MAAP states that the Professional Race jersey has been impressed by the model’s collaboration with World Tour squad Staff Jayco–AlUla and is born of a velocity obsession. It is the Australian model’s first correct try at a devoted aero jersey, so lets see the way it festivals.
(Picture credit score: Andy Turner)
Development
The Professional Race jersey makes use of a diamond-textured cloth throughout the sleeves and high of the shoulders with the goal of decreasing turbulence round these areas and sustaining the attachment of airflow. This materials and the physique are created from a woven stretch cloth, which is designed to have a better density to keep away from friction drag when worn tight whereas additionally being moisture wicking for temperature management.
Extra particulars aimed to enhance aerodynamics efficiency are the low lower and low-profile neck line, and bonded collar, sleeves and hem to cut back bulk and preserve a safe match.
A silicone gripper is used on the rear to supply further safety, whereas a zipper guard on the high of the jersey goals to cut back any irritation across the neck. MAAP has additionally carried over its new pocket design from the Professional Air 3.0, with streamlined lie-flat pockets with a vastly slimmed down hem on the high for a sleeker match. Together with the three important cargo pockets is a zip-up valuables pocket.
Throughout the rear, sides, arms, and entrance, reflective switch logos have been positioned to supply a 360˚reflective visibility. Another close to options are the usage of recycled yarns within the jersey, between 75-85% relying on the material panel, and UPF 50+ safety to be used in sunny climate. This Photo voltaic version of the Professional Race jersey is available in two color choices, whereas the Eclipse choice provides one other three colors. Sizes vary from XS as much as XXL.
(Picture credit score: Andy Turner)
The journey
MAAP tends to excel within the model division and this jersey is not any totally different. After all that is subjective, however the Photo voltaic vary of the Professional Race jersey has an important dripping paint aesthetic that I believe appears excellent. For many who desire a extra refined styling, the Eclipse line affords block monochromatic colors.
The match of the Professional Race is a superb development on MAAPs earlier race fitted clothes. I’ve discovered that the likes of the Professional Air 2.0 in a extra race match, sat too excessive up my again making pockets troublesome to succeed in, whereas additionally being a bit tight across the chest. This up to date match is extra accommodating with out being in any respect free, making the jersey much more comfy. Uncooked lower fold-over sleeve cuffs, with the identical remedy across the low lower neck, present safe becoming whereas limiting any irritation. These cloth folds are partially glued over fairly than stitched all the best way, so it’s price being cautious with any jewelry which might catch the fabric. I say this after my watch snagged the cuff of a MAAP Aeon jersey and undid the glued seam, which I needed to sew again up.
One other sensible function are the 360˚hem grips, which use small silicone dots to make sure that the jersey stays in place even when the pockets are full. I actually like this function, as typically with inconsistently loaded pockets, I discover jerseys generally tend to twist round. The draw back nonetheless is the hem tends to get fairly heat as a result of thicker materials used.
There are extra helpful options, typically forgotten on aero jerseys, that I recognize. MAAP has added reflective detailing across the jersey to create a 360˚ visibility function. For early morning or late night time quick paced group rides, I actually like this addition.
Use of recycled supplies and UPF 50+ safety are a pleasant contact and never typically on the forefront of design in efficiency attire. Additionally included is a zip-up valuables pocket, which for me is a will need to have function for keys or emergency money. This additionally sits externally to the principle cargo pocket, whereas the older Professional Air 2.0 jersey fitted this internally, inflicting keys to dig into your again if positioned poorly. MAAP has additionally introduced over the brand new flat pocket design launched on the Professional Air 3.0 jersey, which ends up in pockets that lie flat with the again in an goal to clean airflow over this space.
That is, in fact, an aero jersey, so it’s a little bit of a disgrace to see MAAP don’t embody any testing knowledge concerning the efficiency of this jersey, even comparatively to its different choices.
To present this jersey its aero credentials, MAAP has makes use of the aforementioned diamond dimple throughout the whole sleeve, additionally extending over the shoulders and higher again, which goals to cut back the turbulent airflow which comes off the again of the arms, whereas together with it on the shoulders goals to reattach airflow in order that it runs down the again. It’s designed on sound aerodynamic rules. In spite of everything, on the speeds most riders go at, any texturing on the sleeves is healthier than a clean floor. Nonetheless apparently, it’s totally different to what the sponsored WorldTour squad or gravel privateers use; they use an externally positioned rib sample throughout the sleeves, which is usually one of many quickest designs at speeds of 40-45kph. Nonetheless, the usage of the diamond sample could end in a quicker jersey comparatively at decrease speeds from 25-35kph. It is much like what Assos do with its Equipe RSR jersey. It is totally different from the fabric utilized by its sponsored Tudor Professional Biking group as a result of it discovered that the sample was quicker at extra real-world shopper degree speeds.
Given the variations between aero jerseys at decrease speeds are small and arduous to check with out utilizing a wind tunnel, I can solely present subjective knowledge and important evaluation based mostly on the scientific software. As I mentioned, the science behind the design is sound, but it surely’s a disgrace to not have any take a look at knowledge to assist the idea.
One factor I can say is that the fabric on the physique is a bit hotter than the mesh used on the Professional Air 3.0. It’s extra akin to the Rapha Professional Staff Aero jersey, which has similarities to the brand new Flaero, however a bit hotter. Though MAAP makes use of a skinny materials for the physique, so it’s a bit extra breathable, it lags behind another aero jersey competitors. Doubtlessly some mesh beneath the arms and down the edges might assist right here, however that always has a adverse impact on aero efficiency.
(Picture credit score: Andy Turner)
Worth and conclusion
On the subject of worth, the MAAP Professional Race jersey presents an fascinating dilemma. At £190 / $245, that is an costly jersey with numerous cheaper alternate options obtainable available on the market. Nonetheless, when wanting on the comparative aero jersey market, it’s definitely not the most costly, and if something sits within the mid-range of value factors.
The Rapha Flaero (£200 / $290), PNS Mechanism Professional (£195 / $240) and Santini Redux (£190) all match or exceed the value of the MAAP Professional Race whereas the Rule 28 One (£180), Castelli Aero Race 8S (£169.99 / $199.99) and Assos Equipe RS S11 (£175 / $220) will not be far off by way of value. The Assos Equipe RSR undercuts all of them at £140 / $185, however partially by forgoing a entrance zip which vastly reduces materials and manufacturing prices, however does impression some sensible components.
The problem with the MAAP Professional Race is that it lacks aero knowledge to again up its aerodynamic efficiency in contrast to the Rule28 One, and the breathability is not so good as the likes of the Castelli Aero Race 8S or PNS Mech Professional and Rapha Flaero jerseys. The place it does make up some relative efficiency are the sleeve cuffs which keep properly in place, a devoted zip up valuables pocket, nice ranges of reflective detailing, safe hem, and a pleasant vary of kinds.
All informed, the MAAP Professional Race is a formidable providing. Sure it is costly, however is according to the competitors’s pricing, and in some instances, undercutting it. The design makes use of some sound aerodynamic rules, however lack of take a look at knowledge to again up aero credentials is a disgrace. This jersey additionally suffers a bit within the excessive warmth in comparison with some extra breathable competitors. The place the Professional Race shines although is the addition of a number of extremely sensible options. Due to this, it is an aero jersey that I’d attain for even on days the place velocity was not the principle focus.