This is not something I normall undertake, a product review that is; however, credit where it's due, and this stuff really does work.
With the Belgian fuck-up (reported elsewhere) looming ever closer in the late summer gloom I gave some thought to the water resistant qualities of my current motorcycle clothing; and found some shortcomings.
The jacket is a Rukka something-or-other but does not have a pro-shell bonded waterproof layer, merely a drop liner. As many have found out the outer cordura (?) layer is prone to soak up water leaving the rider chilled through evaporation long after the rain has stopped. Not to mention large puddles of water around wherever you choose to sit.
The trousers are Halvarrsons, again waterproofing supplied virtue of a liner; but these also have a leather crutch which is prone to leakage after a while.
I resigned to bite the bullet and visited a local bike emporium in search of a cheap non-breathable but waterproof jacket to ward off the autumnal showers. Failing to find anything suitable and growing frustrated I explained my dilemma to the hovering assistant who suggested a Reproofing spray.
Now I've always considered such claims as tantamount to snake oil or engine additives, but for a tenner I allowed myself to be taken in and a purchase was made.
Returning home, I followed the instructions which consisted of:
1 - Spray jacket in well ventilated space
2 - Allow to dry naturally
3 - Heat jacket with hair-dryer (I used 30mins in tumble drier)
The result was soon tested as schleping up the A303/M3 from Devon towards Le Tunnel I encountered truly biblical rainfall which left an inch of standing water on the road
France was dry except for a few minor showers, Belgium was completely avoided, but the M20 on the return journey was another downpour.
However, I remained both warm and dry in my newly reproofed jacket, not only did not a drop of water get through but riding in the dry the jacket seemed to have lost none of its breathability in the process and the former waterlogged outer was a hazy memory.
All in all, an excellent result and I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending the product pictured below
With the Belgian fuck-up (reported elsewhere) looming ever closer in the late summer gloom I gave some thought to the water resistant qualities of my current motorcycle clothing; and found some shortcomings.
The jacket is a Rukka something-or-other but does not have a pro-shell bonded waterproof layer, merely a drop liner. As many have found out the outer cordura (?) layer is prone to soak up water leaving the rider chilled through evaporation long after the rain has stopped. Not to mention large puddles of water around wherever you choose to sit.
The trousers are Halvarrsons, again waterproofing supplied virtue of a liner; but these also have a leather crutch which is prone to leakage after a while.
I resigned to bite the bullet and visited a local bike emporium in search of a cheap non-breathable but waterproof jacket to ward off the autumnal showers. Failing to find anything suitable and growing frustrated I explained my dilemma to the hovering assistant who suggested a Reproofing spray.
Now I've always considered such claims as tantamount to snake oil or engine additives, but for a tenner I allowed myself to be taken in and a purchase was made.
Returning home, I followed the instructions which consisted of:
1 - Spray jacket in well ventilated space
2 - Allow to dry naturally
3 - Heat jacket with hair-dryer (I used 30mins in tumble drier)
The result was soon tested as schleping up the A303/M3 from Devon towards Le Tunnel I encountered truly biblical rainfall which left an inch of standing water on the road
France was dry except for a few minor showers, Belgium was completely avoided, but the M20 on the return journey was another downpour.
However, I remained both warm and dry in my newly reproofed jacket, not only did not a drop of water get through but riding in the dry the jacket seemed to have lost none of its breathability in the process and the former waterlogged outer was a hazy memory.
All in all, an excellent result and I have no hesitation in thoroughly recommending the product pictured below