Primal Theta Men's Helix Jersey

The Primal Theta Helix jersey ticks all the boxes as far as comfort, quality and performance although the designs might be an issue for some.

Pros: Close fit whilst maintaining full mobility without restrictions. Light summer feel.

Cons: Depending on opinion, the design could be a turn off.

American outfit, Primal, have never shied away from loud and lively jersey designs. A quick glance through their jersey selection proves the designers are following, if not setting, the current trend towards fashion statement filled pelotons. And really who can blame them? I bet most of you clicked on this article for exactly that reason. By Primal's standards this could even count as understated.

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Thankfully the Theta Helix doesn't put fashion before function. The asymmetric patterns and bright colours shouldn't blind you to the fact that it really is a good jersey that does exactly what it should.

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The 'Pro Tour Fit' is snug, but not overly so, making for an aerodynamic, yet comfortable ride. It sits nicely in the full range of positions from the hoods to the drops as the jersey stretches and moves with you. Supposedly it's even meant to 'promote blood flow', but not too sure on that one. It might, but I'm not qualified to tell if it does.

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The compression sleeves fit well, again not over tight, and no silicon gripper that runs the risk of rubbing. The gridded surface of the more elastic sleeve material is smooth to the skin and allows movement with ease. Primal claim the texture-gridded surface 'breaks surface tension' and allows you to go 'a touch faster'. As for actual stats on what 'a touch' equates too...you'll just have to guess.

A silicone gripper is still present around the waist band, so don't worry if you have a few too many cakes at the café stop, they've got you covered. Although it is a tacky gripper (sticky as opposed to cheap) it doesn't protrude out as a lump. Instead, it stays flush against the seam adding to the comfort around the waist especially when paired with the Helix bibs.

The full length exposed zipper was solid, albeit a little stiff at times, and the 3 angled rear pockets did what you needed of them whilst being easy to reach.

As for the fabric itself, the Mesh Vortex panels felt thin, summery and wicked sweat away well. The Mesh Side panels, with a different layup pattern, stretched well around your skin. In direct sunshine, not something many of us in the UK know about, the black nature of the jersey did make things a little hot, but nothing troubling. The Helix jersey fabric contains silver ions designed to destroy bacteria and eliminate odor, which your fellow riders should appreciate. Sports sock manufacturers have used similar silver treatments to do the same thing for years now.

Personally, I'm a big fan of the Primal Helix jersey. It fits as well as an jersey I've owned, looks good in my book, and feels great on. The price is a stretch, but when looking around the market it's in line with the Castelli Flusso and still significantly cheaper than many other aero jerseys out there. If I was searching for my next outfit, this would certainly be high up on the list.

Verdict

Bold looking, close-fitting, good quality aero summer jersey for those that like to be noticed