As its name suggests, the Vista SS jersey from Polaris Bikewear is a short sleeve jersey made to be cool and super breathable. It comes with an excellent build quality with neat features making it ideal for summer use. However, the heavier weight fabric can get a little warm on those seriously hot days, and the styling won’t be for everyone.
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The Vista SS is built using a high wicking fabric throughout, but the torso portion of the jersey uses a thicker fabric, whereas the short sleeves are a little thinner. This is the opposite of the Rapha ¾ trail jersey, and it’s definitely a good thing. Sweaty arms aren’t an issue, and it gives the jersey valid year-round use.
Then, at the side of the jersey is a secret pocket that’s more than big enough to stash a phone and some cash for a mid-ride slice of Victoria Sponge.
Much like the AM500 TX Repel shorts, Polaris has got the fit on the Vista SS dialled. I wear a medium t-shirt, and I’ve got absolutely no complaints about the fit of this jersey.
The sorted fit along with a good choice of fabric makes the Vista SS nice and comfy, but it’s also reasonably cool.
Kitting the jersey with a thinner fabric for the sleeves aids cooling nicely, as the thinner fabric runs over the shoulder and up to the collar. I’ve found that with some jerseys, they can retain heat around the shoulders, but that’s not the case with the Vista SS.
However, the thicker fabric used for the torso can insulate a little. Of course, in the cooler months, that’s an excellent feature, but on those really hot days, it can get a touch toasty.
Together, those fabrics make a jersey that not only feels great on, but it also feels hardwearing and totally durable. The only real niggle that the jersey carries is that its design won’t be for everyone unless you’re one for motivational slogans.
Value & verdict
Against competitive jerseys, the Vista SS does come up a little pricey, but what you get in return are that excellent build quality, the thoughtfully chosen fabrics, and a sneaky pocket, but for £5 less, you can pick up the Nukeproof Blackline short sleeve jersey. The Blackline’s fit is equally as awesome as the Vista SS’s, but it lacks a pocket and year-round suitability.
Priced at £40 is the Royal Racing Quantum Jersey Short Sleeve, and it’s made entirely from recycled fabric, a big plus, but again, it doesn’t come with a sneaky pocket.
If you’re after a short sleeve jersey that’ll provide a touch of warmth while keeping you cool enough for most of the summer, the Polaris Bikewear Vista SS jersey will do just the trick. It’s just slightly more expensive than the competition, and you’ll notice its thicker main fabric on the hottest days.
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