Item # PLZ00P8
Item # PLZ00P8ELITE Escape Barrier Convertible Jacket
The ELITE Escape Barrier Convertible Jacket from Pearl Izumi is one of the most versatile jackets in its lineup as it offers water and wind-resistant protection as well as a thermo-regulating vest for your core on cooler, windy days and descents. The beauty of this top is its ability to convert from a protective shell to a heat-retaining vest in a matter of seconds with its zip-off sleeves, before or during your ride, that extends its use year round. Like its other Elite Barrier products, the shell shields you from the wind, while repelling precipitation and road spray. And to keep you from overheating, its Direct-Vent panels improve ventilation when you're climbing towards the heavens or dropping the hammer on fast group rides.
To increase its visibility after dark, the convertible jacket features BioViz reflective elements for safe riding at dawn and dusk. Underneath its full-length zipper is a draft flap to block wind from weaseling its way in and giving you a chill. Other key features include elastic at the hem and sleeves for a dialed fit, as well as zippered hand and one rear pocket for holding riding accessories or other items.
- A jacket that converts to a vest offering up versatility
- Full-length internal draft flap with zipper garage helps seal in warmth
- Elastic hem and sleeves keep the wind from creeping in
- Direct-Vent back panel provides optimal ventilation
- The water-resistant material keeps you dry on damp training rides
- ELITE Barrier fabric provides excellent wind protection
- One-piece integrated sleeve construction prevents arriving home with one less sleeve
Reviews & Community
REVIEWS
Good versatile option
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
- Fit: True to size
Great Jacket! I purchased this looking for a spring / fall option and it works great for that. The jacket exceeded my expectations with a little winter riding mixed in. Recently I've used this jacket with just a Columbia Omni- wear long sleeve under shirt under a riding jersey and have been able to ride comfortably down into the low 40's (even sweat a little). Does an amazing job for how it was designed, blocking the wind up front and venting out the back side. Additionally love the versatility that once spring does arrive I now have vest to use. It's a two-fer! The jacket only received four stars as the fit is a little off. I'll normally wear a medium shirt size. With Pearl Izumi I typically order large due to their European sizing. This garment however was too loose for my liking, so exchanged for a medium which fit much better, however was oddly tight across the back in the shoulders. It wasn't a deal breaker by any means and is still comfortable to ride in. Competitive cyclist was awesome to deal with, exceptional customer service and made the exchange happen fast!!! All in all if you can get this garment on sale I wouldn't hesitate, but would recommend your normal size wear.
Love Pearl Izumi, But Hate This Jacket
- Familiarity: I've used it several times
- Fit: True to size
Sizing is okay, but i have a broad chest and this jacket is pretty tight across my upper body. I have several Pearl Izumi tops, but this is the only one that is not comfortable. Despite the tight fit across the upper body, the jacket manages to catch air and flap wildly on fast descents starting around 30MPH. It is so annoying that I just hit the brakes to make it stop. The full jacket is too hot to wear in the rain but too minscule to wear when it is cold. The vest gets occasional use because it is easy to stuff in my smallish seat pack when I get hot. I do, however, love the two zippered pockets on the sides.
Does this model (including all colors) have a front double zipper to allow for more venting options? I see some colors clearly show it in the picture, while others don't.
Got this answer from BC support: "The old variants did not have the dual zipper (which is why some pictures did not show it) but all of our current inventory does in fact have the dual zipper functionality."
Be Seen, Be Safe
PEARL iZUMi's BioViz construction incorporates three main elements: use of high powered reflectivity, true fluorescent colors, and strategic patterning.
Disappointed...sizing issues
- Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions
I'm 6'4" with a slim-average build and used to one able to count on Pearl Izumi jackets for a good fit in XL. Unfortunately, this jacket has no mechanism to adjust the waist and as a result it is far too large. Size large is too confining in the upper body.