Manufactured from durable polyamide with a T 5000 hydrophilic coating, the XM Yachting offshore jacket and trousers are completely waterproof and breathable. The mesh lined garments incorporate everything you would expect from your oilskins; articulated joints, non corrosive zips and reflective tapes to name but a few - and all for about £200... That's for the jacket and the trousers!
Both items have a trim fit and are light and easy to wear, making them comfortable to move around in for long periods of time, lending themselves well to racing. The jacket has wind resistant adjustable double cuffs, which not only give a secure fit, but also ensure a waterproof PU seal around your wrist. It encompasses both cargo and hand-warmer pockets so you can warm up your hands without them sitting next to wet ties - and are big enough to hold a torch.
The trousers have a draw string waist and adjustable ankles to help you achieve the desired fit, but the design is slightly let down by the braces. The elasticised straps leave you with little space in the crutch area and have to be completely let out so as not to be constrictive. Cordura reinforced panels have been placed appropriately - at the seat and knees, for extra durability in places prone to chafing.
Due to its price, the XM oilskins are only available in the bog standard red and yellow - and though they do incorporate features such as storm flaps, florescent hood with peak and micro fleece lined collar, there are no flashy extras such as waterproof zips on the pockets. However the design isn't compromised by this and is more than capable of standing up to offshore conditions.
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The XM Yachting oilskins are adequate for short offshore passages and ideal for costal trips. If you're still at the beginner stage and not sure if sailing is for you, get a set of these instead of forking out hundreds of pounds for its more pricey counterparts. However if you are a hardened sailor, out on the boat every weekend, it may be worth saving your pennies for something a little more substantial. |
For more information on XM Yachting visit www.xm-yachting.co.uk
Group test
XM Yachting's Offshore jacket and trousers are among the oilskin sets we will include in our up-and-coming MainSail waterproofs group test. Keep an eye out for this Battle of the Giants (Henri Lloyd, Musto, Gill, Helly Hanson, XM Yachting) all pitted against each other. Only one will be crowned Best of the Offshore Sets, so watch this space!
