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Entry Summer Softshell Jacket – a great option

This jacket has been tested by two of us in the business. When we say we do actually get to test drive products, we really do, and ensure they are real world feedback. As we know it matters. So Matt put this jacket through its test over a few weeks. Stu has also had one and given it a slight use over the same period, but we both a concur with the comments within this review.

Review of Result 3-Layer Recycled Printable Casual Hooded Softshell R909X Size Large in Navy

After getting wet from a leaking 10+ year old jacket on my regular dog walks I decided it was time to upgrade and purchase a new summer waterproof jacket.

I have a good winter coat, but wanted one for summer, which was waterproof but not too warm to wear in the warmer months something that didn’t make me look like I had taken a shower when I took it off.

After some advice I went for the Result 3-Layer Recycled Printable Casual Hooded Softshell R909X in Navy.

When the jacket arrived, I was impressed with the quality of the item it felt well made, wasn’t too heavy for summer use and thought it would do the job well.

The side pockets are huge and can easily fit gloves, phones and anything else you require while out.  The chest pocket can easily fit a phone too.

The fit was great, I went for a large, I could move about easily and had room for a jumper underneath.  The length was good too considering I wanted the jacket for wet weather, I personally don’t like short jackets. My only slight gripe would be that as the hood is permanently attached, it does make the back of the collar turn down so doesn’t fully fit to your neck, however this is not a major issue, more a personal preference.

The first time I wore the jacket was while out walking the dog on the Yorkshire coast.  It was quiet a windy day with spitting rain.  The jacket performed well.  It kept the wind totally out which I wasn’t expecting, it thought I may let some.  The rain beaded onto the jacket, and it kept me dry. The pockets were easy to get your hand into and didn’t leak which is always a good point.  Overall impressed.  A few days later a rainy day the jacket again did its job.  This time I used the hood, which was easy to get to as it isn’t packed away it’s there just to pull over your head.  It fits well, has enough weight to it so wind doesn’t blow it off, but not too heavy that you can feel it.  You can also still hear the world around you, which with some hoods is difficult.

I have worn it since in wet and damp environments and continue to enjoy the jacket.  During one walk in rain, the weather turns to monsoon conditions with really heavy driving rain.  This tested the jacket to its limit, did it pass – sort of.  Overall, the jacket keeps me protected from the elements.  However, there was a little leak from the zip over my midriff and the seam on the front also leaked a little.  Is this an issue?  NO, I didn’t buy the jacket for these conditions, we were caught out, did the jacket fail no, it wasn’t designed for these extremes.  I am still happy with the jacket and will hopefully get years of wear from it.

Summary

Would I recommend the jacket, yes.  For anyone wanting a lightweight jacket that will keep the elements out.  Ideal for anyone looking for a jacket to match their corporate image and branding that will stand up to most weathers.  Also suitable for clubs or societies for members to travel to events. Overall I would give 4.5 out of 5 

Craghoppers Castleford Jacket Review

Let’s be fair and honest: testing and evaluating this jacket since July has been an interesting challenge. Since it is designed for autumn, winter, and spring, wearing it during the summer months was quite an experience (the things we do to assess gear for you!). This sparked a bit of jealousy among my colleagues who were also testing gear. Now, four to five months later, I can confidently say that this jacket maintains a unique position in our evaluations.

Simply put, it deserves a 5-star rating. It has exceeded our expectations and its features are impressive.

The quality of the trim and features is unmatched by anything else we’ve encountered in the market. Let’s start with the cuffs, which effectively prevent any “stuff” from creeping up your sleeves. The main zipper is robust and can withstand tough conditions. Additionally, the detailing at the top of the zipper, where it meets the collar, is excellent—nicely turned over to prevent chin snags.

While the jacket has some reflective elements, I would appreciate seeing more, especially since it will likely be worn during dark winter days and evenings. The jacket is only available in black, which is fine, but I believe options in navy and grey would be great additions if you’re listening, Craghoppers!

The padded body section, combined with the softshell sleeves, provides excellent functionality. It keeps your core warm when needed while allowing for good arm mobility. In the recent transition into colder weather from late November to December, I’ve appreciated this feature. I was initially cautious about how well the jacket would perform in winter, but it has held up remarkably well. It’s important to note that I wouldn’t use this jacket in torrential downpours, as it’s not fully waterproof, nor does it claim to be.

Regarding fit and sizing, it is exactly what you’d expect. I have a 42-inch chest, and the large size fits perfectly, allowing for layers underneath or just a basic base layer. As a broad-framed individual, I found the mobility of the jacket to be superb, without feeling restricted.

