Teknic Tornado

TEKNIC TORNADO

CW EVALUATION

Step-in water repellent

RAINSUITS ARE A BIT LIKE INSURANCE policies: Most of the time, they're a bothersome expense, but when faced with the unexpected, there is no such thing as too much coverage.

Teknic’s Tornado adds a cheerful readiness to the common cloudburst. Made in China from nylon-backed, polyvinylchlorate (PVC), this onepiece rainsuit is loaded with features, including overlapped, double-stitched and electronically welded seams, elasticized wrists, waist and ankles, and reflective tape across the shoulders, arms and at the calves. There are even velcro adjustment tabs at the neck, wrists and ankles, and three cargo pockets-one on the upper left arm, another over the left breast and a third on the right thigh-that provide storage for smaller items.

Designed and imported by Specialty Sports Limited (5905 Belding Rd.,

N.E., Rockford, Ml 49341; 616/8745867), the $85 Tornado is generously tailored for a loose, comfortable fit. A heavy-duty, YKK zipper extends diagonally from the corduroy-lined collar to just below the knee, allowing the garment to be donncd-and doffedwith minimal effort, even over bulky riding apparel. Zippered leg openings further ease the on/off transition.

Over the past eight months, our white/sky/navy sample (Tcknic sells six color combinations in S-XXL sizes) has proven durable and, as claimed, watertight. Indeed, even daylong Alpine downpours and the sporadic Southern California deluge failed to permeate the suit.

In sum, the Tornado is thoughtfully designed and manufactured, moderately priced and, above all, waterproof. Consider it foul-weather insurance that is worth its premium. U