Review: Huez* Starman Storm Jacket

With winter imminent, and autumn weather systems bringing rain, wind and single-digit temperatures to the UK, investing in a good waterproof jacket is advisable, if not essential.

The Starman Storm Jacket from London-based brand Huez*, is made to hold off the worst that the British weather can throw at you. It is the pinnacle of their Sport range, featuring high-end fabrics, fit and reflective technology. I've been testing it out for the last month, on some seriously wet and windy commutes. It has proven to be impressive, both in terms of design and function.


The Huez* Brand 

Huez* apparel may be a new name to many readers; it's an interesting brand though, which is well worth knowing about. Based in London, its overarching mission is to produce riding apparel that blends fashion with function: producing clothing that is at home both on the bike, and on the street. Clothing that allows you to "*make your escape".

Whilst all their kit is made to look stylish, the brand has two distinct lines within their range. The Casual range is centred on the off-the-bike focus, but with function also considered. The Sport range is made for longer periods of riding, but still retains some subtlety, so it could be worn in casual environments. The Starman Storm Jacket sits in the Sport line, and is made to perform in the saddle and provide many hours of comfort.



Fit and Function 

With its Sport orientated design, the Starman Storm Jacket is ergonomically cut and profiled. It also features high-end fabrics, which give impressive functionality in terms of waterproofing and breathability.

Like many of the best waterproof riding jackets that I've worn, Huez* have taken the 'riding cut' to the extreme, to maximise protection. The profile comes in the form of a super low-cut rear hem, to protect from road spray; long sleeves with Velcro© sealing cuffs, to keep your forearms dry; as well as a full length Riri© strong zip, with zip baffle and high cut collar, to seal out the elements. It is an all-bases-covered design and fit, which I've found to work very well during testing.

The impressive fit and coverage of the jacket is thankfully complemented by some high-end fabric choices, to give great function. Combining high stretch nylon with Scholler’s® Eschler E1 fabric provides that sought-after mix of waterproofing, breathability and stretch. I've tested fabrics from the Swiss brand before, and they've proven very effective at moisture management; this particular E1 fabric seems to uphold the great reputation. I've found the Starman Jacket very comfortable, even in milder autumn temperatures, and there appears to be little moisture build-up inside. Breathability is no doubt aided by the generous venting across the shoulders, as well as the 'pocket-access' vents on the lower back.



Detail in design

The Starman Storm Jacket holds a £235 RRP price tag, and whist breathable Swiss fabrics and a great protective fit go a long way to warranting that; it is the small details in design, which also need to be considered at this price level.

Huez* seem to have paid close attention to the details though, and there are some neat features on this jacket that I haven't seen in other designs.

One notable feature is reflectivity. Tying in with Huez's street fashion brand ethos, there aren't any brash high visibility colours here. Instead, the dark blue (durable) colour scheme is peppered with reflectivity. On the rear pocket-access opening, there are 3M reflective tabs; on the sleeve, there is a reflective Huez* star logo; then zigzagging across the jacket, Huez's Darklight tape provides a full reflective profile. It's high reflectivity, with a more casual feel than a high visibility commuter jacket.

Other smaller design details have been considered too. The silicone gripper on the hem, keeps the low-cut rear of the jacket securely in place. The zip baffle stops uncomfortable rubbing. There is even a small mesh pocket inside the rear of the jacket, which doubles as either storage space for valuables whilst riding, or as a stowage pocket for the jacket when it is not in use. Small details, but features which demonstrate that real care has gone into the design of this protective layer.



Valuable Protection

A good quality waterproof jacket is probably one of the most important pieces of apparel that you will buy for bike riding. The Starman Storm Jacket is certainly right up there, in terms of quality and design.

Sat at the summit of the Huez* brand's line-up, it also holds a range-topping price tag. However, after even one winter of wet weather commuting and riding, I reckon it could warrant that. It has an impressive fit, it utilises impressive fabrics to provide good waterproofing and breathability; it also, critically, has great attention to detail in the design.

With winter approaching, this is one waterproof that you may well want to add to your clothing line-up, to ensure you're protected from the winter storms that are on the imminent horizon.

View the Starman Storm Jacket at huez.co.uk (Link)









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