I’ve been umming and aaahing between the Endura Stealth, and the Gore Cosmo Plus (Camo-colour) for sometime.
I’ve only tried on in-store, but they are quite different.
The Cosmo Plus didn’t seem to have a “dropped-back” when I tried the Medium, so when you adopt a riding position, the back rides up and exposes your lower back. Now Evans having size Large in stock, after no stock for a couple of weeks, I’ll be back to throw the Large on and see how its cut. It has neat “cuffs” built into the sleeves, which look like fingerless mittens when you slide your hand through. A great idea for keeping warm/preventing wind intake – but, a pain in the arse if you wear a chunky watch/bracelets/etc etc etc The overall design is very nice, with lots of opportunity for “off the bike”/down the pub use.
The Stealth is a far more technically built bit of kit, with an almost “minimalist” approach to the design. This is a very very good thing. It sets out to do a job, and does it very very well!! The cut is long at the back, and has “grippy” tape to prevent it riding up. The pit zips are split into two – One on arm, one on side – to allow easy access when backpack straps may be in the way. The cuffs zip snugly closed, and the overall fit is far closer than the Cosmo Plus, with the Stealth having a stretchy, taut feel to the fabric.
I’ll be back to Evans on Monday, for my the final Head-to-Head fit, before I buy one.
Oh, the Cosmo Plus is now £20 cheaper at Evans : )
