Review: Royal Racing Turbulence S/S Jersey

To complete the full set of reviews of Royal Racing over the last few weeks it would only be right if we turned the spotlight on the Turbulence S/S jersey we've been running...

The Turbulence S/S jersey from Royal is the short sleeved incarnation of the Turbulence long sleeved jersey. It uses Royals AM/FR fit, which is described as a “Loose, long, baggy, non-restrictive. Casual styled jersey. “ and I would certainly agree with almost all of that!

First Impressions

First impressions of the Turbulence jersey were exactly what we were expecting from the description written online. Big, loose and comfy which is always something we are looking for in a jersey to get out and attack the trails.

Technically Speaking

A jerseys function is simple. It has to look good, keep you covered up and stop you boiling alive. Anything that a jersey can do over and above these most basic requirements is a bonus.

The front and back of the turbulence jersey is constructed from luminar 4 way stretch polyester panels which is what makes the fit of the jersey quite so comfortable.  To the touch it almost feels a little bit a football shirt.

The sizing be slightly on the larger side also adds to the breathability factor.  When riding it feels like the wind is blowing through the fabric which hasn’t been great in the cold winter months but I will be thankful glad of this when things warm up slightly.

The blue panels on the side of the torso and arms are made from a 2 way stretch fabric that helps the sides keep their shape a little more in the areas that are put under a little extra strain.

The collar of the shirt is constructed from Lycra to once again offer extra stretch and comfort. I have wide shoulders and a large chest and the collar design and shape really didn’t sit well with me. This isn’t a criticism of the clothing but personally it didn’t work for my large neck and squat frame.

I think the styling is pretty cool and looked great as a package with the Matrix shorts we had or any of the other blue products in the Royal 2013 line, of which there are quite a few. This is a pretty cool feature as the range becomes a little more mix and match-able and therefore it suits more occasions and styles of riding.  If the royal blue and black isn’t doing it for you it’s even available in ash and black.

The Ride

The Turbulence jersey has that sort of “hangs off you” look and feel. It would be great for somebody who wears lots of protection on their top half as it feels quite generous size wise all over, especially in the width of the body.

I don’t have any complaints in riding in the jersey and that’s the biggest compliment. If you don’t have any comments and it looks good... It’s doing it’s job!

The Turbulence Short Sleeve jersey has been a great addition to the kit draw and matches well with the entire rest of the Royal 2013 range. It’s baggy cut feels unrestrictive and the styling looks simple and cool. An all round winner.

Angus McIntosh