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Vanelli Proline Jersey

8
£60.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Brash branding helps this well-made jersey stand out – it's comfy, sturdy and feels quick too
Long sleeve grips work really well
Sturdy pockets
Hidden zip means clean lines
Great sleek fit
Wide array of sizes
Heavy branding
Flapping reflective material is odd
Weight: 
122g

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 Vanelli Proline Jersey is a light and warm-weather-oriented jersey that uses smart design and interesting colours to create a good value bit of kit. The elongated sleeve grips and sturdy pockets impress, though the branding over the sleeves may put some off... I certainly wasn't a fan.

Not digging it either? There are plenty of options in our buyer's guide to short sleeve jerseys.

> Buy the Proline Jersey from Vanelli now

I took the Proline on a few all-day affairs that took in long climbs, long descents, and a number of outfit changes to combat the swirling temperature changes of wind, rain, sweat and sun. Paired with a baselayer it fared well during the colder spells, but this jersey is particularly suitable for the heat. The material quickly dries in the sun and wind.

The three rear pockets are made from a stronger, thicker and non-porous fabric to reduce sag. They're strongly elasticated atop each pocket too, and I stuffed them confidently. There is no secure zipper section, however.

2023 Vanelli Proline Jersey - pockets.jpg

I found that zipping and unzipping on the fly was occasionally impeded by the extra flap of material that hides the YKK zipper and creates a clean chest of pure orange. There is a silicone gripper around the elasticated base, and it works well to keep it all neatly in place.

2023 Vanelli Proline Jersey - gripper.jpg

Chilly Vanelli

Vanelli uses Ollie Peckover in windtunnel testing, apparently, and the Proline looks aero with a collar that curves down towards the zip to eliminate any flapping whatsoever. There are no internal labels and I found the seams all tucked away discretely, meaning no snags or irritations.

2023 Vanelli Proline Jersey - collar.jpg

The shouty caps-lock branding on both arms won't be to everyone's taste. I am a big fan of the clean orange frontage with zero logos and the fade to black on the sleeves, but for my money it'd look better with a continuation of the subtle branding employed on the rear. Still, that's just me.

2023 Vanelli Proline Jersey - cuff 2.jpg

A size large proved a hugging and comfortable fit on me – 187cm and 82kg – though it made me think twice about the second mid-ride cake stop.

Value

The similarly-priced Gore Daily Jersey weighs much the same as the Proline but has a secure pocket and copes better with lower temperatures. You could also consider the Stolen Goat Tappa Bodyline Jersey which thrives at high temperatures, is only slightly heavier, and has a similarly loud colourscheme.

If you'd like to spend more, the Albion Short Sleeved Jersey exists for rides in similarly warm temperatures but opts for a rubbery material to hold it in place. Alex Bowden reviewed it well, but it's heavier and doesn't scream £45-worth of superiority to the Vanelli.

If you are looking for a jersey that can carry you further into autumn and spring, the Galibier Bordeaux Wind Jersey – as you might guess – offers more protection while remaining breathable and pretty summery. Plus it's cheaper and has superior pockets.

Overall

You can't go far wrong with a £60 jersey that feels like many that cost £100. The hugging arms, strong pockets and smart fabric make it noticeable for the right reasons. Let's just have a word, or perhaps not have such big words, about that branding...

Verdict

Brash branding helps this well-made jersey stand out – it's comfy, sturdy and feels quick too

If you're thinking of buying this product using a cashback deal why not use the road.cc Top Cashback page and get some top cashback while helping to support your favourite independent cycling website

road.cc test report

Make and model: Vanelli Proline Jersey

Size tested: Large

Tell us what the product is for

Vanelli says this is: "Our latest limited edition jersey from our Luxe line range."

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

From Vanelli:

Rip Tech mesh fabric for main body

Silicone grippers on Arms and waist

100% Breathable

Full YKK hidden Zipper

Race cut neck

3 Rear Ergo Pockets

2XS to 4XL

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

Sturdy and well made. The hidden zip and long arm grippers are particular benefits.

Rate the product for performance:
 
7/10
Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

I feel this will last well. The pockets are tough and handle big loads well.

Rate the product for fit:
 
8/10

Figure hugging but not excessively so (and slightly more relaxed than Vanelli's Super Leger jersey).

Rate the product for sizing:
 
8/10

No problems at all - as expected.

Rate the product for weight:
 
7/10

Not Vanelli's lightest jersey at 122g, but light compared to similarly priced jerseys.

Rate the product for comfort:
 
9/10

Felt good throughout some long hot days in the saddle.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

I struggle to see how this isn't good value for money, unless the looks really aren't for you.

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

Washed away to my heart's content and haven't noticed any deterioration.

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

Sleek and slippery, this jersey won't slow you down and will make you stand out.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

Despite the branding I do really like the colour, and it feels made to last.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Get rid of that awful arm lettering!

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

Compared to the Gore Daily and the Stolen Goat Tappa you're spending £20 less and only missing out on a zip pocket.

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 overall score

It fits well, rides well, looks good (for the most part), won't break the bank, and seems like it will last. I wasn't at all disappointed.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 33  Height: 187cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Pearson Hammerandtongs  My best bike is:

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: road racing, commuting, touring, club rides, sportives, general fitness riding, Ultra endurance

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