Q36.5 R.Shell Protection X Rain Jacket Review

The Q36.5 brand offers a range of products ready to meet all demands and all weather conditions. The waterproof jacket is obviously one of them. For a long time, if they had to sacrifice the criteria of bulk, weight and breathability, this is no longer the case today. The test model, called R.Shell Protection X, confirms this with its waterproof qualities and its 148 g on the scale.

Text: Olivier Dulaurent – Photos: Q36.5, 3bikes.fr

The Q36.5 brand was the subject of a detailed presentation in our previous article, which you can read HERE.

The Q36.5 R.Shell Protection X jacket thus offers protection that goes far beyond just rain. Thanks to its characteristics, its use is really intended for the whole year: from descending a pass or a heavy shower in the middle of summer, to the cold of winter over a thermal jacket, for example. In all cases, it will be appreciated for the extra warmth it provides (between two intense periods, for example) or for facing the rain.

The jacket uses a brand-specific, 3-layer fabric called UF 75Shell. The outer layer is an extremely compact, high-density woven polyamide, while the second layer is a hydrophobic polyamide membrane with very high breathability (RET 4) and a waterproof rating of 15000 mm.

As with the recently tested Hybrid Que X jacket, particular attention is paid to the collar. The area around it is hermetically sealed to prevent any water entry at this particularly exposed area, which is usually “subject” to a seam connecting it to the rest of the jacket.

Thus, all seams that compromise waterproofing have been moved to the least exposed areas of the jacket and tapered for waterproof protection, while the cuffs are elastic to ensure a tighter fit around the wrists, another source of water entry. In addition, the jacket has two slits allowing easy access to the pockets of the jersey or jacket underneath, without compromising waterproofing.

Emphasis has also been placed on reducing the weight of the jacket. At 148 g verified in size S, the objective is largely achieved, and its packable nature allows the jacket to be slipped into a rear pocket effortlessly.

A close examination of the R.Shell Protection X jacket is certainly less spectacular than the Hybrid Que X, which benefits from numerous different inserts and no less than 3 materials. But here again, the attention to detail is immediately noticeable: the elastic cuffs are appreciable and allow the jacket to be put on or taken off without removing long gloves. The cut is again perfect, although less tight than a fitted jersey. Rightly so, since the product is designed to be used “over” other garments, and therefore by definition over looser clothing. However, even over a short-sleeved jersey, the jacket flaps very little in the wind, while the elastic nature of the band at the back allows for great versatility.

This versatility continues even due to the product’s breathability. The days of Gore-Tex jackets acting as pressure cookers, as soon as the intensity of the ride exceeded a certain level, and even more so when the weather became dry, are long gone. Here, the breathability is very good, and combined with the fact that the jacket is both very light and compact, it is not “forgotten” in the wardrobe when heading out for training. In case of an unexpected shower, a slightly long descent in the shade, or simply to warm up between two more intense sections, it is an ideal tool. Except in mid-summer with guaranteed good weather, it should accompany all rides, just in case. It also proves useful when the temperature at the end of the ride drops and the cyclist wisely uses their cool-down period. This extra protection is then particularly appreciated.

But it was obviously in terms of rain protection that the R.Shell Protection X was also anticipated. And the results are very flattering: in case of a shower or even heavy rain, the garment under the jacket remains dry. It is only in the event of rain for a long period that water eventually infiltrates, more by capillarity than by lack of waterproofing. Drops eventually pass through the small space between the neck and the jacket itself, or by rising due to waterlogged gloves – often neoprene in these conditions. In any case, it is indeed a waterproof product and not 100% watertight. But the goal is largely achieved because, unless you have to stop at the side of the road to repair a puncture, for example, the body largely tolerates the treatment associated with these bad conditions. Obviously, depending on the temperature, the base layer must be chosen carefully, and if the mercury drops below 5°C, a thick thermal base layer combined with an equally thick jersey or jacket will be appreciated.

A small drawback to note is the visibility of the jacket: even if fluorescent green parts are present, their surface would have benefited from being more generous. This does not, however, detract from the excellent overall assessment of the jacket, whose durability qualities also seem to be present, with the few washes showing no signs of wear or loss of waterproof properties.

The expected longevity also helps to swallow the pill of the €290 price tag. A very high amount, but one that will be amortized over several years and can potentially save the day during unpleasant moments on the bike.

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