Fox Gradient Jacket - Review
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Fox launched the Gradient jacket as part of its 2015 Fall collection, and I’ve been putting it through the grinder that is the British winter. The Gradient is designed for intermediate conditions, those damp and windy days where some form of protection is necessary, but when a heavy duty jacket would be overkill. Fox has used a stretchy lightweight water-resistant fabric, and while it’s not described as a waterproof jacket, it is constructed with taped seams everywhere.
Fox has added extra details like a zipped chest pocket, laser cut vent panels under the arms and a hood that rolls up into the collar. And, if you’re hitting the road, there are some reflective accents to help you stand out to other road users. Sizes: S/M/L/XL. Colors: black or red. MSRP: $179.95 USD. www.foxhead.com
The integrated hood comes in useful during bouts of heavy weather.
The zipped chest pocket is a useful addition.
Pinkbike's Take:
 | Dressing appropriately for the weather at this time of year can be a tricky old business. Correctly judging the temperature, along with the likelihood of rain and the wind chill factor can mean choosing suitable clothing sometimes feels as educated a decision as sticking a finger in the air and taking a punt. Most of the time, it never gets really cold in my part of the UK, instead, it's rain and wind that are the enemy. Get it wrong, and you can get cold and wet quickly, or you overheat from wearing too much.In these conditions the Gradient jacket does a pretty damn good job of keeping you protected. It's lightweight and doesn't feel restrictive when riding, and it and regulates temperature well. For brisk trail rides it'll prevent you from overheating and keep you at a comfortable temperature. The breathability is aided by several small open vents at the back of the jacket that allow warm air to escape without letting the weather in.The fully taped seams go a decent way to helping you out if you're caught in a really heavy downpour, providing a wide operating window. It also completely stops the wind in its tracks as well. There's not much in the way of insulation, so for colder rides you'll want to layer up accordingly. The fabric is on the thin side but it proved to be adequately durable, surviving a few encounters with undergrowth and trees, and the smartly placed anti-abrasion film over the shoulders adds further resistance against wear and tear. I'm not really a fan of hoods on mountain bike jackets, but on the occasion I tested it, the retractable hood fit comfortably between head and helmet. When it really is hosing down, it's a nice touch, and it's unobtrusive when rolled up.I tested a size small and the fit was good, with a nice shape around the torso, good waist length and no restriction around the shoulders. I did find the sleeves came up a tiny bit short; I'd like an extra centimeter or two on the arms, something that going up a size would accomplish. The elasticated cuffs provide a close seal around the wrists without causing any discomfort. Overall, the Gradient is a comfortable and decent performing jacket. - David Arthur |
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Member since Apr 12, 2015
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Get a good windproof (such as a Montane), save some money (and fluids) and don't overheat.
It's the combination of cold and wet which is the problem, away from the extremes you can deal with either on their own.
ANYWAYS
Wanted to ask - would anyone that has or has worn this. I normally where "small" t shirts, but it really depends on brand and style - so I wanna know if the smalls are REALLY small (I have some biking gear that's small, and it's too small) or if they're bigger smalls. Just not sure to get a medium or small. Would buy online so I couldn't test.
When it rains 80% of the year, sometimes for months at a time, you have little choice!
Danny Harts 2011 Champery run makes more sense when you understand this
Futhermore there is a material bonded to the shoulder area which makes it difficult fot it to sit well on your shoulders. Especially after it has been creased. It stays bunched up and it makes it look like YOU HAVE HORNS coming out from your shoulders.
Aside from the fit issue this is a fantastic jacket. Tech wise it is exellent. Super lightweight. It can be had for $100 or so if you look around. YOUR FIT MAY VARY.
I ended up opting for the FOX Dawn Patrol 2 and the Bionic Lt . Those are both excellent. I just wished the Gradients fit was a bit more conforming to the body.
Endura makes some decent, reasonably priced, breathable waterproof jackets, in Black and other normal colors.
Get a jacket with pit and side zips or ride wet.
It seems like the majority of shirts and jackets made in the last couple of years have the one vertical pocket on the chest.
While watching a playoff game last weekend I noticed even the head coach of one team was wearing a shirt with the same fricking thing. It's like all the clothing manufacturers got together a couple years ago and decided that was gonna be the new trend, and I don't get it.
I have those shorts, scored em for 9 bucks at an rei garage sale.