Gore Spinshift Rain Jacket Review
Update 2024-10-19
Today in proper rain (2 – 4mm per hour) the jacket failed. I felt the first water leaking in on my shoulders about 50 - 60 minutes in. At 90 minutes this was the state of my clothing underneath
The DWR external treatment was easily overwhelmed in the conditions
This is at 2 hours 15 minutes of riding.
This is not sweat, this is not condensation, this is rain water that has leaked in. The new Gore Spinshift is simply not waterproof in these conditions. This has been my experience with any three layer type Gore-tex jacket. Good until the rain gets serious and prolonged.
So ultimately what do we have here with the Gore Spinshift Rain Jacket? A very packable rain jacket with a looser style fit that can handle light to medium rain duties. That’s about it. I can see being quite useful for someone looking to keep warm at the beginning of a ride and also having decent protection in the pocket if they have to deal with off and on showers, light rain. I intend to use it for this purpose. While the Spinshift is no more waterproof than the typical Gore-tex jacket, it does have a significant advantage in its shakedry level of packability.
First ride today. Three hours with light rain in the first hour, reducing to a misty sprinkle for the middle hour. Hour 3 was mostly dry. I refer those interested to the video by David Arthur: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz8kKzOuvSA . I concur with some of his main points although I believe he overlooked some significant details. On the subject of fit, I can add some information that might be helpful to some. Note that my reference for fit for rain jackets is Seven Mesh Oro XL, and Castelli Idro 3 in both XL and XXL. (Edit, on the subject of David Arthur, I now disagree with his finding regarding adequate rain protection.)
My general conclusion is that the Spinshift Jacket is a fairly boxy fit. At 183cm tall and 76kg with very average proportions, a size L/XL is just long enough in the torso and sleeves, but is simply too voluminous in those same areas. Shoulders/armpit region is good. A size M/L would likely deal with some of the extra volume but for my tastes would be too short. I am not looking for race fit in a rain jacket, but I think this general shape is a mistake. I am lean, but far from a racing snake and there is just too much loose material. There is literally no taper from the armpits down to the waist/hips. This creates the sensation that the jacket flairs out a bit at the bottom end. I guess the idea is for the fabric to drape naturally over the hips in the cycling position, but it just gives the whole thing a bit of a maternity dress vibe. The market for this jacket is certainly the top end of enthusiast cyclists – not many chunky types in this group, even if some of us have day jobs. More muscular, thicker built guys will love the fit.
The neck of the Spinshift is also questionable in its generous circumference. I have a larger than average neck and I can easily slip my hand in up to my wrist when fully zipped. (Again depending thicker guys might find if perfect.) Obviously, rain jacket neck design is critical as it is the most exposed open edge of the garment and must be configured to keep rain out. In the riding position the back of the neck does sit flush, but the gap in the front is cause for concern. In cold or super wet conditions you want to be able to fully “seal up”, not possible in this case. I did not do any high-speed descending today, so not the ultimate test for water ingress, but there is certainly a risk of the neck areas of jerseys and base layers underneath absorbing some water in a high speed or high spray situation. However, the neck of the jacket is tall enough that it just might offer the needed protection despite its loose fit. More testing is needed. 2024-10-19 - Rain did not enter the neck opening in hard rain.
Another issue is more of a design decision than a fit issue – the drop tail is just too short. I know some reputable brands’ rain jackets (Maap, etc.) have no extra length in the back, but I believe that to be fully effective as a rain jacket the tail needs to be long enough to carry water beyond your rear end. Having water run off the end of a jacket straight into the crack of your ass means a saturated chamois which will stay that way for the balance of your ride. This is a problem even with fenders. A longer tail can make it possible to survive a downpour with a dry chamois, maybe even without fenders. Sun comes out, and your good for the balance of the day. I think it is fair to suggest that people of my size who are not as fussy about ass coverage might be better off in a size M/L.
A note about sizing, the Gore Spinshift jacket is labelled with two sizes – a US size and a Euro size, so US medium/Euro large, US large/Euro XL, and so on. This creates confusion. Unless a website specifies the two sizes for a specific jacket, how do you know what size you are getting? See a size medium advertised? is it a US small/Euro medium? Or is it a US medium/Euro large? Even Gore’s own website https://www.gorewear.com/us/en-us/spins ... ens-101064 lists each size as a single size with zero explanation. (Yes, it is American sizing and on Gore’s European websites the sizing is European, but again without explanation). To add to the confusion, Gore indicates the dual sizing in the photos of models wearing the jackets, but the sizing shown in the photos is somewhat deceptive. The model, who is noted to be the nearly the exact same size as I am (a bit heavier), is shown in a US medium/Euro large. This "medium" jacket looks huge on the model when in fact the L/XL is a closer, better fit on me. Further, the sizing chart is more consistent with my fit than the photo examples. And if you weren't confused enough, be advised that the sizing chart details on European websites are different, and not surprisingly refer to European sizes, but again without indicating that fact.
