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review
£64.99
VERDICT:
Plenty of style from the Belgian company but let down by average performance
Weight:
160g
Contact:
At road.cc every product is thoroughly tested for as long as it takes to get a proper insight into how well it works. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists that we trust to be objective. While we strive to ensure that opinions expressed are backed up by facts, reviews are by their nature an informed opinion, not a definitive verdict. We don't intentionally try to break anything (except locks) but we do try to look for weak points in any design. The overall score is not just an average of the other scores: it reflects both a product's function and value – with value determined by how a product compares with items of similar spec, quality, and price.
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The Vermarc Squadra jersey offers looks and classic styling but suffers slightly when it comes to performance of the polyester which suffers from fading where it has been in contact with a rucksack. In reasonable weather it is a wearable jersey but if you have to cover up it is unable to wick sweat very quickly.
Vermarc, based in Belgium have been producing not only cycling clothing but a range of gear for football and athletics. They have gone from humble beginnings to now providing two World Tour teams with clothing. Not surprisingly they are Belgium sponsored teams, Omega Pharma-Quick Step and Lotto Belisol. Given their success on the bike I was keen to find out if this expertise filtered down their ranges.
So here's the Squadra VS SPL, a predominantly black jersey with white and red lettering and some white on the rear at the top and sleeve hems. The jersey is on the whole made from polyester with some elastane in the sleeves to provide a bit of stretch and improve fit.
On the front you get a full length zip which could be useful on warmer days. The seams are all flatlocked on the inside and are comfortable next to the skin. On the exterior the majority of them are hidden so gives you a stylishly finished jersey.
The three pockets are equal size in terms of width and all offer a decent depth so it doesn't feel as if your essentials are in danger of falling out. On the two outside pockets you also get a couple of bits of reflective trim to aid visibility.
The sleeves are quite short and have narrowed openings which is where you'll find the elastane. It gives a little more stretch which makes for a pleasing fit.
The Squadra is nice next to the skin and despite being made from polyester is not bad at handling warm or sweaty conditions. It does suffer on longer rides but if you're using it for your commute or rides without big temperatures it will cope. It struggles if you're covered up as it cannot disperse the sweat very well, leaving it feeling heavy and wet.
Verdict
Plenty of style from the Belgian company but let down by average performance
road.cc test report
Make and model: Vermarc Squadra jersey
Size tested: Medium
Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?
Riders looking for a stylish short sleeve jersey will be drawn to the clothing providers of two of the quickest World Tour teams. On face value the Squadra jersey is good looking, predominantly black with some white elements and text. Alas the fabric belies these looks as it can't cope with a heavy workload on when it is covered as it cannot wick sweat away very well.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
100% polyester with a little elastane in the sleeve hems to add some flex and comfort as the sleeves are quite short so need to cope with some bulging biceps. A full length zip is a nice addition but there is no guard to keep the zip from rubbing on your neck.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
8/10
The Squadra is finished well, the seams are not irritating and there is little evidence of them on the outside. The sleeves are short but with the elastane fit very well.
Rate the product for performance:
6/10
Getting over the style of the Squadra the performance is not quite up to it. The fabric cannot cope with too much moisture. Whether it's created by the body or from being covered by a jacket it proves to be lacking in the breathability stakes.
Rate the product for durability:
7/10
On the whole it isn't too bad but using a rucksack directly against the Squadra has caused some wearing on the pockets. Not ideal.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
7/10
At 160g you won't notice any problems with the weight.
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
7/10
Wearing the jersey is a pleasure but wear it for long periods or in warm conditions it shows its deficiencies.
Rate the product for value:
6/10
At £65 it is reasonably priced but even in this range you'd expect a bit more than the Squadra delivers.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
It struggles with wicking moisture away effectively but on less onerous journeys the Vermarc would be a stylish and wearable jersey.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
The style is good just a shame the performance does not match.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
The zip can catch on your neck when it is fully done up plus the lack of wicking.
Did you enjoy using the product? Not as much as I would have liked.
Would you consider buying the product? Not without improvements.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Depending on what they were looking for.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
The lack of wicking is an issue as is the wear on the rear of the jersey. Looks and style aren't quite enough.
About the tester
Age: 45 Height: 178cm Weight: 80kg
I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three My best bike is: As above
I've been riding for: Under 5 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Experienced
I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT
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