Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Tri Singlet and Shorts Review
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- Snug fit dmeans no drag
- Full Size stash pouch on the shorts
- The waist band is snug without cutting circulation
- Tight weave dries quickly
- More stash pouches are hidden in the singlet
- Skin suit style fit eliminates under arm chafin
- ventilation on the back allows for quick cooling in hot conditions
Pros of the Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Tri Singlet and Shorts
-Skin tight fit eliminates chafing/rub spots
-Comfortable chamois
-Hidden pockets are large enough to stash fuel, but hidden in seams to avoid wind resistance
Pros of the Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Tri Singlet and Shorts
-Tri shorts can roll down during a bike ride, leaving bare skin open
-Tri Singlet can ride up a bit on certain body types
-Bare arms can chafe in long events – see review below
Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Tri Singlet and Shorts
Choosing triathlon apparel can be an *ahem* personal endeavor. You’re going to be uncomfortable in long course events – you’ll be pushing yourself beyond anything you ever thought possible, and that’s on a good day. Why would you want to worry about your clothes? Pick out some Pearl Izumi offerings like theĀ Pearl Izumi Men’s P.R.O. In-R-Cool Tri Singlet and Shorts and you’ll be set, from a couple different angles. What sets this kit apart is not only the color palette (which just looks fast, I think you’re guaranteed a PR which you wear it), but also the performance. To begin with, I know that center people prefer tri suits over singlets and shorts – I myself am among them. But that doesn’t stop me from giving this kit a fair shake and more than it’s fair share of testing. I’ve washed, worn, and raced shorter distance events in this kit, and can vouch that it’ll take you the distance.
To say the Singlet fits snug is an understatement – it’s a skin suit, so expect it to fit like a second layer of skin. I have a bit broader shoulders than average for my height, so I got just a tad bit of gapping around my shoulders when in Aero position, but nothing serious that would limit the singlet’s appeal. It was mostly due to how my shoulders pulled the fabric. This didn’t change much as I washed and wore the singlet, which was nice – it showed me that no matter how many times you wear the singlet, it won’t become baggy and sloppy (thereby defeating the purpose of a skin suit). The short fits equally as well, and the nice thing about them is that they have their own stash pockets. This was just a tad bit much when worn together (how many stash pockets does a guy need, we’re all wearing race belts out there), but was awesome in conception ’cause you can mix and match it with other items/clothing and still have somewhere to stash fuel. Or a key on a solo ride. Whatever you want to put in there.
The singlet is obviously made to go with the shorts as a matching set, but they are sold separately and either item stands alone. I’d actually worn the shorts out on a few training rides by itself, as the chamois in them is supremely comfortable, and as the shorts stay in place well they make a nice alternative to wearing bib shorts if wanted. The weave is the same on both garments, the seams are excellently placed to avoid skin irritation, and the In-R-Cool fabric blends does well to dry quickly and keep you cool on even the hottest racing days. Head on over to Pearl Izumi’s website or www.amazon.com/pearlizumi to check out BOTH the shorts and the singlet, and mix and match… if you dare. Could be a strong fashion statement.