Regarding performance, the Spinshift jacket is perhaps as good as you can do outside of Shakedry, though more intense rain is needed to verify. And that’s the problem. I have multiple 8+ hour rain days, some of them quite nightmarish, in Shakedry jackets and they simply perform perfectly every time. The Spinshift was initially impressive, the external DWR treatment kept the light rain beading nicely for the first hour. But by hour two the first spots where the outer fabric was wetting out began to appear. Wetting out in my experience seriously compromises waterproofing, and certainly does reduce breathability, which at its best is a step down from Shakedry, a step that will get bigger as the jacket wets out more during longer rides.
And a final note about Shakedry jackets. In an earlier discussion on the topic on this forum (can’t find it, sorry), a forum member reported the deterioration of his Shakedry jacket from the constant folding and in and out of jersey pockets. Many of us, myself included responded with incredulity and reports of years of similar use with ongoing perfect waterproofing. A question: have any of you held your Shakedry jackets up to a bright light? I have recently done so and to my dismay found numerous “pin holes” where the light comes shining though. It is as if the outer waterproof layer has simply flaked off in places leaving an open gap. No scratches, scars or even creases to indicate rough treatment. The jacket I have used most has 10 or 12 of these pin holes in the shoulder and upper back area. What is more disturbing is that jackets that I have not yet worn also have a couple of these holes, likely just from handling in the store prior to my purchase. I suspect the amount of water that these holes can allow through is so small, and the fact that the Shakedry material itself simply won’t absorb water, that whatever dampness does find its way in will probably not be noticed except in the most extreme sutuations. Bottom line the stuff is fragile, handle with care.
Today in proper rain (2 – 4mm per hour) the jacket failed. I felt the first water leaking in on my shoulders about 50 - 60 minutes in. At 90 minutes this was the state of my clothing underneath
The DWR external treatment was easily overwhelmed in the conditions
This is at 2 hours 15 minutes of riding.
This is not sweat, this is not condensation, this is rain water that has leaked in. The new Gore Spinshift is simply not waterproof in these conditions. This has been my experience with any three layer type Gore-tex jacket. Good until the rain gets serious and prolonged.
So ultimately what do we have here with the Gore Spinshift Rain Jacket? A very packable rain jacket with a looser style fit that can handle light to medium rain duties. That’s about it. I can see being quite useful for someone looking to keep warm at the beginning of a ride and also having decent protection in the pocket if they have to deal with off and on showers, light rain. I intend to use it for this purpose. While the Spinshift is no more waterproof than the typical Gore-tex jacket, it does have a significant advantage in its shakedry level of packability.
First ride today. Three hours with light rain in the first hour, reducing to a misty sprinkle for the middle hour. Hour 3 was mostly dry. I refer those interested to the video by David Arthur: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kz8kKzOuvSA . I concur with some of his main points although I believe he overlooked some significant details. On the subject of fit, I can add some information that might be helpful to some. Note that my reference for fit for rain jackets is Seven Mesh Oro XL, and Castelli Idro 3 in both XL and XXL. (Edit, on the subject of David Arthur, I now disagree with his finding regarding adequate rain protection.)
My general conclusion is that the Spinshift Jacket is a fairly boxy fit. At 183cm tall and 76kg with very average proportions, a size L/XL is just long enough in the torso and sleeves, but is simply too voluminous in those same areas. Shoulders/armpit region is good. A size M/L would likely deal with some of the extra volume but for my tastes would be too short. I am not looking for race fit in a rain jacket, but I think this general shape is a mistake. I am lean, but far from a racing snake and there is just too much loose material. There is literally no taper from the armpits down to the waist/hips. This creates the sensation that the jacket flairs out a bit at the bottom end. I guess the idea is for the fabric to drape naturally over the hips in the cycling position, but it just gives the whole thing a bit of a maternity dress vibe. The market for this jacket is certainly the top end of enthusiast cyclists – not many chunky types in this group, even if some of us have day jobs. More muscular, thicker built guys will love the fit.
