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Jackets
Dare2B Affusion Jacket Dare2B Affusion Jacket Dare2B Affusion Jacket Dare2B Affusion Jacket Dare2B Affusion Jacket Dare2B Affusion Jacket
Dare2B Affusion Jacket

Dare2B Affusion Jacket

5
by Shaun Audane
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Jan 2, 2015

0
£45.00

VERDICT:

5
10
Not a bad jacket but too generic and feels low rent alongside its competition
Weight: 
195g
Contact: 
www.dare2b.com
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The Dare 2b Affusion jacket is a lightweight waterproof shell aimed at runners, walkers and cyclists. There's some obvious appeal, especially for those who enjoy other sports as part of their off season training but I found the cut too generic.

Available in four appealing colours, it's made from very thin, yet extremely resilient rip-stop polyester that remained unscathed despite brushes with rough masonry and brambles. Reflective logos and splashes at key points bring the garment to life under street lighting and car headlamps.

An LED tab above the rear 'poacher's pocket' is a thoughtful addition. The pocket is comparatively shallow, but there's enough room in the zippered compartment for two energy bars, keys and a small multi tool. It's only a shame the jacket doesn't fold inside it, genie fashion. However, I've had any problems persuading ours into larger wedge packs.

Sizing is fairly regular and our Large sample fitted nicely without feeling restrictive around the shoulders, or fluttering like a builder's tarp. A snug, draft-cheating collar also gets top marks and I didn't mind a little extra room around the chest and belly regions, since this was very accommodating of winter layers.

Alas, the cut is too generic, especially for serious riding. First and foremost, the comparatively shallow tail was prone to gathering, most notably when alternating between drops and hoods. This led to a soaked bum along waterlogged roads when riding without mudguards. Elasticated cuffs prevent cold, wet stuff being funnelled inside, yet feel low rent and intrusive.

Conversely, the fabric is most definitely waterproof. Heavy rain simply pools and beads harmlessly away, doubtless helped by the stout seam taping. Climate control isn't too bad on crisp nights when the mercury's in single figures but at this end of the market, garments tend to be very waterproof, or very breathable but not both.

Milder nights and spirited riding were not good combinations. Dropping the zipper to half-mast helps, although I still felt decidedly fetid after ninety minutes at 19mph, especially maintaining momentum on the ascents, or keeping pace with faster riders.

Verdict

Not a bad jacket but too generic and feels low rent alongside its competition

road.cc test report

Make and model: Dare2B Affusion 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 Affusion Jacket provides performance protection for walking, cycling and running in wet conditions. Lightweight, waterproof and breathable, the jacket features taped seams internally and a handy rear zipped pocket. Strategically placed reflective details help keep you seen at low light; this technical style is also fully LED compatible'.

Definitely waterproof, though its at the expense of breathability.

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

o Waterproof and breathable Ared 5000 lightweight polyester ripstop fabric

o Water repellent finish

o Taped seams

o Easy adjust neck cinch

o Long back with scooped elasticated hem

o Elasticated cuffs

o 1 x zipped rear pocket

o LED compatible

o Reflective detail for enhanced visibility

o Weighs less than 700g, based on size L

Fabric Information

o 100% Polyester

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
4/10
Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

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

Overall, the Affusion scored highly in terms of waterproofing and rugged materials. However, it doesn't breathe particularly efficiently, the cut errs on the generic, especially for road riding and I found the elasticated cuffs uncomfortable given an hour or so.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Lightweight, yet hardy fabric.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Fit was too generic, especially for road cycling.

Did you enjoy using the product? No.

Would you consider buying the product? No.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? No.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Despite some obvious limitations, it's not a bad garment in the commonly accepted sense, rather the standards we have come to expect from this end of the market have escalated somewhat.

Quite well made for the money.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
5/10
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
6/10

Overall rating: 5/10

About the tester

Age: 40  Height: 1m 81  Weight: 70 kilos

I usually ride: Rough Stuff Tourer Based around 4130 Univega mtb Frameset  My best bike is: 1955 Holdsworth Road Path and several others including cross & traditional road

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: cyclo cross, commuting, touring, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,

 

Dare2B Affusion Jacket
Dare2B
Shaun Audane

Shaun Audane is a freelance writer/product tester with over twenty-eight years riding experience, the last twelve (120,000 miles) spent putting bikes and kit through their paces for a variety of publications. Previous generations of his family worked at manufacturing's sharp end, thus Shaun can weld, has a sound understanding of frame building practice and a preference for steel or titanium framesets.
Citing Richard Ballantine and an Au pair as his earliest cycling influences, he is presently writing a cycling book with particular focus upon women, families and disabled audiences (Having been a registered care manager and coached children at Herne Hill Velodrome in earlier careers)

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