PEARL iZUMi ELITE Barrier Convertible Jacket - Men's for Sale, Reviews, Deals and Guides

6.9
out of 10
8 Positive, 5 Mixed & 2 Negative
from 15 Reviews
Retail Price:
$84.98
Used Value:
$50.99
Sale Value:
$76.48

A water and wind-resistant jacket or thermo-regulating vest for cool, windy days? Actually, the Pearl Izumi Men's Elite Barrier Convertible Jacket is both, quickly converting from a protective shell to a heat-retaining vest in a matter of seconds with its zip-off sleeves. Its Elite Barrier shell blocks the breeze, while shedding light showers and road mist. Direct-Vent panels improve ventilation when you're hammering up steep grades and increasing your cadence on fast training rides.

Highly visible after dark, the convertible jacket's 360-degree reflectivity keeps you safe when you're riding at dawn and dusk. Its full-length draft flap seals out rogue gusts and sustained breezes from chilling your core. Other key features include a drawstring adjustable hem for a dialed fit, as well as zippered hand pockets for holding riding accessories and other items.

Specifications

Brand:
Fit:
semi-fitted
Length:
hip
Manufacturer Warranty:
lifetime
Material:
[face fabric]ELITE Barrier (100% polyester), [lining] 100% polyester
Pockets:
2 zippered front, 1 zippered rear
Recommended Use:
commuting, cross-country, cyclocross, enduro, gravel, mud/sand/snow, road cycling, trail, triathlon
Reflective:
360-degree
Season:
spring, summer, fall, winter
Venting:
back vents

Full Reviews

4
This may work to keep a damp mist off but do not expect it to be or use it as a rain jacket. Got caught in a summer storm and it wetted out immediately. Very disappointed. Also, the arms are not very form fitting so they tend to flap around.
Mark K., backcountry.com
August 3, 2020
2
I just don't get it.. why they make not consistent sizes. Always buying M fit well.. this one is small
Artem K., backcountry.com
August 28, 2019
2
Have been wearing Pearl Izumi for years as the quality of their gear makes it worth the price. That is why I was looking forward to this jacket as it seemed to be the perfect jacket/vest convertible option ...only to be full-on disappointed by the weird fit. The cut of the jacket is just plain off. The body of the jacket is right-sized, the arms are a bit long (appropriately so that you can get down in to drops or in aero) but the arm pit clearance is just too tight. It is like the whole jacket is riding up in to your arm pits. No matter how you move, the arm pits are rubbing against where the sleeve joins the jacket. The jacket seems like a good idea ...just bad cut/execution. I returned it and while I unfortunately had to pay for return shipping, it wasn’t worth keeping to just hang in the closet.
BRIAN R., backcountry.com
February 20, 2019
10
I needed a new winter riding jacket. Reading reviews, I saw that some people were riding with this jacket in below freezing conditions. So I bought it! To my surprise, this jacket has no fleece or any other warming properties, and I almost returned it. Deciding I'd give it a try, I went for a ride in 25 degree weather. With just a sleeveless base layer, jersey and arm warmers underneath, I have to say, I was quite impressed. This jacket is thin, but it stops the wind really well and seems to keep your body heat in quite nice. I'm glad I didn't end up returning this bad boy!
33gregorio, backcountry.com
February 4, 2019
10
South central pa winter time right now. First outing was a run without the sleeves 34 degrees and sunny but much colder in the shady gaps. Worked perfectly. Draw cords at the waist help the chill out. Big rear pocket super easily accessible for stashing my dog's leash. Second outing on the bike 32 degrees and windy, one base layer with jersey and then the full jacket. First thing to note are the nice long sleeves. They almost need thumb holes but I am happy to tuck the sleeves into my gloves and stay as warm as possible. Dropped the sleeves at about an hour and had a fun,comfortable ride home. One thing is a bit odd though. Since there is a vest built in when you wear the full sleeves you feel the odd sensation of the elastic around the arm holes but whatever man you are warm and out riding!
Peter M., backcountry.com
December 26, 2018
6
If you are a slender performance oriented cyclist looking for a tight, aerodynamic fit and do not need to wear a sweater or a bulky under layer for cold weather this jacket will do the trick. I am a commuter/utility cyclist that likes to layer with 1-2 sweaters for cold weather riding with a more average build, so I found it just a little too snug. I am a 5'7", 160 lb male and bought the large. Probably an XL would have been OK for my needs in terms of a more relaxed fit.
KENNETH K., backcountry.com
December 25, 2018
10
Sleeves are a bit longer than I expected, but I'm ok with them. The overall chest/belly is slightly smaller than expected. I've only used it twice on the bike and did not overheat or sweat during a 3 hour 40 mile ride in 30F weather. I think this jacket will be fine for 20F rides (generally the coldest I'll do).
Brian G., backcountry.com
October 15, 2018
8
all the other idiotic reviews that caused me money to return this item...thanks. your perspectives of your bodies are all off...as well as maybe your general loose dressing poor analysis ways. This jacket doesn't run small!!! it is true to size people...unless you're in denial for whatever reason...
Edmundo C., backcountry.com
August 6, 2018
8
A very nice wind/water resistant jacket. It runs a little small so definitely size up. The reflection features work well on the road. The best feature: it turns into a vest.
Jaclyn Richards, backcountry.com
May 23, 2018
4
Looks great, we’ll made. Unfortunately, sizing is rather odd. Got a large (5’10”/170#). Body was fine for height and somewhat “form fitting” for girth. Felt more like medium body, which I appreciated. Unfortunately, sleeves were 4-5 inches too long, which was really odd. Would have kept the jacket if the sleeves were proportional.
jeff G., backcountry.com
February 21, 2018
10
Looks and feels top notch, easy zip off sleeves make it my new go to My go to jacket for short or long rides, unless its extremely cold. I’m 5’10” 160lbs, and wear large jerseys. The size large jacket fits comfortably over my jersey, not too snug or too floppy. And the bright red color with reflective accents is easy to see on the road.
Mark M., backcountry.com
February 17, 2018
4
I've used this for a season. In concept, it's the right jacket for every occasion, though it's somehow never the right jacket. The fabric doesn't breathe well enough, turning me into a sweaty mess. The fit is also small in lengths, but loose in places where no one is overweight - the arms for example. You end up a damp mess listening to flappy noises your whole ride. I'd pony up for better fabric. I'm a 44in chest, 35 sleeve, 16.5" neck, 6', 195lb. L was too small and XL is best fit.
Jonathan F., backcountry.com
January 17, 2018
10
This great jacket: good for cycling, hiking, walking. Excellent ventilation, feels good in cool or hot weather.
Val K., backcountry.com
August 3, 2017
6
As the other review from Beatriz mentioned, this item runs small, very small. I bought a medium since my measurements matched up with the medium category in the chart. When I got it, I could barely get it on, it was really small. I have a 32 waist and I couldn't come close to zipping it up. The jacket is very lightweight and it could be easily packed into a pocket to be used later. It does not stretch at all, so getting the right size is necessary. There's no wiggle room at all. It seems to be well made and I really liked the Screaming Yellow color. The arms seem to be extra long, which may help when gripping the handle bar. I gave it 3 stars mainly because of the fit and because I had to send it back. I will probably get the next size up after my account is credited.
James R S., backcountry.com
June 2, 2017
10
Another great Pearl Izumi product. It works as advertised and I love the reflectivity! I am usually in between a L or XL, leaning more towards the L, but I almost always need to upsize to an XL in Pearl Izumi.
Beatriz Freitas Rankin, backcountry.com
April 26, 2017

Men's Bike Jackets & Vests Reviews