Reviews by User: Ben S (3)

This jacket is based off the old model AK Lightweight fleece by Burton. Firstly, the material is the same. It is Wind Pro with velour back and it is incredibly warm. But, the abrasion resistant panels are a different material. They feel cheaper and a bit nasty. To be honest, the whole jacket has a cheaper feel to it. It seems poorly made in comparison to the older jacket. For instance there is no flatlock seaming down the whole inside of the sleeve. The fit is bizarre. The sleeves are about 4 inches longer than the previous model in the same size, the body is about 3 inches longer but is tighter around the waist. I asked Burton why they didn't put a hem drawcord on it, they said it was because this jacket is a layering piece. Well, what's the point of making styled pockets then? In summary, if you want a decent Wind Pro jacket, the old AK Lightweight (in Sahara!) looks and feels fantastic. This one feels poorly made and has an odd fit, but is still very warm. Hopefully the quality will return with next years model.

This is my most recent Polartec-based fleece, and it doesn't disappoint. The fabric is just amazing, the velour lining is very soft and incredibly warm. It does block a lot more wind than a regular fleece, more than adequate unless you're in some pretty harsh winds. The fit is tight, it's not necessarily athletic but the sizes are 'between sizes' - i.e. a medium is somewhere between a normal small and medium. For reference I am about 5'11 and 150lbs, small shoulders, the large fits really well with a bit of room for comfort. The DWR works well, water will bead off it. My only peeve is that a garment advertised as wind resistant doesn't have a hem cinchcord, which I find quite odd. My other two 'technical' jackets are North Face Apex Bionic and TKA 200, and this jacket is a LOT warmer than both of them.

This jacket is a softshell, in other words it is supposed to replace at least 2 layering pieces to form a versatile all-in-one piece. If you're using this as an alternative to a fleece/outer shell combo you might be disappointed. +++It has good wind resistance, only the neck is vulnerable as it's not that deep. Good water resistance - water will bead off in anything up to a strong shower. But if you put pressure on the fabric the water will soak into it, removing its waterproof-ness. ---The sleeves are far, far too long. I have long arms for a 5'11 person, but even still there's about 3 inches of excess, yes 3 inches (I have a medium). It's thermal insulating properties are poor. One shop said it had a 'high loft lining'. Well, no it doesn't. It's fleece lining is akin to a 100 weight compacted fleece, it is very thin. There isn't enough fleece there to keep you warm in sub-40 temps, especially if you're going to spend some time idle and you're wearing only a base layer underneath, i.e. the way this jacket was intended. N.B. My Bionic has no neck cinch, no internal pockets, and is not 'very wind resistant', so be careful how much weight you give some reviews.