C4E Torrent vs FL Stormtight?

[ffparamedic]

I really wish C4E could have gotten into the recent rain jacket shootout, but since it didn't does anyone have any first hand experience with each of these?
Mainly looking at waterproofing, durability, breathability...in that order.

I have pretty much narrowed my choice down to these two due to price point but which is the better value?

Thanks!

 

[Liv2HntBigBullz]

Don;t have any experience with the FL but I have the torrent set. Awesome gear especially for the money and it held up really well for me last fall in the unusually wet fall we had in CO. No complaints here and can't wait to run it again this year.

Plus, camofire has had the jacket for 89.99 within the last couple days. If you email them and they have some left they will start you up an order.

 

[dangerousD]

I also have the core4element after some other good reviews and the price was right. I've only done the shower test with it thus far. Will put it to use soon, but so far it seems like great stuff for the price.

 

[doverpack12]

The Torrent is also very quiet for rain gear, I have not had a first lite jacket in my hands to test how quiet the Stormtight is when carrying a pack or drawing a bow.

 

[Brock A]

I have the stormtight and had the torrent. Both are good. FL is better IMO. Torrent is quieter but the FL is better quality and fit. Not to mention the Customer service. The guy I sold my Torrent to is a buddy and he is experiencing some issues with it (major leakage) and working with C4E is kind of a pain. Lots of hoops to jump through for a $100 coat. Do yourself a favor and go with the Stormtight.

 

[doverpack12]

Brock how big of a difference in noise is there between the two?

 

[RUTTIN]

I lived in my C4E rain gear this past season as it was terribly wet all season. I never had a problem with it leaking (even fell in the river running back to camp to get out of the lightning and it kept me dry) Wore it in the oak brush, and it never tore. It is very quiet for rain gear, and in cold temps doesn't get hard and have that plastic feel. The only thing bad I have found is it is not the lightest to pack.

 

[Brock A]

Brock how big of a difference in noise is there between the two?

The C4E wins hands down. I am not really sure how to explain it but its almost like a very very thin layer of fleece on the outside of it that makes it silent. If that makes sense? The FL isn't loud by any means either but if you are picking noise level vs. performance, C4E is the way to go. I personally wouldn't go that route on deciding rain gear though. I still have the Torrent pants. Want me to shoot a quick video for you tonight comparing the noise of the two materials?

 

[doverpack12]

If you wanted to that would be great. The topic comes up frequently on here.

 

[luke moffat]

Brock which jacket do you suggest wearing if choosing to go ultra light weight and for go bringing pants?

 

[Brock A]

Brock which jacket do you suggest wearing if choosing to go ultra light weight and for go bringing pants?

Hahahahaha. FL all the way!

 

[Brock A]

If you wanted to that would be great. The topic comes up frequently on here.

Cool, Ill see what I can come up with!

 

[TEmbry]

I haven't dealt with the FL... but I was shocked at how quiet the C4E suit was. As Brock pointed out, it's basically like a brushed fabric when it comes to texture, and is very quiet in comparison to other light weight hardshells.

 

[KMT]

I bought the C4E torrent rain gear last fall and used it during an unusually wet and rainy September. It kept me dry and it's quiet for rain gear. But I have to admit that I have never showered with it or any other rain gear. For the money, it is a good deal.

For FL, you may want to go somewhere that you can try it on. I tried some non rain gear shirts and jackets last fall. Sizing was inconsistent at best. I would try a medium that was gigantic and then another medium would be skin tight.

 

[tipsntails7]

I bought the C4E torrent rain gear last fall and used it during an unusually wet and rainy September. It kept me dry and it's quiet for rain gear. But I have to admit that I have never showered with it or any other rain gear. For the money, it is a good deal.

For FL, you may want to go somewhere that you can try it on. I tried some non rain gear shirts and jackets last fall. Sizing was inconsistent at best. I would try a medium that was gigantic and then another medium would be skin tight.

I would imagine that they were from different years. FL had some sizing issues earlier in their life. especially with the pants.

 

[MTbowhunter36]

I have the C4E rain gear and it performs great. As previously mentioned it is quiet and works well for a bowhunter, IMO. I used the rain gear in NW Oregon where it rains constantly and it worked well. The only issue I experienced with it is that I have a couple small holes in the bottom of the pant leg. I got caught on a steep hill in some blackberry bushes and had to forcefully walk out of the thorny mess. As a result, the pants caught on some of the thorns and ripped. I wouldn't say that they are delicate by any means. IMO it's an awesome value

 

[Brock A]

[video=youtube_share;N0VNIoACm6U]http://youtu.be/N0VNIoACm6U[/video]

Not sure if you can tell a major difference. Let me know if you have a different idea on how to test it? Hope it helps!

 

[Justin Crossley]

I couldn't tell much difference in the video.

 

[Brock A]

I couldn't tell much difference in the video.

Neither can I really. I know we discussed this yesterday, but all rain gear is loud. Some is just a little quieter than others.

 

[Outwest]

Ive used the C4E torrent for about a year now because I got a good deal on campfire on it.
The torrent seemed great when I first received it, but that was about it.
After one or two hikes, there were holes forming in the back of the jacket. As far as rain protection, I got caught in a good storming september the jacket leaked at the neck, shoulders and hood. I treated it with some camp dry performance fabric treatment after that and have yet to try it again.
On the plus side, the jacket is very quiet, but I would rather trade off some noise for weather protection.
I still keep it around as a good layer to throw on when it gets windy but Im back in the market for a good rain layer.