Assos Airjack 851 - worth the money?

rflynnr

As the temperature remains resolutely on the chilly side, I'm contemplating shelling out for some serious gear of the Assos variety. Specifically, I'm looking at the Evolution One jersey/jacket and the Airjack 851. I know the latter is considered more a spring/autumn jacket but my experience on the bike over the last few weeks suggests that Assos' definition of spring/autumn describes about 10 months of Irish weather (8 to 16 degrees). But my question is: it is worth spending €200 on the Airjack in particular? Is it's wind-shielding capacity markedly better than a €100 Gore equivalent? And, if combined with a base layer and jersey would it allow me to go out in more decidedly wintry (2-8 degrees) conditions?

Any feedback welcome.

Jawgap

Have one and think it's one of the best bits of kit I own - very warm and windproof - not at all great in anything heavier than drizzle though.

I use it when the wind chill dips to below zero and find it very comfortable and warm. The pockets on it are great too.

However, I got mine at a substantially reduced price in a sale. So the question is probably whether I'd pay full whack to replace it? I think the answer to that would be 'yes.'

rflynnr

I'm looking at one for €206 - a sort of sale. Thanks though: that's a pretty compelling answer.

C3PO

A very definate yes, in my opinion! I bought one about 6-7 years ago and it's still going strong! Depending on what you wear under it you can use it for 9 months of the year here in Ireland .... I'm still wearing mine at the moment! I'm a big fan of Assos kit but can't justify paying full retail for it so have been known to buy 2nd hand here and in out of season sales from the shops!

Raam

The AirJack is great, but way too warm for this time of year. Evo intermediate would be better for this weather.

ROK ON

The Airjacket 851 is the single best peliece of kit that I own.

I wear it usually from 10 degrees downward.
It is crucially windproof - and by that I mean SW Ireland coastline windproof.

Mine gets used from Nov thru to March so it gets used more than all of my other kit. In deep winter I through a LS jersey plus winter base layer under it. As temp gets up toward 10 degrees I wear it with a base layer. I have other winter jackets but they are not as durable, comfortable or effective as the airjack.

Generally I dislike Assos products (shorts and gloves for example), but I would have no hesitation in buying another Airjacket.

Lumen

Buy it, you'll ensure we get a fabulous summer.

C3PO

Raam wrote: »

The AirJack is great, but way too warm for this time of year.

I wore mine last week and was grateful for it on Friday night!

mloc123

Best bit of kit I have bought, and it is not too warm for it these days IMO.

doozerie

I've had an AirJack851 for a few years now and love it. I don't think I've gone out in sub-zero temperatures with it but pretty close. I've only ever worn a single long-sleeved light base layer under it and bar one very cold and wet day where the persistent rain soaked through everything, I've never been cold with this jacket plus single base layer. I find that I can comfortably wear it up to 8 degress, or 10 degrees at a push.

When I don't wear it I really miss the pocket layout. Having 4 rear pockets (plus zipped pocket makes 5) is great, especially as all 4 pockets are a decent size and the location of the outermost two pockets is ideal. I'm ruined now though 'cos I'd like the same pockets on my jerseys and the only one that I've seen that provides that is the Assos SS13 (I think) the price of which made me wince when I saw it.

I bought my AirJack when it was reduced, but it has been worth that and more so I'd replace it tomorrow if anything happened to it.

rflynnr

Thanks all - by bizarre coincidence in the last five minutes I found one (second hand - a year old) on ebay for about €100 so I'm going to go for that. If I love it, I'll pick up another one next year.

@Raam - thanks for the Evo tip. Rose are selling them for about €143. Is anyone aware - off the top of their heads - of a cheaper online retailer?

Raam

I must be getting less susceptible to the cold so.

AstraMonti

All the Assos gear I have (not much I am afraid) is excellent quality and LONG lasting.

The AirJack is very very warm; for this weather (and for colder too actually) I am using the Element One. Excellent windproofing, but not waterproof just resistant.

manwithaplan

I have one too and I would agree with the general positivity. Definitely warm enough to get you right through the winter and I have worn it on nighttime rides in the last few weeks. It's not waterproof but that doesn't matter because it keeps you warm even when you're wet. Mine has got a lot of use and apart from a small hole in the 'wall' between two of the pockets, it's in perfect nick. A second hand one should be grand.

Get a yellow one - you know you want to.

rflynnr

Raam wrote: »

I must be getting less susceptible to the cold so.

It's probably the huge quantities of fat you're famed for carrying.

karlmyson

The Airjack is the best cycling apparel I own. Superbly useful in Irish weather. Everything everyone else says about it above is spot on. Almost an essential item in your cycling wardrobe.

Seweryn

I got one recently and the main reason was to replace my current winter jacket, as it is black and I wanted something brighter.
It is a great piece of kit, but I wasn't blown away, simply because I found my old winter jacket just better overall, i.e. more windproof, warmer, more waterproof, just as breathable as the Airjack and more practical (it has three pockets at the front, two internal and three at rear).
Airjack is however very good fit, i.e. very snug and makes you feel good .

bogmanfan

Was glad of mine this morning. Bloody freezing at 6am.
To the OP, I haven't had mine for long, but very pleased with it so far. I got the limited edition one from Wiggle for €170, which was as cheap as I could find anywhere.