TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

[UNRL Ghandi]

Hey fellas, just wanted to get some feedback on the TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie. I just got my hands on the new 2012 version after quite some time of searching for one. When I got it I was a little disappointed in how loud it was to wear. I hadn't seen any reviews that mentioned anything about it being loud, which I would have expected especially since it's a "stealth" hoodie.

My question is, for anyone who has spent any considerable time in one of these, first, did you experience it being loud (lots of swooshing noise when you move from the arms brushing the side and so forth), and second, did it go away once you broke it in? My guess is that it's a fabric thing and won't go away.

Although disappointed with the sound, this thing is kicking a during Hurricane Sandy preperations. Very happy with the waterproofing and fit of the hoodie.

 

[slowkota]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Quite a bit of coin to be dissappointed even a tiny amount.

 

[UNRL Ghandi]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: slowkota</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Quite a bit of coin to be dissappointed even a tiny amount. </div></div>

Amen to that. That's why when I got it I was like "Woo hoo!" then after I put it on I was like "Ah man..."

 

[KillShot]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Very slick but, $500 for a hoodie?! Yikes!

 

[Lofty]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

TAD gear is so over priced its stupid.

Ive got a Stealth, bought it based on all the TAD hype.....after I got it I was like.....

 

[Tamu98]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

If you don't like it, return it. TAD has the best customer service around. I returned a t-shirt once because of the little plastic hangers that the price tags are on created a little hole. I offered to send pictures and they said if you are not happy, please send it back. For $475, you should be happy.

 

[sr15match]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

I was and still am considering one of the Stealth Hoodies but........

Depending on the material I guess it might have some "noise" to it. I have an Arctrex shell that is quite quiet, an Otte Gear Hybrid shell that makes a little noise onle because of the shell material that the sleeves are made of verses the body portion and I just picked up a Wild Things Tactical Hybrid pull over. That is very quiet but then again the material is a bit softer.

There's some super nice options available if you want to stay made in America and don't mind the price. Next on the "to buy" list is an Otte Gear Patrol Parka which I expect to be a little noisy because of the hard shell material and an Otte Gear Sentinel Anorak wich I expect to be quite quiet.

Look at the offerings, the materials and what you expect it to do or how it will perform in certain weather condtions.

Just food for thought.

 

[Lofty]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

The biggest problem I had with it is that it should have a liner. I know its a shell but wearing it without some form of long sleeve under layer is just plain uncomfortable. All the strings and seams rub your skin and the inside material just isnt comfortable.

For $450, it should be comfortable.

Oh, I hate not having pockets to keep my hands warm.

 

[Wolf22]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Check out Beyond Clothing. They will custom build as well and use Schoeller wb-400

 

[bward]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

I've got a stealth hoodie, and I don't like it anywhere near as much as my Arcyeryx Leaf Alpha jacket. I would look at those if you are considering returning the stealth for something else.

 

[SSSamurai]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bward</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a stealth hoodie, and I don't like it anywhere near as much as my Arcyeryx Leaf Alpha jacket. I would look at those if you are considering returning the stealth for something else. </div></div>

I've always preferred Arcteryx, but I'm having trouble deciding between the Alpha or the Alpha LT. Is your Alpha heavily insulated? I'm just looking for a waterproof shell, I tend to wear layers and don't need a lot of insulation.

 

[Lofty]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Arcteryx LEAF line is the bomb but damn theyre proud of their shit.

 

[poison123]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lofty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Arcteryx LEAF line is the bomb but damn theyre proud of their shit. </div></div>

Thats where TAD has been heading in recent years. I remember when all their stuff was US made and reasonable in price. Not so much anymore.

 

[jbell]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

I looked at the TAD Stealth long and hard but in the end I decided to not go that route. I ended up with an Outdoor Research Maximus Jacket as it offered (what I feel is) more bang for the buck so to speek. An other brand you may want to look at is Mountain Hardwear with their Dry Q Elite fabric. It is super quiet and quite soft to the touch. I like the idea of a jacket that is cut for climbers so when I am climbing (or shooting prone for that matter) the jacket will not want to ride up. Just my .02

 

[swage]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Lofty</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The biggest problem I had with it is that it should have a liner. I know its a shell but wearing it without some form of long sleeve under layer is just plain uncomfortable. All the strings and seams rub your skin and the inside material just isnt comfortable.

For $450, it should be comfortable.

Oh, I hate not having pockets to keep my hands warm. </div></div>

The Stealth Hoodie was designed with layering in mind. The placement of the pockets were also designed to be accessible if wearing some type of pack. I like my Ranger Hoodie and Praetorian Hoodie, but I agree that for the price the Stealth is lacking when compared to some of the others in the same price point.

 

[Lofty]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

That's the key issue, price point. I bought them back when they were only $250.00 or so. I wasn't aware they had gotten so out of control. I thought it was pricey at $250.00.......over $400.00 is just nuts.

