I got this Weise Onyx jacket before my trip to Canada last October. It’s called a 3 season jacket and I’m not sure which season it isn’t good for, but I chose it primarily for the heavyweight thermal liner – removable in summer – and the competitive £225 price.
The jacket features a soft touch outer shell, and an offset zip with a flap behind to keep out water, but the main waterproofing feature is a ‘drop-liner’ beneath the surface. The advantage of a drop-liner is ease of manufacture and a secure reliable water barrier, but the disadvantage is that the outer part of the jacket can fill up with water even though none of it gets through. However, if you stop riding and put your arms down, the water just flows out. I have high ‘bars on both my Super Ten and NC700X so all is well until I brake heavily, when the water rushes into my gloves… I have ridden in excessive rain though and a lot of snow with no actual leaks through the jacket itself.
Although soft and flexible, the outer shell is made from tough 600 Denier, PU-coated nylon and Ballistic fabric for abrasion resistance, and CE-approved armour is fitted at the shoulders, elbows and back. There’s some very subtle reflective piping for night-time use.
The fit and finish is great. The collar I can do up, which is an improvement over my last Weise touring jacket (no longer in production), butto do so I had to completely release the velcro neck adjusters. This is turn, means that the back of the neck becomes exposed when sitting. It’s just all a slightly odd shape and for some reason is cut to provide room for my ample, (and with middle-age) still developing man boobs. I’m not sure that’s necessary, but maybe Weise are being true to their customer demographic!
There are actually 3 main zips for main jacket closure when all the linings are in. That may sound fiddly, but really isn’t and the outer zip is fully waterproofed too. All three are super quality. There are Velcro adjuster straps on the sides and arms too, and stretch panels which ensure a snug fit in all seasons, whether the thermal layer is in or out.
I’m waiting for the summer to open the adjustable vents on the chest, forearms and across the back, but the zips on thesze too are waterproof.
There are internal waterproof pockets and outside the two lower ‘pouch’ pockets are proving waterproof too, but the closing velcro flap is very truncated and often doesn’t quite shut, with obvious effects on waterproofing…
There’s a big pocket on the back that can hold thin over-trousers and two ‘hand-warmer’ pockets as well, for when you are standing around, but I can’t tell you what the lining is like because the opening is so small I can’t get my hands in. I’m presuming my jacket is a one-off that has been stitched incorrectly.
All in, it’s a tough, smart, warm jacket, with just a few design niggles and better overall, I’d say, than the more expensive Dynastar Evo. If your touring is predominently in Europe, I’d recommend it.
The Onyx retails at £229, and is available in Black/Dark Grey in sizes Small-5XL. www.weise-clothing.co.uk
