Insane Differences - Helikon-Tex Patriot VS Chinese Tactical Fleece Jackets
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- Опубликовано: 28 июн 2024
- This is VERSUS and in this episode Luke is comparing the Chinese Tactical Fleece against the Helikon-Tex Patriot Fleece Jacket....
I will tell you this, I DIDN'T expect these sort of differences for double the cost.....
Helikon-Tex, you need to do MUCH Better than this.
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Helikon-Tex Patriot VS Chinese Tactical Fleece
Helikon-Tex Agenda Free Link :
BIYLACLESEN Agenda Free Link :
Helikon-Tex Cost : $90 (Foliage color)
BIYLACLESEN Cost : $42
Helikon-Tex Weight : 2lb 2.5oz
BIYLACLESEN Weight : 1lb 9oz
Helikon-Tex Materials : YKK zippers, 390g polyester double fleece
BIYLACLESEN Materials : : Anti-Pilling Polyester and WC Chinese zippers.
I have already reviewed the BIYLACLESEN version so I won’t be going over all of the details concerning it and I will be skipping those details for the Helikon tex version as well. I’m talking about sizes, colors and etc. In my full review of the Patriot I will cover those details.
Differences :
When looking at these jackets you would be correct in thinking that they are identical and that’s because they are; the overall design and look is the same but upon closer inspection you will see that the Helikon-Tex version has a number of substantial differences and it should considering that the price is double that of the BIYLACLESEN.
Helikon has a zipper guard to block wind from entering the jacket - BIYLACLESEN doesn’t have this feature.
Helikon features hood adjustments whereas the BIYLACLESEN doesn’t.
Helikon features a media pass through ports, the BIYLACLESEN doesn’t
Helikon uses stronger materials, higher quality zippers and you can feel the difference.
Helikon fleece has reinforced elbows; this is a nice feature as the fleece in that area will wear with use.
Helikon has pit zips which is AWESOME - BIYLACLESEN doesn’t have this feature.
Helikon has adjustable wrist straps - BIYLACLESEN doesn’t
BIYLACLESEN has slightly larger shoulder pockets
Helikon has larger wrist pockets
Helikon doesn’t have the pen pocket on the shoulder
Helikon has clips in the chest pockets
Helikon Fleece has more loose threads which is very surprising. They are of any concern when it comes to quality and durability but doesn’t look as good as it should. The BIYLACLESEN has very fewloose threads.
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Thoughts and Impressions :
If you handle the BIYLACLESEN fleece prior to the Helikon, your first impression is the weight and thickness of the materials.
From there if you go to the Helikon the impression is just how much heavier and thicker that it is compared to the Chinese version. There is a noticeable difference between the two.
In my opinion, the helikon is a premium version of common Chinese made tactical fleece and for roughly double the cost you are getting some rather important features.
It is thicker, warmer, more adjustable, stronger and will last longer than the Chinese variants. The addition of the reinforced arms and the pit zippers are huge and are worth the additional investment;
Fleece jackets will always wear the quickest at the elbows and with the Helikon version you will not have to worry about that happening.
With the pit zips, these are vital; we are talking about heavyweight fleece jackets and because they are so warm such a feature really is needed. Think about your use cases for a jacket like this;
It has to be cool and you aren’t moving or it has to be cold and you are moving to wear them comfortably. Otherwise you will find the jacket to be simply too hot.
The pit zips allow for the user to wear the jacket in conditions which may not be as cold and balance out body temp. You can do that with the Helikon, no with the Chinese jacket.
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Which would I pick :
I’ll be honest, I like both jackets and after time with both, I would select the Helikon Tex version. The features that this jacket offers are worthy of the additional cost but if you have budget restraints I can still easily recommend the Chinese version. In my review of the BIYLACLESEN I spoke of the feel of the jacket and how it doesn’t inspire confidence as far as durability goes and I still stand by that; be gentle with it and it will serve you well. With the Helikon fleece, it inspires confidence and it feels like a product that is going to last a long time. It is worth double the cost in my opinion.
