The POC Thermal Lite long-sleeve jersey aims to combine style with performance, crafted from a merino blend fabric that offers decent breathability and claims to control odours. While the fabric performs well, the jersey’s fit is unconventional compared to many others and the pockets are quite small, which limits its practicality.
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POC Thermal Lite LS Jersey – Technical Details
Constructed with a blend of 73% polyester, 20% merino wool and 7% polyamide, the body of the jersey features an elastic gripper at the hem to keep it in place. It also features three rear pockets and a small, zipped pocket on the right side.
POC has also added what it calls the “Emergency Panel Info” — a small, retractable section within one of the pockets where you can write essential details, such as your name, emergency contacts, and any critical medical information in case of an accident.
The jersey has a full-length zip with a small zip garage at the collar and a reflective patch under the main pocket for added visibility.
POC Thermal Lite LS Jersey – Performance
The Thermal Lite jersey’s fit feels noticeably different from comparable jerseys. The front sits quite high, which prevents bunching along the zip when using drop handlebars. However, the cut is rather square with minimal drop at the back, causing the rear section to sit high.
This short drop affects pocket size. While the three pockets are adequately wide, they lack depth, meaning a standard smartphone sits exposed above the pocket top.
The Emergency Panel Info is made from flexible plastic material that you use to write your emergency contact details. Unfortunately, this feature can be frustrating, as it often slips out when retrieving items from the same pocket and then blocks access when you try to put things back. While the idea may seem great should anything serious happen while you are riding, the first thing I would do is cut this section off. There are many other ways to provide the same information in the event of an emergency, including phone covers or screen savers showing details.
Apart from the pockets, the zip is smooth and easy to use, and the material is soft and comfortable against the skin. I tested it in temperatures from the mid-teens with a light base layer down to mid-single figures with a thicker layer, and it performed well. I continued using it in lower temperatures with an added windproof layer or thicker base layer.
Although the jersey contains merino wool, the 20% content doesn’t offer significant benefits. While POC claims it aids with odour control, after a long ride, I found it still retained a fair amount of smell, with little noticeable improvement over a full polyester fabric.
POC Thermal Lite LS Jersey – Verdict
Priced at £150, the POC Thermal Lite long sleeve sits within the premium bracket for long-sleeve jerseys, alongside brands such as MAAP, Albion and Rapha. For context, the GoreC3 Thermo I tested costs just £90 and, though it has similar pocket limitations, the fit is superior. If you are looking specifically for a merino wool jersey Galibier Roubaix Merino jersey, at under £60, offers 100% merino wool on the exterior with bamboo fabric on the inside.
If the POC Thermal Lite LS jersey offered a better fit or utilised its merino wool content more effectively, its premium price might be easier to justify. However, the square cut reduces pocket utility and the limited merino content doesn’t quite deliver on odour control as POC claims. That said, the jersey is comfortable and performs reasonably well across a range of temperatures.
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Product purpose:
A Merino blend ensures a luxurious feel next to the skin, and enhances odour control while retaining exceptional wicking properties. Full-length sleeves give warmth as well as a classic, refined style.
With a classic style and subtle detailing, the Thermal Lite LS Jersey brings refinement and comfort to every ride.
Constructed using a blend of Merino wool and polyester, the long-sleeve jersey gives a luxurious feel against the skin and ensures excellent thermal regulation properties. The inclusion of wool improves odour control properties and aids the jersey’s wicking capabilities for enhanced dryness and comfort no matter how hard you push.
With full-length sleeves, the jersey gives warmth and functionality for cooler days. Featuring three
open rear storage pockets as well as one secure zipped pocket for a smartphone, there is plenty of space for all ride essentials.
Reflective detailing makes it easier for others to see you in low light, and an emergency info panel that can fold out of the left rear pocket allows you to write vital contact info so it can be easily accessed by first responders at the scene of an accident.
Build extra:
Merino Blend:
A blend of merino wool, polyester and polyamide in a double knit ensures the wool sits next to the body for maximum comfort.
Breathable:
The fabric has good wicking and thermal regulation capacity to keep you dry on the inside.
Ample storage:
Three large open rear pockets and a smaller zipped pocket give plenty of space for ride essentials.
Emergency info panel:
A small reflective tab with space for emergency contact info can be folded out of the rear left pocket.
Secure fit:
Elastic webbing with a silicone print at the hem gives comfort and security.
Reflective details:
Rider visibility is improved in low light thanks to reflective details on the collar, back pocket and along the lower hem.
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