RJ Classic soft shell coat

[QUOTE=CindyCRNA;7241882]
OP, this isn’t from the manufacturer. Is this the coat you mean?[/QUOTE]
Per your question - I have only found a few tack shops that sell this line and even fewer that offer the less expensive version. Just linked this one for no particular reason. It is hard to find on the RJ website - it is not listed under womens show coats. You can search by typing in “xtreme” yes - spelled that way. Retail is $218 - there is also the $400 version

[QUOTE=KingoftheRoad;7241833]
So I tried the one from Smartpak - getting ready to send it back, I just thought it was a bit too long for the jumper look, if that makes sense…I liked the fabric, but was looking for something a tiny bit more streamlined, especially for my not so boyish frame…anyone know where you can find it, other than the RJ site?[/QUOTE]

The one I linked is not jumper-ish. It is a very traditional looking (yet washable) hunt coat. Just google RJ Classics Xtreme coat and a few tack shops will pop up - see my note above if you want to buy for retail from the maker.

[QUOTE=sarcam02;7242665]
Per your question - I have only found a few tack shops that sell this line and even fewer that offer the less expensive version. Just linked this one for no particular reason. It is hard to find on the RJ website - it is not listed under womens show coats. You can search by typing in “xtreme” yes - spelled that way. Retail is $218 - there is also the $400 version[/QUOTE]

I wonder what the difference is between the $200 and $400 version?

[QUOTE=CindyCRNA;7242679]
I wonder what the difference is between the $200 and $400 version?[/QUOTE]
me too!

Pikeur makes some in a fabric heavier than Grand Prix. I have two I use in the hunters and absolutely adore both of them! I think that’s the RJ I have…I accidentally left my garment bag at home in August and had to get a jacket. If it is the one I have, I really like it! Very comfortable and fits like a sweater/zip up jacket. My only complaint is that it’s so well fitted in the arms the seams are having issues. Nothing major or really even noticeable. But if you don’t have spindly spider arms it might not be the best one. The Pikeurs are great but pricey! I found one “used” and fell in love.

[QUOTE=CindyCRNA;7242679]
I wonder what the difference is between the $200 and $400 version?[/QUOTE]

Ok, the difference between the $200 and $400 is mostly the quality. The biggest cost is the fabric. Contrary to what’s been posted on the thread, the $400 and up soft shell coats are pricier because the fabric is very technical and expensive, not because the demand is high! As fabric becomes more technical and has more properties (washable, breathable, UV protective, etc) it becomes more expensive to make. In addition, I believe the more expensive RJ coats, as well as the other more expensive brands, are “unconstructed”, meaning they have no lining, which is also expensive to create. Everything in the coat adds to the cost, including the thread, the buttons, how long it takes to sew, how much it costs to transport, etc. The less expensive RJ coat has a stretch lining and is made from a stretchy fabric that’s not as breathable and is heavier than the better coat (I’ve seen them next to each other, they’re very different). Also, the less expensive RJ coat is a traditional hunter style coat, the better coats are shorter and more modern looking. Horseware makes a soft shell for about $100, not the best fabric or construction, but a cute coat in the shorter style. Equiline and Animo coats start at about $800. Everyone seems to be making a soft shell coat these days, they sell from about $100 to about $1000. If you’re looking for a special coat, email the manufacturer and ask which stores near you carry it.

Crawling back into my hole to continue lurking…

[QUOTE=MNW14;7242785]
Pikeur makes some in a fabric heavier than Grand Prix. I have two I use in the hunters and absolutely adore both of them! I think that’s the RJ I have…I accidentally left my garment bag at home in August and had to get a jacket. If it is the one I have, I really like it! Very comfortable and fits like a sweater/zip up jacket. My only complaint is that it’s so well fitted in the arms the seams are having issues. Nothing major or really even noticeable. But if you don’t have spindly spider arms it might not be the best one. The Pikeurs are great but pricey! I found one “used” and fell in love.[/QUOTE]

Funny you mention Pikeur…just this morning I broke down and ordered two of their softshell coats online from Calevo…even with 3 day shipping internationally from Germany, I could get two of them for the price of one here! Some of their coats that they market as dressage coats are actually shorter in length, and look a bit more modern…I just ordered a Romina and a Skarlett.

I do feel slightly bad about not buying them from the tack shop where I tried them on two weeks ago, but I just can’t justify paying twice the price for the same item. I did buy a pair of breeches at the tack store, so I’m hoping that eases my conscience.