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From a former USAF Ssgt and Eagle Scout, I must say that your channel is one of the VERY few I have come to rely on for brutally honest gear reviews! I applaud you for telling Helikon to go Jump in a Lake as far as the "Review Contract" goes. The ability to buy and rate just about anything honestly for Outdoor gear has me checking your channel often for what you have reviewed next- You and your Wife do EXCELLENT videos, so please do keep up the Great Work and Happy New Year, Good Sir!
I not only have to say a heartfelt Thank You 🙏 for your service, but congratulations on achieving Eagle Scout ! My dad was a boy scout troop leader for more than 20 years in Brooklyn New York. Good Citizenship meant a lot in my family. Again, thank you. Healthy and happy New Year to you and your family. Frances
Lol nerd
Only issue is of it's made in china you already know the rest id be shocked if it lasted beyond 2 weeks
@@globalfamiliesfirst Hey, you forgot to lick his boots and sniff his holster too!
@@vitruvianprotection6725 Are you gonna run a gun in the forest and wrestle bears, so it will only last you two weeks, you suburban dolt?
Good on you Luke. NEVER compromise your integrity. This is why your reviews are highly valued
It's best to assume all reviews are under contract until proven otherwise. True for outdoor gear, true for tools.
Very few truely independent reviewers out there.
Thanks Luke
Project Farm does great independent reviews on various tools. Highly recommend
Most people I know that review things don't do it on a as paid basis. They will only review (positively) the things they like and the things that work, getting paid for it is irrelevant.
There are times when people will say this is a paid review many guys I know who are in the outdoor industry will not recommend stuff that's garbage.
Always stand your ground, and do things in an honest manner. Love the review, and comparison with these two jackets. Sometimes more money for a higher quality product is definitely worth it.
There’s a good chance the HTex pockets are positioned to be accessible while wearing a pack with waist belt.
Also...they're easier to access while wearing body armor.
Both true. They do more casual jackets, if those are not things you require.
Now that’s someone you can trust. If he recommends something, you know it’s good.
I own a couple of the Helikon jackets and, other than the placement of the front pockets, can't fault them. However, I also own 2 pairs of Helikon's CPU trousers and agree that their quality control team needs a kick up the backside. Many of the buttons were barely attached to the trousers and required me to re-sew them before wearing.
I’ve mentioned that on other Helikon clothing reviews, I’ve had some great products from them, but others that failed at the worst time.
Probably the reality is there both manufactured in China?
Dude, this is why I love your channel. Honest reviews. Thank you!
The pockets are higher on the Helicon so you can still access them if your wearing a pack with a waist belt
Great review as always, thanks! The Helikon pockets are actually perfectly placed when wearing body armor, as they are high enough to clear the cummerbund on the plate carrier, and set widely enough to the sides to clear the plate. Loose threads, yah annoying but pretty much standard issue on every piece of military clothing I've ever been issued. Appreciate your channel, keep up the good work!
So are the pockets on the Chinese version. I have one and I can get my hands in with my plate carrier on.
I like your reviews,thank you for standing your ground,and always been a honest reviewer,we need more people like you.
And that's why I keep watching this channel! Thanks Luke for keeping it contract free and honest
I always appreciate your honesty. Please keep your videos coming! Happy New Year!
Luke first and foremost just want to say thoughts and prayers and gratitude to your daughter as an Army Vet I appreciate her service! That said, I got to tell you I really appreciate the way you came across in this video and stood on your principles thank you and lastly love the videos keep them coming and if you ever get out to the Rockies give me a shout love to go camping with you!
Get a room you two!
Thank you again Luke for the vid! Agenda free review is sooo important to users like us. I select some of my gears and my future list from your channel.
The pockets are purposefully placed high on the Helikon so you can wear a pack with a hip strap and still have access to the pockets.
HATE that companies think they ALWAYS have to put HAND pockets so high that they are uncomfortable to keep your HANDS in. Don't need to put my hands in my pockets when I'm hiking or hanging off a harness. And unbuckling a hip belt to get to something in there is much preferable to never feeling comfortable using them to put my hands in when I'm not hiking, which is most of the time. Anyway I don't think I'll ever hike very far in a thick fleece jacket. Too hot no matter how cold it is. Oh, and if you're truly 'tacticool' you won't ever use a hip belt anyway because the first thing you better do if you get into a firefight is dump that rucksack or you'll likely die wearing it.
