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review

Proviz Reflect 360 Jacket

8
£74.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Comfortable commuter friendly jacket for those night time rides thanks to highly visible reflectivity
Weight: 
620g

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Positive comments in abundance from both drivers and fellow cyclists on the visibility provided by Proviz's new Reflect 360 Jacket can't be a bad thing. If you spend a lot of time on the roads in the dark it'll certainly get you noticed.

Hi-viz is okay for overcast days or just before sunset but if you ride in the dark reflectives are what you need. UK company Proviz has taken this to the extreme with the new Reflect 360 jacket; the outer is made entirely from reflective material.

> Buy this online here

In daylight it just looks like a light grey jacket yet as soon as it's dark whatever light source and colour hits it is reflected back brightly. On dark roads it gives you an amazing presence as soon as a driver picks you out. Even with powerful front and rear lights a cyclist can still be seen as quite a small object on the road but with the 360 on I could definitely hear cars behind me slowing earlier or not going for that suspect pass in the first place.

What caused it I'm not sure, whether it's the fact that the reflective jacket shape humanises you as a rider or whether it's just the sheer contrast of light against dark I don't know but it works.

Signalling is more pronounced too; having your entire arm lit up by car headlights means people can be under no illusion of what you are intending to do.

The cut of the jacket is more commuter style than race so it's safe to assume that a streetlit urban environment is where the designers expect it to be used most. It works here too standing out among all the lights from shops, traffic and signs, plus creases in the material mean that streetlights reflect off the jacket at all angles as you move.

The Reflect 360 is water resistant rather than Proviz claiming any waterproofing ratings but the material keeps out moderate rain for a decent amount of time backed up by taped seams and a storm zip. The rear drops slightly to which also adds protection if you aren't using mudguards.

Our test model is a medium, the size I take in most things, but due to the relaxed cut the sizing is generous and a small would fit me better. Proviz's size guide does come up right though so it's best to use that.

The fit of the jacket is good with a high neck and sensible length sleeves. You get a drawstring waist and cuffs to tweak everything and it looks just as good with regular clothes as it does with cycling specific kit.

Breathability is taken care of by vents below the shoulders on the back. These are open full time but are covered by a storm flap to keep the wet weather out. The underarm zips are large and allow you to control body temperature quite impressively. A spirited two hour ride at 12°C was just right with all the vents open to full although you soon heat up should you need to stop.

Storage is taken care of by a couple of chest pockets on the outside and one on the inside which are all the right size for a mobile phone or wallet. The outer ones are zipped for security including a rear one which runs along in the usual place.

Overall the Reflect 360 is a great dark ride reflective jacket and certainly makes you stand out in the sticks or in town. Its a quality product too that looks well made and durable which it should be considering the £74.99 price tag. Up against the likes of Altura's Night Vision Evo it holds its own and looks good value for money.

Verdict

Comfortable commuter friendly jacket for those night time rides thanks to highly visible reflectivity

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Proviz Reflect 360 Jacket

Size tested: Medium

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

The REFLECT360 jacket is designed as a year round jacket for use in the dark. The material is water resistant and windproof making it ideal for the winter months for commuting or general riding.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

100% reflective outer-shell

Highly water-resistant

Built in air vents to keep ventilated (front, under-arm and shoulder/back)

Fleece-lined comfort collar

Adjustable waistband and velcro cuff

Water-repellent storm zip

Seam-sealed for extra waterproofing

Inside chest & back pockets

Low profiled rear spray guard

Inside mesh lining for added comfort

Machine washable

Conforms to EN ISO 20471:2013

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Neat and tidy finish.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Impressive as a reflective jacket and does a good job against light rain and showers.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

The material feels durable as do the zips.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

The mesh lining is soft against the skin and the rest of the jacket feels nice when its on to.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

Right on the button against the opposition like Altura's Night Vision and the like. If you buy it direct from Proviz you get free UK delivery and a pair of lights thrown in for free.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Pretty well, the reflectivity is great as is the water resistance and breathability.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

How visible you become in the dark.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

A slim cut race version would be a nice touch.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Why no one has thought of a fully reflective jacket before I don't know but it makes a lot of sense. The REFLECT360 delivers solidly on all counts which is why I think it deserves four stars. A more tailored racing version would be nice for racers to who have to train in the dark.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 36  Height: 180cm  Weight: 76kg

I usually ride: Kinesis T2  My best bike is: Kinesis Aithien

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, commuting, club rides, sportives, fixed/singlespeed,

 

As part of the tech team here at F-At Digital, senior product reviewer Stu spends the majority of his time writing in-depth reviews for road.cc, off-road.cc and ebiketips using the knowledge gained from testing over 1,500 pieces of kit (plus 100's of bikes) since starting out as a freelancer back in 2009. After first throwing his leg over a race bike back in 2000, Stu's ridden more than 170,000 miles on road, time-trial, track, and gravel bikes, and while he's put his racing days behind him, he still likes to smash the pedals rather than take things easy. With a background in design and engineering, he has an obsession with how things are developed and manufactured, has a borderline fetish for handbuilt metal frames and finds a rim braked road bike very aesthetically pleasing!

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23 comments

Avatar
Steelek | 9 years ago
0 likes

The Proviz reflective jacket I bought is amazing.

I read other reviews and have to say I am happy with the bulkier fit as it means I can wear work clothes, jerseys and jackets under it. If you are keener on a tighter fit buy a smaller size than you would normally, hopefully that will do the job.

