Test of the Q36.5 R.Shell Protection X rain jacket

The Q36.5 brand offers an array of products ready to meet all demands and weather conditions. The waterproof jacket is obviously one of them. For a long time, if they had to sacrifice the criteria of size, weight and breathability, this is no longer the case today. The test model, called R.Shell Protection X confirms this with its waterproof qualities and its 148 g on the scale.

Text: Olivier Dulaurent – ​​Photos: Q36.5, 3bikes.fr

The Q36.5 brand was the subject of a detailed presentation in our previous article, to be read again HERE.

The Q36.5 R.Shell Protection X jacket offers much more than protection against the rain. Thanks to its characteristics, its use is really intended for the whole year: from the descent of the pass or the good shower in the middle of summer, until the frosts of winter over a thermal jacket for example. In any case, it will be appreciated for the extra heat provided (between two intense periods for example) or to cope with the rain.

The jacket here uses a brand-specific, 3-layer fabric called UF 75Shell. The outer layer is an extremely compact high-density woven polyamide, while the second layer is a hydrophobic polyamide membrane with very high breathability (RET 4) and a waterproof index of 15000 mm.

As with the recently tested Hybrid Que X jacket, special attention is paid to the collar. The surrounding area is hermetically sealed to prevent water from entering this particularly exposed area and usually "subjected" to a seam linking it to the rest of the jacket.

So all seams that compromise waterproofing have been moved to less exposed areas of the jacket and tapered for waterproof protection, while the cuffs are elasticated to ensure a tighter fit around the wrists, another source of entry. of water. In addition, the jacket benefits from two slits allowing easy access to the pockets of the jersey or the jacket located below, without compromising the waterproofness.

Emphasis has also been placed on reducing the weight and the jacket. With 148 g verified in size S, the objective has largely been achieved and the compactable effect allows the jacket to be slipped into a back pocket without effort.

Close examination of the R.Shell Protection X jacket is certainly less spectacular than the Hybrid Que X which benefits from many different inserts and no less than 3 materials. But here again, the attention to detail is immediately noticeable: the elastic cuffs are appreciable and allow you to put on or take off the jacket without taking off your (long) gloves. The cut is again perfect, although less tight than a fitted jersey. Rightly so since the product is intended to be used "over", so by definition over less tight clothing. However, even on a short jersey, the jacket flutters very little in the wind, while the elastic side of the band located at the back allows wide versatility.

This versatility continues even because of the breathability of the product. The time is far from the Gore Tex which acted as a pressure cooker, as soon as the intensity of the output exceeded a certain level, and this all the more so as the weather became dry. Here the breathability is very good and combined with the fact that the jacket is both very light and compact, it is not "forgotten" in the wardrobe when it comes to training. In the event of an unexpected shower, a somewhat long descent in the shade or simply to warm up between two more intense passages, it is an ideal tool. Except in the middle of summer and weather guaranteed, it must accompany all outings of the cyclist, just in case. It is also useful when the temperature at the end of the ride decreases and the cyclist uses his return to calm wisely. This additional protection is then particularly appreciable.

But it is obviously in the field of protection against the rain that the R.Shell Protection X was also expected. And the observation is very flattering: in the event of a shower or even heavy rain, the garment located under the jacket remains dry. It is only in the event of rain for a long period that water ends up infiltrating, more by capillarity moreover than by lack of impermeability. The drops end up passing through the small space between the neck and the jacket itself or by going up because of the gloves – often neoprene in these conditions – waterlogged. Anyway, it is indeed a waterproof product and not 100% waterproof. But the goal is largely achieved because, except for having to stop on the side of the road to repair a puncture, for example, the body largely supports the treatment associated with these bad conditions. Obviously, depending on the temperature, the underlayer must be chosen with care and if the mercury drops below 5°C, thick thermal underwear combined with an equally thick jersey or jacket will be appreciated.

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A small downside should be noted on the visibility of the jacket: even if fluorescent green parts are present, their surface would have benefited from being more generous. This does not, however, undermine the excellent results of the jacket, whose durability qualities also seem to be there, the few washes having shown no signs of wear or loss of waterproof properties.

The expected longevity also makes it possible to pass the pill of the 290€ claimed. A very high amount but which will be amortized over several years and which can potentially save the day at times that are not very pleasant to live on the bike.

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