@@brimstone33 I understand your point of view and I thinks it’s mostly personal preference on the issue. Arcteryx uses the same high-pocket philosophy with a lot of their gear intended for harnesses or waist belts- things like the Alpha FL. I do a lot of hiking and I use my front pockets constantly throughout the day for quick, easy-access. I personally prefer high pockets so I don’t have to unbuckle my waist belt every single time I need to reach the pockets. I just wanted to point out the reasoning behind the design for those who hadn’t thought of it so people can take it into consideration when choosing this or other gear. Happy trails!
Actually, sorry bad example - the Alpha FL has only one breast pocket, but some of their other shells have high hand pockets.
I love how thorough you are, thanks for the video.
A great and highly objective review! I've had a Patriot fleece for 8 years and bought two more in different colours. I work in oil and gas and I'm out in all weathers the Patriot is excellent has not bobbled at all and the pit zips do make a massive difference. I did have one Chinese one several years ago but the quality was lacking. Never had loose threads on a Helikon product (3 Patriots, 3 Gunfighter jackets, 10+ pairs of SFU pants, baseball caps, Boonie hats) so I'd send that one straight back and demand a replacement! Strength and honour my friend keep up the great reviews, I've just ordered a green Pilgrim on your recommendation. 🇬🇧
I'd avoid any company that wants to force a review to lean certain ways
They definitely picked the wrong RUclipsr to try that with too, LOL
I agree with this sentiment.....................infact its almost enough to make me not buy from them and go with the cheaper one.
@@williamturechek2911 Not gonna buy China. Not gonna buy this other company.
@@harrymills2770 I'm not advocating that anyone should buy anything. I'm just making the point that I don't like companies that try to control the results of reviews of their products. I guess you could say that I'm more of a responsible consumer than most. There are companies I won't buy from, for example, because I know they mistreat their workforce.
@@harrymills2770 do you know of one made anywhere other then China?
Love the agenda free reviews! You always give the real truth on products. Thank you 🙏 I hardly comment but watch all the time! I’m sure others really appreciate the no bs. Anyway love all the content just wanted to say how much I appreciate the way you do business!
Greetings from the UK. Watched your review and went with the Patriot option - very pleased with it, fits well and because I’m longer bodied the chest pockets aren’t too high up and are comfortable to slip my hands into. I agree about the pit zips not having a mesh backing - minor design slip up, I’m thinking of having some mesh sewn into mine just as a control for how wide the PZs open. Great reviews, I would never have considered H-T as a purchase option without your input - keep up the good work.
Thank you for this excellent comparison/contrast. Keep up the good work.😎
Honest reviews are hard to come by, which is why I love this channel.
You’ve earned yourself another subscription, thank you for being direct and honest!👍
I have to give you huge respect for keeping your integrity and not caving to these companies that want their products "reviewed" but only reviewed to their standards...that's not how this works! Keep up the great work, I absolutely love your work!
I started buying Helikon-Tex a few years ago. For the money (back then), they're a hell of a buy. Thanks for the review!
You always have the best agenda free, honest and detailed reviews!!
I love that you don't take on sponsors. So the reviews are real and not lik a commercial. Thank you
Love your morals. Subscribed straight away xx. Finding an honest review these days is like looking for a needle in a haystack
Hats off to you for not takin a bribe 👍🏼… good info !
Great comparison Luke. Considered and relevant. First class.
Watching your videos luke makes my heart very warm and happy bro :)
Love these honest real man reviews.
Liked, already subscribed, commented and I’ll share it as well.
Thanks so much for these thorough and objective reviews. The Helikon costs more than twice as much as the Chinese jacket, which means you could buy two of the Chinese jackets, save one for when the first one wears out, and still have money left over for coffee. Both jackets have some nice features that the other one doesn’t have, but also have les-nice features that the other one doesn’t have. And, to me, there’s just no way the Helikon is more than twice as good as the Chinese jacket. So there’s no way I’d buy the Helikon. I like the idea of buying American, but for something to cost twice as much it should be twice as good. That doesn’t seem to be the case here.
