Métier is pretty new to the cycling apparel arena, with just two products available so far; this rain jacket and a gilet with the same inbuilt technology.
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Mounted on both shoulders is a flat ribbon LED light unit with three LEDs on each side, which put out a claimed 180 lumens. The drop tail features a five-LED panel with a claimed 22 lumens.
The battery/control box takes three hours to charge and gives the jacket’s in-built lights a runtime of 12 hours on constant or up to 72 hours in flash modes. The lights are switched on using the control box, itself not much bigger than a matchbox at 55x40x20mm. It plugs into the jacket via a watertight 10-pin connection, and charges using a mini USB, cable included.
The Beacon has kept its water resistance well, something I haven’t always seen from DWR coatings
Even without the lights the jacket is highly visible thanks to the full-length geometric reflective print on the back, which is super bright when light hits it. With similar print on the laser-cut cuffs it’s a seriously visible coat, even if it’s only available in black.
Technology aside, the jacket is impressive. The fabric is dual layered with a soft-touch lining, which means you can wear it next to your skin without feeling clammy, and all the seams are fully taped. The outer skin is Durable Water Repellent (DWR) coated, and even though it feels like a hardshell, there is a huge amount of stretch built in.
The fabric mixes the best flexibility of a softshell with the rain protection of a hardshell. The tail is cut nicely long and is accessorised with three decent sized pockets plus a storm zip-closing valuables pocket and one for the control box/battery for the jacket’s main trick.
Sizing is on the small side, and the fit is close, so I’d suggest you step up in size or try before you buy. On the bike the flex and stretch of the fabric is brilliant, being much more akin to a jersey in feel than a waterproof jacket.
I like neat touches like the big lock-down zip pull, which is easy to use in full-finger gloves and the pre-shaped arms that sit comfortably when in the riding position.
The Beacon has kept its water resistance well, something I haven’t always seen from DWR coatings. Métier includes comprehensive-washing instructions plus a dedicated washbag and liquid cleaner to keep the coating in top condition.
It’s a premium priced jacket, but you do get that extra level of visibility from the built-in lights. I would recommend it, even though I understand £250 is a lot to pay.
