More food for thought:
I am looking at buying the Carlsbad, Stadler or a Rukka jacket in the near future. I had 2 Rukka jackets replaced under warranty and until the first leaked I swore by Rukka. But 2 laking at the elbows and belly was enough. 1 at 5 years old and 1 after 2 years. Both leaked. Good thing about the warranty was that it was straightforward. Bad thing with 2nd replacement was that the model was no longer on the books so I was offered a cash alternative value towards my next jacket (the value of the Jacket at RRP....). Now that's all good and well, but costs had risen so much due to inflation and covid in the time of first purchase, I was effectively priced out of a replacement. And I was actually left needing to pay a fair few quid towards a new Rukka. Seeing as 2 had leaked already I chose to go with a different brand of jacket, which also leaked. This was returned and I am now using my 12 year old cheapy SPADA jacket. And have managed through this winter. Its totally old, frayed and mashed cuffs, arm fasteners have been cut off as they stretched and were useless, I had darts cut into the sleeve ends to get my new gloves undr th cuffs etc. It is OLD...and used. The inside pocket zip doesn't work, not a laminate, gets soaked but keeps me dry and I hang it up on the heater at work to dry out for my return journey. But I paid £135 for it. It has multiple waterproof pockets. The jacket zip is double ended so zips up from bottom as well making bending and fixing punctures etc easier. Pockets inside the liner and inside the jacket. Great venting on arms, shoulders,, back etc. It has endured. It is still waterproof but just looks shit! I wouldn't want to ride on a tour with it because if it gets wet, it gets heavy...but for home - work - home it works. Worst comes to it, I can always put a waterproof over it. It has all and more practical features than the expensive jackets have. I often wonder why the expensive brands don't do half the features these cheapo ones do. I commute an hour each way everyday so I justify things that way
Now the reason I am looking at the expensive jackets is I do not really want to spend so much more time looking and reading reviews of the latest and greatest for the next 2 years..... I just want one that is going to last me the next ten years, saving me that time. The budget laminates don't really inspire confidence anymore and touring in a tent with a drop liner jacket has proven too wet in the past.. If that kind of makes sense? So I have been saving up over this winter and will have the benefit of cash refund from the previous purchase to help. Expensive hobbies we have
