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Gore's Phantom has been a staple of our winter wardrobe for years, thanks to its unique design. The N2S Windstopper fabric is already one of the best performing fabrics around in terms of low sweat levels and quick drying. The mult-panel cut with stretchy back panels means a snug fit for efficient wicking on the back, too. The cunning bit is that the sleeves unzip to reveal short (non-windproof) sleeves underneath, creating a great milder weather or harder riding top. Partially unzipping them works as effective venting too, giving this jacket the widest operating range of any on test. Add pockets and superb long-lasting quality, roomier sleeves and more reflectivity this year and it's a clear winner. Several other Windstopper tops are also available.
Superb all-season performance from this updated convertible classic.
If you've never had a Gore Bike Wear softshell jacket, live on beans and toast for a few weeks and then treat yourself to a Phantom. This is a must-have jacket if you love to ride no matter what the weather. The Phantom jacket takes the impeccable Gore pedigree and adds a great twist – zip off arms. The sleeves unzip to reveal short (non-windproof) sleeves underneath, creating a great milder weather or harder riding top. Partially unzipping them works as effective venting too, giving this jacket an amazingly wide operating range. There's plenty to love about Gore Bike Wear's Soft Shell N2S Windstopper fabric. It's light, quiet to wear and warm when it has to be. It boasts low sweat levels and it's quick drying. The Phantom nurtures this love with its zip-off arms, which reveal two lightweight, black quarter sleeves.The full-length front zip has a baffle underneath, the collar stands up to keep a seal around the neck, and there are triple rear pockets to satisfy the cycling jersey requirements. The multi-panel cut with stretchy back panels means a snug fit for efficient wicking on the back, too. Add some reflective detailing on the arms and you have a jacket-cum-jersey that'll see you through at least three seasons of the year.Occasionally we found ourselves zipping an arm to the wrong side. Maybe Gore should add an 'L' and 'R' on the inside of the sleeve tops.
Superb quality and performance help to justify the price
For two years I'd worn the original Gore Phantom and though things couldn't get much better. That was until I tried and tested the 2008 version...Wind, rain, freezing cold - this jacket coped with it all. You simply can't beat Gore's Windstopper fabric. It also comes into its own in the breathability stakes. As for the fit, by upping the Elastane mix in the main back panels from the previous incarnation, it works with your body more fluidly than before. The slightly dropped tail keeps your bottom dry, while stowage is taken care of via three ample rear pockets. Again, this is an improvement on the previous model that had one central zipped rear pocket, which was a bugger to get at on the fly. Unzip your arms to reveal another set of short sleeves, seamlessly turing it into a mild weather top. In fact, the only minor gripe was the reflective detailing on the arms, whose placement seemed to face sideways
For two years I'd worn the original Gore Phantom and though things couldn't get much better.