With its slick and understated looks, close cut and light weight, it wasn't hard to take to the Pro SL jacket as soon as it dropped into our grubby hands. The quilted front panels jealously hoard body heat, keeping the chill at bay via a thin layer of Primaloft Gold insulation held in lightweight windproof fabric. The insulation reaches down the front of the arms, with stretchy yet windproof material lining the back to allow some heat to dissipate. The long back of the jacket has similar panels to the front, but with laser cut holes peppered across to release warm and damp air. Three usefully proportioned rear pockets - the larger centre is zipped - complete the layout.
The result is a jacket we regularly reach for when the mercury dropps below 6 or 7 degrees centigrade, happy in the knowledge that we're able to control our temperature perfectly. We've also worn it below zero on a number of occasions with only a heavy baselayer underneath, in complete comfort, when riding moderately hard.
Overheating is quickly remedied by dropping the front zip, allowing air to flow through and out those holes in the rear. We literally haven't had an uncomfortable ride in this jacket to date.
It is also easy to roll up into its stuffsack, compressing to around the size of a fat Coke can, and push into a back pocket or rucksack, ready to be deployed if the ride slows or stops.
Verdict
A cracking piece of cold weather kit.
