220Triathlon Edição 334

84 / 132

84 I I FEBRUARY 2017
TEST
CENTRE
BEST
BUY
84%
Stylish, versatile and great for daily use.
Another winning release fromOdlo
›› VERDICT
87%
We applaud the waterproofing and
features, but it ain’t the warmest
››VERDICT
90%
The best for deep-winter running, and
no slouch for breathability too
›› VERDICT
61%
Breathable and flexible but the window
of opportunity is minimal
››VERDICT
Odlo have fine form on these pages
and, since arriving, the lightweight
264g Scutum (Latin for shield but
be careful how you type it into
Google!) has rarely been off our
back in the outdoors, proving
versatile for commuting, park visits
with the kids and more. And for
running? Mostly impressive. The
adjustable hood makes it stand out
from most of the company here,
the sole internal and external
pockets are useful, and we like the
elasticated cuffs. Windproofing is
impressive for such a lightweight
number and the two-ply
construction creates efficient
breathability for a hardshell, even
if the duo of layers regularly got
tangled up with each other. A
relentless downpour did eventually
break the water-repellent finish on
the arms, and there are definitely
warmer options here. Few can
match the versatility, though.
ODLO
SCUTUMRUNNING
£75.00
odlo.com/uk
The Accelerate from über run brand
Asics is the brightest here by some
margin and, while it won’t win any
pub points, the reflective decals
and mass of orange polyester
provide some winning safety
features for night running. Asics
have clearly stirred all their vast
knowledge in their mind wok for
this one, with the number of
run-friendly features almost too
exhaustive to list. Thumb loops and
knitted cuffs? Check. The plushest
collar in town? Affirmative. A
smartly-placed phone pocket with
media port? Oh yes. There’s also
side pockets and a couple of giant,
open internal stashes for gloves
and a hat. The windproofing is
satisfactory and, surprisingly given
the softshell nature, the top is
water-resistant. Our only, and key,
negative is that it isn’t the warmest,
and a decent base layer is wise for
any sub-10ºC conditions.
ASICS
ACCELERATE
£100.00
As the supermarket-esque Essential
tag suggests, this jacket exists at
the bottom of Gore’s run jacket
range. But, at £149, there’s nothing
budget about this noir number, with
durability, construction and
finishing all exemplary. For winter
warmth, there are none better
here; sub-zero conditions are
handled with aplomb and – thanks
to Gore’s proven Windstopper
material – there’s superior
draft-thwarting, water-resistance
and decent breathability, too. The
quartet of internal and external
pockets, plush collar and fleece-
lined inner add to the winning mix.
Given the thickness and 454g
weight, we wouldn’t use it for
anything over 5ºC or fast-paced
efforts but the subtle stylishness
and functionality thankfully means
it doubles as a winter coat. Our
medium comes up relatively short,
however, so try before buying.
GORE
ESSENTIAL
£149.99
As anyone who’s witnessed our T1
sojourns will testify, we’re not the
best at getting dressed in a hurry.
And the myriad of sleeve lengths
and combinations for the Pursuit
had us baffled for what felt like an
eternity. Faff over and thumb-loops
utilised, and the softshell polyester
combines with a full-length zip
shield to prove efficient enough at
wind protection. Pearl Izumi target
this for ‘high aerobic running’ and
the rear fleece panels are certainly
breathable. But – and it’s a big but
– we’re just struggling to see how
much use we’d get out of this. A
windproofing base layer and tee
will suffice for most high-intensity
efforts in winter, the key lack of
water-resistance means it’s outdone
by the Zoot and Asics here, and
superior windproofing and warmth
can also be found elsewhere. And
we would’ve liked more than a
single pocket on the chest.
PEARL IZUMI
PURSUIT
£89.99
ED'S
CHOICE