Pearl Izumi Elite Pursuit Softshell Jacket

Tell us what the jacket is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

From the Pearl Izumi website: "The ELITE Pursuit Softshell Jacket provides weather protection at an attractive price point, with two-layer foam coated Softshell panels and Thermal fabric in key ventilation zones. A less aggressive cut allows freedom with layering, and the single zippered back pocket protects valuables. Best paired with the AmFIB Bib® Tight"

For me it had just the right balance of windproof and breathability; lovely and warm on cold days but never sweaty. The short cut explains why you will want to wear it with warm bib tights.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the jacket?

ELITE Softshell is windproof with superior warmth and water resistance

Thermal panels provide insulation and breathability

NEW Softshell Lite fabric on back pockets provides breathable wind and water protection with stretch

Three open back pockets with additional zippered security pocket

Reflective elements placed for maximum visibility on the bike

Full length internal draft flap seals in warmth

Collar tapers from front to back for on the bike fit and performance

Form Fit

Weather forecast: Cold and windy

Temperature range: -10 to 0 degrees

Fabrics: 100% polyester

All very neat flat double stitching; robust fabrics.

More breathable than I thought it would be; plenty warm enough for some cold winter days and excellent protection against the wind and drizzle.

Early days but I've no reason to suppose this won't see a few winters' use.

Water resistant not waterproof; heavy rain may eventually penetrate the seams but in showers, sleet or (in my case) early winter snow flurries it was plenty of protection.

The panels are well thought out to provide windproofing only where it's needed to allow adequate ventilation elsewhere. Even when I wore it with a rucksack I didn't get clammy though admittedly most of the riding was on pretty cold days when sweat wasn't an issue.

There are no pit vents so riders who don't feel the cold as much as me might prefer something less wind-tight.

Generally good though the cut is short both front and back. While this prevents the front bunching up, it did leave the lower belly a little exposed. The cuff design wasn't my favourite part of the jacket, being a little short on the inside of the wrist.

The test jacket was a mediaum and I would say I was at the upper limit of that. The sleeves were just long enough. Maybe sizing up would have improved the length for me.

Very comfortable to wear with a lightly fleecy interior. The collar fit was excellent, neither too restrictive nor draughty. My only slight issue was with the fit of the cuffs which could leave the underside of the wrist exposed if worn with short gloves.

Not up there with some of the boutique brands but it's a fair wadge of cash. Given the performance and quality of construction, it should work out as a good investment over a few seasons.

How easy is the jacket to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

It went in with all the other sports kit at 30 degrees with no problem. I never use biological powders.

Tell us how the jacket performed overall when used for its designed purpose

I had full confidence in this jacket in a variety of cold weather outings. Plenty of warmth, great windproofing but not sweaty or clammy.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the jacket

Weather protection, breathability and great construction.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the jacket

The cuff fit.

The green band across the stomach was unflattering.

Use this box to explain your score

It's well thought out, beautifully made and excellent in use, particularly if you are inclined to feel the cold. A little tweak of the wrist design would make it pretty much perfect.