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review

Chrome Storm Cobra 3.0

8
£180.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Classy urban cycling coat that can carry loads and will protect you from the worst of the weather
Weatherproofing
Stylish
Breathable
Expensive
Fiddly zip
Weight: 
715g

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Chrome's Storm Cobra 3.0 jacket is smart, modern and a very effective way to keep wintry, wet weather at bay while on your ride. It's loaded with pockets and more than breathable enough for urban duties. However, all those talents do come at a price – literally.

When it comes to Chrome clothing, I'm always reminded of an old Eddie Izzard routine talking about the circle of 'coolness'. As you progress round the circle you go from looking ridiculous, to quite cool, to really cool, to incredibly cool. But if you go round too far, you immediately drop back to the start and look like a berk.

> Buy this online here

Chrome kit is a bit like that. It's easy to imagine a moody, wafer-thin pansexual model, surrounded by a suitably oppressive city skyline, looking pretty funky wearing it in the pages of a glossy magazine. For a chunky middle-aged fella in Croydon, it's a little harder to pull off.

2021 Chrome Storm Cobra 3.0 jacket side.jpg

That said, in the style stakes the Storm Cobra 3.0 is actually one of Chrome's best efforts. It feels great to wear – not overly heavy, but the three-layer construction is far more substantial than a plastic rain coat – and while the cut isn't form-fitting, it's certainly smart. Even the elasticated and poppered cuffs look classy and, to my mind, they're much easier to live with than Velcro efforts that just cause all the excess material to bunch up.

2021 Chrome Storm Cobra 3.0 jacket cuff.jpg

In fact, in terms of practicality there's plenty to like. First of all, there are loads of pockets: two massive lower front pockets, two zipped hip pockets, one zipped chest pocket and another truly humungous zipped rear pocket.

2021 Chrome Storm Cobra 3.0 jacket rear pocket.jpg

There's also a sneaky bit of subtle reflectivity across the back and on the Chrome emblem on the sleeve.

2021 Chrome Storm Cobra 3.0 jacket sleeve.jpg

Although it looks and feels nothing like a plastic mac, it is still impressively waterproof. I've used the Cobra 3.0 on some pretty manky days and the rain has done no more than bead on the outside. The capacious hood will happily accept a helmeted head and those poppered cuffs kept my lower arms perfectly protected.

2021 Chrome Storm Cobra 3.0 jacket hood urgh.jpg

On the bike, the Storm Cobra didn't inhibit or hamper any part of the ride; arm length is good, as is length at the tail for keeping your seat dry. As I mentioned, this is quite a substantial garment – it isn't the kind of coat you can pack in your bag and whip out when necessary – but luckily for something you might be wearing all day, breathability is impressive and I didn't suffer any significant moisture build up. I suspect you will if you go really hard, but typical urban riding performance is very good.

2021 Chrome Storm Cobra 3.0 jacket on bike.jpg

Helping regulate temperature somewhat are the huge, zipped armpit vents and the dual-action main front zip, which you can unzip from the bottom to turn the Cobra 3.0 into a cape-like creation. Personally, I'm not sure I'd use this feature and my one criticism of the whole garment is that the main front zip is tricky to use. That's partly down to its substantial waterproofing, but also the dual action. If Chrome is interested in some constructive criticism, I'd suggest fitting a simple basic zip that's easier to do up.

2021 Chrome Storm Cobra 3.0 jacket pesky zip.jpg

Other than that, though, there's very little to complain about, and a lot to like.

2021 Chrome Storm Cobra 3.0 jacket rear.jpg

Value and conclusion

Actually, there might be one other thing to complain about – the price. At £180 this is far from cheap. I tested the Pearl Izumi Rove Barrier jacket not so long ago and at £129.99, it's almost as smart as the Chrome Storm Cobra but a little lighter. It doesn't offer quite so much load carrying potential or waterproofing, though. Another more svelte option would the Howies Herald, which is a really fantastic waterproof jacket at £139, but again doesn't quite offer all the same practicalities as the Cobra.

> Buyer’s Guide: The best casual cycling kit for commuting

Chrome itself also has no end of alternatives, such as the Kojak Convertible at an eye-watering £220 or the less impressive Storm Signal at £140, but I'd say the Storm Cobra is the best Chrome jacket I've tested yet.

> 30 of the best cycle commuting upgrades and accessories

In fact, in my opinion, in the Storm Cobra 3.0, Chrome has hit the bullseye when it comes to the brand's aim of producing stylish, contemporary urban cycle wear that fulfils all the practical functions daily riders require. It's comfy on the bike, durable, weather resistant and looks really rather smart. If you're happy to splash that cash, I don't think you'll feel let down.

Verdict

Classy urban cycling coat that can carry loads and will protect you from the worst of the weather

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Chrome Storm Cobra 3.0

Size tested: XL

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?