The neck of the Spinshift is also questionable in its generous circumference. I have a larger than average neck and I can easily slip my hand in up to my wrist when fully zipped. (Again depending thicker guys might find if perfect.) Obviously, rain jacket neck design is critical as it is the most exposed open edge of the garment and must be configured to keep rain out. In the riding position the back of the neck does sit flush, but the gap in the front is cause for concern. In cold or super wet conditions you want to be able to fully “seal up”, not possible in this case. I did not do any high-speed descending today, so not the ultimate test for water ingress, but there is certainly a risk of the neck areas of jerseys and base layers underneath absorbing some water in a high speed or high spray situation. However, the neck of the jacket is tall enough that it just might offer the needed protection despite its loose fit. More testing is needed. 2024-10-19 - Rain did not enter the neck opening in hard rain.
Another issue is more of a design decision than a fit issue – the drop tail is just too short. I know some reputable brands’ rain jackets (Maap, etc.) have no extra length in the back, but I believe that to be fully effective as a rain jacket the tail needs to be long enough to carry water beyond your rear end. Having water run off the end of a jacket straight into the crack of your ass means a saturated chamois which will stay that way for the balance of your ride. This is a problem even with fenders. A longer tail can make it possible to survive a downpour with a dry chamois, maybe even without fenders. Sun comes out, and your good for the balance of the day. I think it is fair to suggest that people of my size who are not as fussy about ass coverage might be better off in a size M/L.
A note about sizing, the Gore Spinshift jacket is labelled with two sizes – a US size and a Euro size, so US medium/Euro large, US large/Euro XL, and so on. This creates confusion. Unless a website specifies the two sizes for a specific jacket, how do you know what size you are getting? See a size medium advertised? is it a US small/Euro medium? Or is it a US medium/Euro large? Even Gore’s own website https://www.gorewear.com/us/en-us/spins ... ens-101064 lists each size as a single size with zero explanation. (Yes, it is American sizing and on Gore’s European websites the sizing is European, but again without explanation). To add to the confusion, Gore indicates the dual sizing in the photos of models wearing the jackets, but the sizing shown in the photos is somewhat deceptive. The model, who is noted to be the nearly the exact same size as I am (a bit heavier), is shown in a US medium/Euro large. This "medium" jacket looks huge on the model when in fact the L/XL is a closer, better fit on me. Further, the sizing chart is more consistent with my fit than the photo examples. And if you weren't confused enough, be advised that the sizing chart details on European websites are different, and not surprisingly refer to European sizes, but again without indicating that fact.
Regarding performance, the Spinshift jacket is perhaps as good as you can do outside of Shakedry, though more intense rain is needed to verify. And that’s the problem. I have multiple 8+ hour rain days, some of them quite nightmarish, in Shakedry jackets and they simply perform perfectly every time. The Spinshift was initially impressive, the external DWR treatment kept the light rain beading nicely for the first hour. But by hour two the first spots where the outer fabric was wetting out began to appear. Wetting out in my experience seriously compromises waterproofing, and certainly does reduce breathability, which at its best is a step down from Shakedry, a step that will get bigger as the jacket wets out more during longer rides.
And a final note about Shakedry jackets. In an earlier discussion on the topic on this forum (can’t find it, sorry), a forum member reported the deterioration of his Shakedry jacket from the constant folding and in and out of jersey pockets. Many of us, myself included responded with incredulity and reports of years of similar use with ongoing perfect waterproofing. A question: have any of you held your Shakedry jackets up to a bright light? I have recently done so and to my dismay found numerous “pin holes” where the light comes shining though. It is as if the outer waterproof layer has simply flaked off in places leaving an open gap. No scratches, scars or even creases to indicate rough treatment. The jacket I have used most has 10 or 12 of these pin holes in the shoulder and upper back area. What is more disturbing is that jackets that I have not yet worn also have a couple of these holes, likely just from handling in the store prior to my purchase. I suspect the amount of water that these holes can allow through is so small, and the fact that the Shakedry material itself simply won’t absorb water, that whatever dampness does find its way in will probably not be noticed except in the most extreme sutuations. Bottom line the stuff is fragile, handle with care.
Last edited by Mr.Gib on Tue Oct 29, 2024 2:28 am, edited 35 times in total.
wheelsONfire wrote: When we ride disc brakes the whole deal of braking is just like a leaving a fart. It happens and then it's over. Nothing planned and nothing to get nervous for.
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I'd take a look, it might be fine. The good news is that even with the tiny holes, they still do the job. I have serious hours in steady rain with my oldest Shakedry and never noticed any problem. The concern is that at some point it will be a problem as the above mentioned forum member has reported.
wheelsONfire wrote: When we ride disc brakes the whole deal of braking is just like a leaving a fart. It happens and then it's over. Nothing planned and nothing to get nervous for.
I have two gore shakedry jackets. A standard one and the stretch version. Both have a lot of tiny holes. The mostly worn stretch doesn't work as a rain jacket anymore. Too much water coming through.