I've got Burton Mark XIII Snowboarding jackets that cost that much and the difference is what you get for your money is just unreal.

As soon as something becomes "tactical" the price point just gets retarded.

 

[VKC]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Overpriced and overrated. I compared them with other brands and could not justify the price. My friend has one and swears by it, but nothing special from examining it. Columbia or Northface jackets are just as nice in my opinion, and priced more reasonably.

 

[bward]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SSSamurai</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bward</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've got a stealth hoodie, and I don't like it anywhere near as much as my Arcyeryx Leaf Alpha jacket. I would look at those if you are considering returning the stealth for something else. </div></div>

I've always preferred Arcteryx, but I'm having trouble deciding between the Alpha or the Alpha LT. Is your Alpha heavily insulated? I'm just looking for a waterproof shell, I tend to wear layers and don't need a lot of insulation. </div></div>

The Alpha isn't insulated, just thick goretex. I believe the LT is just thinner goretex.

 

[swage]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vkc</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Overpriced and overrated. I compared them with other brands and could not justify the price. My friend has one and swears by it, but nothing special from examining it. Columbia or Northface jackets are just as nice in my opinion, and priced more reasonably. </div></div>

I think it depends on the item. In my opinion the Ranger Hoodie and Force 10 pants are worth the price. I have a $160 Northface fleece that I never wear because the wind blows right through it. It can be argued that my Ranger Hoodie is too warm and it was $60 more and has many more features. I would agree that some of their stuff is over priced and doesn't measure up to it's competition. The Stealth Hoodie falls into this category for me.

 

[Brett_B]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

I have a new Stealth LT and I like it very much. I did get one of the factory seconds though so I only paid $225 and not $475. The arm zippers weren't 100% waterproof so TAD offered them at a discount. No big deal as I still stay dry, just won't keep my phone in those pockets during rain. The $475 price would have been a tough pill to swallow though.

Yes mine is a bit noisy as well but considering how durable and waterproof it is I feel it's a good trade off. I don't think it will get much quieter. I have other jackets that are quieter, but they aren't as waterproof or durable as the new Stealth LT.

I wore it while riding quads in heavy rain this weekend and stayed completely dry, the fabric never even wetted out. In fact it shed the mud much better than my buddies Marmot rain shell. I also like how breathable it is. I can be comfortable wearing it in a wider range of conditions then some other jackets (my Goretex jacket gets really clammy), so I don't need to pack as many things. The new Schoeller fabric and 100% taped seams (part of the reasons for the higher cost) seems to work very well. It's also stretchy which makes it more comfortable. When it's colder I layer it with the Ranger jacket which works great.

I wasn't a big TAD fan either until I got the Stealth LT and Ranger jacket. Their stuff was always out of stock and seemed overpriced. Then I tried to find a fleece using 10oz Polartec Windpro like the Ranger. North Face had one that was nearly the same price but used the thinner 8.5oz material.

Almost forgot. My Stealth was made in Canada, my Ranger was made in the USA.

 

[jbell]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Brett, thats good info about it being made in the USa and Canada. I thought they were changing production over to China.

 

[gstaylorg]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Does it sound like this?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fr5ByQo5TI

 

[jbell]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: gstaylorg</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Does it sound like this?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7fr5ByQo5TI </div></div>

 

[LongCut]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Is anything with a hood attached to it a "hoodie" now?

 

[UNRL Ghandi]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Yeah, it has a hood.

 

[Wolf22]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

For the love of Snot.................talk to Beyond Clothing. Good people and have the options to do what you want or need.

For 200-350 you can get something that's built well with Schoeller materials.

 

[PatrickChewing]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wolf22</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For the love of Snot.................talk to Beyond Clothing. Good people and have the options to do what you want or need.

For 200-350 you can get something that's built well with Schoeller materials. </div></div>

I ordered with them today. I love the Schoeller material but I have never found something that fits comfortably. Even off the shelf XXLs don't fit in the chest or arms. I took some measurements with different layers and filled out the order form. We will see what happens in 4 weeks!

 

[Brett_B]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Is Beyond making anything with the Scheller WB-Formula material? Because I believe that is what TAD is using for the Stealth LT.

http://www.schoeller-textiles.com/en/fabric-groups/stretch/wb-formula.html

http://www.tripleaughtdesign.com/Apparel/Jackets/Stealth-Hoodie-LT

It's a stretchy, highly breathable and durable softshell, that has the waterproof and windproof properties of a hard shell. I think it's a pretty unique material when compared to some of the other options.

 

[geometro]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Beyond Clothing seems to be using the WB-400 for their Cold Fusion soft shell, but it's not clear if they use the C-change membrane with it.

 

[Wolf22]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Depending on which version you go with, but yes they do use the C change in one of the versions. Just contact them directly for confirmation.

