The MAESTRO softshell jacket from Nebulus made a very good overall impression in our test. The jacket is available for men in black, light blue and two shades of blue as well as in five different sizes. Women can choose from the color red. It has a zipper on the front, a high collar and separate, closable pockets on the front. For our test, we received the jacket in red and in size M for men and size S for women. The jackets fit our testers very well. The material quality and workmanship were just as impressive as the jacket in the practical test. This shows that the jacket fits comfortably for a long time, the softshell exterior is extremely water-repellent and the fleece on the inside keeps you pleasantly warm.
Advantages
✅ High wearing comfort
✅ Good workmanship and quality
✅ Practical zippers
✅ Lockable belly pockets
✅ Collar keeps you warm
✅ Comfortable fit
✅ Water-repellent outer surface
Disadvantages
❌ none
The first impression
Packaging and labeling
ℹ️ Here we take a closer look at packaging. Sustainability is becoming an increasingly important factor. In addition, adequate protection of the product must of course also be ensured.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Product protection | Sturdy shipping carton, additional protection against soiling with plastic bag | 100 points |
| Sustainability Packaging | No unnecessary packaging waste was used, items were packed very compactly | 100 points |
| Packaging convenience | Easy opening of the shipping carton with scissors or a knife | 90 points |
| Total | 97 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
In our case, the MAESTRO softshell jacket from Nebulus was delivered together with other products in a sturdy shipping box . The shipping box was undamaged and could be easily opened with the help of a knife or scissors. The shipping box was also optimally sized, as it was filled to the top. This protects the environment: not only is the amount of material required for the shipping carton minimized, but the small space required by the package also ensures better utilization of the transport vehicles. Inside the box was the MAESTRO softshell jacket in its product packaging.
The product packaging consists of a transparent plastic bag in which the softshell jacket was packed. The film is tear-resistant and not stretchable. A Nebulus logo is printed on the front of the packaging. There is also a sticker with a barcode, the product name and the size of the softshell jacket. There are warnings on the back that the bag poses a choking hazard. The information is available in four languages, including German and English.
The bag has an opening on the side, which is sealed with an adhesive strip on the film. The adhesive strip is reusable. If the jacket is to be returned, the bag can be resealed with the existing adhesive strip. There is another layer of thin paper between the individual layers of the folded jacket to prevent the jacket fabric from rubbing against each other during transportation. The tag on the zipper is also wrapped in thin packaging paper.
The MAESTRO softshell jacket is very well protected from damage and soiling by the cardboard box and plastic bag.
After unpacking
Package contents and instructions
ℹ️ Most people’s first impression after unpacking is immediately memorable. Are the contents of the package complete and does the manufacturer make it as easy as possible for me to use the product straight away?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Package contents & scope | Softshell jacket, requires no additional accessories. Supplied with cardboard disk with brand logo | 100 points |
| Instructions for use | Not available, but not required. Washing and material instructions on the label. | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
As you would expect, the MAESTRO softshell jacket does not require any additional accessories and is delivered without them. There is a cardboard disc the size of a beer mat on the label, which is printed on both sides in high gloss with the Nebulus logo, which can also be found on the product packaging.
There are no instructions for use, but they are not required. Washing instructions can be found on a label on the inside of the jacket, where this is illustrated with the familiar symbols. There is also information on the material composition of the MAESTRO softshell jacket and the size and product name.
The first time in your hand
Product processing and appearance
ℹ️ Before we start the practical test, we take a close look at the product processing. How high quality are the materials used? Is the look and feel satisfactory?
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Visual appearance | Discreet yet exciting design with Nebulus crest and colorful accents | 100 points |
| Processing and material | Good, almost flawless workmanship, pleasant fabric | 100 points |
| Stability | Tear-resistant fabric in combination with strong seams | 100 points |
| Sustainability of the product | Good quality indicates a long service life | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
For our test, we received the MAESTRO softshell jacket for men and women in red. In addition to this color, Nebulus also offers the jacket in black, light green and in the two blue tones navy and cobalt. The women’s version is only available in red. The red color of our test jacket is very elegant and gives a subtle and timeless look.
The outside of the jacket is made of typical softshell fabric, which is an extremely fine, wrinkle-free and even fabric. The inside of the jacket, on the other hand, is made of a red fleece that extends to the end of the sleeves and thus lines the entire inside. The fleece is thick, very soft and offers optimum comfort. The fleece also feels very good against the skin.
The front of the softshell jacket can be opened along its entire length with a zipper . The zipper is red, as is the basic tone of the jacket, with a red tag attached to the opener. In addition to the Nebulus lettering, a small Norway flag is also sewn into it.
The softshell jacket has two pockets on the front, which are positioned at stomach height. These can also be closed with a black zipper, which has the same pendant as the zipper for opening the jacket. The inner pocket does not just have a second layer of fabric sewn onto the inside of the jacket. Instead, the belly pockets have their own front and back. The belly pockets are only connected to the rest of the jacket via the zipper and a short, narrow strip.
As a color contrast to the red base color, the jacket has white seams and a variety of patches and lettering. Nebulus lettering and the Norwegian flag are sewn onto the right chest. There is also a round patch with Nebulus lettering and the Norwegian flag on the right chest. The coat of arms and the round patch on the upper arms are in the same style, but not identical. Norway flags with Nebulus lettering are sewn onto both sides of the elbows. There is also embroidered Nebulus lettering at the end of the left sleeve. As a special extra, the outside of the collar is also embroidered with small lettering and a flag. These accents in black, blue and white add color to the red base tone and create an interesting visual effect.
