Columbia Ballistic II Windproof Fleece Vest - Men's - 2009 BCS

This vest does a nice job of blocking the wind and keeping your core warm. It has been worn many times and still has a lot of life left in it, very durable. I am not crazy about the zipper, sometimes have a hard time getting it zipped.

Snag it at the discontinued price and you won't be let down! I'm 5'9" 170# athletically built. I picked up a medium and it fits well in the chest, but the vest is a little longer than I would have liked. I prefer athletic cuts, but this guy hangs almost to the bottom of my own bottom. Not the end of the world, just that it bunches when you sit. It does a good job cutting wind and keeping me warm on those in between days when it is just a little too warm for a jacket. The softshell material on the shoulders is water resistant, but prolonged exposure will seep through... of course there are no sleeves or hood, so its sort of a moot point. When all is said and done, I like it. It's just a vest, and I didn't want to pay arc'teryx-like prices for such a simple article.

I bought this vest to replace my old, worn out, Titanium Ballistic vest. Good things: It is much warmer then my old vest. Wind resistance is much improved. Pockets are bigger. Bad things: The zipper no longer has bottom slider. The zipper pulls feel cheap and flimsy. The outer shell that improves the wind resistance make the vest very stiff. No longer has internal pockets. The interior liner around the waist is starting to pill (only a couple months old). Compare to other vests on the market this is still a good vest at a good price and I will probably buy another when this wears out.

Priced Right! Warm, Not too heavy, Collar isnt too high, athletic cut, windproof and with the omni-shield offer water repellent protection as well. It is heavier than the TNF Windwall 1 and stops more wind not to mention has more insulation. However the size is a little small I wear a 41 sport coat 33 waist, so I ordered the M (according to Columbia that is the correct sizing). It was tight with just a t-shirt on. So if you are toward the end of the sizing chart go up to the next size. I want to get the large but they were out.

This is a terrific vest!! It's comfortable,warm and looks great. I will buy another when this one runs its course. Doug E.