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review
Jerseys - short sleeve
MAAP Blaze Team Jersey MAAP Blaze Team Jersey MAAP Blaze Team Jersey MAAP Blaze Team Jersey MAAP Blaze Team Jersey MAAP Blaze Team Jersey MAAP Blaze Team Jersey MAAP Blaze Team Jersey
MAAP Blaze Team Short Sleeve Jersey

MAAP Blaze Team Jersey

8
by David Arthur @davearthur
UPDATED Thu, Jun 08, 2017 15:46

First Published Jun 8, 2017

0
£106.78

VERDICT:

8
10
Stylish performance cycling jersey with a comfortable slim fit
Weight: 
113g
Contact: 
maap.cc
How we test

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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A browse through Australian brand MAAP's website reveals a strong focus on design with some very alternative and bold designs. The MAAP Blaze Team jersey got a universal thumbs up from everyone who saw it, and I'm happy to tell you the performance and functionality live up to its great looks. This is a good warm weather top with a great fit.

Though the jersey is designed in Australia, it's made in Italy using a lightweight, stretchy and high-wicking fabric. To enhance its hot weather capabilities, a micro mesh material is located on the back panel, underarm inserts and around the collar.

> Find your nearest dealer here

> Buy this online here

The fit leans towards racy and is intended to be slim. I found it comparable to Rapha, Assos and Sportful jerseys of the same size (small, for reference) and though it is clearly snug and sits close to the skin in all areas, it's not restrictive or tight. That's down to the stretch in the fabric which provides enough freedom of movement for it to be comfortable. The waistband is lined with silicone tape to stop it riding up your bib shorts.

MAAP Blaze Team Short Sleeve Jersey - riding.jpg

To prevent the dreaded saggy pocket syndrome, the rear pockets are made from a material that only stretches in one direction. Another nice detail is the slim reflective strip at the bottom of the middle pocket.

MAAP Blaze Team Short Sleeve Jersey - pockets.jpg

It's a lovely garment for cycling. I've been wearing it for most of my rides recently and the weather has warmed up enough on occasion to test its capability at higher temperatures. It copes well when both intensity and heat dials are turned up, the mesh panels providing good ventilation and the front facing fabric not clinging onto sweat noticeably. The fabric is treated with SPF 50+ sun protection, which is a nice detail, and the full-length reversed YKK zipper works smoothly.

MAAP Blaze Team Short Sleeve Jersey - hem.jpg

It's clearly very well made, the durability of the stitching has been just fine, and it's been through countless washes with no issues.

MAAP Blaze Team Short Sleeve Jersey - chest.jpg

 Any gripes? Well, the outer pockets could be a bit roomier, and the sleeves are on the longer side – which seems to be a trend these days – and didn't match up with my tan lines.

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best summer cycling jerseys

If you're in the market for a stylish summer jersey and aren't satisfied with the choices from the more established brands, this impressive number from MAAP is well worth a look.

Verdict

Stylish performance cycling jersey with a comfortable slim fit

road.cc test report

Make and model: MAAP Blaze Team Jersey

Size tested: Small

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?

MAAP says: "Featuring our classic team fit styling, this jersey is lightweight, race oriented and features a double lycra folded sleeve hem band which fits a wide range of arm sizes comfortably."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

MAAP lists these features:

Made in Italy.

Signature race fit intended to be worn slim.

Longer sleeve length.

Side panels for contoured fit.

High-wicking, Italian made fabrics.

Micro mesh back panel, underarm inserts and collar for enhanced breathability.

Uni-stretch material used for rear pockets to prevent sag.

Reversed YKK zip with camlock puller.

SPF 50+ sun protection factor.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10
Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Combines good hot weather performance with ample breathability.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

The stitching has proven durable.

Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10

It's tight and racy, so racing snakes will be just fine.

Rate the product for sizing:
 
7/10

Size compares well to other brands, so you get what you expect.

Rate the product for weight:
 
8/10
Rate the product for comfort:
 
8/10

The fabric is soft next to the skin, and the fit enhances comfort.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

It certainly isn't cheap, and there are lots of choices at this £100 price bracket.

How easy is the product to care for? How did it respond to being washed?

Washes easily enough.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

Works well in warm weather and manages sweat admirably.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Its looks!

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Pockets could be more generous and a zipped pocket would be nice.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your score

It's not all style and no substance with the MAAP Blaze Team jersey; it's a good summer jersey and a nice alternative to the more common brand choices.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 31  Height: 180cm  Weight: 67kg

I usually ride:   My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Expert

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, time trialling, cyclo-cross, commuting, touring, mountain biking

MAAP Blaze Team Jersey 2017
MAAP Blaze Team Jersey
MAAP 2017
Maap
David Arthur @davearthur

David worked on the road.cc tech team from 2012-2020. Previously he was editor of Bikemagic.com and before that staff writer at RCUK. He's a seasoned cyclist of all disciplines, from road to mountain biking, touring to cyclo-cross, he only wishes he had time to ride them all. He's mildly competitive, though he'll never admit it, and is a frequent road racer but is too lazy to do really well. He currently resides in the Cotswolds, and you can now find him over on his own YouTube channel David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes. 

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