Review of NoPinz Pro-1 Evo Blizzard

Equipment
1

I recently asked for recommendations for softshell jackets with zippers, and the option I ultimately went for is NoPinz Pro-1 Evo Blizzard. I went for the orange one.

I have worn it on commutes for a few months now and since summer is at our doorstep, I thought I’d give my thoughts before washing it and hanging it up.

  • The description is spot-on, the fit is very tight, much tighter than my 7mesh Corsa jacket. This is not meant as a casual, cozy piece of clothing. For my use case, I don’t need as tight a fit, but there weren’t many options, especially at that price point.
  • I have been wearing it from slightly below 0 till 18ish degrees, and it worked well. For temperatures below 10 degrees you need a base layer, and while not optimal, without a base layer, you can get away with it on warmer spring days. This is important, because we have had several weeks where the morning temperature (i. e. on my way to work) was 2–5 degrees and 13–18 degrees during the day (and on my way from work). I simply removed the base layer.
  • It is not quite clear to me whether this is a jersey or a jacket. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter, though, pot-e-to, pot-a-to, tom-e-to, tom-a-to.
  • Initially, it will feel a bit cold, but once your body warms up, the temperature is quite pleasant. You just gotta put in 50+ % FTP effort. If you poodle around, it might feel a bit fresh.
  • The front pocket is great, and the reason why I opted for this jacket/jersey. I just wonder whether it is large enough for a phone the size of an iPhone 17 or an iPhone 17 Pro. I currently rock an iPhone 12 mini.
  • The back pockets work, although I don’t use them often as I carry a backpack.
  • The price is damn good for what it is.
  • My only negative is that it feels a bit cheaper than other options. I can’t quite put my finger on it, there certainly don’t seem to be any manufacturing defects. One thing that might contribute is its white inner lining coupled with the stretchiness of the fabric. That leads to a white discoloration at the seams of the sleeves (see photos), which looks like the garment is well-worn and has been washed often. Have a look at the photos of my wrist with my Apple Watch: same “white, washed-out lines” (which are a bit harder to see on the photo).

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Overall, I can highly recommend it and I’d buy from NoPinz in the future. It punches well above its weight and I’ve been very happy with its functionality. I’m considering getting more long-sleeved jerseys from NoPinz for spring/early summer.

2

I’m glad you like it, it is all i’ve used this winter. Stretchy, fleecy, comfy without a base layer, don’t overheat. Think I put a base layer under it maybe twice when really cold out. Love the fit around the waist. Only thing not so keen on is the tab for the zip a little hard to grab hold of. Back pockets fab too although stiching gone in one from ramming them to much, no probs they will sort it for me i’m sure.

Nearly bought a club kit one too but will wait till Black Friday again (they did 50% off last year).

3

To add to that, it’s not just the waist, it is all “holes”, sleeves and neck. I don’t need to wear a buff to prevent air from getting in, for instance.

The only downside I can think of is that I cannot check my Apple Watch while riding. But I’m grasping for straws as far as criticism goes.

Overall, I’m very impressed by how functional the design is.

Do you have any other NoPinz garments?

4

I have the pro 1 jersey from a few years ago which is good and have had a skin suit and other jerseys previous, its all tight fitting & very stretchy kit, not what I want to be wearing all the time only certain rides and if I ever race. It’s my go to for club kit as there’s no minimum order.

5

I figured as much. For outdoor training rides, they seem great. For commutes perhaps a tad too aggressive.