Rab  Electron Pro Down Hoody - Men's

Comparison to Rab Infinity Windstopper

I purchased both the Rab Infinity Windstopper and the Electron Pro. I ended up returning the Electron Pro and keeping the Infinity Windstopper due to its greater weather resistance and slightly greater warmth. Since I'll be using it primarily for city wear, weight was a lower priority. I also preferred the Infinity's cuffs, which have both elastic and a hook-and-loop (Velcro) straps. The Electron Pro cuffs have only an elastic, which splits the sleeve and goes in inch or two up the wrist, and I was concerned it might lose its elasticity over time. While reliable information is hard to find, my research suggests the GORE-TEX Infinium Windstopper fabric is fully waterproof but isn't marketed that way simply because the jacket's seams aren't sealed. The Infinity also has reinforced shoulders and arms, so there are fewer seams in areas most likely to get wet. The baffles on the Infinity are also stitched in a way that further reduces water ingress. The Electron Pro uses Pertex Quantum Pro for its exterior fabric, which appears to have a thin polyurethane (PU) membrane. Some reviews mentioned the Pertex Quantum Pro would "wet out" quickly, but in my own test, water beaded off completely, even after holding it under a faucet for 2-3 minutes. My impression is that the face fabric would eventually wet-out in a sustained downpour and eventually water would start to make it through the thin PU membrane into the down, but it would take quite a while. The Infinity’s Gore Windstopper fabric would likely remain waterproof even if it did wet out, and the only risk would be water entering through the seams. The Infinity has the burlier face fabric of the two, but the Pertex Quantum Pro was thicker and more wind resistant than expected compared to other jackets I own that use regular Pertex Quantum (not Pro). Both jackets have a peaked hood with a wire brim. The Infinity has a larger helmet-compatible hood, which did not fit as well as the Electron Pro’s non-helmet compatible hood on a bare head. The Infinity has a drawcord for adjustment at the back of the hood whereas the Electron Pro has only has a Velcro adjuster. Both have the same drawcord adjustment at the front and a drawcord at the hem. The Electron Pro packs into its own zip pocket and the Infinity has a built-in internal elastic stash pocket that it can pack into. It was difficult to pack the Infinity into the stash pocket and, the fact that it is elastic leads me to believe it will eventually stretch and lose its elasticity with repeated use. I would get a stuff sack for the Infinity. That said, it packs down very well and is only slightly larger than the Electron Pro when fully compressed. The Windstopper is a proper winter jacket and, while not a heavy coat, it is quite a bit heavier than the Electron Pro (23.1oz compared to16.8oz or 38% heavier). The exterior fabric on the Windstopper is heavier, not as soft, and is MUCH louder and more "crinkly" than the Electron Pro. The Windstopper has a matte finish compared to the more shiny Electron Pro. Inside, both use the same Pertex Quantum, which is very soft and comfortable. The Electron Pro is the more breathable of the two. Both have the same 800 fill-power down, but Windstopper has slightly more than the Electron Pro (6.8 oz. versus 6.3 oz), though probably not enough to make a huge difference. Most of the difference in warmth is likely due to the thicker face fabric and reduced breathability of the Windstopper. Neither of these are going to replace a larger winter jacket on the coldest days of the year, but both should be sufficient as low as 20 degrees F if you are moving. I was impressed with the Electron Pro's water resistance, softness (both inside and out), and overall comfort. It is extremely lightweight for the warmth it provides. The Infinity felt a bit warmer, fit slightly better, and seems completely windproof. I am between a 42 and 44 jacket size and went with a Large in both jackets. The Electron Pro was a bit more slim-fitting than the Windstopper and felt a tiny bit longer, even though they are both listed on Rab’s site as being the same length. It was very difficult to choose between the two, and both are fantastic jackets. You can’t go wrong with either. I would make the decision like this: If weight is less of a concern and you are looking for a winter jacket that is windproof and, as far as I can tell, waterproof (though not seam sealed), then go with the Infinity Windstopper. If light weight and comfort are your highest priorities while still being highly water resistant, go with the Electron Pro.