than the current generation Gore Tex.
Now, combine the slightly air permeable fabric with the generous pit zips, rear vent, wide waist, you get a fairly constant supply of "fresh" air to keep the inside dryer than previous generation fabrics.
The air permeability is another issue/feature. When using Gore-Tex and similar products, I feel comfortable wearing just a T-shirt/jersey under the jacket in temperatures down to 40 degrees. With eVent, I feel cold at 45 degrees and need an extra layer to for all but the shortest rides. There's a fine balance between breathing and wind-chill. For me, eVent lets in way too much air for me to call it "windproof". For those who run hotter, sweat more, or like a bit of a breeze, the air may be a very welcome change from non-permeable materials.
Overall, the Showers Pass Elite 2.0 jacket is a solid, waterproof jacket. It's completely waterproof and breaths as well as other cycling jackets in this price range. The ample vents and relaxed fit improve air circulation and help keep you dryer. Unfortunately, this jacket fits a little differently than most jackets and can be awkward for some. Stiff zippers and bunching make it downright uncomfortable for me. eVent is a promising technology that offers a good alternative for some.
Is it Waterproof? Definately.
Is it Windproof? Mostly.
Is it Breathable? Sort of.
22 of 22 people found the following review helpful.
By Mom
This is an pricey but extremely functional, high-performing jacket. For those of you who don't live in the Pacific Northwest, you should know this is one of the most popular rain jackets for cyclists who do extensive riding in the (rainy) winters of Oregon and Washington. We get a lot of cold rain in the winter -- and this jacket is great for the typical fall/winter riding conditions in Seattle: 37 degrees and showers, rain or drizzle.
When I was searching for a good rain jacket, I read a customer review that stated this: "If you ride a lot in the rain, you will end up owning a Showers Pass jacket -- the only question is how many other jackets you will buy before you figure this out."
This jacket is a great balance between breathability (so you don't overheat or get wet from perspiration) and rain protection. The material itself is breathable, and there are large zippers under the arms that allow you to vent heat as you ride. I have used this on rides of 4+ hours in steady rain, and have had no problems with getting wet on my upper body while riding it.
Other strengths:
- Tailored well for cycling -- no extra material to flap in the wind, but cut long enough so your lower back is protected when you ride.
- Plenty of pockets to store keys, wallet, cellphone, extra gloves, etc.
- Reflective striping really does increase your visibility at night
Showers Pass also makes a separate hood that fastens to this jacket with velcro. It's easy to attach or detach, and works well. I strongly recommend getting it if you ride in very heavy rain.
This jacket is too warm over 55 degrees (F) or so. Wearing plenty of layers and other gear, I've used this comfortably on rides down to 12 or 13 degrees.
In short, a great jacket for someone who does a lot of miles in the cold and rain.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful.
By Thomas S. Weber
I'm 6'0", 180 lbs. The size large jacket fits perfectly. This is the first time I've been able to ride to work without having sweat make me damp upon arrival. It just feels like quality all the way around, from the ease with which you can operate the pit zips to the way you can leave the cuffs open to allow extra ventilation in the sleeves when needed. I rode 6 miles to work in a pouring rain the first week I had it and was totally dry on my upper half. Worth every penny.
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