Pearl Izumi Men\u2019s Pro NeoShell WxB jacket details and specifications<\/h2>Neoshell fabric is becoming increasingly popular in cycling jackets. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>An increasing number of brands are using NeoShell in their jackets \u2013 I rated the Castelli Alpha Ultimate Insulated<\/a> jacket highly and the fabric can also be found on the Sportful Fiandre Pro jacket, Giro Chrono Pro NeoShell and PEdALED Mirai NeoShell Waterproof.<\/p>Pearl Izumi says the Pro NeoShell WxB has the feel, stretch and breathability of a softshell with the weather-blocking force of a traditional race jacket.<\/p>
The waterproof Polartec NeoShell fabric has a four-way stretch and a PFC-free durable water repellent treatment.<\/p>
The brand also says the jacket is small enough to pack easily into a jersey pocket.<\/p>
Pearl Izumi doesn\u2019t suggest a specific temperature range for the jacket, but says it can be used from \u201csummer rain where windchill becomes a factor to frigid temperatures\u201d.<\/p>
The brand says the jacket can also be used for gravel riding<\/a>, but points to its Summit Pro NeoShell WxB jacket for mountain biking because it offers a different fit and the fabric has less stretch.<\/p>![\"Pearl](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Pearl-Izumi-Mens-Pro-NeoShell-WxB-jacket-12.jpg\")
The chest pocket is the only one on the jacket. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>There are stretch cuffs on the wrist and the jacket has a twin-zip system so you can regulate its ventilation.<\/p>
There\u2019s also reflective detailing at the arms and a minimalist, embossed silicone gripper on the back of the jersey.<\/p>
There are no pockets, aside from a front zip pocket to the left of the chest. Pearl Izumi says it made this decision because it anticipates \u201cany gear being stowed in three rear pockets would be soaked if exposed to the wet climate\u201d, and to achieve the best packability.<\/p>
The Men\u2019s Pro NeoShell WxB jacket is available in five sizes (S-XXL) and comes in two colours \u2013 black and \u2018Screaming Red\u2019.<\/p>
I tested a size medium in Screaming Red, which is more reminiscent of a salmon pink in the flesh.<\/p>
Pearl Izumi Men\u2019s Pro NeoShell WxB jacket performance<\/h2>![\"Pearl](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Pearl-Izumi-Mens-Pro-NeoShell-WxB-jacket-01.jpg\")
The Pearl Izumi jacket features a twin-zip system. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>I tested the Men\u2019s Pro NeoShell WxB jacket in a variety of weather conditions, on both road and gravel.<\/p>
Temperatures ranged from 1\u00b0C to a mild 14\u00b0C.<\/p>
Mirroring my experience with the Castelli Alpha Ultimate Insulated jacket, the Pro NeoShell WxB\u2019s breathability is excellent thanks to the NeoShell fabric.<\/p>
I felt a little cold for the first five minutes of each ride but, once warmed up, the fabric kept my temperature well-regulated in an impressively wide range of conditions.<\/p>
Paired with a midweight short-sleeve cycling jersey<\/a> and a short-sleeve baselayer<\/a>, I felt comfortable down to around 6\u00b0C. I\u2019d recommend switching to a long-sleeve baselayer for anything colder.<\/p>On my coldest ride with the jacket, I felt warm for anything short of descending in a long-sleeve baselayer.<\/p>
On a warmer ride, I paired the jacket with a hot-weather jersey to ensure further breathability. This proved a successful combination.<\/p>
The fact the WxB performs in such a wide range of temperatures means it could be the one jacket you need over winter for anything short of freezing temperatures. That\u2019s testament to the performance of Polartec NeoShell.<\/p>
A flawed fit<\/h3>![\"Pearl](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Pearl-Izumi-Mens-Pro-NeoShell-WxB-jacket-06.jpg\")
The sleeves are shorter than some rival jackets. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>The jacket\u2019s fit left some room to be desired \u2013 I found it slightly baggy on the torso and the sleeves were too short.<\/p>
When going into the drops, the sleeves would slip over my smartwatch<\/a>. These are problems I don\u2019t usually encounter.<\/p>While the jacket\u2019s fabric performed admirably in extended (but not overly heavy) rain, water would get up underneath the waist hem and soak the bottom of my jersey underneath.<\/p>
The jacket would benefit from having a solid silicone gripper across the entirety of its hem for improved retention and sealing against the elements.<\/p>![\"Pearl](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Pearl-Izumi-Mens-Pro-NeoShell-WxB-jacket-05.jpg\")
There are elasticated cuffs on the wrists. – Scott Windsor \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>I think a larger dropped tail would increase protection and prevent water from soaking up into a jersey.<\/p>
