At $79 - $89, the Reaper is priced as a premium
sweatshirt and sits above the standard cotton hoodie. But the angler-focused
features and performance justify this. Rather than comparing it to a basic
hoodie, it’s fairer to measure it against other technical garments, like the
Simms Challenger hoodie.
Construction on the AFTCO's Reaper
is very good and I found it held up well. No need to baby this garment
Both the Reaper and Challenger are fleece-lined
and function well as standalone or layering pieces. However, the Reaper’s
integrated face mask sets it apart, and its cut is slightly more athletic and
modern compared to the Challenger’s traditional fit. Ultimately, choosing
between them may come down to brand preference and whether you value an
integrated face mask.
The quiet pocket closures are a
nice bonus feature
AFTCO also offers an added value with their 10%
Pledge: a portion of every purchase supports ocean and waterway conservation and
angler rights. While this doesn’t affect the Reaper’s quality, it does give
anglers an additional reason to feel good about supporting the brand. In the
end, the AFTCO Reaper is an outstanding technical sweatshirt that blends
performance with style - and a great choice for anglers who appreciate both
function and fashion.
Used as a standalone hoodie for
milder conditions the AFTCO Reaper also tucks comfortably in bibs and is a great
layering option under a rain shell
Ratings: (We've re-calibrated our ratings standard for 2008 and have included a key at the bottom of the following matrix as a guide)
|
AFTCO Reaper
Sweatshirt
Ratings
(?/10) |
| Construction/Quality |
AFTCO builds quality
garments and we are continuing to see them up level their technical and
lifestyle garment quality. The Reaper is very well built inside and out and
even the snap closures and cinch down cords are robust |
9 |
| Performance |
This is not a do it all
piece of foul weather gear and is intended to be your everyday fishing
hoodie with some additional technical features. Used as intended the Reaper
is a very comfortable and warm fishing hoodie and the integrated facemask
deploys quickly and comfortably. Just remember to bring a rainsuit to pair
with the Reaper when really foul weather is in the forecast |
8.5 |
| Price |
More expensive than your
traditional hoodie, and AFTCO does offer less technical options, but when it
comes to a fully integrated hoodie and gaiter we feel that the Reaper is
priced fairly |
8 |
| Features |
More feature rich than
your average fishing hoodie and the cinch down hood and integrated facemask
really stand out as features that are useful for anglers and boater. AFTCO
does a good job adding these technical features while keeping a quality
style and fit that make this hoodie great for so much more than just fishing
duty. |
9 |
| Design
(Ergonomics) |
I found the Reaper to be
true to size. I am 5'11 and 165lbs and the medium fit great. The Reaper
doesn't pack down ultra small but that is a fair tradeoff for the
microfleece insulation and warmth it provides. If you like the Reaper design
but do not want the built in facemask AFTCO does offer the Shadow sweatshirt
which features a similar design minus the mask and with some extra DWR
(water repellant) features |
9 |
| Application |
A comfortable
sweatshirt/hoodie that can be worn standalone cooler days or as a layering
piece. I find the Reaper stylish enough to wear on days that I am not
fishing |
8.5 |
|
Total Score |
8.66 |
Ratings Key: 1 = terrible : 2 = poor : 3 = lacking : 4 = sub par : 5 = mediocre : 6 = fair : 7 = good : 8 = great : 9 = excellent : 10 = unbelievable!
For More
Details
of the
updated
rating
system
visit
our
explanation
here |
Pluses and Minuses:
Plus |
Minus |
|
+
Excellent
construction
and design |
-
A bigger
investment
than your
average
hoodie |
|
+
Great warmth
and use as a
mid weight
standalone
hoodie or
layering
garment |
-
Good wind
protection,
but not
great (good
as a
layering
garment for
those very
windy days) |
|
+
Integrated
facemask and
neck warmer
is
comfortable
and doesn't
feel too
tight (at
least for
me) |
-
Not
waterproof,
must add a
rainsuit for
those rainy
days |
|
+
Modern fit,
comfortable
and not too
loose. Cinch
down hood is
great for
boaters |
|
|
+
Good color
options,
camo
patterns
look great |
|
|
+
Breathes
well and
strategic
venting |
|
|
+
Great stain
resistance |
|
|
+
Holds up
well over
time |
|
Conclusion:
It's easy to see why AFTCO named this sweatshirt
the Reaper. This highly technical garment has two distinct looks and
personalities. With the face mask down, it looks like a relaxed, comfortable
hoodie - perfect for a casual vibe. The cuffs are loose enough to roll up, which
is great for a laid-back style or keeping sleeves dry when reaching into
livewells or handling fish. But pull up the integrated face mask, and you
transform into the Reaper, ready to cast with deadly precision.
The Reaper is a great technical
hoodie for anglers, boaters, and outdoor enthusiasts. Though it offers a lot of
technical features it still exhibits a modern and comfortable fit
AFTCO has leveled-up technical fishing hoodies
with the Reaper. The fit and finish are a benchmark in fishing apparel, and the
thoughtful details, like the cinch-down hood and snap-close pockets, which are
both functional and well executed. Though it is more expensive than a standard
hoodie, the Reaper combines multiple features into a seamless, versatile
garment.
AFTCO makes my go-to sun shirt and
after a few months with the Reaper they also make my favorite technical hoodie
For me, fishing apparel ultimately comes down to
two things: comfort and performance for the intended use. AFTCO nails
both with the Reaper, and it’s a bonus that it looks relatively stylish, too.
The AFTCO Samurai is already my go-to sun shirt, and now the Reaper has become
my top choice for a technical hoodie on cooler days. The AFTCO Reaper is the
hoodie that I reach for, recommend most during this season, and whenever
temperatures drop.
Looking for the Aftco Reaper Sweatshirt? Try
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