Merlin Gable II D3O Waterproof Jacket - Black

Bought this jacket in July and have worn it through all weathers. It was a good option as one of very few AAA rated waterproof jackets. It feels very high quality and substantial, is comfortable and looks great. I've ridden in heavy rain and have been totally dry when I've taken it off. It's warm with the liner in and with a thin jumper, riding for an hour in 5°c on the motorway has been chilly but survivable! The liner is easy to get in and out. I feel it's good value, especially considering it comes with the back protector.

Mine has started to show some grey patches of discoloration all over the jacket and I wrote to Merlin to ask them about it, and after collecting and examining it, they were quite surprised at the discoloration and said they'd be looking into this further, and said I'd be eligible for a refund from Sportsbikeshop under warranty, or that they could return the jacket to me replace it when they have more stock in March. I was really impressed with Merlin's customer services and because I like the jacket so much and there weren't any others available in my size, agreed for them to return it and will wait until March when I'll ask for a replacement from Merlin. The velcro at the bottom has also come away from the jacket since they saw it.

I've hovered between giving this review 4 or 5 stars - assuming that this is just a quality issue with mine, and based on the reaction from Merlin, this gets 5 stars from me.

Take a bit of breaking in , neck stud hard to do up

Good quality leather. As it is waterproof, has a removable thermal inner gilet and venting zips, it can be used in a wide range of temperatures.
AAA safety rated and included all armour.
I can never get the collar press stud to work, so I've glued some velcro on. The right cuff press stud will not stay fastened.

Great looking jacket and apparently waterproof (not yet tested). It took a few hours to start to break-in. Fits true to size. It’s a heavy jacket - feels like good quality and looks the part. Back protector included. Great support from Sports Bike Shop for this online purchase. I have bought from them again since.