In reply to nb290:
Fair enough, although the more clothing reviews I write the more I think that the shape you are (or I am in this case) is perhaps central.
> just tried a Westcomb Specter LT Hoody, prompted by TobyA's positive review. I'm pretty disappointed in both the jacket and the review!
So you say:
> - rides up when moving arms overhead
Haven't noticed that myself at all and I have ice climbed in it which is very arms-above-your-head (see my Marmot Genesis review). But this is exactly the type of thing that fit seems to determine so it does sound like the wrong jacket for you.
> - the peak isn't stiff enough
I wonder if it has changed? On mine it is fine - it's not wired but it doesn't move at all in gusty weather and keeps driven snow off me fine.
> - the hem drawstring works only at the back and thus pulls the jacket into a funny shape when tightening the drawstring
That's true; I guess to save a few grams and is also to make the front look 'smarter'. But also to be brutally honest, I've got quite a big arse (a drunk Australian girl once called it 'pert' which, once I had got over being objectified, made my night) so I've never really needed to tighten the hem cord up anyway because the medium is kind of snug on me there!
> - and most drawstrings are "hidden" and therefore not glove-friendly.
You're right on this - like lots of superlight jackets they are fiddly and hopeless with anything but the thinnest of gloves on.
> My humble Rab Momentum is much, much better and only 25 grams heavier!
Never tried one, so can't say but for you I'm sure it true. RAB tends not to be the best fit for me though. I've been reviewing some RAB stuff recently which has on the whole been great but I've had one quality control issue with one of the items (this seem to be a bit of an issue for RAB), and despite being great stuff still isn't the best fit for me although better than past seasons.
> In summary, the jacket is light and has a large-volume hood, but is otherwise badly designed.
I think 'badly designed' is too harsh. It's not perfect but few things are. But I can totally see that it might not be what you want, or what fits you. It's kind of a problem with doing reviews one by one. I might well like the Momentum more as well, or think that it's better value for money etc. but I've never tried one. I just reviewed the Specter LT in its own right. I guess the only thing I can say, is the more I do of them the more range of alternatives I can compare them to, but it's dependent on which manufacturers want to put their products forward for testing.
Captain Paranoia - I don't remember your post, but shall print it off now!