FIT: To clear up any sizing questions, I am 5'11" 160lb and I fit perfectly into a MEDIUM. This is a form fitting jacket, but surprising there is enough room to comfortably layer under it. For example, I layered a regular short sleeve Pearl riding jersey and a long sleeve Pearl Elite Thermal Jersey under this jacket with no tightness in the chest or arms. I was also able to fully zip up and button the PRO Soft Shell without straining my neck. The sleeves are very ample in length and the spandex thumbholes on the inside don't pull on the sleeves if you use them. Although using the thumbholes while riding tends to be uncomfortable due to the pressure when gripping the bars for extended rides
FUNCTION: This jacket is 100% windproof and very warm. Pearl claims it is extremely waterproof but I have yet to encounter a situation to test it. I agree with a previous reviewer that this jacket is almost a standalone piece for weather around 40F degree or warmer. Throw on a thin long sleeve base layer under this jacket and you are good to go. When the weather dips below 40F degree you can add an extra thermal layer but I don't think more than 3 layers is necessary with this jacket. For example, with the layering mentioned above (Pearl short sleeve jersey, Pearl Elite Thermal jersey, and Pearl PRO soft shell) I rode 16mi in 43F degree weather with 14mph winds at 5am with no sun and I got hot. The wind NEVER penetrated the jacket and I worked up a nice back sweat in about 3 miles and ended up finishing the moderate ride with the PRO Soft Shell unzipped half way. I would have been better off without the Thermal Elite jersey for sure. The jacket has a nice long tail to cover your rear as well as a generous rear pocket with 3 separate compartments. Other nice features include a pull cord on the neck to cinch things up nice and tight and extra length in the sleeves to cover the back of your hands even with gloves on.
COMPLAINTS: 2 very minor ones that are NOT a deal breaker in any way. Number one, I personally wish that the front of the jacket was just about 1 inch longer. On the bike it doesn't matter, but if you are going to wear the jacket out when you hit the bars (which you will) it sits just above the belt line. I could also see this being a gripe if I used the jacket for running. Number two; add one or two zippered vents and an internal zip cord system around the bottom of the jacket. Although these two comments contradict each other, the vents would be nice if you over-layered and the zip cord could draw the jacket tight if you under-layered. This is a very warm jacket and if you don't get the layering correct you will be unzipping the front.
Overall the jacket fits a true to size on a person with an athletic build and looks fantastic on and off the bike. Pearl has done a great job of creating a highly windproof, warm, and technical jacket when you want to grab just one piece of clothing. It can satisfy both your thermal and outerwear riding needs on a cold ride.
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I read the other reviews and thought I would give this jacket a try and I love it. The thing that surprised me the most was how lite and thin it was. It first made me skeptical on whether or not it would actually keep me warm but the inner fleece does a great job. High quality materials but only wish it had side pockets for when I am walking around, but this should be in no way a deal breaker. If you are wondering about size I purchased an XL and I am 6'1" and weigh 210. Another review said they thought it was a little short in the front but I think it is just right for walking around in which I do frequently.Above 55 no jacket
38-55 degrees I ware a jersey and the jacket
25-38 degrees I ware a thermal and the jacket
Any colder and I find something better to do
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To give you a little idea about myself, I have really only been riding my bike since July and almost exclusively for commuting about 5-6 miles per day depending on the errands that I run. I also lift weights 4-5 days a week, play recreational basketball and racquetball mainly. Earlier this year, I was 5'10" and had bulked up (for me) to 175lbs and I wanted to slim down, so I figured biking was the perfect way to do that. It doesn't take much longer, if at all, than driving and I have indeed slimmed down to 163lbs. I wanted to maintain that weight loss and also the cardio benefits throughout the winter, so that's where this jacket comes in.I purchased this jacket a couple of weeks ago and have ridden in weather down to 18 deg. F and snowing. All I needed to wear was a long sleeved thermal under this thing and I was perfectly warm! Now when it gets to above 32 I mainly just wear a t-shirt and this jacket. I would say above 45 deg. F and I would be melting in this thing. I am very warm blooded though, so keep that in mind. I would imagine most people would be fine into the teens with this jacket, a t-shirt and long sleeved shirt.
Final note, at first I ordered the medium, but it was too snug especially for layering and especially around the biceps and neck. I then ordered the large and I think it fits perfect with or without layers for my muscular build. If you don't lift weights and have a really lean cyclist body, then a medium may work for you. I hope this helps.
Honest reviews on Pearl Izumi Men's Pro Softshell Jacket
I looked around a long time for a decent cold weather/winter cycling jacket. After spending days researching different brands, I decided on the Pearl Izumi jacket based on these factors:1) It looked great
2) Lots of great reviews
3) Testimonials on how windproof/warm the jacket was
4) Reasonable price relative to quality
After putting it on today, I put it to the test. It was a brisk day, with high winds and a real feel temperature of just under 40F. Here are my conclusions:
THE FIT: It is about as comfortable as it gets. This jacket fits extremely well and is actually more comfy than a lot of my expensive, non-racing winter jackets
THE FEEL: Wraps my body perfectly. As promised, this jacket blocks the wind pretty good. With a base layer and the jacket, I was plenty warm. It actually got hot after a while.
THE LOOK: It has a flattering cut and the design is simple but edgy. Long story short it looks like it's worth something.
ETC: Nice solid zippers, big back pocket and I also liked the front zipper as well. Jacket is also pretty light.
For the record I'm 6'0 and 175 lbs. Based on what folks said here, I opted for a large. It fit perfectly. Not too long, not too short on the front. Sleeves were also just right.
Bottom Line: If you want a solid cycling jacket for cold weather, this is as good as it gets. It's really worth every penny you pay for it. I love the cut, the look, the feel and I am very satisfied with my purchase. I've had great experiences with Pearl Izumi products and I'm glad I went with my gut and picked this jacket.
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