Showers Pass Elite Pro Cycling Jacket Review
The weather in Colorado can be unpredictable. Sunshine, hail, high winds, and snow can all happen within a few hours even on a summer day. With this kind of variability you learn to carry a jacket at all times while on the bike.
The Elite Pro jacket is made with a three layer proprietary fabric and is highly waterproof. The wind-blocking is exceptional. Beyond the basics, the jacket is loaded with features designed specifically for cycling. The Elite Pro is light, form fitting and doesn’t flap in the wind. At the waist, it is short in front and ultra-long in the back. This feels a bit awkward when you try on the jacket, but once on the bike, it is spot on. The sleeves have the same style. They feel freakishly long when standing and perfect when on the bike. I’ve learned to cinch the wrist up when off the bike, positioning the sleeves at the wrist to keep them from falling over my hands.
The jacket has tremendous ventilation. There are two core zipper vents that replace armpit zippers on previous models.
These core vents work better in terms of air flow and are much easier to open and close while riding. The real genius in the design is the sleeve. The over-sized diameter sleeve can be opened at the wrist, providing a tunnel for air to flow up and around your body. I was highly skeptical of this feature when I read about it several years ago. I have worn out a previous version of this jacket riding thousands of miles in it. I have owned and tried many jackets in over 20 years of cycling, and this sleeve venting provides the best temperature and moisture stability I’ve experienced in a jacket. Yes, it works that well.
The Elite Pro has one more vent just below the collar in the back. This vent allows air flow either up or down your back depending on body position and riding speed. I had not noticed a big cooling effect from this vent, thinking perhaps the effect was subtle. To test my theory on this, I allowed a little more heat and moisture to build up inside the jacket than I normally do. Then I opened the collar vent. Sure enough the cooling effect could be felt.
The jacket is light weight at 240 grams and can pack into its own rear pocket. I find this useful since it then stows in a jersey pocket as one unit, allowing you to place other items in the same pocket and not end up with a tangled mess. You can retrieve individual items again when needed while riding.
If you are looking for a versatile jacket that can be used in multiple seasons, this is a great choice. I use a jacket of this weight in the spring and summer months and wear insulating layers under it in the winter. If you want something ultra light and highly compact-able, this might not fit the bill.
You can purchase the jacket directly from Showers Pass or from dealers listed at their site. The price is $230.
Pros
Waterproof, Windproof, and Breathable
Superior ventilation
Form Fitting
Cut for riding position
Cons
A little pricy at $230
Limited retail locations to verify fit
Contour fit may be too tight for some
Overall Rating: Excellent