1. AeroSensor fabric
2. Ultrasensor Tri reduced chamois
3. Ergonomic panel design
4. 7.5-in. inseam
5. Internal drawcord waist
6. Zippered rear pocket

Reviewed by Jules

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Overall rating out of 10: 8.5
Adventure Racing, out of 10: 8.0 Distance riding, out of 10: 8.5

Another great product from Pearl Izumi. The Kawaihae Race Short is part of Pearl Izumi's triathalon series. I'm enjoying riding in the series due to fact that for triathalon athletes they have reduced the size of the chamois to afford them more comfort while running. I personally prefer a smaller chamois to the larger bulky ones often found in bike shorts when riding regardless of if I plan to dismount and run or not. So from the get go... if as a rider you prefer to ride in a sleeker less bulky short this might be a product for you to try out.

If you like a more cushy and forgiving short keep looking. That being said... I had the opportunity to ride in the Kawaihae short on one of the hottest days of the summer thus far. It was about 100 degrees with 100 percent humidity and I was taking a colleague out for a 50 mile tour of the North Fork of Long Island. The ride had us going through Greenport and onto Orient Point and I don't think there was a lick of shade during that whole section of the ride.

Out of the box the Kawaihae short was very comfortable. It is a cool looking short with grey accents that run down the side which is a nice change from the standard black fare. My colleague (who works in the sporting good business) actually commented on how much he liked my shorts.



The Kawaihae short like the rest of the tri line so far runs small. If you find yourself on the borderline between sizes... order the larger size. The inseam though is a gererous 7.5" making it a little longer than the tri short by Pearl Izumi that was also reviewed.

The Kawaihae short scored points with its wicking ability. I felt dry and comfortable the whole ride. The spandex leg grippers were snug and secure without pinching or feeling too tight. I was not a huge fan of the drawstring waist, I personally felt it was redundant and could possibly cause some chafing or discomfort on a longer ride or during an adventure race. The zippered rear pocket was also a bit weird. The shorts offered such a snug fit I can't imagine what you would want to put in there or what you could put in there that would leave the wearer still feeling comfortable.

At $74.99 I felt the short was a little on the expensive side but as stated in many of the Pearl Izumi reviews their product stands the test of time. It has been my experience that their gear washes and wears very well and has the potential to give the buyers their money's worth. I've washed these shorts a few times already and so far so good.

For more details, check out:
::www. pearlizumi.com::