NB Fugu down jackt $119

Just got mine earlier today. I don't have a scale but it's definitely in the 13 oz. range for my med/med-tall. Earlier in this thread there's a post about a cheaper NB version using heavier shell material and lesser quality insulation – is it possible you got one of those?

I've yet to decide which size to keep but am leaning towards the tall. The extra length is nice and slightly longer sleeves allow me to tuck my hands inside if need be. Overall I'm very impressed with the Fugu I got from Recreation Outlet. The shell material is similar to the WM Extremelite bag series shells. Nice loft, very warm, and quality looks good. However, the zipper quality does seem to be lacking – the double zipper is slightly tricky at the bottom.

Also, in case anyone was hesitant to order through Rec Outlet, the transaction was smooth and shipping was quick.

I forgot to mention I still have the tags but they aren't attached. Thanks

Brad,

any comments on the size? is it true to the size?

Ordered a L short. It is definately more generously cut than a Mont Bell L, and larger than most in this size from other manufacturers….so runs big in my opinion. I have not weighed it, but I'd guess it's in the 14-15oz range, which is as expected for this size.

I agree the zipper is a pain in the a$$ at the bottom.

Overall, I'm quite happy especially if it lives up to its reputation for warmth.

I would say it's pretty true to size (and the posted sizing chart). I'm 5'11", 175 lbs. with a 40-41" chest. I normally wear a medium and like the fit of the medium Fugu – I wouldn't want it any tighter or baggier.

The tall has and extra 1.5-2" in sleeve length and overall length but otherwise, the fit (in the chest/shoulders/neck) seems pretty similar to me.

I got mine yesterday. It's a size large and comes in exactly at 14oz. The fit is "relaxed" and you can layer under it easily, I'm 185 and 6ft. I prefer it my WM Flight, less loft but seems about the same for warmth, but that's just a quick impression. The length is much better and the neck is also a better fit than the Flight. For the 2 oz difference with the Flight it's a better jacket for me.

Got mine today. Great jacket and the LT is a perfect size for me. The zipper is a bit tricky indeed I guess but not a big deal at all. For the price I paid this is one good jacket. Glad I got one.

You guys are making me jealous. Mine took an extra day or two to ship because I asked them to look through the racks for a medium (instead of the tall). UPS says tomorrow…

Maybe it's only in the XLT and XXL, but these versions are coming in between 32-34 oz. The down is also coming out and the lower part of the zipper makes the jackets too much of a pain to wear. Buyer beware. (This is an observation of three jackets from two different vendors.)

Jolly,

Something seems to be amiss. My size large only weighs 14.5 oz, doesn't leak down, and the zipper works correctly.

I noticed that Recreation Outlet lists their jacket as "New Balance Fugu Down Jacket-V1". The V1 designation wasn't on the Fugu I tested last year. None the less, the weights and feature set reported from everyone, but you, suggest it is the same jacket.

I just reread your posts to this forum link and noticed that you said there were two other vendors selling them for $64. I suspect that you purchased the NB 80/20 duck down model and not the Fugu. Can you provide the links to the sites where you purchased your jackets? I would like to see how they are advertising them.

The listing at Sportsman's Guide (one low cost source) does not use the model name Fugu and does say that the fill is 80% down 20% feathers (from ducks).

The listing at Recreation Outlet.com does specify that it is a Fugu and also says the fill is 850 FP down (I'd say aka 800+).

Might well be two models of jacket, I sure hope so!. At any rate I'll be able to report a weight for size XXL in a week or so.

The internet store did not have my size in my color preference but I sent a query to see if they had one in their brick&mortar store …. they responded same day that that there was one and they had added it to their internet inventory. Very nice service!

The two were as mentioned, Sportsmans Guide and Recreation Outlet. I've got one from both in XXL and a friend has one from Recreation Outlet in XLT. All weigh around 34oz. I wonder if the vendors are mixing jacket versions…

Jolly,

The Sportsman Guide jacket specifications clearly indicate that it is not a Fugu.

Since the weight of the Recreation Equipment jacket is the same as the Sportsmen Guide jacket they are selling two jacket types and did not send you a Fugu.

You should also be able to easily tell the difference by looking at the inner fabric. The Fugu uses a highly reflective WPB membrane with a tricot protection layer. The tricot not only protects the reflective membrane but also provides the required air gap to maximize its effectiveness.

The one I received from Recreation Outlet is clearly labeled 850 down and Fugu on the inside label and weighs just 14oz. It also ran me $119 not $64.

