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The range of wind jackets for men and women is more diverse than ever. We tested a total of 26 models for men and women in the April issue of TOUR; starting at 29 euros for the Van Rysel (women's jacket), the most expensive model in the test from Sportful costs 170 euros. Maap received the best marks, followed by POC and Castelli.
1st place: The wind jackets from Maap
Men's model: Draft Team Jacket Men
- Price: 150 Euro >> available here
- Country of production / sizes: Vietnam / XS-XXL
- Weight / volume (size L): 135 grams / 600 cc
- Equipment: Backed two-way zip, zip garage, extended back with silicone print, back pocket, pannier, laser cuts on forearm and shoulder area
TOUR rating
- Weather protection (30%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
- Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.2
- Handling (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.5
- Weight/pack size (20 %): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3
- Equipment (10%): 8 from 8 | Grade: 1.2
Overall grade (100%): 1.7
Conclusion
Racing cut, fits slim cyclists perfectly if the upper body is not too long, top weather protection and features.
Women's model: Draft Team Jacket Women
- Price: 150 Euro
- Country of production / sizes: Vietnam / XXS-XL
- Weight / volume (size M): 120 grams / 500 ccm
- Equipment: Backed two-way zip, zip garage, extended back with silicone print, back pocket, pannier, laser cuts on forearm and shoulder area
TOUR rating
- Weather protection (30%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
- Wearing comfort (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
- Handling (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.4
- Weight/pack size (20 %): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.5
- Equipment (10%): 8 from 8 | Grade: 1.2
Overall grade (100%): 1.5
Conclusion
Racing cut, fits slim female cyclists if the upper body is not too long, top weather protection and features.
2nd place: The wind jackets from POC
Men's model: Pure Light Splash Jacket
- Price 130 Euro >> available here
- Country of production / sizes: Vietnam / XS-XXL
- Weight / volume (size L): 120 grams / 550 cc
- Equipment: Extended back, stretch cuffs, zip pocket, pack pouch; zip garage, underarm ventilation, lined collar
TOUR rating
- Weather protection (30%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.7
- Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
- Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
- Weight/pack size (20 %): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
- Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
Overall grade (100%): 1.8
Conclusion
Fits normal to race-like, anticipates the racing bike position very well, back section slightly longer than Maap, top weather and splash protection, good features.
Women's model: Essential Splash jacket
- Price 130 Euro >> available here
- Country of production / sizes: Vietnam / XS-XL
- Weight / volume (size M): 110 grams / 550 cc
- Equipment: Rear zip with zip garage, lined collar, extended back with wide silicone band, reflective material, zipped back pocket, underarm ventilation
TOUR rating
- Weather protection (30%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.7
- Wearing comfort (20%): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.7
- Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
- Weight/pack size (20 %): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
- Equipment (10%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.9
Overall grade (100%): 1.8
Conclusion
Fits normal to race-like, anticipates the racing bike position very well, back section slightly longer than Maap, top weather and splash protection, good features.
3rd place: The wind jackets from Castelli
Men's model: Aria Shell Jacket Men
- Price: 125 Euro >> available here
- Country of production / sizes: Italy / XS-XXXL
- Weight / volume (size L): 100 gram / 450 ccm
- Equipment: High collar, reflective material, air-permeable stretch inserts under the arms and at the sides, back zip, pouch, extended back section
TOUR rating
- Weather protection (30%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
- Wearing comfort (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
- Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
- Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
- Equipment (10%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.8
Overall grade (100%): 1.8
Conclusion
Racing cut, the sleeves are not made for sprinters, anticipates the racing bike position well, good weather and splash protection, small pack size.
Women's model: Aria Shell Jacket Women
- Price: 125 Euro >> available here
- Country of production / sizes: Bosnia-Herzegovina / XS-XL
- Weight / volume (size M): 85 grams / 450 cc
- Equipment: High collar, reflective material, air-permeable stretch inserts under the arms and at the sides, back zip, pack pouch, extended back section
TOUR rating
- Weather protection (30%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 1.8
- Wearing comfort (20%): 5 from 8 | Grade: 2.3
- Handling (20%): 6 from 8 | Grade: 2.0
- Weight/pack size (20 %): 7 from 8 | Grade: 1.3
- Equipment (10%): 4 from 8 | Grade: 2.8
Overall grade (100%): 1.9
Conclusion
Racing cut, the sleeves and chest area are tight, anticipates the racing bike position well, good weather and splash protection, small pack size.
How TOUR tests
The overall score is made up of five criteria, which are weighted according to their relevance. The overall scores for the male and female variants may differ.
Weather protection (30 per cent)
We use the spray test (DIN-EN-ISO 4920) to determine how water droplets roll off the (washed) material. Optimum is when they run off without leaving any residue; poor is when the fabric becomes soaked. We have devalued open-pored mesh on the back.
Wearing comfort (20 per cent)
Testers assess the feel of the fabric on the skin, flapping noises, heat regulation and the sensation of moisture when temperatures rise. Different scores for men's and women's models.
Handling (20 per cent)
Criteria: Operation of the front zips (two-handed, one-handed, while riding); also the elasticity of the cuffs, which determines how the jacket can be put on and taken off.
Weight/pack size (20 per cent)
The lighter a jacket is, the smaller it can be stowed. Jackets that weigh less than 100 grams and fit into small jersey pockets get the best rating.
Equipment (10 per cent)
Details such as pockets with zips, covers for zips and fabric covers for their sliders, the fit of the jacket waistband or sleeve cuffs, the number and placement of reflective elements, integrated or supplied panniers are evaluated.
Matthias Borchers
Editor
