Rapha Pro Team Jacket

Rapha's new Pro Team jacket is slim-cut using windproof, softshell panels and it's a lightweight option for off-season training.

Rapha reckon the Pro Team jacket is designed for "high-tempo interval training in cold weather", which is pretty specific as applications go. I'd say it's suitable for all sorts of high-intensity riding in the winter, and for steadier stuff when the temperature is a little warmer. You probably wouldn't wear it for long, low intensity rides in the coldest weather; you'll want something with more insulation for that but, to give you an indication, I'm just back from a steady ride in 9°C and wore this on top of a light base and a long sleeved mid-layer and I was very comfortable.

The most exposed panels – the front of the body and the leading sections of the arms – are made from a windproof Polartec softshell fabric (70% polyester, 30% nylon) that's exclusive to Rapha. It's a very lightweight material, considerably less bulky than other softshell fabrics I've used in the past. It still does a great job of stopping cold air getting in, while the fleecy inner face traps warmth and feels as comfortable as a jersey material.

Those panels come with a water-repellent treatment that encourages rain and spray to bead up and run off. This isn't a waterproof jacket but I was surprised at how well the most exposed areas keep spray and light rain out. You'll need to pack a waterproof in a rear pocket just in case, but you won't need to sling it on unless you're caught in a proper shower.

The underside of the arms, the side panels and the rear – the less exposed areas – are Super-Roubaix (85% polyamide/nylon, 15% elastane) so they don't block the wind but they're more breathable.

The Pro Team comes in a performance cut. It's definitely a sporty number so it's slim width-wise and fairly short at the front. Being tall and skinny, that meant I had a bit of midriff exposure when I was standing upright, but there wasn't a lot of bunching when I was leaning forward in the saddle, which is a sound payoff. I can't stand loads of unneeded fabric flapping around.

There's not a lot of stretch in the Polartec fabric but there's plenty in the Super-Roubaix, so even if you're not especially slim you could still get a decent fit. It's similar on the arms; there's enough give in the underside panel to avoid tightness.

Rapha do the details well. The front zip is from YKK and the easy-to-grab puller locks in place wherever you put it. A flap behind the zip prevents any cold air blowing through and a chinguard keeps everything comfortable up top and as you can see, the zip sits off to one side so the top never sits right underneath your chin anyway.

There's no waist adjustment but the chances are that you'll get a close fit without, and a silicone gripper inside the waistband does a reasonable job of holding the tail in place to prevent lower-back draughts. Stretchy Roubaix cuffs avoid any chills around your wrists.

The Pro Team comes with three pockets in the lower back, the fabric reinforced back there for extra strength. One of the pockets comes with a loop inside for holding a pump and another has a zipped internal compartment for your valuables. Being made of Super Roubaix, the back can stretch down if you put too much in those pockets so it's best to travel light. You get a little zipped pocket on the hip too, made from the water-repellent fabric so it's a decent home for your mobile phone.

This black version might not be the most visible ever but, although they don't look it in daylight, the band on the left arm and various pieces of trim are reflective. If you want to be more conspicuous on the road, the jacket is also available in chartreuse: yes, chartreuse: a halfway house between green and yellow.

I've really enjoyed using this jacket. It doesn't have the warmth of some other winter jackets, but for its stated purpose – fast training sessions where you're going to be working hard – you can't argue with that. It's biggest draw is the fact that its so much more lightweight and slim-cut than most other jackets of this kind.

Verdict

Winter training jacket with windproof and water-resistant panels; slim cut and very high quality