Pearl Izumi Men's Elite Barrier Convertible Jacket

First, I have last year's model. Appears the same to me as this year's, but the new one is [$] more. There may be some other change because all the prior reviews are gone. Most of these reviews were very positive and were a factor in my choice of this jacket. Mine came with a Pearl Izumi tag that rated it 4 out of 5 for breath-ability and water resistance. I have to agree. This is my first cycling jacket and last year was the first year I tried riding in the winter. I usually ride 20 to 25 miles in the city and it's parks. All the non-cycling jackets I tried were either too cold or did not breath well enough to prevent me from getting soaked with perspiration and then very cold. I wear a medium, but bought a large so I could add base layers under it for different temperatures. This worked fine at temps of 36 to 55 or so.The prior model had reviews that complained about the weak zippers that allow the sleeves to be removed. I like it so much as a jacket, I decided not to take a chance and I've never removed the sleeves. I've ridden in showers and light rain and stayed dry. I have not tried it in heavy rain.I packs very small and is light, so I don't hesitate to take it if the weather looks even a little threatening. I have the bright yellow and that's the color I wanted because I wanted to be seen by drivers in cars. I'm convinced it works. I've never had a car pull out of a driveway in front of me wearing this jacket and I did with dark colors. Not proof of my opinion, but it does lend some support.I'm also convinced this jacket is a good price. It appears a significantly better one would cost $200 or even $250.Buy it, you'll like it.

I bike to work year round in Minnesota, so I rely on lots of lights and reflective gear. I tried on the women's version but it was too small. It had lots more reflective designs on it. I got the men's jacket last fall and have been generally happy. I wear it any day it's not raining (it doesn't claim to be waterproof and it's not). It's a nice outer layer in the colder temps and as a vest in the summer during the day it's quite visible. The one disappointment I have is about the reflective fabric/design. The women's version had more on the arms and back. The men's version has piping and a logo on the back but when you convert it to a vest there is NO reflective design on the back. There is still some piping along the shoulders on the front but when I'm biking I really would like some on the back.

Buy this jacket! I have worn this jacket for the last six months whole commuting to and from work in New England, and it has proven to be indispensable! By being able to zip off the sleeves, I have been able to accommodate a wide range of weather; as such, this is the only jacket I wear. I could not believe it, but by adjusting my layering underneath, this jacket has helped keep me warm during cold winter rides, including one morning that was only 8 degrees Fahrenheit. The jacket is also very breathable; I have never felt overheated or musty while wearing this jacket. My only complaint is that I wish the sleeves and back had more reflective piping.

This is a very nice riding wind jacket. It's bright yellow, has a nice high collar, long sleeves, a draw string waist and the sleeves zipper off/on into a vest/jacket. I used it today for the first time in 50 degrees, overcast and slightly windy conditions. I did 25 miles and it held up nicely. The only complaint was that it could be a bit thicker/warmer. I wouldn't wear it below 40 degrees without buying a bigger size and wearing multiple layers. I had just a t-shirt and a long sleeve riding shirt with this jacket today and it held up fine. I got warmer as I went on and it did it's job. Definately buy it.

Great jacket. Fits well. Water resistant, not water proof, but very good for wind protection. I got the yellow for function not fashion. I love the option of removing the sleeves as the temperature rises. This also allows me to stow each part in a different pocket of my jersey to even out the bulk.

Additionally, when I crashed last June I broke my elbow and dislocated my clavicle and I was able to use the sleeves to wrap around my shoulders in a classic figure 8 splint until my buddy drove me to the ER. Pearl Izumi doesn't advertise this feature but it really helped me.

I like this stuff, it's breathable and still keeps you warm enough in cold Mrng rides.
Three zipper pouch comes handy for storage. Separate storage for food, phone etc.
It would be totally awesome jacket if it had a clip or hook to keep your headphone secure. I use my phone to listen to the music but headphone keep on coming out of the ears because the wire is dangling in the air.

Got to buy new ear hook headphone

All in very good product

I've now ridden wearing this jacket on a calm 50-degree day and a gusty (20-30 mph) 50-degree day. When the air speed reached 20+ mph I could feel the 'breathability'. To me that's not a bad thing as one doesn't want to build up a sweat in such chilly conditions. (For us in Hotlanta, 50 and below is a tad chilly!) Wearing a liner and jersey underneath proved adequate to keeping my core comfortable.

I like the jacket. It works fine for me down into the low 40's with a long sleeved running shirt under it. I like that I can take off the sleeves and convert it to a gilet. I've only used it in sprinkles and it did a decent job. It is a little fussy getting the sleeves on and off, but I don't do it that often.

I am a runner and frequently run during the last hour of sunlight. I also frequent Running/Bike paths that have heavy traffic. The visibility of this Jacket/Vest brings a high level of confidence in being scene by the bikes as they approach from either direction.
The weight of the Jacket/Vest is excellent and surprisingly warm on a windy day with cooler temperatures.

I only have used this for running and it is great. The convertible sleeveless shell really opens up the use to 3 seasons, which makes this an even better buy. The wind is stopped in its tracks. If feels waterproof, but Ive yet to run in the rain it it. Id say buy if you are on the fence.