Frank Thomas Jacket

[spanner]

Evening all. I went to our local dealer yesterday with the wife, managed to drag her around the shop for 2 hours. I saw a Frank Thomas jacket Aqua Jet I think it was. Does anyone out there have any FT gear? Is it any good, is it true that they have now gone bust? Was a good fit and felt warm, and would so love to take her back there again for another 2 hour visit.....  

[Juvecu]

My wife has Frank Thomas textiles, it's from their female specific range and called "Cloe" IIRC. She's always warm, dry and comfortable, even more so than me by the sounds of things. Not all of their gear are as good as what she has, it seems the quality is a bit variable. She doesn't use it much so it will last her very long. It is true that they went bust, someone might buy the name and continue with it all, who knows? It does mean you can haggle a bit as there technically is no warranty or any way to get something replaced unless the dealer happens to have one of the same in stock.

[Gassoon]

I have had a few FT jackets over the years, my latest one is a few years old now, and is an Aqua Pore (?)
I finfd them pretty good on the fit, use tough textiles, plenty of pockets (which I like!) and 99% waterproof. My main problem has been they're lack of breathability, so unless the one you saw has goretex, expect to get very humid in there on hot days/long runs. I couldn't believe how my wifes goretex Hein G jacket was all cool and dry on the inside after a hot day on the bike, in comparison. I still like my FT jacket - great for cooler days/shorter trips!

[Anonymous]

Also have an Aquapore. Agree they're not terribly breathable, but mine does at least have zips you can use to open vents and get a bit of air through. Have found FT stuff to have good fetures but maybe not the best durability - I.e. it is OK for light use .Luckily I've got a HG mesh jacket for hot sunny summer days - so it gets about 3 days use a year

[Juvecu]

... so it gets about 3 days use a year

[Piglumps]

I have an FT jacket bought from Onyerbike Aylesbury. Textile, with liner, strappy bits to tighten the sleeves, shoulder elbow and foam back protector (I added a better one), zipped and velcro front fastened, all for £89!
Got some FT gloves too. Looks great for the money, I've not had it too long so longevity has yet to be seen.

[Special_K]

I agree with

My main problem has been they're lack of breathability, so unless the one you saw has goretex, expect to get very humid in there on hot days/long runs.

it does get very hot....even with the vents open...they don't seem to do too much.....but very dry and warm on the cooler days...I didn't like the fit of the female jackets (way too restictive around the boobage) so went with the mans jacket..