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Product Review: Pearl Izumi Zephrr Vest
By Corey Whalen
May 17, 2006, 17:47
Pearl Izumi is known to
manufacture quality cycling clothing.The Pearl Izumi Zephrr Vest does not disappoint.The vest is beautiful.I was excited to test a new version of
my old Pearl Izumi vest that was absolutely the best vest I have ever
owned.Until
now.
Pearl Izumi Zephrr Vest. Photo copyright Roadcycling.com.
The
vest that I was given to review was blue and black.With a number of colors (blue/black,
red/black, black, and high visibility yellow) to choose from, the Zephrr vest is
sure to please those who are picky about the colors that they wear.On the back of the vest is a very nice
feature in the mesh backing panel.It allows for breathability.Furthermore, during races, when a cyclist might have a number on the back
of his or her jersey, the mesh panel allows officials to see the number for
scoring.Pearl Izumi incorporates
many safety features within the colors.With reflective piping on the front and rear of the vest, drivers are
sure to be able to see you in low light conditions whether you are running,
cycling, or just taking a walk on a cool night.When I first received the vest from
Pearl Izumi, I wore it on a run in a very blustery climate at night.The vest kept my core completely warm
while motorists were able to see me because of the reflective piping.
Soon, I was able to take
the vest out on the road for a road ride on the bike.As I expected, the Zephrr fabric cut the
wind and kept my core warm despite rain and very cold winds.The vest repelled all of the moisture
that came at it.The Zephrr fabric
kept the water beaded up on the outside of the vest rather than soaking it
in.When I finished my ride I shook
the water off of the vest and hung it on the back of a chair.About five minutes after I hung it up, I
went to move the vest.It was
completely dry!To my surprise, I
was able to fold it up and put it with the rest of my cycling gear without
worrying about water getting on the rest of my gear.It was great!
Another feature that is
welcome is the fleece lined high neck collar.The zipper of the vest has fleece at the
top. This prevents your neck and chin from being chafed.I lent the vest to a friend for a ride
to see what he thought.He told me
that he loved the protected zipper feature that keeps the hair on his neck and
chin from being pulled out.Thank
you, Pearl Izumi!
All in all, I must say
that the Pearl Izumi Zephrr vest is perfect. The cool weather uses are infinite
– and it’s so compact and easy to bring with you in a pocket. Other
Roadcycling.com staff members who tested the vest loved it as well. The Pearl
Izumi Zephrr Vest gets the top rating from
Roadcycling.com.
