PEARL iZUMi’s PRO level of apparel are the brands top-tier lineup and feature high-performance fabrics and form-fitting cuts. In this review we’ll be looking at the warm-weather men’s PRO kit with their new Navy/Wild Orchid Jasper color scheme. We specifically have three items for this review: PRO Mesh Jersey, PRO Bib Short and the PRO Barrier jacket. The PRO Mesh` Jersey retails for $150 and is one of their most technical jerseys with a variety of technology such as PRO Transfer Mesh Fabric and recycled polyester construction. With matching color schemes, the $225 PRO Bib Shorts feature the latest Levitate PRO Chamois and PRO Transfer Fabric for all-day comfort on the bike. Finally, the PRO Barrier Jacket retails for $150 and features PEARL iZUMi’s PI Dry technology to create a lightweight, packable and water-resistant jacket.
The PEARL iZUMi PRO Mesh Jersey, PRO Bib Shorts and PRO Barrier jacket are a highly versatile and well made cycling kit for long days on the saddle.
| PRO Mesh Jersey | PRO Bib Shorts | PRO Barrier Jacket | |
| Rating | Design: A Size: A Comfort: A | Design: A Size: A Comfort: A | Design: A Size: A Comfort: A |
| Retail Price | $150 | $225 | $150 |
| Likes | – Creative graphic prints – Body contouring design – Lightweight and well ventilated | – Bib straps are wide and elastic – Laser cut edges eliminate fabric bulk – Color matched to jersey designs | – Easily fits in a jersey pocket – Provide wind protection – Breathable fabric |
| Dislikes | – n/a | – Premium price | – No pockets |
| Where to Buy (US) | PEARL iZUMi | PEARL iZUMi | PEARL iZUMi |
PRO MESH JERSEY
Designed for high-intensity warm weather riding, the PRO Mesh Jersey is a lightweight and form fitting jersey. The jersey uses PEARL iZUMi’s high-stretch PRO Transfer Mesh fabric along with the In-R-Cool treatment to improve thermal regulation and breathability. PEARL iZUMi currently offers the jacket in four color schemes: Urban Sage (charcoal color), a limited edition Camp Green Contour, the new Horizontal / Alpen glow and the bright Navy / Wild Orchid Jasper we have in this review. We would describe the graphic scheme as a combination of a wildflower print and digital camo. Whether you like the design or not, it’s a high-visibility pattern that stands out from the ubiquitous solid color cycling kits. Aside from a PEARL iZUMi logo on the rear pocket there is almost no external branding on it which gives it a sleek look.
The jersey is constructed from 64% recycled polyester and is a blend of polyester and elastane for additional stretch. As you can see in the fabric closeup, the PRO Transfer mesh fabric has a waffle-like appearance that’s light and highly breathable. The jersey has a full length single front zipper with premium details such as pattern matching which ensures the left and right side of the jersey have matching graphic patterns. With a focus on warm weather riding, the PRO Mesh Jersey has a low-profile collar with short sleeves that’s designed to contour around your body. On the rear of the jersey you’ll find three standard reinforced pockets along with a fourth zippered pocket on the right side. This leaves plenty of room for snacks, gear and small valuables like keys or credit cards. An extended drop tail rear with silicone grippers holds the jersey in place even in aggressive aero positions.
PRO BIB SHORT
PEARL iZUMi developed the PRO Bib Shorts with comfort for long rides in mind. These are one of their top-tier bib shorts and combines the new Levitate PRO Chamois with luxurious Italian PRO Transfer fabric. The bib shorts are currently offered in an impressive seven color scheme options that match the PRO Mesh Jersey color schemes. This includes simple solid color schemes like Black and Dark Ink as well as some wild graphic prints like Urban Sage Prime and Horizons Alpen Glow. We have the Navy Jasper which combines a wild flow print on the upper portion with a more subtle navy version on the bottom half. Paired with the matching jersey this gives the kit a sleek appearance.
The bib shorts are constructed from a combination of nylon, polyester and lycra to achieve a body-contouring fit. To optimize the fit, the PRO Bib Shorts also have only seven panels that are strategically positioned. You’ll see the standard side panels along with the front and rear panels that secure the chamois in place. Other premium features of the bib shorts are the wide laser cut bib straps with an interesting center cutout on the rear. It’s highly elastic and thin which makes it comfortable and also allows for easy bathroom stops. One of the new additions to the PRO Bib Shorts is the new Levitate PRO chamois pad. This uses triple-density design for improved support and comfort. You can feel the different densities of the foam as well as the pressure relief channel down the center.
PRO BARRIER JACKET
The PRO Barrier Jacket is designed to be a lightweight and packable jacket with water resistant properties. Unlike full waterproof jackets, the Barrier uses PI Dry Technology to shed water while still being breathable and form-fitting. PEARL iZUMi offers the jacket in two color schemes: Dark Ink and a bright orange Sunfire option. As with the other PRO products this has an understated design with a color matched zipper and simple PEARL iZUMi logo on the chest. The jacket is constructed from 100% recycled polyester and is lightweight and thin which allows it to easily be folded up into a jersey pocket when not needed.
There is a full length two-way zipper down the front allowing for quick ventilation adjustments or to access jersey pockets underneath it. The jacket itself does not have any pockets and has a slightly looser fit than the race-fit style PRO items to accommodate multiple layers underneath it. There is a mid-level collar for warmth and premium touches like zipper garages for additional comfort. Even with the Dark Ink version shown in this review, there are reflective PEARL iZUMi logos and hit points for additional night-time visibility. The rear of the jacket is also slightly longer with a drop tail design and silicone grippers to keep it in place while in aggressive saddle positions.
ON THE ROAD
Our 165lb, 6’ 1” tester wore the medium size version of the jersey, bib shorts and jacket. We’d describe the fit as race as each item is highly contoured and close fitting. The fit is on par with Velocio or Ale kits in the medium size and have a high-end appearance that matches the price tag. We were impressed with the quality and fit of the item as they provide comfort without any bulk. The bib shorts and jersey combination are ideal for summer riding but you can easily add layers to handle cooler weather. We also really liked the bright Navy Jasper print which is vibrant and eye-catching compared to the popular solid color scheme kits. The Pro Barrier Jacket has a looser fit but is still well designed and comes in handy for cold descents or early morning rides as it’s easy to tuck away.
THE VERDICT
Overall, we found the PEARL iZUMi PRO cycling kit combination to be attractive and well designed with premium details and construction. While the Navy Jasper color shown is a polarizing design that won’t be loved by everyone, PEARL iZUMi offers a wide variety of color and graphic options from mild to wild. We found the parking of the PRO Mesh jersey and PRO Bib Shorts to be perfect for short or long rides with their body-contoured designs and lightweight fabrics. Details like the laser cut bib straps to the raw hems of the bib shorts make them comfortable for any length of ride. We also appreciated the windproof and packable design of the PRO Barrier which makes it perfect for mixed-condition rides as it easily folds up into a jersey pocket. Aside from the premium price point of the apparel there isn’t anything negative to say about that. If you’ve got the budget, we’d highly recommend the PRO apparel for new or experienced cyclists looking for form-fitting kit that stands out on the road.
Disclaimer: The product for this review was provided by PEARL iZUMi. The views expressed on this website are solely those of the authors and are here to help people make an informed choice before a purchase. The authors or the blog itself does not get any monetary compensation from the product manufacturer or third-party websites/vendor links that are posted here.