Merlin Solitude Laminated D3O Textile Jacket - Ice / Grey

Fit is spot on, even for my expanded waist. First time I rode out in it, I removed the storm collar and thermal lining as it was summer. Unfortunately, it was a British summer, so within the hour it had turned cold and started raining. However, the jacked did a sterling job and I, my torso at least, remained warm and dry. Highly recommended at this price. Looks nice, too, and seems to be bright in headlights. SBS staff at Boston were excellent as ever.

I needed to replace my Alpinestars Andes V3 jacket as it was basically falling apart !!
I spent a good few hours at the Birmingham store where the staff were very helpful in allowing me the time (and space) to try on my selection of six different makes of jacket.
I opted for this as it was the best fit and had the best pockets plus great vents.
I haven't yet worn the jacket in really bad weather and will add to my review after my up-coming trip to Austria, but after my first ride out I realised I hadn't even thought about the jacket, which is testament to how comfortable it was, plus it's a British company so hats off to them.

The bad points, the elastic loops designed to hold the jacket open are a pain, as soon as the tension slackens, they pop off. Good idea but a bit more thought in keeping them in place, like magnets or closed clips to prevent them pinging off. The neck strap could do with some means to clip it out of the way, I've used a bit of velcro, but a well placed magnet would be better, and my only other gripe is that I would of liked a couple of handwarmer pockets, got to have somewhere to put the hands when not riding. Now for the good stuff! It's brilliant absolutley love it. Lightweight, waterproof (untested), roomy and versatile, and its got pockets everywhere, had the jacket a couple of weeks and still finding places to stash stuff. Takes a couple of hours to mould to your shape and supple up and then it's really compfy. Theres plenty of vents, all with waterproof zips, which can be a bit stiff, nothing some well placed vaseoline wont cure. Have I mensioned its laminated, light and roomy with lots of pockets and vents, theres even an external pocket on the right sleeve, my preference would have been on the left, but for the price I paid was a steal, so not complaining. Would I buy this jacket at full price? Knowing what I know now, without hesitation. Now there's no more dilema over the waterproofs!