Beyond The Cloudburst: Black Diamond’s Stormline Overcomes to Make The Grade

April 27, 2023

Rain shell steps into four seasons of performance, delivers quiver-of-one value

TUCSON, ARIZONA USA /OUTDOOR SPORTSWIRE/ – An overachiever among its peers, the BLACK DIAMOND Stormline Stretch Rain Shell isn’t afraid of the four seasons. As a result, it wins ‘Made the Grade’ status from Investment Grade Gear for performance, value, and longevity.

‘Rare is the shell under $200 worth taking across the seasons and world,’ states INVESTMENT’s founder and lead evaluator Peter Reese. ‘The Stormline Stretch Rain Shell does the wearer right even when winds accelerate, snow falls, or the temperature fluctuates to extremes.’

Despite having fabric specs that don’t top the charts, smart zipper systems, intelligent hood adjustment and extended back length repel even harsh conditions. Add in extended pit zips and abrasion resistance for a shell proven over five years of grueling evaluation.

INVESTMENT GRADE GEAR, rooted in 50 years of adventure experience and outdoor journalism, selects individual pieces of gear for video reviews: Nothing chosen is part of a traditional gear round-up, but merits special consideration for performance, lasting value, and embracing a ‘less and better beats more’ approach to a more sustainable future.

Many of the products selected for ‘Made the Grade’ have been in evaluation for three years or more, with some receiving updates since first taken outside or on the road for extended travel. In addition, none have been sponsored by the brands, nor does INVESTMENT receive compensation for their use in the ‘Made the Grade’ initiative.

The video review, including a unique one-word summary of the BLACK DIAMOND Stormline Stretch Rain Shell, is available HERE.

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INVESTMENT GRADE GEAR is a response to ‘Best of’ gear category lists that frequently confuse or don’t provide concise, credible findings. Focused on video reviews, each Made the GradeTM selection fits the powerful mantra of Know It, Trust It, Keep It.TM, one applauded by manufacturers and industry influencers alike. Consideration of individual products is not limited to new releases, and can be suggested by reaching out to editor@investmentgradegear.com.