Hi all,
So I have had an Alpkit Arro and Balance jacket for sometime now and have tested both extensively. I give a short review of both below.
Balance
This is a lightweight, small (not ultra small) packing waterproof. It breathes really well and is cut nicely so as to not be too baggy for cycling and still have room for a few thin layers and plenty of movement to swing an ice axe.
The hood is ample for most helmets and snugs down well, helmet or not. A slight smaller peal than my Crux Shock, but that is no issue, and the Shock is built for full gnarl, winter ice with sharp teeth (check out the Alpkit Definition). The Balance is built to do a lot of things really well. So far I have found it does this.
On the bike is always a real test for jacket. The Balance has passed with flying colours, decent overlap with waterproof trousers, doesn't ride up and in wettest test days, 5hrs in the rain and grot, stayed dry. The top of my waterproof shorts were bone dry to prove this. It has easily out performed my much loved Endura Flyte
The dual pit zip vent/map pocket vent really well and are good pockets, although I do think too many wet mild walks, and the lack of separate map pocket and pit zip vent might bother me. But on the bike and climbing, it is not noticeable as I keep nothing in those pockets. Maybe a small phone/camera sized chest pocket could be added for little weight gain?
The only other tiny quibble would be I think the storm flap could be a little wider. I found sometimes that on a really active decent or just throwing it on quickly the storm flap easily folded back on itself and the wind cut through the zip a little. But this was only on occasion and easily manageable.
I love this jacket and it is as minimal as I would go, but still give great performance from the elements. My Endura Flyte now sits as quality spare for when the UK really turns on the muddy riding weather.
Arro
Not much to say here other than, just buy one. It is the best lightweight wind stopper I own. I have a couple of the Endura wind stoppers and they are great, but they don't pack like this does or are as light, unless you buy the FS260 Pro Cape. But that is not a multi-purpose jacket, I have, biked (a lot) ran, climbed, carried the rug rat in her backpack and even cut wood in this jacket.
It is loose fitting, which allows some layering, but it is again not too baggy. The cut ensures your lower back isn't exposed when hunch over the bars chewing on your stem. It has a small (I find) super useful zip pocket on the right side hem, which my keys nestle in - out of the way (even with a small pack on). Whilst it is not a brushed back soft shell, it certain is comfy against bare arms.
As for wear, this should be falling apart by now, as it gets used or packed for every 2nd ride. As you can see above, it still looks new.
The technical bit.
I won't go into details as Alpkit have them here in these links:
Balance
Arro
I say buy the Arro and really consider the Balance as a multi-purpose does it all really well light weight jacket, I haven't had the chance to test the Balance skiing yet, but I am sure it will be as great ski touring as it is biking. Super glad I got mine.
So I have had an Alpkit Arro and Balance jacket for sometime now and have tested both extensively. I give a short review of both below.
Balance
This is a lightweight, small (not ultra small) packing waterproof. It breathes really well and is cut nicely so as to not be too baggy for cycling and still have room for a few thin layers and plenty of movement to swing an ice axe.
The hood is ample for most helmets and snugs down well, helmet or not. A slight smaller peal than my Crux Shock, but that is no issue, and the Shock is built for full gnarl, winter ice with sharp teeth (check out the Alpkit Definition). The Balance is built to do a lot of things really well. So far I have found it does this.
On the bike is always a real test for jacket. The Balance has passed with flying colours, decent overlap with waterproof trousers, doesn't ride up and in wettest test days, 5hrs in the rain and grot, stayed dry. The top of my waterproof shorts were bone dry to prove this. It has easily out performed my much loved Endura Flyte
The dual pit zip vent/map pocket vent really well and are good pockets, although I do think too many wet mild walks, and the lack of separate map pocket and pit zip vent might bother me. But on the bike and climbing, it is not noticeable as I keep nothing in those pockets. Maybe a small phone/camera sized chest pocket could be added for little weight gain?
The only other tiny quibble would be I think the storm flap could be a little wider. I found sometimes that on a really active decent or just throwing it on quickly the storm flap easily folded back on itself and the wind cut through the zip a little. But this was only on occasion and easily manageable.
I love this jacket and it is as minimal as I would go, but still give great performance from the elements. My Endura Flyte now sits as quality spare for when the UK really turns on the muddy riding weather.
Balance proving it's breathe ability in a sunny but cold Kielder.
Arro
Not much to say here other than, just buy one. It is the best lightweight wind stopper I own. I have a couple of the Endura wind stoppers and they are great, but they don't pack like this does or are as light, unless you buy the FS260 Pro Cape. But that is not a multi-purpose jacket, I have, biked (a lot) ran, climbed, carried the rug rat in her backpack and even cut wood in this jacket.
It is loose fitting, which allows some layering, but it is again not too baggy. The cut ensures your lower back isn't exposed when hunch over the bars chewing on your stem. It has a small (I find) super useful zip pocket on the right side hem, which my keys nestle in - out of the way (even with a small pack on). Whilst it is not a brushed back soft shell, it certain is comfy against bare arms.
As for wear, this should be falling apart by now, as it gets used or packed for every 2nd ride. As you can see above, it still looks new.
The technical bit.
I won't go into details as Alpkit have them here in these links:
Balance
Arro
I say buy the Arro and really consider the Balance as a multi-purpose does it all really well light weight jacket, I haven't had the chance to test the Balance skiing yet, but I am sure it will be as great ski touring as it is biking. Super glad I got mine.
