Test: A good rain jacket should not be missing in any biker's household. But do you grab the cheap plastic bag from the discounter or spend a little more money and trust in brand quality? With the Pearl Izumi MTB WRX rain jacket, we took a close look at a high-quality representative.
There is no such thing as bad weather ... everyone knows that saying, so I save myself the rest. For me, there is hardly anything more fun than braving nature on soggy trails, in the pouring rain, while the rest of my colleagues are at home on the couch enjoying the coffee. So that the whole thing doesn't become torture, the framework conditions should be right. So far, I've always had cheap rain jackets from the discounter and was therefore all the more curious whether a high-quality rain jacket would bring me even more joy in the mud fight.
The Pearl Izumi MTB WRX Jacket promises durability and protection from wind and rain with a light weight. The jacket is optically very simple and stylish in all four available designs. The cut is chosen optimally. Rather tight at the hips and sleeves and slightly looser at the elbows and back to make room for the protectors. The hood is wide enough to wear over a helmet, an opening on the back prevents the hood from inflating while riding.
There are also ventilation openings under the armpits, which should provide some fresh air. The openings were made by overlapping the material. These vents cannot be closed, which can lead to some water penetrating the jacket in extremely wet conditions. All in all, the jacket makes a good impression when you try it on for the first time.
Pearl Izumi MTB WRX Jacket: Great rain protection, average breathability
After I had already used the jacket as a light outer jacket at the beginning of the season, the first endurance test was soon to come. As it had to happen, of course, on vacation, when I was actually looking forward to sun and sea. The breathability of the jacket is probably rather average, which makes you sweat relatively quickly when pedalling. But when it then goes downhill quickly and you have to face rain and wind, the jacket cuts a fine figure. The WRX Jacket is very comfortable and follows every movement on the bike effortlessly.
In terms of wind and water protection, I couldn't push the jacket to its limits. When it comes to resilience, unfortunately. In a fall, the jacket tore a small piece, which is of course annoying given the price. The fall might not have turned out differently with a different jacket. On the positive side, the crack hasn't spread since then. Another small drawback for me is the missing pocket. At least one small inner pocket could have been given to the jacket here.
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