Just came in. Very nice jacket. 13.30 ounces in size Medium. 4 ounces lighter than my Primaloft 100 jacket and appears much warmer. Also much more compressible.

Wife rolled eyes and asked how the rest of the family will keep warm… I offered to order her one too.

I sent Christy at Recreation Outlet an email letting her know that we're talking about the jacket here.

Got my FUGU too. It is an incredible jacket. I got a size large and was worried about sleeve length, but the sleeves are perfect. The chest is a bit roomy on me though. I honestly trying to decide if I really need a jacket this warm. My size large weighed in at exactly 14.0 oz.

I think its safe to say that any jacket weighing signifcantly over a lb is not a FUGU. These things are all coming in right on spec.

Jamie

In case anyone was wondering, the incorrect jacket has fleece in the collar and the outside texture is much more like eVENT. The zipper is also terrible. My XXL in the incorrect jacket came in at 34 oz.

The correct jacket is much more whispy, has no fleece in the collar, and has a functional zipper. It references "FUGU" on an inside pocket. My XXL comes in at 16 oz.

The guy from Recreation Outlet supplied me with the correct jacket and did mention that some of the incorrect jackets may have been mixed in with them by mistake. In fact, a friend of mine got one of the incorrect jackets from Recreation Outlet. His XLT weighed 32 oz and returned it. As mentioned, those from the Sportsman Guide are not Fugu's.

Jolly,

The following is a picture of right inside breast level pocket with the jacket identification. (Radiant Barrier Technology) Last years thermal tests indicated that indeed the jacket's radiant barrier added significant warmth. (Super DWR Finish) is a Nextec Epic process for life long durability.

The picture you posted is what my jacket looks like (now after a replacement), so I've got the right one. It's such a deal for a greal UL jacket and highly recommend it for anyone on the fence…as long as they get the right one.

I was actually looking at this jacket earlier today on Geartrade.com for $114. When I saw all the info on this thread I went back and bought it. Score!

I think there is still a Medium/tall for $74 but the zipper is broken or something.

Joseph

My jacket just arrived in the most beat-up box I've ever seen. It appeared it had been used for a game of tackle football somewhere en route. However, the jacket appears to be intact.

My one question for others: it appears that one of the baffles is completely without down — in this case, the triangular baffle in the left shoulder. The right side chamber has down; the left side chamber is completely empty.

Has anyone had a similar problem with this coat on arrival?
Thanks,
Tim

Tim, If your jacket is like mine, the baffle is not missing down though an area might feel empty. The down is just compacted into one half of the baffle. I had several sleeves baffles that seemed to be empty. After feeling the baffle I found that the down had simply become pressed into half the chamber. I'm not sure if this is how it is manufactured, but I was able to "massage" the down back down into the baffle. The jacket puffed up just fine.

Jamie

Jamie,
I appreciate the help. I tried that same thing – a couple of baffles had the down unevenly distributed. But in the case of the jacket I received, there was one baffle without any down in it anywhere, and no way to shift any down into it. I messed with it for a while last night and determined it was a manufacturing defect. On the bright side, I called RecreationOutfitters, a friendly salesperson answered immediately, took my information, and they called back 30 minutes later ready to send out a replacement. They even searched the store and found a different color for me.

I was incredibly happy with the customer service so far. And from trying on the jacket, I really like what I received, except for the faulty baffle. It seems like it will be incredibly warm, and is well made. And I went with the Med/Tall for the extra length in arms and torso, which is great. The only challenge I have now is that none of my windshell/rainshell clothing will fit over this Fugu — it may wreak havoc with my layering system.

What are you all using to go OVER the Fugu to keep it dry and protected, or are you not planning to use it that way?

my fugu had no problem with the down.. every section well filled and puffy.

> What are you all using to go OVER the Fugu to keep it dry and protected

Generally my tarp :-). It's not worn when I am active so it doesn't need a lot of protection. Worse case it will face some snow which should roll right off the shell. I typically won't take it unless I expect <10F conditions… the snow tends to be fairly dry.

If I was really wanted something it would most likely be the driducks jacket that got ordered not taking into account how overly baggy them are.

–mark

I received my Fugu – miraculously the day after I ordered it, despite having chosen the least expensive shipping option. I weighed my size large as 14.50 oz upon arrival. I just went to town on it with a pair of scissors, removing the interior breast pocket, integrated stuff sack pocket, and the zippers from the hand warmer pockets, and got that down to 13.44 oz on my scale. I am seriously impressed with the value of this jacket. It seems like it will be incredibly warm.