Santini Photon 3.0 Jersey with 3/4 sleeves

The Santini Photon 3.0 3/4 jersey is a close-fitting lightweight jersey with a high level of breathability and three-quarter length sleeves that are designed to improve aerodynamic efficiency. If those three-quarter sleeves don't do it for you, the same jersey is available with short sleeves.

First of all, those three-quarter length sleeves. They're designed 'for a greater aerodynamic effect and UV protection', according to Santini.

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UV protection? They cover up your arms more, so that's pretty much indisputable.

Aerodynamic effect? We've not tested this jersey in a wind tunnel so I can't give you a definitive answer, and we've not heard of any three-quarter length sleeve wind tunnel testing (let us know if you have), but any advantage is going to be marginal.

Santini describes the Photon as a 'second skin' fit. No kidding! I take either a medium or a large jersey, depending on the brand. I took a large here – correct for my chest size according to Santini's size chart – and it fits closely everywhere. It's a squeeze to get this jersey on so the fabrics are permanently under slight tension resulting in no flapping and hardly any wrinkling – which, of course, is exactly what's intended.

The collar is as close fitting as the rest of the jersey with a circumference of just 34cm. That means that it's slightly stretched when I have the zip done up to the top. I guess that could feel uncomfortable if you have a broad neck.

The ends of the sleeves, like the waist, are held in place by little silicone dots. I found these to work really well, especially the sleeve ones. I did wonder whether the sleeves would start to edge northward when my arms got sweaty but they've stayed in place perfectly throughout testing.

The Photon is made mostly from a fabric called Artico which is a polyester/elastane mix. It's very stretchy lightweight stuff that breathes well and dries super-fast.

The sides and underneath the arms are different; they're made from a lightweight mesh fabric that's 'enriched with antibacterial and anti-odour carbon fibre'. They certainly let air flow in and out but, as usual, they're minging by the end of a sweaty ride.

You get three pockets in the lower back, the tops of the ones on the sides slightly slanted for easier access. Reflective binding at the top of the pockets helps with nighttime visibility.

The front zip is high quality and flaps at the top and bottom prevent it scratching your neck or shorts.

Value? Well, £120 isn't cheap, but it's not crazy-expensive for a top-end jersey, and I'd say the performance justifies the spend. (It's also available for less online, as you can see from the links below.)

> Buyer's Guide: 15 of the best summer jerseys

Overall, the Photon is lightweight and breathable and comes in an extremely close fit that isn't going to be right for everyone. If you're happy with that, this is a really good performance-orientated jersey.

Verdict

Very good lightweight and breathable performance-orientated jersey in a close fit that won't suit everyone