Expert Review: Flylow Men's Quantum Pro Shell Jacket
Winter Park. All photos courtesy of Raphael Alland
About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the ski jacket, which I purchased with my own money in June of 2021.
My take
The Flylow Quantum Pro Jacket is an unbeatable shell. Although it’s not the only 20k/20k shell in Flylow’s lineup, this jacket is the most durable and weatherproof of the bunch.
About the shell I own
- Model: 2020 Flylow Quantum Pro
- Size: XL
- Fit: True to size
About me
- Height: 6’0”
- Weight: 185lbs
- Experience: Five years of skiing and snowboarding
Test conditions
- When I bought this: June 2021
- Days tested: 30+
- Where I’ve used it: Colorado
- Conditions I’ve used it in: Fall/winter/spring, sunny, and blizzards
How it performs
What I was looking for
I wanted to retire my Flylow Knight jacket to upgrade to a jacket that was 20k/20k (the Knight jacket is 10k/10k). I was very satisfied with Flylow’s products and knew that I wanted the function of a shell. I felt I would get a better shell jacket from Flylow.
Why I chose this gear
The Malone and Quantum Pro are the two Flylow 20k/20k shell options targeted for the resort. Since I ski 70+ days each season, I decided to purchase both at the same time. The Malone was a year newer than the Quantum Pro. I chose the Malone in a Large and the Quantum Pro in an XL in order to compare the fit because I’m in-between sizes.
What I love about it
- Fit: Like my Knight jacket, sizing up was the right choice. It is comfortable without looking too baggy.
- Range of Motion: I have full range of motion in this jacket, even when I am fully layered for a cold day.
- Quality of Materials: This jacket is made of 20k/20k rated polyester, so it holds up well in miserable conditions while allowing for breathability in high-performance action.
- Durability: The Quantum Pro is noticeably more durable than my other two Flylow shells. It has held up with no signs of wear.
- Waterproofing: This jacket has kept me dry in complete white-out conditions.
- Breathability : This jacket does a good job of being breathable when needed. The armpit vents are well-designed and the zippers are durable. It can run a little hot in the spring, but this jacket is great in winter conditions.
- Warmth: This jacket is also warmer than my other Flylow jackets. The Quantum Pro is my go-to on the worst weather days.
Issues I’ve encountered
- Style: The material of this jacket is quite stiff when compared to the Malone. While a hardshell delivers in quality on mountain, it doesn’t translate well to off-mountain activities.
- Weight: This jacket is noticeably heavy for a shell. While the thicker material is weather protecting, it can feel a bit bulky. While I don’t find this a problem, some people will prefer a softshell design instead.
Favorite moment with this gear
Crested Butte got 44” of snow over Christmas weekend last year. If that’s too incredible to believe, I was there and can testify that it’s true! I’ve never experienced so much snow in my life. This jacket kept me dry and allowed me to enjoy the snow until my legs could no longer support me. It also kept me dry while I dug out my car after snow from the roof of the hotel fell on it. But that’s a less-fun memory.
Value for the money vs. other options
Every product Flylow makes is worth the price they advertise. I would say that both the Malone and Quantum Pro are appropriately priced and were worth my purchase. If I did have to choose one over the other, I would pick the Quantum Pro due to its increased durability and resistance to harsh weather.
Final verdict
Overall, Flylow makes a high-quality product for every need. The Quantum Pro is a shell that will keep one warm and dry on the most miserable of days.
Flylow Men's Quantum Pro 3L Shell Jacket
- We price match
- Returnable