Wednesday Review… Vass Team Vass 175 Lightweight Smock

This entry was posted on 2nd April, 2014

Vass Team Vass 175 Lightweight Smock Review

Today’s Wednesday review is supplied by our good friends at Total Sea Fishing, with editor Barney Wright taking an in-depth look at the Vass 175 lightweight smock.

Barney donned the Vass 175 lightweight waterproof and windproof/breathable smock while at sea to find out how good it is, if it’s properly functional and whether it truly keeps the rain out.

Having worn pretty much the whole range of Vass rainwear, I was a little excited in anticipation of trying out the new version of what I already considered to be excellent attire. I felt that taking the gear to the English Channel would be a fair test.

The first thing I noticed was its superb colour scheme – surprisingly the shades of light-grey-and-grey logo on a grey background really stands out.



The next thing was its length, for when putting it on it sat well below my waistline, which meant that the possible ingress of run-off water couldn’t possibly wet my trousers!

If you’re not already aware of the fact, this edition was made for the UK’s national teams, utilising their advice, experience and input to create something that’s suitable for the best in the world – you can’t get much better than that!

During my day afloat I also warm a good amount of warm layers underneath, but in no way did I feel restricted and was able to twist and turn with full movement with ease – something I found most useful a few days later on the beach when opening up my shoulders to blast baits over the horizon.

Raising the hood was a complete surprise, too, for there was enough room to contain my massive bonce, plus I could easily wear a hat in there (and a head-mounted light).

The face fastener allowed me to cover my face easily, which also surprisingly I found most comfortable, and despite plenty of spray coming on deck I kept a vast amount away.

Another remarkable thing is it can be crumpled up into a tight ball and stowed away in a tackle box/bag unnoticed. One thing I would suggest is for one of the poppers to be set in such a way that it can be rolled up and clipped shut. But this is not really an issue because simply stuffing it in a small plastic bag keeps it out of harms way.

On returning to port I removed the smock and was completely dry underneath. I didn’t get too hot nor did the cold get in – although this is down to how clever you are with your underclothes.



One final point I’d like to mention is that during one stint on a wreck, I deliberately faced into the wind with the purpose of receiving heaps of spray. The hood was large enough to be pulled completely down over my face and I was able to witness lashings of water pour off the hood and down the smock to the deck – no way was water getting in!

Conclusion The reality is that Vass has once again produced a top garment. It will suit both shore and boat anglers, folds away to virtually nothing, is very comfortable and looks the business. There’s plenty of stretch for manoeuvring, it keeps you dry, and, with suitable clothing worn underneath, helps to keep you warm – Its worth every penny and I wear mine with pride.

At A Glance Colour – Titanium grey with charcoal-black contrast Reflective shoulder print Reflective arm print Quad-welded seams Fold-out storm hood with upgraded drawcord Large front pocket with Velcro funnelled storm flap Elasticated cuffs and lower hem This garment is metal free, ensuring no parts corrode during use Extended body length for improved water run-off Quick drying Machine Washable

Buy The Vass Team Vass 175 Lightweight Breathable Smock