Saturday, 10 August 2013

Anglers Mail Feature - Quick Comparison Test on Winter Clothing


QUICK COMPARISON
SPECIAL FEATURE
WINTER CLOTHING FOR THE SPECIALIST ANGLER.
TESTED BY DUNCAN CHARMAN

Last winter was one of the wettest on record, yet just because it’s bleak outside, doesn’t mean it has to be uncomfortable. This is were matching the correct clothing with the style of fishing you do needs to be considered carefully.
Being an all-round specimen angler, one that often roves a venue without an umbrella, having the correct clothing is paramount, as not only does it need to keep me warm and dry but it also needs to be flexible, allowing a full range of movement. It also needs to be able to withstand the constant bombardment of the non-forgiving countryside and for me the Nash ZT Duo jacket and trousers fits the bill perfectly….

NASH ZT DUO JACKET £119.99, TROUSERS £89.99
Anglers Mail – Best Buy
Trendy green Jacket and trouser combo, both with understated graphics and a 100% Nylon outer shell with PU coating, water resistant to 8000 and breathable to 3000. Fleece lined trousers and removable inner to jacket create a very versatile system whilst retaining extreme comfort and complete movement. Endless features include, high quality protected zips, numerous internal/external pockets, easy to adjust and removable braces, elasticated adjustable cuffs, steam taped, wasteband and ankle gaters to name a few. The knees and butt are also reinforced and the hood, although obscuring eyesight, fits away within jacket behind the comfortable fleece lined collar. (Second Skin £34.99, Neck Warmer & Winter Hat, both £9.99)
Features 10
Performance 10
Value 9
SCORE: 29

NAVITAS ‘AGENT’ JACKET £109.99, PANTS £64.99
Available in green or Camo the outer shell of the Jacket is made from 100% Nylon Taslon, water resistant rating of 5000 and breathable to 5000. Trousers are made from 50D Polyester with a slightly lower specification rating. Unbelievably comfortable and allows complete freedom of movement. Oozing features throughout such as numerous internal/external pockets, fully taped seams, high quality storm flap zips, storm cuffs, boot gaters, the list is endless. Extremely trendy and attention to detail is second to none. Elastic waistband and comfortable, easily adjustable and removable bib and brace system. The hood is fully adjustable and although the knees and seat are reinforced, could have done with being harder wearing. ( ‘LO-FI Beanie £9.99 & ‘ATLAS’ Fleece £29.99)
Features 10
Performance 8
Value 9
SCORE: 27

WYCHWOOD EPIC JACKET £149.99, BIB & BRACE £79.99
Stylish olive green jacket and bib and brace, water resistant to 5000mm, yet breathability not stated. The material has been taken from extreme mountaineering clothing and although comfortable, does restrict movement and is slightly pinchy around the knees. Extremely warm though due to the hollow fibre. The jacket has a removable fleece inner making it very versatile and both have numerous features including, fleece lined collar, durable hard wearing quality zips, multi-pocket design inside and out, fully laminated seams, adjustable elasticated shoulder straps, zipped leg openings plus a fully adjustable hood which again seems to be oversized obscuring view. (Solace Boots £49.99 & Slouch Beanie Hat £9.99)
Features 10
Performance 9
Value 8
SCORE: 27

CARP KINETICS NATIVE WHISPATEX SUIT SET £100.00
Eye catching featuring the ‘anti-rustle’ camo design and created from the Whispatex/Windstop fabric, water resistant to 8000 HD and 100% breathable but actual specification not shown. The jackets inner is quilted lined for extra warmth, and both jacket and trousers have Teflon reinforced areas for wear resistance. Both jacket and trousers are oversized and feature, chunky zips with protection, adequate internal/external pockets, plus a discrete internal wallet/phone pocket, high, thermal collar, adjustable cuffs and waist band, plus zipped ankles for easy boot removal. The hood is removable but lacks adjustment and once again obscures eyesight. (Camo Boots £25.00)
Features 8
Performance 8
Value 8
SCORE: 24

SUNDRIDGE RETEX MK4 SUIT £79.99
Dark green jacket and trouser combo made from highly durable Polyester with a quilt insulation and water resistant rating of 5000mm, breathability not stated. Comfortable, warm and snug which does restrict movement slightly. Plenty of features throughout including, fleece lined collar, knitted cuffs, adjustable and removable hood yet again impairing vision, quilt and fleece lined, numerous external/internal pockets however just one zipped, adjustable waist cord, reinforced knees, Velcro ankle straps plus stretchable ‘H’ braces.(Sleep Skin Top £19.99, Hot Foot 008 Boots £ 39.99. Full Finger Gloves £11.99; Fingerless £9.99 & Pilot Hat £14.99)
Features 9
Performance 9
Value 10
SCORE: 28

30PLUS SNUGZZ 30/50 JACKET £75.00, SALOPETTES £59.99
This olive green jacket and salopettes is made from a PVC Nylon with a Polyester lining and has a waterproof rating of 5000 and a breathabilty of 3000. Although the material feels comfortable, the jacket lacks padding and is quite tight on the upper body and the straps to the salopettes are not fully elasticated creating tightness in movement, yet these are well fleeced and warm. Features include adequate internal/external pockets, adjustable waist band, quality protected zips, high fleece neck collar, adjustable wrist bands and without a doubt the best hood of all tested which cleverly fits behind the collar. (Fleece £45.00, Woolly Hat £6.25)
Features 8
Performance 8
Value 9
SCORE: 25

TF GEAR THERMO-TEX TROUSERS £59.99, JACKET £59.99
Soft green sleeping bag feel material with moisture dispersion, yet neither the breathability, waterproof rating or material makeup is mentioned which causes concern, however tested to -10 degrees centigrade, so warmth guaranteed. Extremely comfortable allowing unrestricted movement and spacious with reinforced lower legs extending to the knees. Would the material withstand the versatility of the specimen angler in the countryside? Good bivvy clothing though. Straps are fully elasticated and easy to adjust and features include adequate internal/external pockets, full length zips, adjustable hood which doesn’t interfere with eyesight and elasticated wristbands and the long leg zips are great for removal of muddy boots.(Peaked Beanie Hat £9.99)
Features 7
Performance 8
Value 8
SCORE: 23

ESP QUILTED JACKET £94.95 & QUILTED TROUSERS £74.95
Made from a 100% extra tough ripstop nylon outer and a Polyester filling and lining this jacket and trouser set has a waterproof rating of 25’000 and a breathability of 10’000 so neither can be questioned. The material quality and rating comes at a cost as it’s quite noisy and although spacious does restrict movement slightly. Attention to detail is paramount and features include numerous internal/external pockets, well fitting adjustable hood that can be stored within the high fleece lined collar, water resistant wrist bands and adjustable cuffs, quality zips and seams, yet although the trousers are elasticated and adjustable they don’t come with elasticated over the shoulder straps.
Features 9
Performance 9
Value 9
SCORE: 27

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