However, the jacket shrugged off lighter drizzle, while keeping me warm.<\/p>
I found the twin-zip system tricky to operate. The bottom zip, in particular, requires a fair amount of force to pull up to access your jersey pockets, especially when using thicker winter cycling gloves<\/a>.<\/p>
An increasing number of brands are using NeoShell in their jackets \u2013 I rated the Castelli Alpha Ultimate Insulated<\/a> jacket highly and the fabric can also be found on the Sportful Fiandre Pro jacket, Giro Chrono Pro NeoShell and PEdALED Mirai NeoShell Waterproof.<\/p> Pearl Izumi says the Pro NeoShell WxB has the feel, stretch and breathability of a softshell with the weather-blocking force of a traditional race jacket.<\/p> The waterproof Polartec NeoShell fabric has a four-way stretch and a PFC-free durable water repellent treatment.<\/p> The brand also says the jacket is small enough to pack easily into a jersey pocket.<\/p> Pearl Izumi doesn\u2019t suggest a specific temperature range for the jacket, but says it can be used from \u201csummer rain where windchill becomes a factor to frigid temperatures\u201d.<\/p> The brand says the jacket can also be used for gravel riding<\/a>, but points to its Summit Pro NeoShell WxB jacket for mountain biking because it offers a different fit and the fabric has less stretch.<\/p> There are stretch cuffs on the wrist and the jacket has a twin-zip system so you can regulate its ventilation.<\/p> There\u2019s also reflective detailing at the arms and a minimalist, embossed silicone gripper on the back of the jersey.<\/p> There are no pockets, aside from a front zip pocket to the left of the chest. Pearl Izumi says it made this decision because it anticipates \u201cany gear being stowed in three rear pockets would be soaked if exposed to the wet climate\u201d, and to achieve the best packability.<\/p> The Men\u2019s Pro NeoShell WxB jacket is available in five sizes (S-XXL) and comes in two colours \u2013 black and \u2018Screaming Red\u2019.<\/p> I tested a size medium in Screaming Red, which is more reminiscent of a salmon pink in the flesh.<\/p> I tested the Men\u2019s Pro NeoShell WxB jacket in a variety of weather conditions, on both road and gravel.<\/p> Temperatures ranged from 1\u00b0C to a mild 14\u00b0C.<\/p> Mirroring my experience with the Castelli Alpha Ultimate Insulated jacket, the Pro NeoShell WxB\u2019s breathability is excellent thanks to the NeoShell fabric.<\/p> I felt a little cold for the first five minutes of each ride but, once warmed up, the fabric kept my temperature well-regulated in an impressively wide range of conditions.<\/p> Paired with a midweight short-sleeve cycling jersey<\/a> and a short-sleeve baselayer<\/a>, I felt comfortable down to around 6\u00b0C. I\u2019d recommend switching to a long-sleeve baselayer for anything colder.<\/p> On my coldest ride with the jacket, I felt warm for anything short of descending in a long-sleeve baselayer.<\/p> On a warmer ride, I paired the jacket with a hot-weather jersey to ensure further breathability. This proved a successful combination.<\/p> The fact the WxB performs in such a wide range of temperatures means it could be the one jacket you need over winter for anything short of freezing temperatures. That\u2019s testament to the performance of Polartec NeoShell.<\/p> The jacket\u2019s fit left some room to be desired \u2013 I found it slightly baggy on the torso and the sleeves were too short.<\/p> When going into the drops, the sleeves would slip over my smartwatch<\/a>. These are problems I don\u2019t usually encounter.<\/p> While the jacket\u2019s fabric performed admirably in extended (but not overly heavy) rain, water would get up underneath the waist hem and soak the bottom of my jersey underneath.<\/p> The jacket would benefit from having a solid silicone gripper across the entirety of its hem for improved retention and sealing against the elements.<\/p> I think a larger dropped tail would increase protection and prevent water from soaking up into a jersey.<\/p> However, the jacket shrugged off lighter drizzle, while keeping me warm.<\/p> I found the twin-zip system tricky to operate. The bottom zip, in particular, requires a fair amount of force to pull up to access your jersey pockets, especially when using thicker winter cycling gloves<\/a>.<\/p>Pearl Izumi Men\u2019s Pro NeoShell WxB jacket performance<\/h2>
A flawed fit<\/h3>
![\"Pearl](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Pearl-Izumi-Mens-Pro-NeoShell-WxB-jacket-04.jpg\")
![\"Pearl](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Pearl-Izumi-Mens-Pro-NeoShell-WxB-jacket-11.jpg\")
![\"Pearl](\"https:\/\/c02.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/39\/2023\/12\/Pearl-Izumi-Mens-Pro-NeoShell-WxB-jacket-03.jpg\")