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review
£89.99
VERDICT:
Shiny looks but falls short on the protection side
Weight:
129g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
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Made from 100% polyester, Santini's Balthus windbreaker jacket is designed to be streamlined and efficient with the added bonuses of being windproof and water resistant. In essence it's a do it all lightweight jacket that you can easily take with you. However, the fabric is so light that it's not sufficiently protective in cold weather.
First appearances give off a slightly spangly look, a little flash for some. It looks a bit shiny but it fits snugly. The predominately white jacket with flashes of grey, blue and black is eye catching. It stretches well so will fit over other jerseys or base layers with no trouble.
It has an aerodynamic fit with a drop tail and two rear pockets. Despite the thin material the pockets are robust. The fabric is breathable but does retain odours, a common trait with polyester.
The Wind jacket is kept together with a full length zip which is also waterproof. The zip has easy to use mechanism and an even easier tab to pull it up.
Santini have used their Pidigi sunrise fabric in this jacket. It performs reasonably well for something that is light and thin, just not as well as you would hope.
The fabric lets the sweat out but keeps the rain on the outside. It does the rain bit reasonably well but I have been left feeling a tad cool on some rides. It has to be low single digits to feel cold on the chest but the arms can be left easily feeling chilled.
Overall this Santini wind jacket promises a lot but falls short in the delivery.
Verdict
Slightly shiny looks but falls short on the protection side
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road.cc test report
Make and model: Santini Balthus Windbreaker Jacket
Size tested: medium
Tell us what the product 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 lightweight wind proof and water resistant jacket that is easy to stash should the conditions improve but if you do have to don the jacket it has all you need. Including two rear pockets, a full length zip and a raised collar that has a smoother finish to prevent irritation.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Despite being made from polyester it does a reasonable job of letting you breathe and keeping the rain out but on the wind proof stakes it falls short.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
9/10
The jacket is well made and despite the thinness it has proven to be robust. The design and colours used in conjunction with the shiny finish won't appeal to all though.
Rate the product for performance:
6/10
Considering the purpose with which it was designed the Santini jacket falls short of what you'd expect. It doesn't fully protect you from the wind in the areas you would expect.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
The jacket so far has proven to be robust but I worry that given its polyester construction it will show signs of wear or bobbling.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
Given this is a wind proof and water resistant jacket you wouldn't expect it to be heavy and it isn't.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Given the material used it is no surprise it has a slightly odd feel, a little irritating for a jacket that you may wear next to the skin.
Rate the product for value:
7/10
Seems over priced and given the competitiveness of the category it will come up against some serious rivals.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
In promised much but fell short and it struggles with dispelling odours.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The zip is one of the best I have used for a while and the pockets are a nice addition.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The odour retention is an issue as is the lack of wind proofing ability especially on the arms.
Did you enjoy using the product? I did to start with but the overall performance was a disappointment.
Would you consider buying the product? Probably not.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Not really.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
The Santini wind jacket ultimately falls short of where it is aiming.
About the tester
Age: 45 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
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