Proviz Classic Men's Cycling Gilet

Tell us what the product is for

Proviz says: "Fluorescent four-way stretch material gives the gilet a high waterproof and breathability rating of 20,000mm & 20,000gm/24hr plus eye-watering fluorescence by day."

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

"The Proviz Classic Gilet is manufactured using a blend of four-way stretch fabrics. There are sealed sewing lines across all of the seams to ensure no water gets in.

Very high levels of waterproofing (20,000mm) and breathability (20,000 grams). Weighs 211 grams.

Two waterproof side pockets

High collar for comfort and keeping wind out.

Waterproof zip with garage for comfort and rubber toggles for ease of use

Reflective detailing with the Proviz REFLECT360 material - strips across the front, back, hems, zip details and logos."

Well made with good fabrics and sealed seams.

Very good - In the daytime, I noticed even smartphone-obsessed pedestrians spotted me from a long way off. In the dark, the small REFLECT360 patches reflect light so well they look powered... plus they remain visible even if you're wearing a backpack. Waterproofing and windproofing are also excellent, as is breathability.

The Proviz Gilet feels like it will last. The stitching and material is quality, the material can stretch a good amount, and it returns to shape.

It is not a race fit – it's loose for commuting or general riding, and works for that.

It's quite large - I would have been better a size down.

211g is an excellent weight, if slightly higher than claimed.

Very comfortable, though if you stuff the pockets they can ride up and down on your legs.

There are cheaper hi-viz gilets out there, but few with this level of wind and waterproofing, detailing, and construction quality. It's about as safe as passive safety gets and at £60, that offsets its price a fair bit.

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

I wash all my cycle clothing at 30 degrees, and this gilet was fine. Oil stains proved a bit stubborn, but Vanish cleaner gets them out.

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

Really well - on several occasions, pedestrians stopped from stepping into my path, having spotted me a long way off.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Quality construction, the very reflective patches, breathability, windproofing and waterproofing.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Sizes up large, pockets poorly placed.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

The Proviz is more expensive than some. The Van Rysel RC 500 from Decathlon is just under £20, for instance, although while it's splashproof it's not waterproof or breathable, and definitely more 'budget' than this. More comparable (and stylish) is the Primal Trimotif Wind Vest at £45 which, while only 'water resistant', has three good rear pockets. However the Proviz offers really extreme visibity, good waterproofing and a genuinely useful high neck for that extra cash.

Use this box to explain your overall score

The Proviz is comfortable, well made, with some great features and very high levels of breathability, waterproofing and visibility (day or night). With more accurate sizing and better pockets it would be a nine, but as it is it's a strong eight.