One important note about sizing – I have found my 56cm head fits POC’s XS-S helmets (which they list as 51-54cm). When I asked POC, they didn’t say MIPS Integra sacrifices any interior space, but rather told me the fit is slightly different between the Tectals and the Kortals. I have a Tectal Race SPIN that fits me almost perfectly, and I suspected the Kortal’s MIPS Integra liner made the interior of the helmet a tiny bit smaller. There is a bit of extra room on the sides, but not too much that it fits loosely. The Kortal Race MIPS is very snug front-to-back on my shallow/narrow head, but thankfully just big enough to wear without causing me discomfort. MSRP is $170.Ĭheck Price at Amazon Check Price at The Pro’s Closet Color options are Basalt Blue, Moonstone Grey, or Uranium Black. POC’s Guardian Air jacket is available in XS-XXL sizes. It’s easy to stuff into a hydration pack but won’t fit in a jersey pocket. The Guardian Air is packable, but not amazingly so-it can be crushed into a ball a bit larger than a grapefruit. The stretchy black cuff panels are a genius touch, allowing the sleeves to snug up over your gloves and stay there as you ride. The jacket’s collar does sit against my chin when fully zipped, but it isn’t too annoying (and POC did cover the zipper with a nice lil’ hood). Throughout my fall rides, I found the shell material wasn’t breathable enough and the armpit vents are too small to leave the jacket zipped up once you’ve generated some heat. For splash protection and light bursts of rain, the Guardian Air will serve you well, but it’s not ideal for full-on rain rides.Īs far as ventilation, the small vents in the armpits help a bit but to really dump heat you’ll be using the front zipper. However, the sleeves and shoulders of my midlayer were damp when I got home. After 20 minutes of being fully exposed to the rain my shoes, gloves and pants were quite wet, yet my front and back were still fine, and the Guardian Air’s hood kept my head dry. The following day I pedaled out in a steady rainfall and found the limits of the jacket’s waterproofing fairly quickly. The dropped tail kept my backside entirely protected (there wasn’t a drop of mud or water on my jersey), and I got home dry inside. This is exactly the kind of ride the jacket was designed for, and it fared well in those conditions. The first test was a two-hour trail ride, mostly in light rain. In the fall, I finally got out for a few rainy rides in the Guardian Air. It pulled the jacket right up against my chin, but I could move my head around freely enough for cruising to and from a trailhead. The hood is intended to fit under a helmet, but it does stretch and I squeezed it over my Oakley DRT5 helmet on one rainy ride. As someone who often rides with a pack, I appreciate that POC kept the shoulders seamless. The Guardian Air’s main body panels and side panels stretch easily, only the top of the arms and hood are made from a more durable, non-stretch fabric. The entire jacket has a nice stretch to it. Sleeve length is bang-on for me, and I am a bit lanky so I doubt anyone would find the arms too short. The dropped tail goes right to the bottom of my cheeks, and the higher cut front sits right at my waist. The only part of the jacket that doesn’t have much extra room is around my chest, so bigger riders might want to try one on before buying – I’m not a thick guy. The jacket’s body is slim but offers enough room for a jersey and thin midlayer underneath. POC has neatly snuck in some small vents on the seams below the armpits.Īs for fit, I’m 5’10” and I’m wearing a size medium. The jacket is simple in construction: It’s a single-layer shell with no cuff closures, an elasticized hood, one chest pocket, and one hip pocket (both zippered with glove-friendly pulls). It’s great for those days when it’s a bit too chilly to roll out in a jersey alone: I found it perfect for 8-10☌ days with a long sleeved jersey underneath. The Guardian Air is a thin non-insulated jacket that keeps the wind, and some water, at bay. If you’re a fan of POC’s gear this post is just the start I have another article coming soon covering jerseys, shorts, gloves, and knee pads. I also got some clothing to test including the Guardian Air jacket, which makes a nice lightweight outer layer for damp, chilly, or windy days. Early this spring I got a bunch of gear from POC to ride and review and after an unexpected delay (broken wrist!) I’m finally back in the saddle and pleased to bring you my impressions of clothing and gear from their 2021 collection.īikerumor covered the Kortal Race MIPS helmet and Devour sunglasses upon their launch, and I was lucky enough to get samples of both.
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