The pocket design is practical; even with two phones in one pocket, they felt secure. For those biting winds, the pull cords discreetly hidden in the waist are a nice touch. Looking inside, the seams are nicely trimmed in the iconic Craghoppers orange. The attention to detail and level of finish aren’t typically seen in workwear garments, which may shift market expectations, even compared to certain high-end Canadian brands that we also appreciate.

It’s clear that decades of experience in the outdoor industry have informed the design of this jacket, providing exceptional features that set new benchmarks for the industry.

The retail price falls in the £90-£100 range. Is it worth it? Absolutely. I’ve seen outdoor gear with similar specifications and features priced much higher. Among the various items we’ve assessed this autumn, the Castleford Jacket has clearly emerged as the best performer. I am eager to see how Craghoppers develops their workwear range and whether we will see more products that maintain this level of excellence at a fair price point. It’s fantastic to have products in our portfolio that align with our brand ethos of offering high-quality products at honest prices.

We’ve observed that plumbers and industrial heating and ventilation engineers have also adopted this jacket, all of whom share our positive sentiments about its performance.

See the product here

A Trades Persons viewpoint – Welcome to HAD-PRINT

So you’re here as your a trades person looking to take the phaff out of maximising your brand presence. If you like making your working life easier – we can help you. Whether you want us on an adhoc basis or commit to our subscription service with trades advantage club benefits. See below for our Trades Advantage Club.

You can see our guide to our services at:-

Garments and workwear, we offer embroidery with our six head Brother machine, MagicTouch DTF print – this is highly comparable to traditional silk screen, plus offers the ability to have finer detail and full colour, both made easily accessible through this new technology. For certain products we will advise sublimation print which bonds dye to the fibres in the fabric to print the image.

Great everyday workwear – ultimate clothing collection 

Great functional well specified core items for a wide variety of trades and professions. You can see the range here: http://www.ultimateclothingcollection.co.uk/

Jobman

Hardworking true trades wear. Functional exceptional specification. It’s Scandinavian heritage shows and gives an excellent. One of our product reviews of the brand can be seen here: 

Result 

One of our go to brands for sensibly positioned price performance specification. Giving functional workwear at realistic prices. One of our product reviews of the brand can be seen here:

Regatta Professional

Performance for tough workwear with a pedigree of a well known brand. Alongside it’s sister brand of Craghoppers, there’s excellent choice for making the apparel fit your brand through stylish functional kit. New brand into our portfolio for Summer/Autumn 2024.

Stormtech

Think extremes, this is where Stormtech performs. Exceptional high specification performance. One of our product reviews of the brand can be seen here: 

Come in a see our samples in our showroom by booking a 1-1…

Book a 1-1 with Stuart (links will be added)

Book a 1-1 with Chris (links will be added)

As a one stop solution provider, we can also support you with a bureau service for plan prints, with high capacity KIP plan printer and HP Designjet options we can flex to meet needs. With priority service for Advantage Club members.

Need service reminder stickers, On site job NCR forms, referral cards and other traditional printed stationery – we have a full offering with speedy turn-around available.

Need sign signage? Look no further, we have a suite of Health and Safety signage ready to go. Or just need pavement signage to say you’re working on a site as a marketing tool. 

Trades Advantage Club

Our Trades Advantage Club gives you additional benefits and support to help you achieve more, through partnering with us. Provides 2 levels to our advantage club

  • Advantage club – regular offers through placing regular orders with us, gain access to useful offers to support you.
  • Monthly subscription options – which offers more privileges and support on top of standard registered Advantage Club offers
  • Extras and more to help you, simply by being registered with us and a regular customer
  • Only applicable to signed up trades businesses.
  • Standing artwork for your branding exists with us.
  • Accounts cannot be in arrears.

Example offers:

  • Order £500 plus of workwear – we’ll credit your plan print account with 30 A0 b&w plan prints! 
  • Set up costs waived on embroidery and dtf garment production 
  • Order any 4 more item garment set for your team of 6 plus and we’ll include hi-vis baseball caps Free!
  • We will remove the first the fee for first off plan prints on A1 colour prints and A0 B&W prints
  • Safety Check stickers free when you order £500 plus of workwear 
  • Free Job sign off sheets, 4 pads of A4 50 two part sets, black only print, When you order £500 plus of workwear.

Want to join our Trades Advantage Club – drop us an email at [email protected]

Find us via Google Maps, or Apple Maps or simply What3Words: gazed.daisy.gold

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Want to talk to us? – Monday – Thursday 08:00-17:00 Friday 08:00-15:00 01422 55 28 90 



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