WB-400 fo sho

 

[UNRL Ghandi]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

I've been wearing this around for a week now and thought I'd do a quick field report:

Wore it during a two hour hike this weekend in 20 degree windy weather with only a sweatshirt and undershirt underneath and I wasn't cold at all. Got to the top of a field where the wind was really blowing and stood there with my arms out testing the windproof properties of the hoodie. I could feel the wind biting through my jeans and gloves but could only feel the pressure of the wind blowing against the hoodie, not through it. Also stayed nice and dry from the residual falling snow that was blowing out of the pine trees. Didn't hear the swooshing noise at all while in the woods since I wasn't paying attention to it, so I guess it's not as big of a deal as I had initially thought.

A con that I did notice is that although it does have a lot of pockets, when you put stuff in them, it doesn't fit as well. I put my wallet in the front pocket and it really bulged and was kind of uncomfortable. I moved the wallet to the back zipper pouch and it bounced around. Ended up putting it in the back pocket of my jeans. Later tried to put a pair of Under Armour lightweight gloves in the front pocket and it did the same thing.

Although only having a week under my belt with it, and the fact that it really does do the things it says it can do (windproof/waterproof), don't think I'd suggest it to anyone unless they could get it for a more reasonable price.

The WB-400 that Wolf22 mentioned seemed to be a good replacement option and the sizing was customizable through Beyond Clothing. Even when you add the features that the TAD Stealth Hoodie has that aren't standard on the WB-400 (hood, armpit zippers, etc) the price was about $100 less.

 

[Brett_B]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Glad to hear it's working for you, you gotta be happy with it for that kind of $$. I have been wearing mine more and more as it cools down and I still really like it. Will be putting it to the test on a hunt this month where we will likely see plenty of bad weather.

 

[UNRL Ghandi]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

My brother liked the looks of mine but ended up getting a North Face Apex Android Hoodie. It seems like a pretty good quality softshell. Doesn't have quite the water protection rating as the TAD Gear Stealth and doesn't seem to be built as tough, but it's also only $170 vs the $450 for the Stealth. I have a feeling it will hold up just fine in the elements though.

Good luck on your hunt Bret. Let us know how it goes and how the hoodie works out.

 

[BW88]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

+1 for Beyond Clothing. I bought a Glacier Shock jacket a year ago and I love it. Custom fit with all the options I wanted. Ive used it hiking and backpacking and at the range under a plate carrier in a snow storm. It performs as promised!

 

[solvovir]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

I got my Tad Stealth LT about a week ago. The previous one I had I sold on ebay, it was rhino hide textile, and was much quieter than the newer stealth. Was kinda disappointed with how thin this newer one was. I will be pairing it with my ranger hoodie for extra layering.

 

[Brett_B]

Re: TAD Gear Stealth Hoodie 2012

Got back from my wild boar hunting trip in the mountains of SE Tennessee last week and I was very happy with my TAD Stealth LT. The weather was warm during the day, in the low 60’s. At night it dropped to the low 30’s.

Hiking with packs during the day I just wore a thin baselayer on top since it was so warm and we were working hard. Setting up for early morning or evening hunts I wore the baselayer, Ranger jacket, and the Stealth LT on top. This kept me plenty warm while sitting completely still on the ground for 2-4 hours at a time with temps right around 30F.

Hiking during the cooler temps I would put the Ranger jacket back in my pack and just wear the Stealth LT over the baselayer. I was very impressed with how breathable the LT was during high output work.

The LT was not warm enough for those 30F long sitting conditions by itself without an insulating layer, but it definitely blocks the wind which means it pairs perfectly with the Ranger jacket. I was sitting completely motionless though, if you were to do any sort of activity it would be warm at those temps. The Ranger is a very warm mid-layer and I had to take it off if I was hiking any real distance.

I was very pleased with this setup because with just these two layers in my pack I could handle pretty much any weather condition we could encounter from 65F and sunny down to sub-freezing temps, both high and low output, dry or wet.

We also pushed our way through lots of heavy thicket, brush, and thorns. The Stealth LT held up like a champ. No rips or tears, not even a scratch to indicate the abuse I put it through. It did a great job keeping my arms from getting cut up so I like how it’s lighter/thinner and highly breathable so I could wear it in a wider range of temperatures. The 4-way stretch also helped it stay comfortable while climbing. The pockets locations are perfect for wearing a backpack with a waist belt. It’s definitely the most versatile and durable jacket I have owned. After breaking in a bit it’s also not as noisy now as when it was new, but still not as quiet as a fleece like the Ranger.

For a baselayer I also compared the merino TAD half zip with an Under Armor cold gear shirt that was a similar weight/thickness. The merino was noticeably warmer than the under armor shirt on consecutive cold nights and was just as comfortable during daytime high output.

No hogs this time unfortunately, but it was still a great trip! Nearing the top of Big Frog mountain: