Zipping yourself into the snug fit of the Stealth jacket will make you feel like some kind of superhero, and it becomes obvious just how much attention has been paid to fit and performance when you do. The Scottish toughies at Endura take softshell performance to a whole new level (and price) with this jacket.
The Stealth is the first fully waterproof softshell jacket we've used. The Entrant fabric is quiet and super stretchy, with fleece backing for excellent comfort while it wicks away sweat. Accurate core temperature control is helped by massive side and auxiliary under-arm vents. The pit zips are split into two sections, so that they open under your triceps and the side of your torso to facilitate use when you're wearing a backpack.
External welded seams keep even the worst of the weather out. The cuffs zip shut, so you can get them over gloves and seal yourself off from the elements. The cut is close and clearly performance-orientated, and the waterproof soft shell material is extremely comfortable and stretchy.
In a similar fashion to the Rapha Classic Softshell, the Stealth has lots of little features that make it stand out from the crowd. For starters there is the grommet on the inside from the front iPod pocket to allow headphone wires through, and then there's the loop on the back of the jacket designed for clipping lights onto.
The main zip and pocket zip are both waterproof. The fleecy lining is warm and comfy, although it doesn't breathe quite as well as a regular softshell - but the trade-off is that this jacket is 100 per cent waterproof.
It all adds up to make a terrific softshell that quite deservedly scores full marks even at this price. A new winter essential in our biking wardrobes.