Blog

Keep updated with HAD-PRINT

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 

Regatta Shelford Padded Shirt – product review

Regatta Professional has a strong footprint in the workwear marketplace. With a strong presence within the outdoor market, we know them well. They’ve come a long way over the last decade and this is probably down to taking feedback and building greater market appreciation.
So this padded shirt has been evaluated by two of us in the HAD-Print cohort. Stuart and Callum.
We like to say we grab workwear and prove that it is of “Ronseal Qualities” eg does what it says it will. So having multiple of these garments “on test” in two different working locations provides for more reality in this review. Callum also works in an outdoor education centre so if it performs there you can be reassured of how well it hits the mark.

Stuart’s viewpoint….
This is a highly functional, comfortable, adaptable product which performs to expectation. The outer at first I was curious as to how hard wearing it would be, genuinely soft to the touch, 2-3 months on, and yes it’s stood up to the wear well.
Surprising point – the pockets are more than ample and provide useful places for the everyday items we all gather. 
Cuffs are nicely trimmed and specified and equally do roll up if you’re getting “hands-on”. 
Insulation with the padding is a sufficient wind stopper yet not overtly heavy to make the shirt adaptable to the climate you face yourself in.
Yes, I’ve washed this shirt and broadly after the second wash it’s faired well. Slight movement between the outer and padded section, but nothing detracts.
So value for money… the retail price on this shirt is £45 and yes it does reflect this price point, worthy of the value and performance.
Customisable – yes you can have your branding embroidered onto this garment 
Would I buy another – yes it’s a good workwear staple and combines with a working hoodie well.

So here’s for the hard work outdoor review by Callum.…

As someone who works in the outdoor industry I was sceptical when Stu sent me the Shelford Padded shirt, would it hold up? Would it be warm enough to wear? Would the otter-checked pattern still be as appealing to the eye after a few weeks of all weathers and I mean all weathers, crawling around on the floor in it, harnessing over it and putting it to the test fire lighting in it; And the short answer is yes it does. 
It’s now a key part of my work wear, whether I’m layering up on a cold sharp evening on the edge of the peaks or it’s just a jacket over the top of a short sleeve to keep me safe at work, it does both equally well, and yes it comfy, Stu would say when it comes to my work wear or my personal clothing I can be a brand snob, don’t tell him but he might be right about that. And this definitely ticks the boxes. 
Comfy around the shoulders with the light padding in the jacket just gives it that extra bit of quality. A nice size jacket gives space for you to have a few layers on under but also works well if you just need that extra layer like I do many a time when instructing in the outdoors. 
The jacket is practical as well, it’s not often I haven’t got pockets full of keys, bits of ropes and carabiners or other tools I’m using around the campsite the jacket has big enough and strong enough pockets to take the weight it needs to. 
If you want something personalised in a sensible price range that will stand the test of time then this should definitely be an option. 

Manufacturers product link: https://www.regattaprofessional.com/product/TRS216

Product Review: Regatta Men’s Navigate Hybrid Jacket

A couple of weekends ago (26th February 2023), I visited the Printwear and Promotion 2023 exhibition with Stuart at the NEC in Birmingham. Printwear and Promotion is one of the first exhibitions I’ve attended in a long while. While I was still determining what to expect in this post-Covid world, I was pleasantly surprised by the number of exhibitors, interactive workshops, and friendly approach towards someone who doesn’t specialise in the sector. 

If you’re unaware, the Printware and Promotion exhibition allows the print industry access to the latest products and tech across the spectrum of garment and apparel printing. – Anything from hoodies and T-Shirts to Bags, Mugs, Keyrings & Pens. 

I’d, however, describe it as my other half’s nightmare. An exhibition hall full of clothing and shoes with no possibility of buying any of them. I still don’t think she’d have recovered now if she’d visited with us. However, a few suppliers were offering sample stock, and, more excitingly, Regatta allowed visitors to win some of their products. I’m always up for excitement like this, and never more than when it involves a “seaside” style grabber machine – a quick go, and on the first attempt, grabbing a bottle with a piece of paper. A quick trip to the desk revealed I’d won their top prize, the Men’s Navigate Hybrid Jacket. Excitement was at a fever pitch!

A few weeks later, I’ve been wearing the Regatta Navigate Hybrid Jacket on and off, and I’ve got to say, I’m impressed. I know a name like Regatta has high expectations in the clothing spectrum, especially for their outdoor kit. However, this lightweight jacket punches well above my expectation for such a light garment. 

The jacket features Regatta’s Extol Stretch Technology which, in their words, is an “Ergonomic and flexible fabric for high energy activities”, and I can’t disagree. This fabric on the sleeves and hood provides enough warmth, but also freedom, and movement. The main body comprises Polyamide panels, which add a little more warmth but are also perfect for a small company, club or society logo on the chest. 

The Regatta Men’s Navigate Hybrid Jacket features two lower pockets and a chest pocket, all ample for your day-to-day needs and truly is a jacket you can wear all day without feeling it. I’ve been surprised a couple of times by how light yet warm the sleeves are, and Regatta’s Extol Stretch Technology does seem to work well.

I’ve yet to find many negitive points, if any, to be honest. I’d say the size is a little “regatta” and you may find yourself needing to “size up”, but for a lightweight, day-to-day jacket, you can’t go wrong with Regatta’s Men’s Navigate Hybrid Jacket.



Our Group Of Companies

        Office Equipment Solution  •   Business IT Services  •  Bespoke Print Solutions   •   Technology Repair Services


    We challenge change. We source solutions. We evolve together.


© 2013 - HAD-GROUP.  All rights reserved.