I've worn the standard one much less but it almost looks the same, so i assume its not wear but some kind of aging that makes the material deteriorate.
For rainy days, i now use a POC haven rain jacket. Waterproof, two-way zipper, good cut, longish back and a big vent on the back make it the best rain jacket i could find.
Material doesn't breath like shakedry, but the two-way zipper and the big vent on the back make that up.
I've worn the standard one much less but it almost looks the same, so i assume its not wear but some kind of aging that makes the material deteriorate.
For rainy days, i now use a POC haven rain jacket. Waterproof, two-way zipper, good cut, longish back and a big vent on the back make it the best rain jacket i could find.
Material doesn't breath like shakedry, but the two-way zipper and the big vent on the back make that up.
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Thanks for the Spinshift review. Many of us have been wondering about this jacket.
I wonder if the newly launched Rapha Gore-Tex jacket uses the same material
https://content.rapha.cc/us/en/story/th ... f-rainwear
Rapha's marketing spiel suggests it could be made of the same Gore Spinshift material. If so, the Rapha version might be a less boxy alternative. However, I dislike Rapha's dark colours, as I want bright colours for a rain jacket.
I wonder if the newly launched Rapha Gore-Tex jacket uses the same material
https://content.rapha.cc/us/en/story/th ... f-rainwear
Rapha's marketing spiel suggests it could be made of the same Gore Spinshift material. If so, the Rapha version might be a less boxy alternative. However, I dislike Rapha's dark colours, as I want bright colours for a rain jacket.
My guess is it is the same material. If Rapha would post a weight for the jacket we'd know for sure. Should be no more than 150 grams. I took a good look at the photos on the Rapha website. Can't be certain, but it appears slightly more tailored and the neck looks closer fitting. Still a bit boxy and short, but to my eye a better fit for a cyclist body. If it is the same material then it is likely a decent jacket. The problem is that it is 50% more expensive. BUT it does have a two way zipper! Something ever rain jacket should have and almost none do. So on that alone I'd say it's good value for those happy to part with that amount of cash.
I was out in the Spinshift again today. 45 minutes of light rain but colder than the last ride. The jacket is working very well despite not being as form fitting as I like. Only really tall and slender builds would have a problem. I think everyone else would be satisfied. Weather forecast here for tomorrow is for armageddon. Serious testing planned.
Edit 2024-10-19: test conducted with disappointing results. See update in first post.
I was out in the Spinshift again today. 45 minutes of light rain but colder than the last ride. The jacket is working very well despite not being as form fitting as I like. Only really tall and slender builds would have a problem. I think everyone else would be satisfied. Weather forecast here for tomorrow is for armageddon. Serious testing planned.
Edit 2024-10-19: test conducted with disappointing results. See update in first post.
wheelsONfire wrote: When we ride disc brakes the whole deal of braking is just like a leaving a fart. It happens and then it's over. Nothing planned and nothing to get nervous for.
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Now that Santini’s launched its first jacket made from Polartec RPM, I’d love to know if it's any better than Spinshift, considering the poor Spinshift results mentioned above.
If RPM is as breathable as NeoShell—which seems likely—I’d get the Santini Magic Rain Jacket. Polartec NeoShell worked well for me in light rain, but perhaps not in torrential conditions, and was highly breathable. Castelli can’t be far behind Santini, as they mention Polartec RPM on their website.
If RPM is as breathable as NeoShell—which seems likely—I’d get the Santini Magic Rain Jacket. Polartec NeoShell worked well for me in light rain, but perhaps not in torrential conditions, and was highly breathable. Castelli can’t be far behind Santini, as they mention Polartec RPM on their website.
That's expected to my read of the specs on that jacket. That's a windbreaker than take a drizzle.
You'll wet out any non-hardshell material in that time frame - espeically any of the current PFC / Teflon / PTFE / Forever chemical free barrier jacket. There's the membrane, but the underlying fabric is probably more important. Any fabric that can stretch, move, fits closely, or has any knit will wet out. Anything that can breathe will let water in. I'd look into 2.5-3 layer hardshells (that makes a noise when you move it) or accept that you'll get wet. Anything that keeps all the water out will make you sweat on the inside even in freezing temps.
