Specialized SL Rain Logo Jacket Review

Specialized is renewing its fall/winter clothing collection with several highly technical accessories using the latest waterproofing technology: Polartec Neoshell. The SL Rain Logo rain jacket is stretchy, breathable, and protective. Enough to make mid-season rides efficient and comfortable.

By Guillaume Judas – Photos: Alex Broadway / @3bikes.fr

The Specialized SL Rain Logo rain jacket uses a material that we started to see at the end of the 2020 season from a few equipment manufacturers. Polartec Neoshell offers a high level of protection while remaining breathable and stretchy, allowing the SL Rain Logo to directly compete with reference models from Castelli or Sportful, for example.

Effective against rain but also and above all against wind, this jacket is very versatile for cool and humid rides down to a temperature of 5 or 6°C, and its comfort level depends on the pace you ride and the number of layers underneath. For sustained training rides, a long-sleeved technical base layer is sufficient, whereas for more contemplative rides, an additional long-sleeved jersey under the jacket may be necessary. For this type of use, the jacket is available in a Race-Series Rain version, which is a little less expensive but without the rear pockets. Both versions are available in black with (too?) discreet reflective patterns, but also in fluorescent yellow under the name HyprViz. In both cases, these models run quite large. You should count on one size smaller than Castelli or Sportful for the same fit.

Details of the Specialized SL Rain Logo rain jacket

The jacket fully benefits from the Polartec Neoshell membrane, which allows air to pass from the inside out to prevent overheating, while the outer part is completely waterproof and airtight against cold wind.

Its great four-way stretch offers great freedom of movement, making it very comfortable in the riding position, while remaining perfectly fitted. Fully sealed seams prevent water intrusion and promise great durability.

The YKK AquaGuard zipper also prevents moisture infiltration, and it can open in both directions, which facilitates stops for natural needs. At the top, a flap protects the skin of the neck. This zipper is placed “American style,” meaning with the slider system on the right, opposite to European clothing, which can be a bit disorienting at first. Note also that its manipulation is quite stiff.

At the back, and unlike the Race-Series Rain jacket, there are three classic pockets, plus an additional pocket with a waterproof zipper. The bottom of the jacket is held in place by a flat, wide, and very comfortable elastic band, which keeps the jacket in position.

The sleeves are very long and designed to overlap gloves, to limit the risk of water intrusion. They are slightly less fitted than the rest of the jacket, but this allows for a long-sleeved jersey to be worn underneath.

The jacket is complemented by a white Specialized logo on the chest, and another in the middle of the back pockets. Fans of the brand will appreciate it. Overall, its black livery is classy and discreet, and suitable for use in difficult conditions. Nevertheless, if some will regret the lack of visibility, they can opt for the fluorescent yellow version, which is much more vibrant on the road.

The Specialized SL Rain Logo rain jacket in real conditions

Tested on cool and humid mornings below 10°C, the SL Rain Logo jacket proved comfortable and breathable, even during sustained efforts. We did not notice any unpleasant heat accumulation, and it perfectly cuts the wind once in motion. Of course, in case of a prolonged stop, it is not strictly speaking a “warm” jacket, and you end up shivering a bit if you don’t raise your body temperature. But since it prevents perspiration and thus the accumulation of moisture in the base layer, you quickly regain the right balance.

In the rain, the membrane’s protection is very effective. But at the end of the ride, as with all jackets of this type, a little moisture eventually infiltrates, mainly due to contact with the tights. At the neck, water is also likely to get in if the jacket’s neckline is not fully closed, or if you are not wearing an additional neck gaiter. This remains marginal, however, and the SL Rain Logo immediately stands out as one of the best pieces of equipment of its kind: a lightweight, well-fitting, and comfortable jacket, ideal for sporty rides in the humid conditions of early winter or early spring.

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