Excellent explanations and presentations of Helicon garment. Having recently bought a pair of their tact pants and being satisfied, I feel that I may add this item to my wardrobe.
Great, well detail thorough review, kudos bro, I subscribed.
I appreciate your honest reviews
Outstanding review this is why I look to see you review be making a purchase of equipment. You have never let me down. Thanks for all you do. Be well my friend.
Another great review. The pit zips are a very nice feature. Especially if you have a like a goretex jacket over a fleece with also pit zips. But quality wise the loose threads are just a missed opportunity to show you excel in quality and your gear is really worth the money.
Great comparison and review. Strength and honor. 💯❤👍
Thanks for your honest reviews 👍
Another great video brother. I own several helikon products and have been fairly satisfied with all of them. My hat goes off for you're integrity ! Thanks so much for what you do for us all. God bless you and your family
Great video Luke !! As always...
Thank you for the review Luke.
Awesome review. Unbiased. You earned all your subscribers.
I like this unbiased review, far better than the other reviews on RUclips.
Thanks for this review!
I also greatly appreciate your warning on how Helikon treats its reviewers and content providers.
I did wonder about the differences in the seams, particularly in the shoulder and arm attachments. Beyond the loose thread issue, it appeared that the seams were more substantial in the Helikon? I assume that the placement of the seams was pretty much the same?
And I assume that the "lining" was the same, terms of material used and in terms of amount of coverage?
Luke , Even Better than this jacket from Helikon is the Ranger jacket from Triple Aught Design !! Made in San Francisco with YKK Zips Everywhere and TOP Quality and Features !! Same features as Helikon and More As well as Several colors ! A Bit pricier tho ... 😎👍
No kidding.. £265 for a hoodie is a joke
TAD is the company all of these Chinese made companies are ripping off designs from.
I have an 11 yr old TAD Ranger Hoodie. Wore it through two deployments to Afghanistan and is my go-to fleece to this day. It's absolutely bullet proof. Yeah it cost alot but I doubt that either one of the two jackets above would last 10 plus years and still be going strong. Unfortunately TAD only makes a lite weight version of the jacket now. Can't vouch for that version.
@@Helleuphoria I’ll support a local company and local manufacturing over some Chinese sweatshop garbage any day. Even easier when you do some cost per wear calcs. There are Ranger’s out there a decade old and still going.
But its a mortgage payment
Excellent and honest review. Like it very much!
Thank you for another fantastic review. I definitely trust your channel, keep up the good work!
Thanks for the review! Good to know!
I just stumbled on this video. Great video, very critical comments on both products. Non biased opinions and that is what makes for a great video and a lot of subscribers. Thanks for putting this video together. I am HTX supporter but after this video, I have to reconsider. Cheers!
Thanks Luke. Great video as always . Any time a want to buy something I look for one of your reviews before I make a purchase. ALWAYS BETTER TO MAKE AN INFORMED PURCHASE. Enough said. Thanks for sharing take care and God Bless.
Excellent review very detailed and helped me make my decision on which to get thank u 🙏
I’ve been rocking the Helikon Tex patriot ( Polish woodland camo) for probably 3 years now, no zipper failures no seams coming apart, the only con is the plastic cuff adjustments they never want to adhere the sewn on Velcro, thanks Cool hand enjoy your Sunday
Your reveiws are great. Thank you
I appreciate that your always honest.
Luke, Thanks for your honesty!
Very thorough review 👍
This was the first time I caught one of your reviews. I thought it was excellent and I really appreciate your honesty here, too. I'm going to pass on both fleeces, btw, and hope that H-T comes out with a v2 with better sewing before I pull out the Visa. Thanks again for a very helpful review.
I own the “Chinese version” and it definitely isn’t holding up after 8 months of hard use. Thanks for the awesome reviews!
