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Jackets
dhb Ladies EQ2.5 Waterproof Jacket dhb Ladies EQ2.5 Waterproof Jacket dhb Ladies EQ2.5 Waterproof Jacket dhb Ladies EQ2.5 Waterproof Jacket
dhb Ladies EQ2.5 Waterproof Jacket

dhb Ladies EQ2.5 Waterproof Jacket

9
by Lara Dunn
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Apr 24, 2013

0
£69.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Does just what it claims at a really good value price
Weight: 
388g
Contact: 
www.wiggle.co.uk
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You never actually want to HAVE to buy a waterproof cycling jacket do you? So it's always nice when you can do so without spending a squillion pounds in the process. The dhb Ladies EQ2.5 Waterproof Jacket promises a female specific, lightweight, fully waterproof jacket designed with cyclists in mind for a very reasonable price, so does it deliver on that fairly substantial promise?

The EQ2.5 is certainly good and light, although still very much a wear-it-when-you-go-out jacket rather than one you can pack into a jersey pocket 'just in case'. Constructed from 2.5 layer waterproof fabric, it has a mesh lining (designed to make it feel less clammy on), a dropped tail with gripper at the rear, partially elasticated/partially Velcro cuffs, underarm zips and vents across the back for ventilation and a soft fuzzy collar lining. There is also a smattering of reflective bits and pieces to add to the rider's visibility, a generous rear zipped pocket and two small internal pockets (one zipped).

The fit is contoured enough to not be baggy and annoying on the bike, and there's good length in the body and sleeves, but curvy women may find the cut on the athletic side, with little provision made for hips. The fabric breathes reasonably well, but does still have a tendency to allow moisture build-up inside, particularly in slightly warmer wet weather or during energetic rides, making the permanent rear vents and underarm zips a very useful addition.

Considering it's a £70 jacket though, it does an excellent job and you wouldn't expect an ultra breathable fabric at that price. It's an ideal jacket for shorter commutes or fitness rides, but for long hardcore rides in the rain, a more breathable jacket might be preferable.

Verdict

Does just what it claims at a really good value price.

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road.cc test report

Make and model: dhb Ladies EQ2.5 Waterproof Jacket

Size tested: Red

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?

Aimed at cyclists looking for a cost effective lightweight waterproof jacket.

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

100% polyester

Mesh lined throughout

2.5 layer waterproof fabric

Dropped tail design

Rear zipped pocket

2 internal pockets (1 zipped)

Shoulder vents

Underarm zipped vents

Elastic/velcro fastening cuffs

Soft lined collar

Available in sizes 8-16

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Very well made from good quality components.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

The reduced breathability of the cheaper waterproof fabric is somewhat mitigated by the permanent vents across the shoulders and also the option of the underarm pit zips.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Should last fine, although my experience of cheaper waterproof fabrics is that they become less breathable more quickly than more expensive varieties.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
9/10

For journies where you put the jacket on before you go out, this is absolutely spot on. Too bulky rather than heavy for jersey pocket use.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
9/10

Very comfortable an the venting make the less breathable fabric still extremely comfortable to wear.

Rate the product for value:
 
10/10

Really great value for money for a well considered jacket with plenty of features.

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

Performed very well indeed.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Features, venting.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Cut (very personal though).

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Definitely if the cut had suited me.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes, especially one with an athletic build.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

Very well featured and excellent value for money. Particularly good for those looking for a jacket for short-to mid distance rainy rides.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 37  Height: 1.65m  Weight: 67kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Most days  I would class myself as: Experienced

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

 

waterproof jacket
Jacket
dhb Ladies EQ2.5 Waterproof Jacket
dhb
Lara Dunn

Lara has been riding bikes for longer than she'd care to admit, and writing about them nearly as long. Since 2009 she has been working as part of the road.cc review team whilst championing women's cycling on the side, most notably via two years as editor of the, sadly now defunct, UK's first and only women's cycling mag, erm, Women's Cycling. 

Believing fervently that cycling will save the world, she wishes that more people would just ride a bike and be pleasant to each other. 

She will ride anything with two wheels, occasionally likes to go fast, definitely likes to go far and is always up for a bit of exploring somewhere new and exciting. 

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