It's fully waterproof but as breathable as most windstopper shells, with the minimum of features for maximum packability.
Gill is trading on the outstanding sweat-shifting performance of eVent fabric for this simple but extremely effective shell jacket.
Offering a level of quality, performance and style that we'd expect on a jacket costing twice as much, the Pro Speed jacket is simple, yet has enough features for most riders, and is cut perfectly for ripping up the trails or blasting down the blacktop. The Pro Speed is made from laminated eVENT material – tailored perfectly for bike-riding duties – that is both waterproof and extremely breathable. Experience has shown it washes well and keeps on performing time and again.This is a solid, hard-wearing waterproof without too many frills, yet not so scaled back you feel like you're missing out. Best of all, though, is all these features come at an attractively low price.The fit is a little better than the others around this price, too. We were impressed by neat touches such as the easily adjustable draw cord on the hem and neck, Velcro wrist closures. Although the Pro Speed is lacking pockets, its simplicity and performance clearly sets it apart from other basic jackets. Velcro cuffs, the easily adjustable drawstring tapered collar and drawstring hem and a waterproof zip do a good job for draught and storm-proofing. Reflective bits in the right places aid visibility.It packs just small enough to stick in your pocket or throw into a small backpack, too. If you're after a hardwearing waterproof with no frills and all you want is function and great fit, then there's nothing to match the Pro Speed, and that's without mentioning the fantastic price.
Excellent no-frills jacket, offering a fine cut and quality at a great price
Sometimes in a grouptest of products something stands out, but with jackets thats a pretty hard thing to do. But the Pro Speed from Gill is the closest thing to the perfect performance/race jacket we've ever ridden in. The laminated eVent material is extremely breathable and waterproof, and experience has shown it washes well and keeps on performing time and again. The fit is just a little bit better than the excellent Altura Reflex, and although the Pro Speed is lacking pockets, its simplicity and performance clearly set it aside from all the other basic jackets. Velcro cuffs and a drawstring tapered collar do a good job for draught and storm-proofing, and reflective bits in the right places aid visibility. If you're after a hardwearing waterproof with no frills and all you want is function and great fit, then theres nothing to match the Pro Speed,and thats without mentioning the fantastic price.
Best no-frills shell; excellent fit, great quality, good price.
In our opinion there are two types of waterproof jacket suitable for cycling: the jacket you stow in a rear pocket and put on when it starts raining; and the jacket you wear when leaving the house because it's already raining and therefore wear for the whole ride. Gill's Pro Speed falls into the latter bracket, as it is too bulky to fit into a normal pocket. Waterproof zips and seams ensure that the elements are kept out while the breathable fabric prevents overheating...You can undo the full length zip to help regulate temperature...Velcro adjustments on the zips help keep wrists and hands out of the wet and prevent the wind from inflating the jacket. Adjustable neck and waist-bands add to the comfort, with on-the-bike adjustability a useful facility.
When combined with a decent mid and base layer, there is little to beat this in the great British weather.