TAD Praetorian Hoodie experience

[jbell]

I am looking at the TAD Praetorian Hoodie for a mid layer (under my shell) during the winter and also wearing it as a outer layer in the spring and fall. I have tried to find some reviews on it but I cant seem to find any. I know that TAD makes some good gear but I need some specifics for this peice.

I have been using eighter a mid weight fleece or a heavy polypro as a mid layer, but would like to get something less bulky. I know that with less bulk comes less warmth but it will give me the ability to layer better. The addition of the hood would also be nice.

So here is what I would like to know. I have heard that the Merino wool is a great fabric but I have no first hand experience with it, what is the durability like, better than conventional wool? What is the wheight of the jacket, how thick is the material. Does it seem to be wind/water resistant ai all? Would it be a good insullation layer under a hard shell for static use (shooting), I am not worried about active use I stay very warm when active. Lastly just any general thoughts good or bad on the peice.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Re: TAD Praetorian Hoodie experience

Merino wools are finer. They feel much nicer and don't give that itchy feeling some coarser wools do. It really depends on the fineness and weave. Most suits are made from merino wools and their price can vary greatly. At least in suitings, buying something like a super 100 wool makes it cheaper and more durable, while the super 150's and above are more luxurious but wear poorly. I don't have the specs on the Praetorians but its got a slightly lofted weave to offer insulating properties.

The Praetorian hood isn't structured like their fleeces or shells (if you're familiar with those) so they lay like a normal hoodie. The garment isn't as thick or bulky and mine clings well to the body. I use it as a layer only since its thin enough that my pistol will print. It's fairly thin in my opinion, thinner than their spring fleeces. Much thinner than their hefty woolie pullie sweater. It doesn't offer rain resistance as its not a property of the fabric. It's possible you might be able to Nikwax it to bead water but I have no experience with that. It'll offer some light wind resistance.

Merino doesn't lose insulating properties when wet and it won't melt like synthetics. Other than taking care of it like other wool garments to prevent pilling, I prefer merino wools to cottons by far. All my socks are merino wool now. If I could afford upgrading all my shirts to merino, I would.

 

[Lowlight]

Re: TAD Praetorian Hoodie experience

I wear my Praetorian almost daily, and in fact if you at the SH DVD Day One I am wearing the Praetorian in that...

 

[swage]

Re: TAD Praetorian Hoodie experience

I purchased one of these a month ago from TAD. When it arrived it had a very large snag by the chest pocket and rip in the lower hem line of the sweater. I called TAD's customer service and was told to take some pictures of the defects and send them in an email. The CS rep was very friendly and apologetic. I was under the impression from the conversation that I had with the CS rep that they would have it resolved that day and would give me a call. I heard nothing from them for three business days. I then received an email saying it was difficult for them to determine the damage. I called them with my case number and was given the same run around. I immediately called my credit card company and forwarded them the email I sent containing the pictures. It took them one day to determine the sweater had defects and they filed a claim with TAD. I'm still waiting to see how this turns out. It appears to be good quality but I'm more than a little disappointed with how the incident has unfolded. I have three other jackets of different varieties from TAD along with several pairs of pants and they have all been top notch up until this recent incident.

 

[jbell]

Re: TAD Praetorian Hoodie experience

Thanks all for the info.

Frank how is it holding up after you wearing it for some time?

Swage, that sucks for sure. I hope they take care of it for ya.

How do these seem to be for warmth under a quality shell? As that will be its primary job for me.

 

[Cesiumsponge]

Re: TAD Praetorian Hoodie experience

That's unfortunate to hear of a bad CS experience. I've always had very good luck contacting their folks.

Everyone has a different tolerance to cold, and their own comfort zone. I rarely layer up, and when I do, the Praetorian is more than enough for me unless I'm doing extended frolicking below freezing temperatures. If it's dry, a single fleece is enough. If it's wet, I'll run a layer and softshell like Praetorian+Stealth.

That's what I ran a couple months ago up in the mountains. I actually took off the softshell for most of the day after I got warmed up and we got a break in the snow. I overheat easily. YMMV.