This is a winter weather urban cycling jacket, aimed at the discerning commuter. Chrome says: "We have evolved our Chrome Storm Cobra 2.0 to the next level. Still a three-layer fabric that's waterproof and breathable, we designed it with innovative zippered underarm vents and extra reflective details. We've kept everything you loved about the Cobra 2.0 to create the next step in the ultimate urban riding shell, the Storm Cobra 3.0."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the jacket?

Chrome lists:

Zippered underarm vents

Reflective details

Three-panel helmet compatible hood

Zippered front and rear cargo pockets

Three-layer breathable, fully taped waterproof poly

Waterproof rating: 10k mm / 5k mvp

Rate the jacket for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Chrome kit tends to be really well made and this is no exception. The sewing around the cuffs is a testament to the attention to detail. The one downside is the front zip – it's top quality and waterproof, but it's a pig to engage properly at first, though lots of use makes it easier.

Rate the jacket for performance:
 
8/10

Excellent wet weather performance and very respectable breathability.

Rate the jacket for durability:
 
9/10

Very hardwearing three-layer material and well-taped seams.

Rate the jacket for waterproofing based on the manufacturer's rating:
 
9/10

Really good – I've used it in some pretty poor conditions and it's not missed a beat.

Rate the jacket for breathability based on the manufacturer's rating:
 
8/10

I suspect it might get a tad clammy if you were to go hard in warm weather, but for UK winters and urban rides, it's very good.

Rate the jacket for fit:
 
9/10

Great – arm length and tail length just perfect for in the saddle.

Rate the jacket for sizing:
 
9/10

I probably tested a size too big in retrospect, but it didn't swamp me. Even with lots of room, it feels great to wear.

Rate the jacket for weight:
 
7/10

It's a fairly bulky bit of kit for a cycling jacket – but in its defence it also has a feeling of solid construction.

Rate the jacket for comfort:
 
8/10

There's not much in the way of added comforts like fleece-lined collars but the basic cut, fit and performance of the jacket feels great.

Rate the jacket for value:
 
5/10

At £180 this is far from cheap. I tested the Pearl Izumi Rove Barrier jacket not so long ago and at £129.99, it's almost as smart as the Chrome Storm Cobra but a little lighter. It doesn't offer quite so much load carrying potential or waterproofing, though. Another lighter option would be the Howies Herald, which is a really fantastic waterproof jacket at £139, but again doesn't quite offer all the same practicalities as the Cobra.

How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Machine wash cold, hang to dry.

Tell us how the jacket performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Really excellent jacket for urban duties, with enough performance to keep you pedalling happily, and enough practicalities – such as a vast array of storage – for even the most demanding rider.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket

The marriage of style and performance is very pleasing.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket

That main zip – it has really annoyed me at times, although it's gradually wearing in with use.

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 overall score

Price and annoying zip notwithstanding, this is a fab riding coat that will do all you ask of it. I'm a big fan and I personally think it's not far off deserving 9/10.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 39  Height: 6'0  Weight: 16 stone

I usually ride: Islabikes Beinn 29  My best bike is: 25-year-old Dawes Galaxy

I've been riding for: Over 20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb, Leisure

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7 comments

Avatar
brooksby | 3 years ago
0 likes

Oh, I remember the days when Chrome made bags.  Just bags.

(the label in the front of my old Chrome Citizen bag still references "www.chromebags.com"...).

Avatar
zero_trooper | 3 years ago
0 likes

Nice, like a Hummvee Shacket on (expensive) roids.

Avatar
BobK | 3 years ago
1 like

Chrome's website shows all sizes out of stock and "final sale" notice. Did you really just reviewed an item that's not going to be available ever again?

Avatar
lozbywater replied to BobK | 3 years ago
0 likes

Always Riding has some stock.

Avatar
a_to_the_j | 3 years ago
0 likes

tarmac grey to stand out on the commute.....

8/10 given the lack of comforts, the colour and the price and the fit looks awful - seems high to me.

the best commuter jacket i got was a discounted goretex bright blue 3 layer jacket not bike specific for £99 with 2 long chest zips and stowed hood that fitted far better than the above.

i get the feeling the reviewer likes this brand.

Avatar
EddyBerckx replied to a_to_the_j | 3 years ago
1 like
a_to_the_j wrote:

tarmac grey to stand out on the commute.....

8/10 given the lack of comforts, the colour and the price and the fit looks awful - seems high to me.

the best commuter jacket i got was a discounted goretex bright blue 3 layer jacket not bike specific for £99 with 2 long chest zips and stowed hood that fitted far better than the above.

i get the feeling the reviewer likes this brand.

Quite often the model here is not the reviewer, which is why it may not fit so well.

And not everybody feels the need to dress like a circus clown on their moot. Many in fact have noticed it makes zero difference to the behaviour of drivers in fact...and there have been many a study to confirm this. 

 

 

Avatar
zero_trooper replied to a_to_the_j | 3 years ago
0 likes

And who doesn't like a bit of chrome?

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