Weise Onyx Evo 4-in-1 jacket £329.99
www.weise.co.uk Tested by Jim Blackstock, Product Editor
THE LATEST VERSION of the Onyx jacket promises four-season performance thanks to its modular design. It features a textile outer with a waterproof, windproof and breathable drop liner and a separate thermal liner. Vents in the outer at the chest, shoulders and forearms allow cooling airflow when the drop liner is removed and there are plenty of Velcro straps to adjust the fit. It uses Knox armour at shoulders, elbows and in the back and there’s a handy zip-on storm collar.
In use, I found the body felt a bit baggy until I worked out the adjustment but the arms felt restrictive, especially around the elbows. Once sorted, I found it comfortable on the bike, even with the various layers and it is warm too — something I didn’t expect as the thermal liner felt thin. I rode in it down to 1°C and stayed toasty while up around 10-12°C, I found myself (pointlessly with the drop liner in place) opening flaps for cooling air. I couldn’t get on with the storm collar — I found it too constrictive but I’m sure other people would like the added protection from the elements. A hose test revealed water beading on the surface but the textile outer eventually soaked through. The drop liner did its job though, with no water entering at all.
An impressive jacket that’ll do well for year-round use.
Warm, breathable, waterproof, good adjustability, Knox armour Three-layer design cumbersome, elbows tight, storm collar not for me