Santini Fluke Thermofleece LS Jersey

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Sometimes a long sleeve jersey works better than a jacket and can offer more comfort. The Santini Fluke jersey is certainly well made, the Litepro thermofleece material offers warmth but it can struggle to dispel moisture which leaves it feeling heavy and uncomfortable. It has all the hallmarks of standard jersey but in heavier material. There are three rear cargo pockets and a full length zip to keep things done up. However at very nearly £90 you would want more.

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

The Fluke has been made with Litepro thermofleece fabric which is both warm and soft on the skin. There is no denying the soft feel of the interior on the skin, it is a pleasure. Don't be fooled though, in windy conditions this can seep through the material and leave you feeling chilled. The range specified by Santini is between 8c and 15c. Made from 94% polyester and 6% elastane gives the jersey a stretchy feel. It adapts to body size well without feeling restrictive.

To keep the bottom of the jersey in place is a microfiber gripper with silicone, all of this ensures the Fluke stays in place. On the jersey I tested it was predominantly black with blue and white trim. In keeping with the jersey feel you have three back pockets. They are all evenly spaced with enough depth to hold whatever belongings you wish to stash. There is no security pocket but on the rear of the back three you get a reflective Santini logo for extra visibility in the dark. The rear is slightly longer to provide a bit more protection from road spray and to keep your backside and lower back covered when stretching forward.

There is a good robust feel about the Fluke jersey. On the whole is well made but the edge of the collar that sits around the helmet strap is showing some signs of wear. The remainder of the jersey is solid, the seams are well made. The zip can prove a little sticky at times but I'd rather that then one that slips down too easily.

For a jersey that is just shy of £90 you are left disappointed with the overall performance. The Fluke is designed for low teen to high single digit temperatures. Unfortunately in the wind it struggles to keep it out and leaves you feeling cool on the chest. If you do get warm in the Fluke it struggles to dispel heat and moisture which leaves the jersey heavy and damp.

The over riding feel is a solid, well made jersey but the collar has started to show signs of fraying as the mix of polyester and elastane have proved slightly vulnerable. The remainder of the jersey is still in good condition even when wearing a backpack. The pockets are well sewn and able to cope with heavy loads.

As you'd expect from a long sleeve jersey made for protection from the wind and cold, you would expect a heavier feel. That is not to say it is too heavy but the thermo qualities will come with some additonal weight.

The Fluke jersey is certainly comfortable, the mix of thermofleece material on the inside and the polyester, elastane exterior provide a jersey that fits well and feels good next to the skin.

For £90 you get a well made jersey but the technical performance of the Fluke is something of a let down. At this price you would expect it to cope with moisture management and provide breathability. It doesn't do this particularly well.

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

Aimed at offering you an alternative to a jacket when the temperature drops but the rain stays away. It has a small window of opportunity where it copes well but outside of this it fails to deal effectively with the wind and it's moisture management could be better.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

It has a soft feel on the inside and the jersey is well made when you look at the solid nature of the pockets. There is no danger of these coming undone. It feels relatively light for a long sleeve top but perhaps this is why it struggles in other areas.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The overall performance. Having tested other Santini products the Fluke was a let down.

Anything further to say about the product in conclusion?

The price is steep given the lack of performance. The Italian style is there but it lacks the technical flair to really deliver.