Product Reviews

Just love it.  JohnDawson, Mount Nelson
I bought three different sleeveless vest during a recent sale: The PEARL IZUMI Zephrr Vest, the ROUTE 7 Hi Vis Windproof Vest and the CIMA 703 Fluorescent Wind Vest. All were size XXL and were bought at substantial discounts.
Here's what I found:
ROUTE 7 Hi Vis Windproof Vest; REALLY High Vis, but like other reviewers, I find it a bit short up front, fits around me nicely though. I bought it for the commute home, which is 8kms uphill, and I do notice that it traps a lot more sweat than I'm used to. The vent at the back is pretty useless, but I suspect you won't notice that on flatter rides. Still for the price (when on special), it's a great little buy for commuting just due to its brightness.
CIMA 703 Fluorescent Wind Vest; Love the design, especially the breathable back. Slightly less high vis than the Route 7 jacket, but my main problem was that this jacket seems to be one or two sizes smaller than the other 2 jackets I bought, despite all being listed as XXL, and it just doesn't fit me, so it's sat in the cupboard. If it fit I'd be using it instead of the ROUTE 7 Jacket due to the better designed mesh back due to quality of jacket.
PEARL IZUMI Zephrr Vest; Just gorgeous. 5 /5. I've used this jacket now on several longer weekend rides, and I just love it. You can feel the quality. It breathes well, it feels good, I could just rave on and on. Only reason I don't use it all the time is because for city riding in the dark I prefer the super bright ROUTE 7 jacket (I bought the Water Blue / White Pearl Izumi Vest). Probably the largest fit of the three jackets.
9:01:08 PM  8/2/10

PEARL IZUMI Zephrr Vest  CJA, New Plymouth
Great light weight jacket. Was unsure of sizing but went for a large (I'm 6ft and 80kg's). The jacket fits perfectly and will get well used in the cooler months!
9:29:49 AM  6/5/10

review  PeterCanny, PORT MELBOURNE
Nicely made
Fit's well. I'm 6'2" and 81kg and M was a little loose over just a jersey and so will be fine when I add a base layer on the colder days.

Kept my core nice and warm in sub 10C.

Note that Screaming Yellow = Fluro Yellow which wasn't quite what I expected from the photos.
That said my mum is REALLY happy and I can live with it.
12:37:20 PM  4/27/10

Near perfect little vest  RobertShepherd, HAMPTON
Sizing is about right. I'm 177cm, with a 96cm chest, and 74cm waist, 66kg and the small is snug but doesn't pull across the chest. Very happy with the size, but if you want to wear more than a jersey underneath maybe move a size up. As mentioned, these type of vests are the perfect accompaniment to early morning or cool rides, and the full length zip makes it easy to regulate heat by opening the zip or just taking it off. Pack down to easily fit in a single jersey pocket. Very well constructed as is expected from Pearl Izumi. Only downside (and this is pretty subjective) is that the rear pocket is constructed of several layers of fabric. This acts as a bit of a heat sink in this area and doesn't vent at all compared to the breezy rear mesh panels. Overall, this has become a piece of daily kit for training or commuting rides for me.
12:42:58 PM  4/15/10

Great product  MikeB, CRAWLEY
A great vest that keeps the wind out, preventing your core from succumbing to early morning chills. Makes those first, cold minutes on the bike at 5.30am a lot easier.

After a while, the large toggle on the zipper lets you modulate your own temperature without risking a crash because you couldn't get your fingers around the zip.

It's not too warm that it traps your body heat and raises your temperature too much - it works best at keeping the wind away from your core, staving off fatigue, and making that morning winter ride more of a pleasure than a chore.

Note, though, that the back of the vest is half-mesh, so on a really wet day, you might need to bring a rain cape.

I'm 6'2" with a 42" chest, and I bought a medium that fits nice and snug.
12:04:57 PM  4/8/10

Great  AntonyHarvey, Waiheke Island
Got the medium and a bit snug, but rather that than bellowing about. Apart from that love internal phone pocket and small back pocket, nice touches. Only thing that throws me is a left sided zip.
9:51:09 AM  4/7/10