Pearl iZUMi Men's P.R.O. Barrier WXB Cycling Jacket Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is an excellent jacket for bicycling in wet, wet and cold or windy weather. I commute to work in Seattle, about 20 miles per day. I cycle recreationally, too, averaging 30 miles per ride a couple of days a week. All told, over 4,000 miles per year. So, using durable performance equipment is a priority. I've used Pearl Izumi cycle wear for many years and have come to rely upon the quality and design of their products. Not all have met expectations but on average PI products have performed well.
The past 3 years have seen, in my personal opinion, an overall improvement in design and performance. The P.R.O. series, in particular, has been worth the relatively high price. In particular, the trim anatomical fit (no excess material flapping in the wind), detailing (garaged, waterproof zippers) and overall attention to detail has been very good. Some other products are still a bit behind the curve (the velcro closure of the shoe covers is bulky and stiff, for example).
The P.R.O. Barrier WxB Cycling Jacket and Pants are excellent examples of design and performance. Keep in mind that while the fabric is "breathable", you'll still sweat and moisture will build inside the jacket. On the other hand, the 3-layer laminate works better than the AmFib fabrics on some of the other current and older PI garments. It has some stretch and the tailoring of the jacket is excellent (the sleeves, for example, are plenty long enough to cover the gauntlets of my gloves and the asymmetric cut keep the cuffs in place). The "Napoleon" breast pocket fits my iPhone and the waterproof zippers throughout the jacket keep the water out (I put in the iP in a ziplok baggie). The detached hood has been much maligned by others but I find it very effective (the cut away sides aid visibility and narrow tab attachment at the back keep water from draining into the collar).
Two weeks ago it rained in 1.5" in a day and the rain during my ride into work was torrential. The jacket kept me relatively warm and, while not completely dry, dry enough in the areas that mattered. Just remember to not expect miracles from it's breathability. In nearly all other critical respects, it's great. None of my other jackets would have worked half as well.
The P.R.O. WxB Pants were a pleasant surprise. Most pants are basically garbage bags that rub crankarms or flap in the wind. Truly annoying. The P.R.O. pants, though, are anatomically cut and stretch of the fabric is a big assist. The taper of the lower legs are snug around the tops of my shoe covers and taper up to the knees. The knees have enough "ease" built in the tailoring to prevent the fabric from tightening up at the top of the pedaling stroke but not so much that it bunches up and rubs the bike frame on the down stroke. Even at a high pedaling RPM (80 - 100rpm), there's really no annoying impediment due to the cut of the pants. the 9" waterproof zippers keep water out and allow ease of access. I use suspenders instead of the adjustable elastic cord to prevent bunching at the waist.
Like the P.R.O. WxB jacket, breathability is acceptable but not perfect. You'll sweat but with leg warmers or tights under the rain pants, it's acceptable. The design and ability to keep the rain from soaking your tights, shorts or leg warmers is a huge plus.
Both the jacket and pants have reflective striping (attached by "welds") and are fully seam sealed. As a system, I don't think you could go very far wrong with the P.R.O WxB jacket and pants. Highly recommended despite the high price.

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If you're not the kind to skip your Saturday ride, even when it's coming down in buckets outside, make sure you're equipped with the Pearl Izumi Men's P.R.O. Barrier WxB Jacket. The storm-ready P.R.O. Barrier fabric may be highly waterproof, but you won't be stewing in your sweat behind its protection thanks to the fabric's extreme breathability. This jacket has you covered in nasty weather, but the soft, quiet stretch fabric will make it your go-to cover-up in a range of conditions.Product Features
Material: 50% Polyester, 32% polyurethane, 18% nylon
Waterproof Rating: 15K
Breathable Rating: 15000g
Fit: Slim
Center Back Length:
Core Venting: No
Pockets: 1 Chest, 1 back
Seam Taped: Yes, fully
Hood: Yes, removable
Weight:
UPF Rating:
Recommended Use: Wet-weather cycling
Manufacturer Warranty: Lifetime

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