Disappointing material. Poor fit.
I've owned a Reed Chillcheater short sleeved Cag since about 2008, it was my favourite 3 season Cag for about 8 years, I loved it. I dipped out of paddling for several years, but have recently reignited my interest. Amazingly, my 'old' Reed S/S Cag still fitted, and if it weren’t for the seams coming away in a few places, it could easily pass as new. Given my previous experience, I had no hesitation in jumping in with Reed again. I checked my measurements against the sizing chart several times (I hate the faff and expense of having to return stuff, especially when suppliers can't get the measurements right), it seemed that the XL would bang on for me at 6'3", my old Cag was also XL, so it seemed the sizing hadn't changed since 2008 so I pressed buy (after including my chest and bicep measurements as requested). The Cag arrived within 48hrs, just in time for my evening paddle. Thankfully, I tried it on before leaving the house, and that was when the euphoria bubble burst. The fit, and feel is nothing like my old Reed Cag. Here's where it falls short in my view:
1) Sleeves too short - they want to ride up when mimicking the paddling motion.
2) The material used for the cuffs is different, it's snug fitting but feels abrasive in comparison with the cuffs of the old version, the combination of the riding up and the material makes me feel that this is going to chafe like crazy (plus one of the cuffs is badly finished/frayed at the edges, adding to the suspicion that this is inferior material to that previously used).
3) The collar is a total disaster. I chose the touring cag version this time round (my previous Cag was a closed neck seal and despite being the close fit needed for a watertight seal, it was supremely comfortable). The neck arrangement on the new Cag has to be the worst I've ever come across, it's neither comfortable in the zipped up position, or the open position. The material to accommodate the zip is just too stiff for the purpose, just standing motionless is uncomfortable, and when mimicking a paddling motion, I could immediately feel it chafing my neck (high up under my chin), this was in both the open and closed positions, as well as when trying varying zip positions.
There is just too much material around the neck, it bunches up at the nape, giving the same sensation you get when you put a jersey on back to front.
4) The material is a lot thicker than my old Cag, which was so supple you could easily forget you had it on. The 'new' material is not just stiff, it's noisy. Instead of the silky elasticity of my old one, it has a restrictive resistance to it (when mimicking the paddling motion) which does not aid a fluid movement, and is also extremely irritating, as the material combined with some weird tailoring, means it rides up (when mimicking the paddling motion).
5) Weight.. it feels nearly twice the weight of the 'old' version. Some of this is due to the zip/collar paraphernalia but the majority seems to be due to the thickness of the material.
6) No Free Returns. Yes, I knew this when I ordered it. As a boringly predictable body shape/proportion for my height, Reeds sizing chart should have been a 'no brainer'. If Reed are going to charge their customers for returns, then they really should provide better sizing info to assist in getting the right fit.