Maybe look at the Ascentshell, Pertex Shield, or Neoshell shells or wear insulating layers that can get wet . Maybe also look for a jacket with a proper pit/back flap vent without waist elastic. Look for a shell where the material is 1cfm to 10cfm. In the meantime, maybe try hitting the key areas on that jacket with the DWR refresh spray to plug the pores in those areas with wax.
https://velocio.cc/blogs/guides/jacket-comparison-guide
You'll wet out any non-hardshell material in that time frame - espeically any of the current PFC / Teflon / PTFE / Forever chemical free barrier jacket. There's the membrane, but the underlying fabric is probably more important. Any fabric that can stretch, move, fits closely, or has any knit will wet out. Anything that can breathe will let water in. I'd look into 2.5-3 layer hardshells (that makes a noise when you move it) or accept that you'll get wet. Anything that keeps all the water out will make you sweat on the inside even in freezing temps.
Maybe look at the Ascentshell, Pertex Shield, or Neoshell shells or wear insulating layers that can get wet . Maybe also look for a jacket with a proper pit/back flap vent without waist elastic. Look for a shell where the material is 1cfm to 10cfm. In the meantime, maybe try hitting the key areas on that jacket with the DWR refresh spray to plug the pores in those areas with wax.
https://velocio.cc/blogs/guides/jacket-comparison-guide
I’m afraid that for the time being, waterproof means you can be dry for about an hour if riding in proper rain. It seams DWR treatments are OK for the light, misty rain. I can ‘t say I’m surprised. I ski in an Arcteryx Alpha shell and it has the same not quite waterproof performance in hard rain. And that’s a $1000 jacket.
How about a jacket with a legit waterproof shoulder yoke, upper arm, and chest area with a huge overlap vent across the back. Maybe two similar vents in the front. The rest can be Spinshift type material.
I have to say the David Arthur video suggests to me that the guy didn’t do a “proper” rain test. Maybe my test was extreme. Afterall, 5 people died here in BC from the rain, washed away in cars and houses, etc. But IMO a jacket is either waterproof or it’s not - conditions are irrelevant. My wife was in Shakedry and was perfectly dry at the end of three hours in that deluge.
How about a jacket with a legit waterproof shoulder yoke, upper arm, and chest area with a huge overlap vent across the back. Maybe two similar vents in the front. The rest can be Spinshift type material.
I have to say the David Arthur video suggests to me that the guy didn’t do a “proper” rain test. Maybe my test was extreme. Afterall, 5 people died here in BC from the rain, washed away in cars and houses, etc. But IMO a jacket is either waterproof or it’s not - conditions are irrelevant. My wife was in Shakedry and was perfectly dry at the end of three hours in that deluge.
wheelsONfire wrote: When we ride disc brakes the whole deal of braking is just like a leaving a fart. It happens and then it's over. Nothing planned and nothing to get nervous for.
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Many thanks. That guide is helpful! Pertex Shield Air comes out well, with 10/10 water resistance and 7/10 breathability.
But 10 out of 10 according to whom? And does 10 mean actually waterproof, or just that it doesn't leak as quickly as the garments that score 8/10? I call bs on just about everything that claims to be waterproof. The exception being Velotoze, Velotoze neoprene gloves, and Shakedry jackets, with Shakedry being the single example of something that is both waterproof and acceptably breathable.Britishedgehog wrote: ↑Mon Oct 28, 2024 7:00 pmMany thanks. That guide is helpful! Pertex Shield Air comes out well, with 10/10 water resistance and 7/10 breathability.
If Pertex Shield Air is 10/10, here is my rating for Shakedry:
wheelsONfire wrote: When we ride disc brakes the whole deal of braking is just like a leaving a fart. It happens and then it's over. Nothing planned and nothing to get nervous for.
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I imagine Velocio's ratings are relative, comparing one Velocio jacket to another. They may help in choosing between a Velocio softshell and rain jacket.
Yes of course, but I can never resist an opportunity for a Spinal Tap reference.Britishedgehog wrote: ↑Tue Nov 05, 2024 10:56 pmI imagine Velocio's ratings are relative, comparing one Velocio jacket to another. They may help in choosing between a Velocio softshell and rain jacket.
What about Castelli Tempesta Lite? Anybody tested it in serious rain for more than an hour? More than 5 hours? That is the silver coloured jacket that is the exact same design as the Idro 3, but made with a more conventional Gore-tex laminate instead of Shakedry. There are some cycling website reviews that are enthusiastic about the level of waterproofing, but I am justifiably suspicious in the absence of a first hand tale of dry survival in epic conditions.
wheelsONfire wrote: When we ride disc brakes the whole deal of braking is just like a leaving a fart. It happens and then it's over. Nothing planned and nothing to get nervous for.
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Thank you for al the positive mention of Shakedry. After buying a Shakedry, som years ago and now finding out they stopped producing them I have been looking for one more and just found it. Till now I have only really tested the breathability but that is the best I have tried.
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