Pearl Izumi Transfer Zip Neck LS Base layer RRP: £54.99

US brand Pearl Izumi attempts to differentiate its PRO base layer range from the competition with a Transfer fabric enhanced with Minerale that it has developed itself to effectively wick sweat and be comfortable next to the skin.

The company has a reputation for high quality performance clothing, and from the moment we began testing this latest base layer, we realised just why that’s the case.  Minerale is created by crushing up volcanic mineral rock and adding it to the synthetic vat, which has the effect of altering the the fabric, maintaining a porous structure. This in turn creates a fabric with a massively increased surface area, which creates more space for moisture to spread out. In simple it keeps you drier than standard polyester base layers.

But what does this mean out on the road? Well it does as it promises, providing a high level of wicking performance even during the hardest workouts. It quickly removes sweat from the skin and pushes it out to the exterior, where the greater surface area of the fabric ensures it disperses quickly.

The medium we tested fitted well, with a cut that is described as ‘close-to-body’. I found it a little loose in certain areas, particularly around the arms and shoulders. Comfort on the skin is incredible, it’s impressively soft and smooth.

I appreciated the dropped rear section, a nice detail giving greater coverage than other base layers. The collar is high and offers a good deal of warmth to the lower neck, while an 8in zip can help remove excess heat. All seams are flatlocked.

Verdict

We’ve been really impressed with the performance of Pearl Izumi’s base layer, with the Minerale giving it incredible wicking performance that keeps you drier than other base layers.

Buy now at Mpora Gear

www.pearlizumi.com | www.madison.co.uk