The Danny Shane Pro Line Gilet is a warmer-than-average windproof waistcoat that will suit those with deeper pockets, in both senses of the word. It's relatively heavy and bulky for a gilet (170g), filling a jersey pocket completely. Given that you can get a decent gilet for £30, it's expensive too.
Like most gilets, the Pro Line is a an effective windbreak for your torso and neck; add arm-warmers and you're ready for a wide range of conditions. The extra weight and bulk over a typical nylon gilet is a drawback, not because another 60-70g is a big deal in itself but because that puts it in windproof jacket territory. Endura's Pakajak is 160g and packs slightly smaller. You wouldn't need arm-warmers either.
The Pro Line gilet works best as a garment you'll keep on rather than removing half way into a ride, so it that respect it suits cooler conditions. The fabric seems thicker: it has a softshell, Gore Windstopper feel. (It's 75% polyester and 25% polyurethane in the main, with a polyester-elastane mix for the stretchy panels.) It's not mesh except underneath the arms. That makes it nice to wear when it's chillier.
The fit is cycling friendly: nice and close, with enough elastication in the side panels and silicone-grippered hem to hold it snug to the body. The collar is high enough to keep out draughts, and the gilet doesn't flap noisily in the wind like some cheap ones do.
Its shower resistance is good. I wore it in persistent drizzle while riding a bike without a rear mudguard. It got filthy, to the extent that I'd have doubts about how pristine those white panels would remain, but I stayed warm enough and dry enough.
There are three jersey-style rear pockets. They're really useful, as it can be awkward to get at jersey pockets underneath a gilet while you're riding along. One of the pockets has a zipped pocket backing on to it. That's ideal for stashing your phone, as it won't then leap into a hedgerow or underneath a car if you hit a pothole. The zipped pocket has a media port. The pockets have reflective piping along the top, and there's more around the rear zip.
I didn't particularly like the black and white colouring. It's reasonably visible, however.
At the time of writing, the price was reduced to £71. That's still about £20 more than I'd consider paying for a gilet: £50 gets you a rainproof Endura FS-260 Adrenaline Race Gilet or an Altura Night Vision Gilet plus change.
Verdict
Thicker, penguin-coloured gilet for cooler conditions, if the price doesn't put you off
road.cc test report
Make and model: Danny Shane Pro Line Gilet
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?
They say: The Pro Line Gilet was designed to bring additional warmth and functionality to your ride with signature DannyShane fit and comfort. Features a white front panel with black back panel and centre white stripe. Featuring a three pocket design for extra storage, private water proof vertical zip pocket with phone/headset eyelet. The collar zip offers full neck protection and incorporates a zip garage to ensure comfort.
Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?
Pro Line Gilet Features
Covered Camlock CF Zipper
Underarm lightweight fabric insert for breathability
3 back pockets with upper horizontal piping, additional zip pocket with phone/headset eylets with reflective zipper.
Pro-Line laser inscription on the side panels added breathability
Ametist elastic on the front (Carbon filiments)
Silicone elastic on the back – helps keep the garment in place.
Rate the product for quality of construction:
7/10
Well cut for cycling - nice and snug.
Rate the product for performance:
8/10
A very effective extra layer for a UK winter or early spring. Not so good as a just-in-case garment.
Rate the product for durability:
8/10
Seems well stitched, and the thicker fabric is less prone to tearing than that of many gilets.
Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
4/10
Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
8/10
Better in miserable conditions.
Rate the product for value:
4/10
It's a lot of money for a windproof waistcoat.
Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose
Very well.
Tell us what you particularly liked about the product
Fit, comfort, zipped rear pocket.
Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product
Bulk. Price. Colour.
Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.
Would you consider buying the product? No. Too expensive.
Would you recommend the product to a friend? Probably not.
Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?
It's a decent gilet, it's just very expensive and not as packable as many of its rivals.
Age: 45 Height: 1.78m Weight: 67kg
I usually ride: Ridgeback Solo World fixed wheel My best bike is: Planet X Pro Carbon Track. Or Whyte M109
I've been riding for: Over 20 years I ride: Every day I would class myself as: Expert
I regularly do the following types of riding: time trialling, cyclo cross, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, fixed/singlespeed, mtb,
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