Kudos, Pearl Izumi!

What I liked

Breathable mesh side panel

Excellent breathability on hot days, humid rides. The key to this feature is Pearl Izumi’s Transfer In-R-Cool® fabric. It is a heat-reflective fabric that (supposedly) reduces absorption of UV rays from the sun. In addition, the PRO jersey has mesh side panels that increase ventilation. I live in Minnesota and I began testing this jersey in mid-May when the temps were (finally!) in the high 60s and I started training for longer rides in excess of 45 miles. A month later, the temps are in the mid-70s to low 80s and humid. I certainly sweat during the exerting rides but the In-R-Cool fabric and mesh side panels work in tandem to encourage airflow and drying time.

Pockets galore

Pockets galore. The old adage still rings true. “If you build it, they will come.” In this case, it’s “if you add it, I will fill all six pockets with a cell phone, iPod, multitool, ID, money, sunblock and lip balm.” Three pockets are nice and deep. The two outer deep pockets have a slash pocket on the outside. There is a secure zippered mesh pocket out the outside of middle deep pocket. Nicely done, Pearl Izumi.

Sturdy zipper pull. Wowz! Finally. A women’s jersey with a hefty zipper pull that is full-fingered glove-friendly. In past lines Pearl Izumi has seen some wimpy zipper pulls. The PRO jersey’s zipper pull is all mighty and powerful.

Loaded with reflective elements. For riding at night, it is illuminated with a large logo strip and two thinner strips on the rear and two strips on each arm. A total of six reflective elements if count the little PI logo on the front. 

What Could be Better

The Kielbasa Effect

Fit. Pearl Izumi says the PRO jersey’s “feminine cut and longer articulated sleeves create a modern silhouette that is a natural fit on the bike, while still comfortable pausing mid-ride at the cafe.” Well sure, if a modern silhouette means the sausage casing look. I know this jersey is designed for fast riding. Any chance for wind resistance has been mitigated. But even on me, who is 5’6” 124lbs, the sleeves are noticeably tight. Not cut-off-the-blood-flow-to-my-brain tight but tight enough to be noticeable. If you’re a cyclist with chiseled arms and superbly elastic skin this will not be an issue for you.

Short hem. My size small is 17 inches from top to bottom in the front. When I compared this length to the Pearl Izumi ELITE Pursuit jersey with 18.5 inches down the front and the Pearl Izumi Pro Mesh at 18 inches, the PRO jersey comes up a little short (pun intended). With this length, my stomach is only covered off the bike if I walked hunched over or I’m physically holding the hem down. However, I can walk tall and proud off the bike in the ELITE Pursuit and Pro Mesh jerseys. If you’re a cyclist with chiseled abs this will not be an issue for you.

Final Thoughts

Despite the shorter front hem and tighter arms, I’m loving this jersey. The fit is a little skewed for my tastes but still allows plenty of comfort and excellent fit around the neck and under the arms.

I’m also excited about Pearl Izumi’s new Social Purpose. They have pledged to use their business practices and products to reduce their carbon footprint. They’ve always made products that reduce our carbon footprint but now they’re walking the walk and talking the talk. What’s good for us is good for them.

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