Le Col Pro Wind Jacket review

Le Col’s Pro Wind Jacket succeeds where other wind-proof cycling jackets fail, by not flapping in the wind it protects you from.

It makes a strong case for inclusion in your cycling wardrobe, particularly if you value breathability and a close fit.

But the value of a windproof jacket that costs over £150 and isn’t waterproof to a reasonable level appears doubtful, particularly in today’s economic headwinds.

Le Col Pro Wind Jacket spec

The Le Col Pro Wind Jacket is made from 100 per cent polyester in a figure-hugging cut. My sample weighs 128g in a size medium.

The internal stitching is tidy and the inside of the raised collar feels soft on the neck.

Cut quite short at the front, the Pro Wind Jacket’s hem drops to cover the bottom of your back. There are no pockets.

Mesh runs down the outside of the torso and the inside of the arms to provide ventilation.

On the inside of the elasticated cuffs, there is a black patch with reflective strips.

Besides the lime colour on test, the Le Col Pro Wind Jacket comes in saffron, yellow, navy, cobalt and sage. Sizes run from XS to 3XL.

Le Col Pro Wind Jacket performance

The Le Col Pro Wind Jacket fits wonderfully. It’s neither baggy nor restrictive, even when you lean forwards into an aerodynamic position.

I opted for size medium, the same size as I would for the brand’s road cycling jerseys.

As we found in recent wind tunnel testing, switching to closer-fitting clothing is one of the best-value aero upgrades.

The fit is too slim for off-bike use, but that’s not what Le Col intends the Pro Wind Jacket for.

For a windproof jacket that’s not fully waterproof, the Le Col Pro Wind Jacket is admirably technical.

The front and back panels defend your core from strong, chilly gusts.

A band of felt-like material on the inside of the high collar insulates your neck. The cuffs are long and tight enough to prevent wind sneaking up your sleeves.

The dropped hem covers the bottom of your spine without riding up or flapping about.

Over a summer baselayer and jersey, I found the Pro Wind Jacket warm enough in winds as strong as 40km/h and in temperatures as low as 8°C.

Although I’ve tested the jacket in the British summer, I imagine it could also help you layer up for winter cycling.

When the air temperature warms up, mesh down the sides and arms of the Pro Wind Jacket enables heat and moisture from sweat to escape.

When I started an early-morning FTP interval session in nippy conditions, I expected to soon have to remove the Pro Wind Jacket.

This was based on my experience with poorly ventilated windproofs. But the Le Col Pro Wind Jacket stopped me getting sweaty even as I approached 10 minutes of decent-intensity work.

Without sweat dampening the fabric, I didn’t get cold during periods of lower-intensity riding, such as recovery intervals or cool downs.

This balance of windproofing and breathability would be ideal for riding in the mountains.

In retrospect, I’d have taken a windproof such as the Pro Wind Jacket to the Haute Route Davos last year, where my pockets were cramped once I shed layers on ascents.

As Le Col claims, the Pro Wind Jacket is also suitable on drizzly, mild days when a full-on waterproof jacket isn’t absolutely necessary and will probably cause you to overheat.

In a light shower, the Pro Wind Jacket keeps you dry and then dries out rapidly when the rain abates. However, anything more than that, and it wets through easily.

An advantage the Pro Wind Jacket has over hardshell rain jackets is packability.

It compresses into a fist-sized ball, occupying minimal space in a jersey pocket or bikepacking bag when you take it off.

Personally, I can do without pockets when their absence contributes to a simple, lightweight design. However, that might not be the case for you.

Le Col Pro Wind Jacket value for money

At £165/$215/€200AU$335, the Le Col Pro Wind Jacket is expensive considering it’s not particularly waterproof.

Several of the best waterproof jackets for cyclists cost a similar amount or less, such as the excellent Bontrager Velocis Stormshell or Castelli Emergency 2 W Rain Jacket.

Given they both offer some wind protection, they present far better value than the Pro Wind Jacket.

To ride in proper rain, you’ll have to buy a waterproof in addition to the Le Col Pro Wind Jacket.

If you rarely ride in the wet and/or specifically want a performance windproof, the Pro Wind Jacket remains a good option.

But if you're choosing between the Le Col Pro Wind Jacket and a waterproof at this price, go for the latter.

The increased versatility of a waterproof jacket will justify diminished windproofing, aerodynamics, breathability and packability.

Indeed, some waterproofs, such as the Rapha Core Rain II jacket, cost much less than the Pro Wind.

Le Col Pro Wind Jacket bottom line

The Pro Wind Jacket excels at the niche application Le Col designed it for: pacy rides where aerodynamics and breathability count.

However, this jacket is insufficiently versatile for the price. For £165, I'd expect it to be waterproof to a good degree.

Despite the Pro Wind Jacket’s strong suits, it’s a luxury item most riders can do without.