dhb Flashlight Force Waterproof Jacket

The dhb Flashlight Force waterproof jacket is the top model in the range. Aimed at the 'serious commuter', it offers considerable bang for moderate buck. On me the sleeves are a little on the long side, but that could suit you perfectly.

Materials/specification

This is a three-layer waterproof. The main is made from 100% polyamide, the membrane 100% polyurethane. Taped seams run throughout, emphasising its water-repelling credentials.

A waterproof rating of 20,000mm and breathability of 15k suggest you should be able to hammer along in torrential weather and remain comfortable. There are also long side vents to allow some instant, cooling air should conditions dictate.

The outer shell has a very tactile, brushed texture, typical of this price point, which to me at least is infinitely preferable to the glossier, synthetic feel of cheaper polyesters. I must say I prefer the red to fluoro yellow, although fully admit to its usefulness when things turn really murky; it's also available in black/blue.

Fit and features

Sizing is generous, but so long as you've referred to dhb's chart there shouldn't be any surprises. Standing 181cm, I'm broader across the shoulder and shorter in the torso than typical. The sleeves are just a fraction longer than I'd expect, otherwise, the medium was perfect. It's probably worth chatting with Wiggle before adding to your shopping cart, if you're unsure.

dhb doesn't talk in terms of 3D fit but, rather, stresses the fabric's stretchy, unrestrictive nature. A drawstring waist enables further tailoring to suit size and clothing. Let it out a bit if you're scooting a couple of miles in civvies, draw it in when wearing figure-hugging roadie kit. Something of a social chameleon, it blends slightly better than some racier models when riding a touring/hybrid setup, yet still looks 'right' on a road, cross or audax bike.

All the pockets – and there are plenty: two at the hip, one breast, two open-top internally, and the classic poacher – are waterproof, standing up to a few minutes' close range hosepipe testing. Pockets can be tricky to get right, but here I found the hip ones perfect, and the stiffer fabric went a long way in reducing that annoying bounce, especially when you're whipping along the open road. The square poacher's pocket was a pain to tackle while riding, when wrestling a set of gloves/mitts or energy bar free, for example, but that's on par with the majority.

Strangely, while all the pockets use high quality YKK zippers, the main zipper tag doesn't sport a nylon loop for easy command in winter-weight gloves. I got around this by using a cable tie; a minor thing, but it's annoying at this price point.

The hook and loop cuff closures lack the outright pull-on-and-go convenience of elasticated designs, but form a super-dependable seal with most gloves, including mitts.

Acres of Scotchlite ensure phenomenal presence from all angles. It lacks the outright punch of the Showers Pass Men's Hi-vis Torch jacket or the more comparably priced Funkier WJ1322 soft shell windstopper jacket but it's extrovert enough for most people I've spoken to while riding along.

Performance

Many jackets are genuinely waterproof but can leave you feeling decidedly boiled in the bag, given 30 minutes at a decent tempo. No such problem here, at least on chill autumn mornings where the fibres have kept pace with my own efforts.

I wasn't surprised to feel a little moisture around the armpits and lower back after 25 minutes at 17-18mph, with a few climbs and traffic lights, but I arrived at my destination, 10 miles later, looking and feeling pretty fresh. When the mercury has crept above 15°C or so, it's been necessary to whip the front zipper down; warmer still and I was pretty quick to whip open the side vents, which scoop cooling air through with much greater efficiency – closer to a racing shell – than mesh-lined budget commuter designs.

> Buyer's Guide: 20 of the best waterproof cycling jackets

As far as waterproofing goes, I've remained very dry during 90 minutes of heavy rain – a little was blown in through the vents, but nothing to write home about. And so long as you've tweaked the bottom drawstring up sufficiently, soggy back/sides haven't been a problem, even when hunkered down low on bikes without mudguards.

Bombing along, there's some minor flutter around the vents, but unless I'd forgotten to tether the cuffs properly, I've never had wind or rain funnelled inside.

Some wearers have found the collar a little baggy, suggesting it allows cold air and rain to creep inside, but I've had no such problems, and during cold and damp outings the thin-pile fleece offers some additional comfort.

Conclusion

The Flashlight Force is a very practical jacket for day-to-day general riding that delivers a much drier experience than a traditional 10k breathable/waterproof commuter model. That said, there are lighter, packable jackets with two-layer fabrics boasting 15k breathability/waterproof ratings for less than a ton; these have the edge if fast-paced chain-gang, training runs or sportives are your primary focus.

Verdict

Great jacket for general riding not just commuting, but sleeve length may be a touch too generous for some