Bike jackets known for having good ZIPPERS
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Bike jackets known for having good ZIPPERS
From everything I've read, I'm convinced that Showers Pass makes a superior waterproof and reasonably breathable bike jacket. However, I've read an awful lot of reviews of people who complain about the zippers of the Showers Pass jackets. Many people say a zipper failure was the reason they had to replace the jacket altogether. Others say the zipper frequently gets stuck or is too stiff.
If I'm going to pay top dollar for a jacket, the last thing I want is zipper failure. Can anyone recommend a waterproof bicycle jacket with vents that is known for having quality zippers? I'll settle for something slightly less breathable than Showers Pass if I can have confidence that I'll get three or more years out of it, with smooth functioning of the zippers. Thanks.
If I'm going to pay top dollar for a jacket, the last thing I want is zipper failure. Can anyone recommend a waterproof bicycle jacket with vents that is known for having quality zippers? I'll settle for something slightly less breathable than Showers Pass if I can have confidence that I'll get three or more years out of it, with smooth functioning of the zippers. Thanks.
#2
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Neither of these are rain gear, but I have a Castelli and a Hincapie with good zippers. They both make various wet weather jackets so maybe that will help if no one has a specific recommendation.
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I've got a Showers Pass Transit jacket, which replaced a Commmuter jacket (IIRC) when the seam tape started giving out.
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've had no problems with the zippers.
Maybe I'm just lucky, but I've had no problems with the zippers.
#4
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The being stiff I wouldn't worry about. My experience is that waterproof zippers are always stiff. Getting stuck or zipper failure is a problem to worry about. Why not just buy it from somewhere that offers a return policy?
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I've had zippers fail on Pearl Izumi and Patagonia jackets and I've sent them back and they'e replaced them for free. These are well worn, not at all new jackets. In some instances I have asked them and they have replaced the spec zipper with a different (heavier tooth) zipper. This is the reason why I continue to buy their products over others.
So maybe the question is, not which companies spec better zippers but which companies stand behind their products better.
So maybe the question is, not which companies spec better zippers but which companies stand behind their products better.
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I wear a merino wool sweater. My commute is less than 30 minutes, so I don't mind getting a little wet. I'll stay warm.
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Only thing i can recommend from experience is north face triclimate shell or hy-vent rain jacket.
- Andy
- Andy
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#10
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I will say that the waterproof zipper is stiff on that one but that is the nature of those so it's not surprising and it's holding up well. That is not (as yet) one of the ones I've had to have replaced. It's only a couple years old but, if I do I'm certain that Patagonia will stand behind it.
Last edited by modernjess; 11-10-14 at 03:24 PM.
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You can lubricate a zipper with wax or bar soap.
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I've had two Showers Pass jackets in the last seven years. I replaced both due to wear and the fact that both jackets, the zipper blew out on me. The second jacket, purchased in 2011, after the first few months, the zipper on the MP3 pocket broke. And it wasn't long after that, that the rear pocket zipper went.
So now I'm wearing a J&G rain jacket. We'll see how long this one lasts. So far, so good. The zipper is definitely better. And the pit zips(I meant pit vents) are a lot bigger. I'm confident that this jacket will hold up in the cold weather just as well as the SP.
So now I'm wearing a J&G rain jacket. We'll see how long this one lasts. So far, so good. The zipper is definitely better. And the pit zips(I meant pit vents) are a lot bigger. I'm confident that this jacket will hold up in the cold weather just as well as the SP.
Last edited by scoatw; 11-12-14 at 04:02 PM.
#13
contiuniously variable
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I've had two Showers Pass jackets in the last seven years. I replaced both due to wear and the fact that both jackets, the zipper blew out on me. The second jacket, purchased in 2011, after the first few months, the zipper on the MP3 pocket broke. And it wasn't long after that, that the rear pocket zipper went.
So now I'm wearing a J&G rain jacket. We'll see how long this one lasts. So far, so good. The zipper is definitely better. And the pit zips are a lot bigger. I'm confident that this jacket will hold up in the cold weather just as well as the SP.
So now I'm wearing a J&G rain jacket. We'll see how long this one lasts. So far, so good. The zipper is definitely better. And the pit zips are a lot bigger. I'm confident that this jacket will hold up in the cold weather just as well as the SP.
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YKK are top of the line zippers.....#5 zipper is the smallest I will use on outdoor gear.
Waterproof zippers suck....wonderful while they work.....Better using a regular zipper with a good double storm flap.
Waterproof zippers suck....wonderful while they work.....Better using a regular zipper with a good double storm flap.
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Thanks for the input everyone.
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I've got a Showers Pass Elite rain jacket, and I've had no problems with the zippers. In fact, I was going to suggest SP as a brand with good zippers.