Tested : Pete’s Madison Flux Softshell Jacket Review.

·Friday 3 February 2023

Does the Madison Flux Super Light Softshell live up to the high expectations we have from the Milton Keynes-based brand?

Madison’s off-road kit rarely pulls anything but full marks. Pete has been casting his eye over their Flux Softshell jacket to see if that’s still the case.

Photos by Pete Scullion.

Key features:

Four-way stretch and fully seam-sealed polyester/PU fabric
P4DRY fabric
20,000mm waterproof and 30,000gms breathability
Adjustable and fitted hood
Laser cut underarm vent holes
Waterproof zip with storm flap and chinguard
Fully waterproof hip pocket and 2 hand pockets
Micro hem and hood drawcords
Low bulk cuff bindings
Silicone print over the shoulders
Reflective logos
Limited lifetime warranty
£129.99 RRP
Madison.cc

Buy online at Cyclestore for £110.49.

Going by the spec list, Madison’s Flux ‘Super Light’ Softshell should cut the mustard, and if previous efforts are anything to go by, it should punch well above its weight compared to the competition. The P4DRY fabric also gets a nod for being made from used coffee grounds. More of this kind of thing please.

This fabric is 4-way stretch, fully taped, offers 20,000mm and 30,000gms waterproof and breathability respectively, plus a host of other features to make the list on of the longest we’ve seen in a while.

Whilst traditionally Madison’s kit in a size small fits me pretty neatly, the Flux cut seems like a departure from this norm. The arms are definitely longer than I was expecting, but the elasticated cuffs do a solid job of keeping them in place. The body seems generous, which means you can send plenty of layers underneath, and the tail is short, much shorter than you’d expect, so you don’t get much protection from the cack flying off your back wheel.

The material feels incredibly soft to the touch and is easily one of the comfiest I have worn in a while, especially when worn over a short-sleeve. The jacket is also very light and packs small, so it’s easy to whip on and off as you see fit. The ‘red’ colour seen here is also pretty jazzy.

Beyond that, I’m not sure the waterproof and breathability ratings survive real world testing. Water definitely beads on the surface but soon wets out, and you get a similar experience in the other direction, albeit at a slower rate.

What do we think?

For £129.99, the Flux Softshell is a fair whack of money for a jacket that doesn’t offer the protection from the elements that is claims to. It’s an extremely comfortable outer layer for those days where spray or a breeze might be your biggest enemy.

If you want a light waterproof that looks good, you’d be better off with something like the Specialized Trail SWAT Jacket.