****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This is my 2nd Pearl iZumi Elite Softshell Jacket. I bought the first one about 3 years ago. And honestly there's nothing wrong with the old one except that it's sort of beginning to smell like a gym.PRO's: The reflective chest area is really nice. The venting has improved a lot. It looks really nice. Feels soft. No uncomfortable spots/places. Has a chest media pocket. Back side tail pocket that could easily fit a cell phone, wallet and snacks.CON's: The media pocket is smaller than my 2010 (I think) version and it is at an angle with those reflective markers on chest. There's NO earbud opening. I could make one, I know, I know. But I'm comparing for the readers.Vents: Backside and up by the neck/trapezius region. Backside and low by the rear-end.Design differences: The neck region where the zip reaches the top of the jacket has section of the collar that's has extra material to cross over the top of the zip and can snap down. I will assume this is to help with comfort (skin contact) and wind/breeze reduction.ME: I am a bike commuter mostly these days. I commute 4-5 times a week to work for a total of about 40 miles per week. I also ride my bike on errands. I don't do long rides anymore but if I did...I would wear this on windy days and on cooler days that run 49degrees F and below. I can wear this with a short sleeve shirt with temps in the upper 40s and low 50s. Once the temp drops below 39F...I add an extra layer or a long-sleeved layer.My rides are in northern California. All times of the year. I would advise ANYONE to buy this jacket if you ride in cooler weather that may or may not get rain.This is a pretty nice jacket, especially for the price. The sleeves in the XL size ran a little too short and was a little tight in the shoulders for me. I also tried this model in the XXL size and the sleeves and shoulders fit better, but then the body was too big. I would expect this jacket to be warm enough down to about 55 degrees without additional layering. I returned both sizes and upgraded to a model higher in Pearl Izumi's line (the Pro, in size XL) and it fits like it was tailor-made for me.this is a wonderfully warm and comfy jacket. I use this down to about 20 degrees Fahrenheit. When things start to warm up a bit, I just unzip it and let it billow behind me, like a sort of Lycra-clad superhero. The only downside is that the front pocket is too small for a phone, and the rear pocket is a little big. I also wish it had either side pockets, or an internal pocket. but it looks good and keeps me warm, and I especially appreciate the long arms, so that the cuffs form a nice seal with my gloves.Right out the box, it looks nice. The strips of silver as on picture isn't really silver colored in person, just white. Chest pocket holds phone or keys well and back pocket holds a few things like a wallet or snacks.Size and feel, I admit I'm not the most slender of men, I got a few beers in me. But I usually never feel snug in a xxl, jacket zipped all the way but it was still a little snug. Not gonna return it cause I am losing inches around my waist and core area so sooner or later I'll slip right into this jacket with ease.I am 5'8 and weight 190 lbs, all of my other gear is XL in size. I bought this jacket in XXL so it would fit comfortably over my other equipment. As it seems most Pearl Izumi fits slightly smaller in my experience this fit as I expected and provides plenty of comfort and flexibility. I have been riding in the 40s in absolute comfort, in fact, I have been opening the top to let cold air in as I have been getting to hot.My husband is an avid outdoorsman. I bought this jacket for him to wear when cross country skiing, fat biking or road biking in spring and fall. He is a small man about 5'6" weighing 160lbs. The jacket performs well, wicking away moisture and blocking wind. I like the reflective tape to keep him visible in low light situations.Haven't gotta to test it in the elements. But fit perfectly. Went one size up so I could fit a base layer underneath but even without the base layer fits great.Great Jacket, really warm, fit is perfect (Large, 6'1" 205) fitted, but not tight, allowing for a couple of thin base layers when it gets really cold. At the moment I am using a super thin compression sleeveless base which seems great for 50-65 degrees, jacket is too warm for higher temps than that, anticipating it should be good to at least 35 with thin layers.Good jacket. Part of layering system will take you to the coldest of days with appropriate other layersHandy phone pocket at top frontSnug fitting and warm for the winter. Probably more a 0-5c celsius degree jacket. It does breath nicely and is reflective for the dark commute home.Great Jacket, warm and water resistant, using to commute in late winter in London with only a base layer, can stand temperatures down to 5C.Excellent quality, great fitExcelente calidad a buen precio
