The new top of the range ME Kalanka uses RiRi Aqua zips for pockets and main zip but doesnt have an outer storm flap but does have an inner one.
Some of their other jackets like the Kongur and Morpheus use the ykk waterproof zips and have a storm flap. At first I thought ME were moving to RiRi zips but then when you look at their new range the ykk's are still there. So, not sure why Kalanka is the only one with the RiRi's.
Anyway, I want to make sure I keep as dry as possible given I'm spending more time out in some really bad weather these days. I suppose the concern is ME put a disclaimer in the pockets saying they are not 100% waterproof (which they do on all their jackets) and are using the same zip for the main one, all be it with an internal storm flap.
Whats your thoughts on an exposed zip such as the RiRi over an external storm flap.
Interesting comparison on the 2 types of zip here:
Cost I'd expect. Or maybe RiRi just can't produce their zips in enough quantity for the larger volume lines.
Some notes from PHD at the top of this page. They did certainly put storm flaps over the RiRi's in their recent shells. (maybe using exposed aquaseals now, certainly the smock is pictured that way.).
Worth keeping in perspective though - 'everyone' has been using exposed YKK's with internal storm flaps for quite a while now so I don't think it can be a major problem. Pockets more so.
The 2 eVent jackets I have had have been sh1te. I've done the proper washing bit (detergent first) which works for a while but finding them as bad as Goretex was. My current eVent is a Montane Quickfire which leaks badly at the base of the hood where it's delaminated but Montane don't want to know due to it's age despite little use- fair enough. I've just patched it up last week with Tenacious Tape - may try it in the shower this weekend!
The main issue I see isn't so much how waterproof the system is, which I think is more or less at the "given" point, but with a traditional storm flap you can semi-seal the jacket without the zip to keep the wind and dreich out but still have a little venting, or the bonus the other way is less faff getting things sorted when wearing gloves or mitts. In other words, the colder it gets the more I'd want a waterproof zip, and the warmer it is the more I'd be interested in a storm flap.
The 2 eVent jackets I have had have been sh1te. I've done the proper washing bit (detergent first) which works for a while but finding them as bad as Goretex was. My current eVent is a Montane Quickfire which leaks badly at the base of the hood where it's delaminated but Montane don't want to know due to it's age despite little use- fair enough. I've just patched it up last week with Tenacious Tape - may try it in the shower this weekend!
I have a Quickfire and never had any issues with it, I presume Montane wont cover it as its out of warranty, what other Event jacket did you have an issue with?
I did. Anyway if the repair works it may be good for a few years. The Rab I just didn't find breathable enough. Now onto Paramo for Winter or my old (original) Craghoppers Nordwand with aquadry drop liner which is brilliant as were their Storm/Cloudbreakers with sympatex dropliners.
The Quickfire has YKK zips with no flaps & I've never noticed it leak through them - I wouldn't trust any pocket with stuff I needed to keep dry though.
Tempted to relegate the Q/fly to dog walking duty & getting a Rohan Elite - they were big users of riri zips - dunno if so on this coat?
