the thing is i destroy waterproof shell jackets after about 18 months-2 years.even the expensive ones lose their ability to keep you dry no matter what you do with them after a while.then the zips break and holes appear in the pockets.
were all being ripped off with these jackets.if i buy the cheap jackets though they dont last 3 months and dont keep you dry at all. 
have you tried musto gear , my shell is 18 month now & like new, sale on at the moment
never tried musto gear.
ive had berghaus and north face mainly.im on my 3rd north face jacket in 4 years and had a berghaus jacket before that.all lasted about 18 months-2 years before falling to bits.so ive spent £580 on 4 jackets in 6 years for work.
i also have another berghaus goretex jacket.(hurricane longer length jacket)that i use for collecting/leisure time.its nearly 2 years old and still looks like new because it doesnt get worn often.also a craghoppers goretex one i got cheap which is pretty rubbish TBH and a bit on the small side.so its actually over £800 spent on jackets!
i always use nikwax products for washing them and re proof them every so often but even this DOESNT work after a while and they "wet out" in heavy downpours.
i dont know whether it worth spending even more money on the new north face "summit" series.jackets are over £500 though!surely they cant be that good!
