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Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket
Sugoi Zap Bike Jacket Womens

Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket

8
by Steph Mann
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Feb 6, 2015

7
£99.99

VERDICT:

8
10
Very visible waterproof jacket; lacking storage, but this can be forgiven for the feeing of safety it gives
Weight: 
295g
Contact: 
international.sugoi.com
How we test

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The Sugoi Zap Bike jacket is designed to get you seen. With both cyclists and drivers noticing me more, I think Sugoi are definitely on to something here.

Not everyone wants to just wear high-vis or bright yellow clothing. Sugoi have made a jacket here that can be worn in the day time and look relatively normal, but as soon as you shine a light on it, it almost looks like it's been set on fire.

The key is the Pixel fabric which has small dots all over it, so you light up in low light conditions as soon as headlights hit you. The fabric is also waterproof, so you are seen and dry.

When cycling after dark, this jacket certainly gave me an extra feeling of safety. Usually you hear a car and wonder if they have even seen you, but wearing this the drivers had no choice. I was fully aware they had seen me as they seemed to slow down much faster than usual. The simple fact is, it makes you visible in the dark.

The jacket is a typical design in that it has a drop-tail and a rear pocket. This pocket is quite small, but big enough for smartphone and keys. It is secured by a small hook and loop fastening. It's also the only pocket on the jacket. There are no side or internal pockets.

Sugoi claim the jacket is breathable and it does let sweat out fairly well. I did get a little sweaty, but it soon evaporated. In warmer weather you would have to use the zip to ventilate as there are no other options.

The collar is soft and snug and when it rains it helps keep you dry. On the subject of rain, the Zap is waterproof rather than just water resistant. This theory was tested by wearing it in the shower (due to lack of rain). Water ran off the jacket so impressively that it was almost bone dry when I got out.

The fit is good too. Sugoi do a variety of shapes from pro to relaxed. This jacket is in the middle and is loose enough to layer under and wear comfortably off the bike, as well as on it.

The jacket is overall a fantastic reflective piece of clothing. It looks good, the construction feels great and durable. The price tag of £109.99 is pretty steep, but shopping around you can definitely get it cheaper. The only issue is lack of storage.

Verdict

Very visible waterproof jacket; lacking storage, but this can be forgiven for the feeing of safety it gives

road.cc test report

Make and model: Sugoi Zap Bike Jacket Womens

Size tested: Smal

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?

The product is aimed at cyclists who want to be seen. Sugoi say "Keep water and darkness at bay when conditions get ugly.". The jacket lives up to all claims and expectations. It is both exceptionally visible and waterproof.

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

Introducing Pixel, a fully reflective waterproof fabric designed for high visibility in low light conditions

Drop tail for lower back and seat coverage from tire spray

Waterproof front zip and fully taped seams for additional protection from the elements

Rear zippered pocket for stowing ride essentials

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
9/10

Everything from the stitching to the fabric are very good quality.

Rate the product for performance:
 
10/10

For its designed purpose it fulfils all its claims.

Rate the product for durability:
 
9/10

The material is quite robust and I foresee no problem with this lasting a long time.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

It's not the lightest rain jacket out there, but it's breathable and keeps you dry.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
7/10

The jacket itself is comfortable to wear. However lack of pockets can mean stuffing too much into the one pocket it does have, reducing comfort.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

The RRP is quite high and there are other jackets on the market that perform just as well. However you can shop around and get it significantly cheaper, making it excellent value.

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

The jacket is extremely visible in low light conditions and it is waterproof. Both of these claims, by Sugoi, performed very well.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

I liked the element of safety I felt when wearing the jacket. I felt drivers noticed me and my turn signals were noticed.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Lack of pockets was the only frustration.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 34  Height: 158cms  Weight: 61kg

I usually ride: Giant defy  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: Under 5 years  I ride: A few times a week  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, general fitness riding, mtb,

 

Sugoi Zap Women's Bike Jacket
Sugoi Zap
Sugoi 2015
Sugoi

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7 comments

Avatar
Breezerfatty | 9 years ago
0 likes

Can't understand this I find the worst time for drivers not seeing me is not night or low light when I have my lights on it's broad daylight so I think a bit of high vis is whats needed

Avatar
Okinawa | 9 years ago
0 likes

I want a jacket that if I urinate on will not leave a stain

Avatar
crikey | 9 years ago
0 likes

Wearing the jacket in the shower demonstrates attention to detail which should be applauded!

Proper review. 41

Avatar
adamtaylor | 9 years ago
0 likes

Is this an updated version? The reviews of the (mens?) version when it first came out seemed to be mixed at best, which I thought was unfortunate because it looked like it had a lot of potential.

Avatar
Okinawa | 9 years ago
0 likes

I'm a women, so technically not a sexist comment

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Okinawa | 9 years ago
0 likes

Granted, depending the time of month, May lack space for my tampons

Avatar
Okinawa | 9 years ago
0 likes

Lacking storage? What, for moving house?

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