Polaris Fuse Waterproof Jacket

If you're after a highly waterproof jacket and are willing to accept a small amount of extra bulk over some other offerings, the Polaris Fuse is well worth looking at. Its waterproof quality is up with the best, keeping you dry in rain that, speaking from experience, would see others fail. It's really well made, and represents good value for money.

Made with lightweight stretch waterproof fabric, the jacket's breathability is good enough that you don't notice any uncomfortable overheating – even in our wet yet unseasonably warm UK winter weather.

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For maximum rain protection it has a high collar and elastic thumb loops, although I didn't need to use the thumb loops as the arm length when fully stretched and on the drops was perfect for me and the elasticated cuffs held firm enough. The waist is kept in place with an elasticated waist and silicone gripper, and it has a high quality YKK zip.

The Fuse does have a fairly bulky cut, especially around the arms and shoulders. If you're looking for a sleek, 'aero, racing style' fit then this might not be the jacket for you. But its fit does make it useful for other types of riding, such as commuting or more casual trips, as it can be worn over non-cycling-specific clothing and suchlike.

There's a generous amount of storage for a waterproof jacket: three pockets on the lower back, two of them deep and open-topped, with mesh bottoms to allow water to pass through, the third a watertight, zipped pocket, plus a generous internal meshed chest pocket.

Four is maybe a bit over the top, but perhaps better to have than have not, and useful if you know you'll be wearing the jacket for the entirety of your ride. I didn't experience any flapping from the two open pockets.

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A rear light tab on the back is a helpful practical touch, and the Fuse also features ample reflective strips, although from a safety viewpoint I would prefer more reflective strips around the lower back and tail.

Overall, Polaris has a very high quality jacket in the Fuse. It's highly waterproof, well constructed and with many great features – a definite 'go to' dependable jacket. The cut and bulk might not suit pure racers, but for more casual rides and commuting it's well worth closer inspection.

Verdict

Highly waterproof, extremely well constructed and well priced