[Review] Summit Pro Jersey & Summit Shorts by Pearl Izumi

The Pearl Izumi Summit Pro Jersey and Summit Shorts have been the perfect kit for warm weather mountain biking in Arizona and Baja. The Summit Pro Jersey and Summit Shorts keep me comfortable in hot and humid weather, short or long rides. I’m going to dive into the jersey first then get into the shorts. 

The Summit Pro Jersey is unlike any jersey I’ve had. They look simple, but they are jam-packed with features that ensure all-day comfort. First of all, this jersey is built with Polartec’s Delta fabric which is designed to help you regulate your temp. I’ve felt pretty dang comfortable while wearing this jersey, even on extremely hot and humid days in Baja. I’m impressed by how quickly it pulls sweat from my skin and then dries shortly after. It’s also impressive how I haven’t washed this jersey in 6+ weeks, have worn it a lot in hot (sweaty) environments and it still doesn’t stink.

Adding to the comfort of the Summit Pro Jersey, the seams are low profile and bonded on the sleeves and collar. There is no chaffing or rubbing and it feels very light and minimal which to me, is always a plus.

Pearl Izumi classifies this as a standard fit and I think it is more of a fitted fit than standard. I’m always a large and I’m 6’0 tall and 195 pounds. This fits me pretty tightly throughout. The length is great and it has a dropped rear hem for riding position coverage. But I feel like it could be a bit looser. I could almost size up to an XL. Every other jersey I have from Pearl Izumi is a size large and fits me perfectly. 

The Summit Shorts with the Summit Pro Jersey make for the perfect warm-weather combination. The Summit Shorts are comfortable and feel rugged, yet lightweight and breathable. Again, I’ve done a ton of sweating in these shorts and they have not disappointed me. 

These shorts are built with a fast-drying polyester and I can attest that the fast-drying tech really works. They also include a premium Levitate chamois which is buttery smooth and keeps things down there comfortable all day long. 

The Summit Shorts have ample venting on the inner thighs, allowing airflow to flow in where you need it most. 

I’m 6’0 feet tall and 190 pounds and have a 34” waist. I have these shorts in the 34 and feel like the fit is spot on. At first I felt like they were maybe a little tight in the thighs but it’s not noticeable while riding. The length is ideal for me, hitting just above my knees. I can easily wear knee pads with these shorts without interference. 

My favorite feature of these shorts comes as a surprise to me. The pockets are amazing. There’s one on each side and they’re zippered closures. The pockets actually shoot back, instead of your typical hand pocket, which means that anything in your pocket stays out of your way when you’re riding. I ride with my phone in my pocket so I can quickly access my map and it’s so nice not to be able to feel it with every pedal stroke. 

I’m glad I had the Summit Pro Jersey and Summit Shorts for this desert riding season. This kit kept me cool and comfortable on even the hottest of days. I experienced no uncomfortable chaffing on longer rides which is a huge bonus for me. Plus, in my opinion, this is a good-looking kit. If you have any questions, especially about sizing, don’t hesitate to leave them below. If you’re interested in purchasing Pearl Izumi Gear, doing so using our provided link supports us as we get a small kickback from your purchase. We appreciate the support!

*We received this gear for free in exchange for a review, however, it’s important to know that all thoughts are our own.