Sounds about right from my experience. With the better "Chinese knock-offs" you can reasonably expect 80% of the performance for 50% of the price of the name brands. Great value to be had for sure, but if you are someone who will "max" out equipment it's better to pay the premium.
@@donaldrobertson5747 couldn’t agree more brother!
Straight up no BS and telling companies that think they can twist your words to take a hike, this is exactly why I watch your channel. Keep up the good work
I am happy to see there are still people lie you and Matthias on youtube who are honest transparent and give your opinion / review of product without any bias
Surprising to see the QC on Helikon varies so much , I have quite a few products from them and all came flawless, even the patriot fleece . Not a single loose thread when I got mine a year ago. Hats off to you Luke for keeping your independence as a reviewer- you did good on refusing that deal.
I just bought one on Ebay for $27 with free shipping, thanks for the review!
Hey Luke how’s it going brother I’ve had the Chinese version for about 6 years now and I have put it through the test and is still going strong
Yup, I'd agree with ^this^
I bought a very early version of the Chinese jacket 8 or maybe 9 years ago to wear for work (on construction sites in the UK and the French Alps) for the equivalent of about 35 bucks (I think) to save destroying a more expensive jacket, and I've put mine through absolute hell, getting it wet, muddy, covered in snow, ice, sand, concrete splatter, dust, wood chippings/sawdust, ice, thorns, brushing against barbed wire, sharp steel rebar, rough concrete pipes/culverts, worn it with full body fall-arrest and leading-edge/abseil harnesses in all conditions down to around -15⁰C (-25⁰C with the wind-chill factored-in), and after washing it (but brushing/picking the worst of the soiling off first) it still looks good enough to wear socially (but I'm a scruffy kinda guy...), when travelling or just going grocery shopping.
The original front zipper was complete garbage and failed after less than a week, but I bought a YKK zipper on Amazon for less than 5 bucks and had an old lady in my village stitch it in with her industrial sewing machine for 10 bucks, and since then I've had zero issues with anything, except that the sleeves are 2" too short for me to use the thumb-holes comfortably, so I added some shock-cord and cord-grabbers (those little plastic spring-loaded doo-dahs, like on the waist and hood shock-cords) to the wrists and everything's great now.
All the seams on mine are double-stitched (and with no loose threads) and I'd consider it to be one of the best investments of around 50 bucks all-in that I've ever made, but I appreciate that some people need a recognisable/famous brand name on everything that they own, even if the item is of lower quality/utility than the cheaper non-branded item, and good luck to them because I'm not here to tell them how to spend their money or live their life...
Luv the tone, the details n precise explanation.
For most youtubers, the tone will seem hard, but it works here..
But a gentler softer tone might work better..
Great job.. 👍
A cool feature to those rear pass-through pockets is that if you turn the pocket inside-out you can pack the whole jacket inside of it.
Easy way to pack it flat.
This video has earned you a subscriber.
I didn’t know about the original non-CH version.
Now I do. Thank you for showing me the original non-CH.
You have earned yourself a subscriber
My mate, I love your reviews ...the very few items I've purchased that you've recommended have been quality items.
I have 2 of the Heli Patriot Fleece Jackets and absolutely second what you are saying about the loose threads. The airflow is a must in my opinion and the pockets could be lower.
Thank you for the honesty. It is so refreshing to have some one telling the truth for a change.
Great review, thanks! I'm curious to know which of the two has become your favourite one, a few months from now.
Same experiences with Helikon: Great design and material quality. Loose threads, but only in a few cases. Maybe a bad batch of threads, I don't know.
“Nobody tells me what to do”. Excellent
Excellent! Thanks man 😎
Thank you for this comparison on these 2 fleece jackets
Totally agree, I have had a chinese fleece jacket like that for years, used it in winter, and autumn, in the street, forest, at home (cold apartment LoL) and it has always been warm and comfortable. The only gripe I found is QC, the first one I bought, the most used and abused still goes strong, but bought a second which a zip failed just after some days of light use, so... it's a bit of a gamble too
Great review!