It is very reflective and even glows in the dark in my house where a bit of light comes in from the street.

It has good pockets with zips which believe it or not is actually hard to find on most cycle jerseys, tops and jackets – heavens knows what retailers/manufacturers have not caught on that this is a very useful feature for important items one does not want to lose…

I would certainly recommend this to anyone out there who is concerned about visibility in the urban cycle jungle or darker country routes.

Avatar
fenix | 9 years ago
0 likes

I saw a guy in one at the weekend. Was awesome in a dim cafe - lit from outside. He almost looked like a spaceman/ghost.

Then he rode off outside and it was just a grey top. Useless unless headlights or the sun is shining in the right direction. It really needs the Fluo colours added to make the jacket work properly.

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Chuck | 9 years ago
0 likes

Saw someone wearing one of these on way to work. Even the sun was making it light up, impressive stuff.

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Username | 9 years ago
1 like

Surely light grey is about the best camouflage possible on the roads?

It's special powers only work when cars have their lights on - which isn't always.

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fenix | 9 years ago
0 likes

Is this stuff better than the illuminite type kit that was around a few years back ? Certainly looks a great idea for commuters anyway.

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lukea-d | 9 years ago
0 likes

I suspect there will be more apparel with this level of reflectiveness from Proviz and other companies. I'll hold out for something with a less baggy fit and better waterproofing/breathability.

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quinophex | 9 years ago
0 likes

I just picked one of these up from Halfords for £51.84 today, as it's 20% off and then another 10% off due to Monday special and then another 10% off because British Cycling.

It does look baggy but that doesn't bother me as I'm fat and this will be used a commuter jacket. I'll try it on tonight and if I don't like it I'll return it for a refund.

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bikedad | 9 years ago
0 likes

I am currently riding the Gilet version and it is not perfect. Definitely downsize as the cut is generous to put it mildly. Breathability is on a par with a bin bag, so not great. However, despite the above I LOVE this Gilet, never had so much room on the roads. On an unlit section I generally get the entire lane, not perfect but I am not taking it off until light evenings return.

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Chuck | 9 years ago
0 likes

Is this the same material as the Sugoi Zap stuff?

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EddyBerckx | 9 years ago
0 likes

hmmm fit and breathability would be my main concern...anyone know where you can try these on? Maybe sizing down would help?

I don't use gilets but could I use one...

Avatar
mrchrispy | 9 years ago
0 likes

Saw a lass in Manchester the other day wearing one, I nearly chased her down to ask her about it but 1. she was going the opposite direction and 2. I feared it maybe be a little bit creepy  4  39

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Andrewwd | 9 years ago
0 likes

Another vote for a properly cut version. The fabric looks good, and I'm no whippet, but the shape looks really baggy and unsuited to cycling.

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Andrewwd | 9 years ago
1 like

Another vote for a properly cut version. The fabric looks good, and I'm no whippet, but the shape looks really baggy and unsuited to cycling.

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Matt_S | 9 years ago
2 likes

Anyone know if they're planning one that isn't a mahoosive sail?

I saw one out in London last week, and I'd definitely buy one if it was cut like a cycling jacket rather than a tent.

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alotronic | 9 years ago
0 likes

I showed my partner that 'glow' picture below. She told me to buy one - immediately.

That's a first! Winter commute jacket sorted! Merry xmas me.

Hopefully will be a great Audax jacket as well I think as glow factor will be excellent on rainy midnight A road excursions, and the cut doesn't matter quite so much when I am tootling along at Audax pace.

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Aileen | 9 years ago
0 likes

Is there a gilet version available for people who sweat lots so won't wear full jackets?

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picko replied to Aileen | 9 years ago
0 likes
Aileen wrote:

Is there a gilet version available for people who sweat lots so won't wear full jackets?

Yes, they do. It's £50.

http://www.provizsports.com/en_gb/hi-visibility-cycling/hi-vis-gilets-vests

Avatar
BikeJon replied to picko | 8 years ago
1 like
picko wrote:
Aileen wrote:

Is there a gilet version available for people who sweat lots so won't wear full jackets?

Yes, they do. It's £50. http://www.provizsports.com/en_gb/hi-visibility-cycling/hi-vis-gilets-vests

There is also a '+' gilet version that is more breathable and a better fit for an extra £10: http://www.provizsports.com/en_gb/catalog/product/view/id/1080/s/proviz-...

Oh, there is a '+' version of the jacket too: http://www.provizsports.com/en_gb/catalog/product/view/id/1066/s/proviz-...

"The Proviz REFLECT360+ cycling jacket is the more ‘technical’ version of the highly successful original REFLECT360 jacket launched in 2014" and it "incorporates a much more tailored fit and uses a unique lighter weight material to help ensure cyclists, who like to push things a little bit harder, to stay cool." according to the Proviz site.

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Kadinkski | 9 years ago
0 likes

It certainly does the job...

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The _Kaner replied to Kadinkski | 9 years ago
0 likes
Kadinkski wrote:

It certainly does the job...

I can see that this may be quite disconcerting for a driver...
... a few WTF??!! moments I'm sure.....

 16

Avatar
bikebot replied to Kadinkski | 9 years ago
1 like
Kadinkski wrote:

It certainly does the job...

It's a ghost!

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newtonuk | 9 years ago
1 like

Surely a picture of the main selling point of this jacket would have helped the article?

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LondonDynaslow | 9 years ago
0 likes

Seen these on the road. Pretty incredible.

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