Madison Flux Jacket - Waterproof, but how breathable ?

[Lard Armstrong]

I am considering one of these, but I can't get to an LBS to try one on. I am looking for one for easy commuting, must be waterproof but not I can't stand boil in the bag jackets, I have several already and don't want another ! Also softshells can be quite warm, how warm is it ?

I'd love to hear any experiences or insights.

TIA

 

[yello]

Nobody's bitten as yet so I thought I'd have a look at the specs of the jacket and offer some thoughts. I've no personal experience of it though.

It's described as water repellent rather than waterproof... which is a good thing! It means the fabric does breathe. It's in a price range to suggest a pukka technical fabric has been used. So I'd say, yes, it's breathable. BUT - whether it'll be breathable enough for you is another matter! It depends on how hot you get, what use you'll be putting it to etc.

Personally, I'd not buy it... but I run hot and tend to work a bit harder than a pootle. That said, I've yet to find a waterproof/breathable jacket that I'm comfortable in (and can't afford to find one!) That is certainly not to say that the Madison Flux wouldn't work for you though. There are doubtless loads of people that it works perfectly for and are very happy with the jacket.

Do you have a softshell already? If you find that warm then I'd suggest you are also someone that also runs hot. I only say that because, as a rule, a softshell shouldn't be too warm. They're not intended to cope with full-on winter conditions, they're more spring/autumn garments (though obviously you can layer up underneath for winter use).

Looks wise, and again on a personal level, I'd say it looks too fussy for my use. That is, too many pockets and zips... but that's just personal preference and I am a minimalist. From pictures, it does look a bit bulky on some people too. Shame you can't try one on for fit, that'd certainly help your decision.

It looks like a well made jacket and I don't doubt the quality. The big question is performance, and that you can't know for sure until you try it out. I'd be hopeful rather than confident.

 

[festival]

Decent jacket, but what do people expect from "breathable"?
As stated above some people run hotter than others but even the very best materials will only perform if combined with the correct garments underneath. Sounds obvious I know but It won't work if you have e.g. cotton t shirt and/or non technical clothing under it.
Unless you really want "waterproof" it can be more user friendly to get something "windproof" which will be "water resistant" as a by product and more breathable and comfy most of the time.

 

[Lard Armstrong]

I have windproof, I also have waterproof, what I need it waterproof with a high-ish degree of breathability. Some are more breathable than others. For example, I have a Cycle-Clothing.co.uk 'beathable and waterproof jacket' which is much sweatier than my Altura Nevis jacket (breathable and waterproof but now worn out). I have showerproof Montane Velo, but I need something for commuting.

I accept it's always a compromise between breathability and waterproofing. The Flux looks like a decent jacket, so I am trying to get insights into it.

Any recommendations for other jackets ?

Lots of people have the Night Vision EVO, but I know several who have had problems with zips and concerns about breathability.

Endura Gridlock ?

Any others ?

 

[vickster]

Something from Gore, will cost though. Or a rohan jacket with excellent technical fabrics but again £££. There are reviews of most bits of kit online if you google.

 

[Cubist]

The only really breathable stuff out there that is also waterproof is Gore Active Shell, Event or Nikwax Analogy. Gore has a finite life, as it depends on a membrane. Gore AS is good for those that run hot, but you'll need to wear the right baselayers, and you'll need to find a jacket that you can vent. It packs light, but you ain't gonna find one for less than about £150.00

Event is well rated, but again, depends on a membrane to remain impermeable.

Paramo clothing uses Nikwax Analogy fabric. A completely breathable outer shell over a pump liner. This pump liner transports water and water vapour away from your body which means that you never feel water on the inside of the jacket. It's used by Mountain Rescue teams and favoured by MTBers as an all conditions jacket. . The original Nikwax Analogy fabric has been upgraded recently to Analogy Light, which has a ripstop shell. I've just treated myself to an anaolgy light as it appears lighter than the original, but disappointingly it isn't quite as breathable. After a 10 mile commute thrash my baselayer was a bit clammy. However, it has a press stud closure along the zip flap which means you can run it unzipped, and you can run it short sleeved using the velcro tabs, so I'll know better next time to vent it properly and see if it stays drier. .

There are two or three bike specific Paramo jackets. The Velez, which has three versions, the standard smock with detachable hood, the Adventure which has a grown on roll-away hood, and the Adventure Light in the new Analogy Light version.

Then there's the Vista, which is the latest version with Analogy Light, grown on roll-away hood (my new one)

Or the Quito, which I think has the original Analogy fabric.

I wear my Velez smock as a do it all jacket. Baselayer and jersey in the winter or you could wear it next to the skin in warmer conditions.

The great thing about Analogy fabric is that it doesn't break down like a Goretex membrane. You simpy wash it in non-bio soap or tech wash, and spray it with TX direct to keep it waterproof. A decent goretex working life is actually measured in days whereas treated properly Analogy can be measured in years. If it tears you can sew it up and it'll be just as waterproof as before.

 

[yello]

+1 ^^^ re Analogy.

I've got a Paramo Cuzco (it's years old and no longer available) and it is by far the best waterproof/breathable jacket I own. The only issue I have with it is that it's bulky - so, for me, not really a jacket for the bike even though it was sold as bike wear.I have toured in it (in Scotland) where it good very good use, but when touring you can roll it up and bungee it somewhere - it'll not stuff in a pocket or anything. It's pricey gear though.

I'd like to have a go with eVent but I haven't got the money to experiment.

 

[Lard Armstrong]

Good advice on Paramo, I had one many years ago and it got nicked. Great bit of kit. I hadn't really thought about them for this. I will give them a look, thanks.

 

[uphillstruggler]

Hello Lard

it may be worth asking Phil Corleys if they have the madison jacket, Madison are only over the road in bradwell abbey and may be able to source one to try first.

just a thought

 

[Cubist]

Funnily enough, there are some Paramo Cuzco jackets on the 'bay for£95 which is astonishingly cheap. You should be able to find a Velez discounted to about £130 if you shop around.