Love this channel and the fact you buy the items. Interesting the way companies present contracts. I am going for the cheap Chinese jacket probably buy two for the price. Keep up the great work.
I have had the Helikon-Tex for awhile now and it is pretty nice. I had even used it as my winter coat with a couple of layers.
Hey Luke! Thanks for the comparison! Also, do you plan on making a draft of products?
Honesty is the best policy.
Thank You Luke.
I like the Warning you gave to Helikon Tex .....really 🙏
No draw string on the hood is a deal killer for me . Happy trails
Hi Luke! New subscriber here, loving your content so far. I'm now a huge fan boy of Helikon-Tex thanks to your reviews! With that being said, can you please review the Helikon-Tex Summit Backpack? I was looking for a pack and that caught my eyes and it being a Helikon-Tex. It's almost a no brained for me. I'm just holding off because I don't really know how good it is yet. Thank you good sir!
Great review, one can indeed just buy two generic Chinese fleece pullovers for one 'branded' and keep one in reserve (or get two different colours so you can stay colour matched with other clothes...).
Reading this review I realized that the Helikon-Tex fleece hoody looks exactly like the Varusteleka fleece hoody that I bought in 2017 for 60 euros. Except that the Varusteleka one does not have any sloppy stitching... But also a wind flap all behind the zipper, pit zips, nice drawcords on the hood, same pocket configuration, same velcro patches, same elbow reinforcement. Even pen holders in the pockets. They no longer sell those, have been mostly moving all their own warm gear to Merino wool or mixed wool/synthetics, but that fleece hoody was a real beast of a garment (still is, I wear it frequently for cold weather work in the yard and it's like new after almost 5 years - if things get really awful that is the one I pick to wear under a hardshell). Maybe Helikon got the same Chinese factory to make their stuff... After which it's a matter of quality control.
Keep up the good work.
I've had the Chinese jacket for a couple of years and carry it on almost every hike along with a light windbreaker. It still looks like new.
It's those little details that will always get you.
Wow... really appreciate your detailed and unbiased comparison and review. I would go for the Chinese version because of what I would be using for on a daily basis. I hit the subscribe button!
Nice honest review
I really like Helikon too! Sad to see their QC has gone down. I'm personally not a fan of jackets with lots of zippers and pockets, although i do like fleece jackets. My favorite piece by them is their Helikon-tex Level 7 hooded jacket in multicam or camogrom as they call it lol. Awesome jacket! Warm with 2 giant interior pockets. Comes with a stuff sack too. Can be used as a stand alone jacket or as a mid layer under a gortex parka. Better than our militaries Gen 3 Level 7 jackets in my opinion. Most run big so size down if you buy. Just a heads up. I also like their dragon egg and ghost packs they did with direct action, kryptek mandrake camo being my favorite. They came with source bladders too very nice! Lastly their fire kit pouches are really nice! Thanks Luke always great content! Hike on!
Thanks good review sir.
Great review. Glad i saw this. I’m not sure I’ll be buying either of these. Guess I’ll keep looking.
Great info packed review, and cheers to you for the HT corporate lawyers slap down!
Nice review, regarding chest pockets however the higher ones are meant to be accessible while wearing a plate carrier. First thing I was told off the bus at boot camp "you ain't got pockets no more to keep your hands warm no more."
Thanks for the heads up on Helikon attempts to influence you.
Agree on Helikon sloppiness. I have the Cumulus fleece and Urban soft shell and I spent quite a bit of time going through each one and cleaning up loose threading. An annoyance is the left handing of the main zipper. Other than that they’re nice and have held up well.
I saw the patriot jacket on the amazing east Anglian bushcraft channel a few weeks ago where Craig camped in a shipwreck, I asked him what it was and ordered one the “patriot fleece” and I think it’s amazing ! No problem with mine just love it. I payed about 60 quid (the queens English pounds) it’s nothing for a outdoor garment of this quality for gods sake!
I totally admire your integrity fella and your review is outstanding!
watching your video,and i really like it....its fair fair and independent!!
thanks for your review!! from the Netherlands,greetings Wim Bon
Thank you for your honest opinion.