****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
This jacket is warm. The thermal material keeps the torso and arms warm. The sleeves are long enough to cover my arms when I lean forward to ride my bike. The back of the jacket is also long enough to cover my back. There are no pockets in front of the jacket, but there is a large pocket in the back that contains three soft internal pockets that I use to store a phone, energy bars, and other small items. The reflective features enhance my safety, and the sleeves are easy to remove and install. The wind blocking feature works well, although in high winds, above 18 miles per hour, the zipper guard was not windproof. The fabric is water resistant. This jacket already has become my favorite cycling jacket and cold weather running jacket and I tend to wear thin t-shirts or lightweight wicking shirts underneath, although there is sufficient room for a base layer thermal shirt to be worn. I give the product four stars because I haven't washed it yet and I haven't had the jacket for more than one year.I just got this jacket and took it out for a test ride today. Underneath I was wearing a nylon tank top and a long sleeved polyester-spandex "dry-fit" shirt. Temperatures were in the low to mid 40's. The fleece lining kept me very warm. I think I was also sweating a little because of the fleece, but I stayed warm regardless.I'm 5'7, 145 lbs and I ordered a size Small (I usually wear a size 4 or 6 dress) . The fit is good for me. However, FYI, the jacket is extremely uncomfortable around the neck if you try to zip it up all the way. But maybe I just have a long neck or something? This doesn't bother me that much, I can zip it up to my clavicle and it's fine, no discomfort.I like the versatility and I'm looking forward to wearing it in slightly warmer weather when I can zip off the sleeves.Overall: I would recommend this product.This jersey/jacket is a dream. The colour is fabulous (my son said it looked like a Star Trek jacket). The fabric is warm and comfortable. The fit is good, I am 5'7" and wear a size six and ordered a medium, I believe the small may have been too tight, but I definitely have some room in the medium. I love the fact that the sleeves are actually long enough for my arms. The subdivided triple pocket in the back carries a multitude of things. I am glad it has no front pockets as they get in the way when cycling. I would have given it a 4.5 if that was possible, because nothing is perfect, but this top comes pretty close. The final test will be when I wash it. I wear a jersey or silk base layer underneath to keep the perspiration off the jacket itself. In Ottawa, Canada, the winds are pretty strong in the autumn and it has done a fabulous job so far. Although today it will stay on the hanger as "Hurricane Sandy" is giving us stronger then normal winds and it would not be very safe.I wear a size 10 so I ordered a Large, it fits snug enough to keep the wind out yet not tight. Everything is great about the jacket, I do not have an issue with the neck as other reviewers however I took a star off for the zippers on the rear pockets, they are TINY! The zippers on the back pocket are way too light weight to zip easily so on some rides I end up with the pocket open. I haven't used the jacket without the long sleeves but note that once the long sleeves are removed this is NOT a vest, it is more like a short sleeved jersey.Wish it was a little more fitted. Also, Elite is not top of the line - pro is. I wish I would have realized this. Having said all that, I ride year round in Ohio and this jacket kept me warm and comfortable all winter. The piece is very well made, sleeves are a little long, but given that it's for warmth that is not necessarily a bad thing.The jacket is warm, bright, and comfortable. But I don't wear it as often as I should, because it does not have hand pockets. Until I bought this jacket, I didn't realize how often I use those pockets! I caught it on a big sale, so I don't regret purchasing it, but I think I'd be very unhappy if the price had been over a hundred and I wore it so little.If you are looking to stay warm, this jacket really works! I didn't like the fit under the arms, thus the four-star rating, as it chafes just a little bit. I wore it running and it didn't chafe enough to bother me, but it was just a four-miler. Not sure how it would hold up on a marathon. Gorgeous look, though, and otherwise comfortableThis jacket was i think $35 or $45 buck when I purchased it...Great buy when they normally sell at over $150 in store. This is my second peral izumi jacket with zipp off sleeves. My other one turns into a vest and this on turns into a t shirt length sleeve. The color is bright and the jacket is water proof. Great of hking, running, & biking or just everyday wear. there are no hand pocket in front wich takes some getting used to, but there is a large pocket on back with a divider. It creates 3 smaller pocket to keep items separated. The inside has a fleece.micro fiber feel and is very soft. I would recommend.
