DC Spectrum Jacket Review - Old Guys Rip Too™

DC Spectrum Jacket Review (2015-2016)

Jacket Reviewed: True Blue size XL
Rider specs: 6’0″ chest 43″ (I like my jacket to fit loose)

Mesh-lined venting
Waist gaiter
Ribbed-cuff gaiter
Media pocket
Interior mesh stash pocket
10k waterproofing / 10k breathability
Adjustable drawstring fleece-lined hood with bill
Gusseted under-arm panels for mobility and comfortable fit
Comfortable fleece lining for warmth
Imported
Critical seams taped
100% polyester 3-layer softshell – ExoTex
Bonded tricot lining

Intended Use:
Snowboarding, snow sports

Recommended for:
A lightweight jacket for layering; keeping warm on cold days when you need it.

Review Date: October 2015 – May 2016

Review:

The DC Spectrum Soft-shell Jacket looks and feels like a hoodie, but has all the features of a snowboard jacket. The DC Spectrum was my go-to jacket this past season. It’s a lightweight jacket, but with the taped seams, fleece lining, and 10k waterproofing, I usually don’t need much in the way of layers. Most days at Grand Targhee Resort, I was good with just a long-sleeved base layer. On those frigid days in December/January, I added a hoodie and was good to go. The polyester feels smooth, and allows the jacket to be very flexible for every range of movement; it fits more like a hoodie so it never really bunches up like some jackets do, even with layering. The 10k waterproofing kept me dry and warm in every condition I encountered this past season. The combination of the 10k breathability and the pit zips will allow you to dump excess heat when needed. There are tabs on the mesh-backed pit zips that pull back the mesh, keeping it out of the way when you zip them up. The cuff gaiters have a thumb hole, which I like to use since I usually ride with mittens. The longer length helps keep the snow and wind out, but I wish the waist gaiter was a bit tighter. It does have DC’s Pant to Jacket interface to allow you to integrate with DC snow pants. My other wish for the Spectrum is a pass pocket; that would be a really nice added feature. The adjustable drawstring fleece-lined hood is large enough to fit over your helmet for those below-zero days. DC changes up the colors on this jacket each year, and has numerous options to keep your style fresh. The Spectrum is a great all-around jacket, with style for days.