DC Spectrum Jacket Review

DC Spectrum Jacket Review (2015-2016)

DC Spectrum JacketJacket Reviewed: True Blue size XL
Rider specs: 6’0″ chest 43″ (I like my jacket to fit loose)

  • Mesh-lined venting
  • Waist gaiter
  • Ribbed-cuff gaiter
  • Media pocket
  • Interior mesh stash pocket
  • 10k waterproofing / 10k breathability
  • Adjustable drawstring fleece-lined hood with bill
  • Gusseted under-arm panels for mobility and comfortable fit
  • Comfortable fleece lining for warmth
  • Imported
  • Critical seams taped
  • 100% polyester 3-layer softshell – ExoTex
  • Bonded tricot lining

Intended Use:
Snowboarding, snow sports

Recommended for:
A lightweight jacket for layering; keeping warm on cold days when you need it.

Review Date: October 2015 – May 2016

Review:

DC SpectrumThe DC Spectrum Soft-shell Jacket looks and feels like a hoodie, but has all the features of a snowboard jacket.  The DC Spectrum was my go-to jacket this past season.  It’s a lightweight jacket, but with the taped seams, fleece lining, and 10k waterproofing, I usually don’t need much in the way of layers.  Most days at Grand Targhee Resort, I was good with just a long-sleeved base layer.  On those frigid days in December/January, I added a hoodie and was good to go.  The polyester feels smooth, and allows the jacket to be very flexible for every range of movement; it fits more like a hoodie so it never really bunches up like some jackets do, even with layering.  The 10k waterproofing kept me dry and warm in every condition I encountered this past season.  The combination of the 10k breathability and the pit zips will allow you to dump excess heat when needed.  There are tabs on the mesh-backed pit zips that pull back the mesh, keeping it out of the way when you zip them up. The cuff gaiters have a thumb hole, which I like to use since I usually ride with mittens.  The longer length helps keep the snow and wind out, but I wish the waist gaiter was a bit tighter.  It does have DC’s Pant to Jacket interface to allow you to integrate with DC snow pants.  My other wish for the Spectrum is a pass pocket; that would be a really nice added feature.  The adjustable drawstring fleece-lined hood is large enough to fit over your helmet for those below-zero days.  DC changes up the colors on this jacket each year, and has numerous options to keep your style fresh.  The Spectrum is a great all-around jacket, with style for days.

Pros

  • Variety of colors
  • Longer length
  • Provides excellent warmth in cold conditions
  • Cleans easily
  • Durable
  • Ample pockets
  • Flexible

Cons

  • powder skirt could be tighter
Price:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Performance:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)
Design:4.8 out of 5 stars (4.8 / 5)
Overall:4.6 out of 5 stars (4.6 / 5)

We caught up with DC at SIA this past January, have a look…the Torstein Horgmo line up looks amazing!