The jacket does not have a hood, but it does have a high collar. A second layer of fabric is sewn onto the inside of the collar, which is made from a fine fabric rather than fleece. The fabric has a typical Norwegian flag design. This additional contrast to the color of the jacket and the white seams gives the collar a special touch and adds another subtle yet striking accent to the overall appearance. The Nebulus lettering with the Norway flag appears in a round shape on the back of the jacket. An elastic band is sewn into the bottom of the jacket, which can be adjusted in circumference using a clip.
According to the label, the jacket is made entirely of polyester. The properties of the fabrics used are positive. Both the softshell layer and the fleece on the inside are relatively thick and very tear-resistant. The seams are all even and clean. There are hardly any protruding threads and, if there are any, they are only very short. Apart from this, the jacket has no other manufacturing faults. The jacket has a barely perceptible, slightly sweet synthetic smell.
Overall, the red jackets with white seams, the large number of patches and the depiction of the Norwegian flag in the collar are a fashionable item of clothing with a discreet yet exciting design. The quality of the fabrics used and the seams, as well as the overall workmanship, are also impressive .
This is what our practical test showed
Does the manufacturer keep its advertising promises?
ℹ️ Our practical test is the most relevant and therefore the most important. Here, the product has to undergo a wide range of criteria and tests. We check the functions and product promises of the test article.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Fit size | Very well tailored fit | 100 points |
| Wearing comfort | Comfortable fabric and fit, red fleece on the inside | 100 points |
| Keep warm | Keeps you very warm even in cold temperatures thanks to the thick fabric, inner fur, elastic band and high collar | 100 points |
| Additional functions | Highly water-repellent softshell surface on the outside | 100 points |
| Washability | Withstands 30°C washing without damage | 100 points |
| Total | 100 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
The MAESTRO softshell jacket is sold in various sizes between S and XXL. The women’s version is only available in size S. For our test , we received the jacket in M for men and S for women. The soft shell jacket fits our slim tester, who is 170 cm tall, and our female tester, who is just over 160 cm tall, very well, although there is still room for a few extra centimetres. The softshell jacket fits comfortably on the body without feeling baggy. The length is also suitable and the jacket ends at the right height. The sleeves of the jacket are also cut to fit just after the base of the hand.
The jacket sits very comfortably even after long periods of wear. As the jacket is made of two layers of fabric including fleece, it keeps you very warm.
If the zipper is closed all the way to the top, the collar fits snugly around the neck and reaches up to the head. The collar thus fulfills its function, as it also effectively protects the neck from the cold. This is usually not the case with hooded jackets, where the fabric does not lie close to the neck even when the hood is up and the neck remains unprotected. The zipper can be easily operated using the pendant.
The elastic band at the bottom of the jacket can be tightened to provide additional protection against the cold. The adjustment mechanism is released with a button on a clip, and the elastic can then be tightened or loosened as required. When the elastic band is tightened, the penetration of cold air from below is effectively prevented, even during dynamic movement.
The softshell jacket is significantly less warm when the zipper is open. The open front allows plenty of fresh air to reach the upper body. The collar at the neck is then no longer tight and no longer keeps you as warm. This means that the softshell jacket can be adjusted to suit the temperature.
Ideally, a softshell jacket should be water-repellent. We therefore test the jacket by spraying the surface with water. This is where the softshell surface can show its advantages: it proves to be extremely water-repellent. The water rolls off immediately and falls to the ground. The surface of the jacket cannot be wetted with water and does not absorb water. This keeps the inside pleasantly dry.
In the last part of our practical test, we wash the softshell jacket according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For the MAESTRO jacket, this means an easy-care wash cycle at 30 °C without drying and ironing, which corresponds to the usual specifications for comparable garments. After washing, the jacket smells of the detergent used, but otherwise there is no noticeable difference. The jacket survives the washing procedure without any damage or fading.
Overall, the MAESTRO softshell jacket impressed us in our practical test. It is very comfortable, keeps you very warm, is highly water-repellent and also withstands washing without any problems.
Price/performance ratio
and ratings from consumers
ℹ️ Finally, we look at how the product compares to the competition. Can it keep up with the competition in terms of price and quality? Would we generally recommend buying it? We also examine consumer ratings and check whether the critical and positive reviews are actually justified.
| Criterion | Remark | Score achieved* |
|---|---|---|
| Price / performance ratio | Very good quality in the mid-price segment | 80 points |
| Rating cut | 4.2 out of 5.0 on Amazon | 60 points |
| Total | 70 points |
*The maximum score is 100 points
On the Amazon platform, consumers have given the product an average rating of 4.2 stars. They often complain that the zipper is choppy or that the quality is inferior. However, many customers like the quality of the softshell jacket. In our practical test, we were able to confirm that the quality was good. The fit was also impressive.
Prices of up to €135.95 are charged on the Internet for equivalent products, with most products costing up to €100. Very inexpensive products are available from as little as €30.99. The Meatro softshell jacket from Nebulus is currently in the mid-price segment with a price of €59.44 on Amazon. The price is reasonable for the quality and range of services you get.
Overall result
| Weighting | Score achieved* | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. packaging & labeling | 10% | 97 points |
| 2. package contents & instructions | 10% | 100 points |
| 3. product processing & appearance | 20% | 100 points |
| 4. in the practical test | 40% | 100 points |
| 5. price/performance & consumer ratings | 20% | 70 points |
| Total | 93 points |
