Descente Element Cycling Jacket - Soft Shell (For Men)

Looks and feels great, although a little snug. However, biking jackets are supposed to be snug, and I couldn't get a larger size, so this one had to suffice. It did. Wore it in some relatively cool weather over a layer of a t-shirt and long sleeved t-shirt and was very comfortable.

I bought this jacket for my husband. He rides 300 miles per week, and the jacket blocked wind and rain, until the zipper broke! Had to return it, as there was no way to repair.

I'd hoped to fit into the 37-40 inch chest size (hoping for sufficient stretch...) but had to send it back. It wasn't available in larger sizes, so I'm reviewing the item from the standpoint of quality, features, etc. -- It would have been absolutely too tight to wear and stretch my arms out in while riding. I'm disappointed because it seemed to be great fabric, a neon yellow-green color for visibility, stretchy material, webbed inside in the right places for ventilation, and well made. The water/wind resistance capability seems tops, according to lots of reviews here and elsewhere for the Element jacket. It was light enough yet had plenty of heft and features for a cyclist. I wish I could wear a medium size in this garment...but in this close-fitting cut, it was impossible to cheat!

I bought this jacket for my husband, even after reading the reviews that criticized the zipper. I wanted to rely on the Descente brand, since I have many ski jackets from Descente and never had a problem. First, it does fit tight - especially for someone with a big chest. My husband usually easily wears and L, but this jacket is tight on him in a L - but still wearable. After one 50 mile ride, the seam above the zipper on the ipod pocket split (which I fixed by hand-sewing). After only 4 uses, however, the main front zipper has broken - 3 teeth have complete broken off. Since I live overseas, I can't really send it back, so am going to take it to the seamstress to replace the zipper, but will loose the reflective edging. It's otherwise an excellent jacket - totally wind and waterproof, great soft material - but zipper is low quality.

I am apparently not the only one who has had zipper problems with this jacket. I love everything else about it, but for a 10 cent zipper, I have to trash a nice jacket. Sent an email to their quality department, guess I am going to have to buy another jacket, and it wont be Descente - AGAIN because of a 10 cent poor front zipper that deteriorated and broke.