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.

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.

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