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RAPHA Pro Team Insulated Jacket

Rapha Pro Team Insulated Jacket Review: A Blend of Warmth, Comfort, and Style


As a cyclist, finding the perfect balance between functionality, style, and comfort in a jacket is no easy feat. Enter the Rapha Pro Team Insulated Jacket, a sleek and high-performance garment designed to tackle the elements while keeping you comfortable on the road. In this review, we'll delve into the key features, personal experiences, and overall impressions of this cycling jacket.

Key Features According to Rapha:


1. DWR Coating for Weather Resistance:
   - The jacket boasts a durable water repellent (DWR) coating, ensuring that the worst weather is kept at bay during your rides.

2. Stretch Fabric on Back for a Great Fit:
   - The stretch fabric on the back not only ensures a fantastic fit but also allows excess body heat to escape, keeping you at the optimal temperature.

3. Triple Rear Cargo Pocket with Zipped Valuables Pocket:
   - Practicality meets convenience with the triple rear cargo pocket, complete with a Vislon zipped valuables pocket for easy access to your essentials.

4. Reflective Piping for Visibility:
   - Safety is paramount with reflective piping underneath the rear pockets and on the center front left of the jacket, enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.


Personal Experience:


Fit and Comfort:
I am wearing size M, and at 178cm and 70kg, the Rapha Pro Team Insulated Jacket impresses with its well-cut design and comfortable fit. It sits nicely on the body, providing a snug yet unrestrictive feel. The lack of a neck scratch protector at the top of the zip is a minor drawback, but the softness of the jacket on the neck compensates for it. The collar rises high enough to shield from the wind, making an additional neck warmer unnecessary for those less sensitive to the cold.

Performance in Varied Conditions:
In temperatures ranging between 7 and 12 °C (paired with an Assos 3.4 early winter base layer) the jacket excelled in medium to high wind conditions. During low-intensity training, I remained comfortably warm, and the jacket demonstrated excellent wind resistance. While I haven't tested it in the rain extensively, a light sprinkle seemed to bead off, showcasing its water-resistant capabilities.

Features:
The pockets are a highlight—spacious enough to carry essentials without appearing baggy when filled. The extra zip pocket and elastic loop in the left pocket suggest well-thought-out design for carrying accessories like a pump. While the jacket includes headphone loops, it's worth noting that this feature may feel somewhat outdated for those using wireless earbuds. Nevertheless, the loops and a hole for headphones add a modern touch to the jacket's functionality.
The cuffs, designed with an inner elastic part, prevent wind from entering and are comfortable on the wrist. But this tight fit could mean some squeezing for riders with larger hands.
The jacket features a standard zip in the front, complemented by flaps on the inside and outside. This design provides additional wind protection, ensuring you stay comfortable in varying weather conditions.
The Rapha logos on the arm and back, as well as the Pro Team logos on the front and back, are reasonably reflective. This feature adds visibility to the jacket, enhancing safety during low-light conditions. It's worth noting that the jacket is currently only available in black.

Minor Quibbles:
For individuals with longer arms like myself, the sleeves could be a tad longer. They tend to slide up, exposing a small portion of the wrist. However, they do not slide up on the side were I wear a watch. There is some flapping of fabric behind the shoulders at high speeds (The same occurs with my Pro Team Lightweight West). It can be solved by pulling down the back or arching your upper back.

Durability and Care:
After approximately five washes, the jacket still looks new. The inner insulation has held up well, showing no signs of wear or tear.

Final Verdict: 5/5 Stars
In conclusion, the Rapha Pro Team Insulated Jacket impresses with its blend of style, comfort, and performance. The thoughtful design, practical features, and versatility in various weather conditions make it a top-tier choice for cyclists. Despite minor concerns about sleeve length, the overall experience and durability warrant a perfect 5-star rating. As I continue to wear this jacket in different conditions, I'll update this review with any new discoveries. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions—I'm here to help fellow cyclists make informed choices for their gear!


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