If you're after a highly waterproof jacket and are willing to accept a small amount of extra bulk over some other offerings, the Polaris Fuse is well worth looking at. Its waterproof quality is up with the best, keeping you dry in rain that, speaking from experience, would see others fail. It's really well made, and represents good value for money.
Made with lightweight stretch waterproof fabric, the jacket's breathability is good enough that you don't notice any uncomfortable overheating – even in our wet yet unseasonably warm UK winter weather.
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For maximum rain protection it has a high collar and elastic thumb loops, although I didn't need to use the thumb loops as the arm length when fully stretched and on the drops was perfect for me and the elasticated cuffs held firm enough. The waist is kept in place with an elasticated waist and silicone gripper, and it has a high quality YKK zip.
The Fuse does have a fairly bulky cut, especially around the arms and shoulders. If you're looking for a sleek, 'aero, racing style' fit then this might not be the jacket for you. But its fit does make it useful for other types of riding, such as commuting or more casual trips, as it can be worn over non-cycling-specific clothing and suchlike.
There's a generous amount of storage for a waterproof jacket: three pockets on the lower back, two of them deep and open-topped, with mesh bottoms to allow water to pass through, the third a watertight, zipped pocket, plus a generous internal meshed chest pocket.
Four is maybe a bit over the top, but perhaps better to have than have not, and useful if you know you'll be wearing the jacket for the entirety of your ride. I didn't experience any flapping from the two open pockets.
> Check out our guide to the best waterproof jackets here
A rear light tab on the back is a helpful practical touch, and the Fuse also features ample reflective strips, although from a safety viewpoint I would prefer more reflective strips around the lower back and tail.
Overall, Polaris has a very high quality jacket in the Fuse. It's highly waterproof, well constructed and with many great features – a definite 'go to' dependable jacket. The cut and bulk might not suit pure racers, but for more casual rides and commuting it's well worth closer inspection.
Verdict
Highly waterproof, extremely well constructed and well priced
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Polaris New Fuse Waterproof Jacket
Size tested: Medium, Black/Cyan
Tell us what the jacket 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?
Polaris says: "The Fuse is Polaris' new waterproof cycling jacket for Autumn/ Winter 2015. This is a 2.5 layer waterproof jacket is perfect for road riding with it's tailored fit but wouldn't look out of place on the trail making it a cycling wardrobe staple."
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the jacket?
Fully waterproof.
Cycling specific cut, longer arms, long dropped back, thumb loops, high collar etc.
Four pockets.
Reflective strips.
'YKK' zips.
Colour options: cyan/black and green/black.
Three months in and no sign of any problems...
I'd prefer a more fitted cut around the shoulders and arms.
Well-constructed, high-performing waterproof jacket.
Tell us how the jacket performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It performed faultlessly.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket
Dependably waterproof in the very worst storms. Overall high quality construction.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket
Personally I'd prefer a more fitted cut around the shoulders and arms.
Did you enjoy using the jacket? Yes
Would you consider buying the jacket? Yes
Would you recommend the jacket to a friend? Yes
Use this box to explain your score
It's highly waterproof, well made and with many great features – an excellent 'go-to' dependable waterproof.
About the tester
Age: 40
I usually ride: Cervélo P3, Cervélo R3, Felt F1 My best bike is:
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Most days I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, commuting, club rides, general fitness riding, mountain biking
3 comments
I was drawn to the statement you used, "highly waterproof". It's "waterproof". Is it more "waterproof" than other jackets? It's either "waterproof" or it's not "waterproof". Do manufacturers advertise coats as "waterproof" when, in fact, they are not?
All jackets let in water if exposed to heavy rain for long enough. The hyrostatic head is a standard way of measuring this. For a jacket to say it is waterproof it must have a HH of at least 1500mm. You can get jackets that are 10,000mm or above.
Make sure it is breathable as well. Or when exercising hard you will easily end up just as wet inside even if there's no rain.
It all depends on what conditions you expect to ride in and what price you can afford. It's well worth spending a lot on a jacket if you want to keep on riding comfortably in all British weather. Better value in my opinion than say a carbon frame or the lastest shock. Unless you can afford both that is!
I've always taken manufacturers' claims with a pinch of salt because although their fabrics may be waterproof the giant holes in the design, where your neck, arms and waist go, most certainly aren't.
I'm lucky, I live on an island where I can never be more than fifteen miles from home, so I buy the "Best Value" clothing, knowing I can be in the shower in an hour.