I look for brands that offer functional and quality products. The Helix “Primal” jersey does not disappoint. It is made using high-end fabric that is so bright it almost shines and uses a “racing” cut that fits well, rides well and looks great too.
Putting on the Primal “Helix” you might be surprised the price tag. It has the fit, comfort and style of pricier brands, is super light, and feels slick on. Lots of panelling helps to create the “racing” cut for the “Helix” jersey, with 3 decent sized pockets on the rear, another plus for me, as some of you might know, I like to take many a layering option for “summer” riding in the U.K.
Primal have used 3 different fabrics for the “Helix” jersey, utilising a wicking fabric “SLR Ion fabric, a lightweight, open face fabric that breathes cool air to the surface of the skin” for the main rear and front panels. Primal says this fabric is antibacterial and designed to contour the body for a closer fit.
The side panels of the Helix “Accento”, and those that sit just on the back of the shoulder have a more aerated appearance made from what Primal call “AE Elite mesh”, for greater air flow; these panels are visibly more see through and the short sleeves of a “Z92” fabric, that is a woven fabric apparently to help reduce drag.
What does this actually mean? Primal says that their jerseys are designed for function and performance, “wicking or dispersing moisture from the surface of the skin, lowering overall body temperature”. I tend to sweat a lot when riding, so much so that I often get salt marks on clothes. The Primal Helix jersey has kept me relatively dry, and on longer rides, will dry quickly if I have built up a considerable sweat. The Helix jersey is certainly comfortable to ride in I hardly noticed that I was wearing anything at all, and once it’s on, it stays put. This jersey has been designed with a lot of thought for how it will work when you’re riding, and would benefit anyone serious about cycling, or someone who gets seriously hot whilst cycling.
Primal says the Helix jersey has been made “Utilizing revolutionary pattern technology and the highest quality fabrics, the Helix jersey is engineered to fit tightly against the body to reduce air surface tension and improve performance.”
I was test riding a size small jersey, and this was true to size, other than the shoulders. I am usually a size 8/10 or small. The shoulders of the Primal “Helix” jersey pull a little when trying on, and I wondered if I’d benefit from a medium. I tried a medium and it was too big so went with the small, this was totally the right choice, and once in the saddle I didn’t notice the jersey once.
I didn’t have any fussing with the sleeves or body both of which stayed put throughout the rides, no bunching or fidgeting and the pockets are easily accessible and roomy.
Verdict
The Primal “Helix” Accento is a great looking and functional jersey that boasts high performance. It has been intelligently designed with a lot of love. The lightweight and quick drying nature of the fabric make is a great choice for racing, long rides, or riding in hot countries. It’s a great looking kit that’s great to ride in. I will certainly be watching the Primal market for further designs.
Pros:
-Well cut, race fit, short at front
-Great fabric and smart looking design
-Decent price point for quality design
Cons:
-Shoulders look as they might not fit properly when first trying on the jersey, don’t be put off.
Price: £72 online available from Wiggle.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Accento matches performance with design. The sharp purple colorway and line work collaborate to make a fashionable and functional cycling kit.
PRODUCT
Primal Jerseys are designed to wick and disperse moisture from the surface of the skin causing it to evaporate and lowering the overall body temperature. This moisture management system not only makes the garment more comfortable, but also allows the body to perform at its peak. All Primal jerseys are designed by cyclists for cyclists with graphics that resonate on or off the road.
DETAILS
Contoured Race Cut Fit
SLR Ion Fabric
Z92 Fabric Sleeves
Ergonomic Mesh Panels
Full Length YKK Exposed Zipper
3 Angled Rear Pockets
MATERIALS
The main body of the Helix jersey is constructed with SLR Ion fabric, a lightweight, open face fabric that breathes cool air to the surface of the skin. This fabric is antibacterial with stretch properties that allow the jersey to contour to the body lines and form a closer fit. Z92 fabric on the sleeves utilizes a dimpled surface technology that reduces drag while the side panels and Vortex panels at the shoulders are constructed from AE Elite Mesh to allow addtional airflow to the body.
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