Paramo Aspira vs Velez

Looking at the spec / materials / design of Paramo's Aspira and Velez smocks I can't help but think that they are alomost identical in performance in winter / mountain conditions. But one is £275 and the other is £160. Is the Aspira really worth THAT much more?

I have a Velez jacket and I'm very pleased with it. I think it's probably the best Paramo jacket. The only advantages that I can see in the Aspira are more pockets and that the front is longer. The Velez has quite a short front (for biking I guess), so if you have a long body it might be a bit short. It's fine for me. The Velez is lighter which may be important for you. It is superb in foul conditions. I've used it in the Lakes when the rain has been horizontal and it's kept me dry and warm. The ventilation is also better than a conventional jacket (two side zips). The bottom line is that if you don't need the length at the front, save yourself some money and weight and go for the Velez.

Thanks Robin. It is always good to get feedback from a owner and user of a product.

the Aspira i understand also has armpit vents and padded bits above your bum to pass out a rucksack

Wow

Mark I have both so hopefully may be able to help a little

the Aspira and the valez are considrabley different despite looking similar. The hood on the valez is detachable and uses four studs to keep it in place. Becouse of this the material between the should and the top of the hood does not have the waterproof pump liner and so could allow water in down your neck as can the fact that the gaps between the studs can blow out and allow water in that way. The hood on the aspira is attached and fully lined, but can fold down into the coller should you wish it. The hood on the aspira is also mountain cut so you could get a helmet underneith.

The aspira again is cut differnetly so it covers you arse and is comfortable with a harness, the valez design for high energy sports ( mountain biking and the like) is a shorter cut.

The valez has the single front pocket which can sag out if you have too much in and its not easy accesss with a rucksack on so the aspira has the compass pockets, and internalmap pocket and the main zips.

The aspira also has greater fit adjustments and the foam inserts in theback to make the heavier rucksacks more easy to bear.And it hs the pit zips and a full chin up zip and beard gaurd so that it can zip right up, the valez has a lower cut neck.

Hope that helps? I use the valez more than anything, but if I'm on the fell withabig sack or bad weather I use the aspira. Its also worth trying them on as the fit of the aspera smockdoesn't suit everyone.

Mark - It's a good idea to check the date of what you're replying to!

You too Guy!

have a look in the sales.

i got an aspira smock for 200 notes at the NEC show. i also have a velez but the extra bits described by Guy do make it worth spending more pennies to get the aspira

Hmm, I think this forum needs what UKC has. On UKC old threads are archived meaning they are locked and won't accept new replies.

In the meantime, how about I just post this:


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****** THIS IS A DEAD THREAD! *********

****** PLEASE STOP POSTING IN IT! *********

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On the other hand, I didn't really u/stand the differences between the Velez and the Aspira until I read what Guy has posted above, so it's just as useful now as it was back in 2002 :)

<doh!>

How much are they now?

same price

Who cares..................It's bl***y P*****!