Wilsons Sandbox

Please, please tell me the Darien jacket gets easier to live with over time. I washed my Kilimanjaro last night to put away and got the Darien out of the box. First thing, a snap that holds the electric liner breaks. I put the jacket on. The stiffness of this thing is unbelievable making the First Gear Hypertex feel like silk. Not off to a good start. This morning, my first commute with the Darien. The tall stiff collar is unrelenting. My neck is sore from doing simple blind spot checks. The stiffness of the material has me feeling like the Tin man after a rain storm. I do like the easy entry side pockets, zippered sleeves and lack of velcro and flaps over all of the pockets. Gino

>    Date: Wed, 16 Aug 2000 13:13:22 -0000 >    From: k650dsn@... > Subject: Day 1 with Darien > > Please, please tell me the Darien jacket gets easier to live with > over > time.  I washed my Kilimanjaro last night to put away and got the > Darien out of the box.  First thing, a snap that holds the electric > liner breaks.  I put the jacket on.  The stiffness of this thing is > unbelievable making the First Gear Hypertex feel like silk. Not off > to > a good start. > > This morning, my first commute with the Darien.  The tall stiff > collar > is unrelenting. My neck is sore from doing simple blind spot checks. > The stiffness of the material has me feeling like the Tin man after a > rain storm.  > > I do like the easy entry side pockets, zippered sleeves and lack of > velcro and flaps over all of the pockets. > > Gino Hey Gino, Same as the rest report. Mine was stiff as hell, kind of heavy, and uncomfortable around the collar. It has broken in this summer since I got it in the spring, and I've learned how to adjust for best fit and comfort. The collar is no problem now, but I do remember thinking "what the hell?, for something this expensive you think they'd have it lined with something a little more comfortable..." It's can also be hot in the direct sun when you're stopped, especially with the pants, but what isn't? I make good use of all the ventilating zippers, have even learned how to open & close them on the fly. The quality of mine is first rate, not a single problem. Its a tough jacket that does great for trail rides, and the daily commute, and I suspect the long tour, but I can't speak on that one yet. I hope it gets better with time for you, every time I ride with my Darien I feel safe and am glad I made the investment. Ed

I am sorry for placing a commercial ad in this group. I just thought it would be to some interest to all were i founds some great deals on parts for my bike.. Thanks All....Sorry it wont happen again Thanks Regan