There's very little in it, but it's very hard to look past the Oxford Mondial's low price at the moment (£189.99 if you go for the Tech Green colour). I have more experience of the Wolf suit and I feel it has a better finish than the Oxford suit, but for performance and value the Mondial just nudges ahead. Thanks for getting in touch. Cheers, Tony
Hmmmm .... checked out the mondial in-store yesterday, and to me it looks like a z-liner rather than the waterproofing being bonded to the outer. I know that goes against what everyone is saying, but the test for me is that when I open the vents, I cannot see my fingers through the mesh. So the airflow is being blocked just the same as any other cheap jacket using an inner waterproof breathable membrane. That is not the case on the Rukka suit I bought - OK it's 4 times the price but that's what a proper laminated outer looks like.
I've just been to check and it is a laminated membrane, but you're right when you say it's not quite direct-to-body venting. When you pull back the venting flap it reveals an air mesh and it appears to be a thin nylon mesh behind there (I believe that's the material that stops you seeing your fingers). The air has to pass through this, but there's no membrane for the air to pass through at this point so airflow will be compromised but not by as much as if it had to pass through the membrane. Thanks for getting in touch, and I hope that helps clarify the situation. Cheers, Tony
@@sportsbikeshop Sorry Tony but I think it's more complicated. Oxford have told me that the stitched in membrane we are both talking about is to improve waterproofness, and a thin nylon mesh would not do that. Another review of 10 laminated suits clearly says when examining the Richa (which seems to be the same jacket as the Mondial), that the thing sewn in to all the vents is their waterpoof/windproof membrane. I cannot see how they can describe this as 'direct venting'
I stand corrected, Mike. I've managed to get to the inside of this jacket now, and have also spoken to Oxford's marketing department. The material behind that vent is indeed Dry2Dry membrane (apologies), but it has holes punched in it. Oxford say this is to allow airflow while guaranteeing waterproofing. Have to admit, I'm not sure how a waterproof membrane with holes in it will be guaranteed waterproof. By getting inside, I can confirm the membrane is laminated to the outer shell, but the vents do not meet my definition of 'direct'. Sorry for any confusion caused here.
That'd depend on the conditions I was more likely to ride in. In most conditions I'd personally favour the Mondial as the laminated waterproof membrane would be preferable in the rain, and also in higher temperatures. The drop liner in the Andes becomes a strength if I'm expecting to ride in cold, dry weather a lot as drop liners tend to provide a bit more heat insulation. I hope that helps you decide which one is more suited to your needs. Cheers, Tony
I'd say there's little difference in the materials, but the extra length and overlap of the Mondial jacket over the trousers should give improved protection. I hope that helps. Cheers, Tony
Hi Tony, do you have any comments on arm length for this jacket? I’m obviously an odd shape as most jackets I try are either long enough in the body but too short in the arm, or arm length is ok but the length is off. Hoping the Mondial has decent length arms!
Hi Karl, I've just been and checked a couple from our stock and I'd be happy with the sleeve length for me. Short sleeves is something that can be a problem for me with some jackets, but with this one I can get a good overlap with my gloves and the elbow armour sits in the right place. Obviously I can only give my experience and I hope that helps. Cheers, Tony
It has the waterproof membrane laminated to the outer shell, so the idea is that it won't wet out. The vast majority of customer reviews who refer to waterproofing say it works well, with only one disappointed owner from around 50 who've passed comment. Cheers, Tony
Should have shown more of the liner detail and how easy/quick, or difficult / fiddly it is to take out and re-fit. How it's attached to the outer etc etc. Too much attention paid to looks, zips & vents instead of showing how waterproof it really is and the all important liner detail
So the only pockets are at the front and they are not waterproof?? No other (waterproof) pockets. Then my phone and my wallet will get wet if I use this jacket. Not good.
