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Pearl Izumi Mens Escape Quest Shorts ( 2021 )

Pearl IzumiMen's Escape Quest Shorts ( 2021 )(Return to Product Page)

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(113 customer reviews)
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User submitted reviews

Review by Earlyriser09

Reviewed 12/29/2021
by Earlyriser09
Cycling Enthusiast
Phoenix, AZ
Value Rating
Overall Rating
5 of 7 customers found this review helpful.
How to ruin what was a premier brand.

I have owned Pearl Izumi shorts across the range all the way up to their Pro offering and have had the entry level Escape Quest in the recent past. This iteration (2021) has hit the lowest lows in terms of construction and quality however. I purchased to use indoors on the trainer and quite frankly they are not fit for that use, I cannot imagine wearing them on a ride outside of any duration. Frankly I am disappointed that Pearl Izumi would even put their logo on shorts of this caliber. The experience has me reconsidering whether I will ever purchase another Pearl Izumi product as they have clearly lost their way putting out product such as this. I know the competition is fierce at the low end but seriously why would a premier brand risk their reputation in order to try and compete there?

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 6/13/2021
by Anonymous
Overall Rating
2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.
Decent shorts but not great

These are the most expensive cycling shorts I have. I have two other cheap pairs from Amazon. These are definitely better than those, but there are still not great (which I guess i should expect considering how pricey bike shorts can get). I just did a metric century in them the other day and they felt pretty good. I wasn't shifting around on the saddle too much. Regardless, I dont think these shorts will be comfortable for any longer than about 60 miles, at least for me.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by FAA

Reviewed 3/18/2021
by FAA
Daily Commuter
Madison, WI
Value Rating
Overall Rating
18 of 19 customers found this review helpful.
Downgraded from previous years

These are horrible shorts. They look nothing like the picture. Perl Izumi has gone way downhill as far as I'm concerned. I bought a few of these 5 years ago. Same item - Escape Quest shorts. The old ones are excellent, so I decided to get a couple more pairs. WOW, have they gotten bad. Cheaply made - worse then the knock-offs that can be had for 1/2 the price. They have a single zig-zag stich around a flat piece of padding - not contoured like the old shorts. Extremely uncomfortable to wear and I look like a fool wearing them as well. Pearl Izumi used to mean quality. Now it just mean how cheaply can we make something and sell it using (what used to be) our good name. No more P.I. for me.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by FAA

Reviewed 2/3/2021
by FAA
Daily Commuter
Madison, WI
Value Rating
Overall Rating
11 of 11 customers found this review helpful.
Downgraded from previous years

So disappointed in these shorts. I have several pairs from 2014, which are still going strong, even after thousands of miles. So I decided to get a couple more. The 2014 version has double stitching, no overlapped seams, grippers on the bottom all the way around and a contoured pad. They are great shorts! The new version has single stitching in a zig-zag pattern which just looks dumb and obnoxious, overlapped seams (this will get totally irritating and annoying after just a few miles), a few grippers pieces in the bottom, and a pad that is a single huge piece - extremely uncomfortable. Sadly, the quality of PI has gone WAY down as I've had the same issues with their jerseys. I feel like PI is no longer a brand that I will buy. I've gotten "cheap" no-name brands that have had better quality, which is sad when you are paying a premium for PI. The short literlly look like something you'd pay $10. So disappointed.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Maven

Reviewed 12/16/2022
by Maven
Cycling Enthusiast
Hudson Valley, N.Y.
Value Rating
Overall Rating
Nice Shorts, but Run ~1 Size Too Small

Usually Pearl Izumi products run true to size and fit me well. Unfortunately their men's Escape Quest Short is an exception to that rule. (I think the "Escape" they speak of is in quality control!) While the pad is comfortable enough, the shorts are snug, tolerable, but still tight.

Let the buyer beware on this particular item.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 12/17/2022
by Anonymous
Cycling Enthusiast
Hudson Valley, N.Y.
Value Rating
Overall Rating
PI Men's Escape Quest Shorts (2021): Have

The above mentioned shorts have a decent, but different pad. That's the good news. The bad news is they're at least one half size too small, and perhaps even smaller. This is the first time a Pearl Izumi product hasn't run true to size.

Let the buyer beware on these!

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Pete

Reviewed 8/22/2022
by Pete
Sacramento
Overall Rating
My go to standard

These shorts are very comfortable. I now have 4 pairs of pearl izumi shorts. They all are comfortable. I've tried a 3 other brands which i didnt care for as much so now all i buy are pear izumis

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by TFTubist

Reviewed 5/13/2022
by TFTubist
Cycling Enthusiast
Ramona, CA
Value Rating
Overall Rating
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
Very Basic

I bought these to replace my indoor cycling shorts, but quickly found out that they won't be great for that. I usually rinse out the shorts after a session (instead of washing after every use, might be a bit gross to some) but the foam pad really seems to hold onto moisture as even after hang drying for 2 days, I can still squeeze out water from the pad.

Otherwise, runs a bit small, and is just a very basic pair of padded shorts.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by VirginiaBob

Reviewed 5/9/2022
by VirginiaBob
Cycling Enthusiast
Northern Virginia
Value Rating
Overall Rating
Great shorts, comfortable and durable

I am an older rider. I ride several hours each week, usually 15-20 miles, during which I tend to try to go as hard as I can (at my age). These shorts are truly excellent. I am looking for shorts that are comfortable to wear, that don't chafe, and which allow full freedom of movement. I find these shorts fill the bill in all respects.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 7/5/2019
by Anonymous
North Florida
Overall Rating
6 of 6 customers found this review helpful.
I LOVE the chamois!

I've seen a lot of reviews lately on these shorts and how people aren't liking the chamois in the newer pairs. Personally, I LOVE the uncontoured chamois. There are no less or more padded areas which for me gives an extremely comfortable, consistent level of comfort in the whole area (sit bones, perineum, etc). These are more comfortable than my contoured Specialized shorts which are $20 more in price and i can only make it about 20 miles without those bothering me. Give them a go. You may have the same result!

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 4/23/2022
by Anonymous
Cycling Enthusiast
Near ATL
Value Rating
Overall Rating
2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.
XL is not

I'm 6'1" and weight 215. The XL shorts I purchased wear more like a L at best. Also, this new thin, high compression padding is no where as comfortable as the old fashioned chamois. The construction is more like what I'd expect for women's wear as there is no contours for my xy parts! Overall, these are not what I'd hoped for though I'm too cheap not to use them for a while as I look for a better fit.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by OR45938

Reviewed 2/17/2022
by OR45938
Cycling Enthusiast
Rural Pacific Northwest
Value Rating
Overall Rating
2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.
Chamois is not as comfortable as previous versions

These are decent for shorter training rides. Fit is good, but feels like your carrying a load when you dismount. Should last a few seasons. Buy on sale when you can and you'll get a decent value.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 1/31/2022
by Anonymous
Overall Rating
2 of 2 customers found this review helpful.
No pad design

The pad for this short is just a flat tri short type with no pad gender differences unlike the prior configuration. Ok for an hour but I can use previous version of this product on a century ride. I wonder if they will keep making it or just the more upscale models.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 1/3/2022
by Anonymous
Competitive Racer
Value Rating
Overall Rating
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
Good fit, rough pad

I like the fit. The legs are long enough, the padding is located in the right place, there weird fancy hems.

CONS: The fabric of the padding is extremely rough and causes chafing and pain to the nether regions. Even after numerous washings, the rough texture persists. Lots of chamois cream required.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Anonymous

Reviewed 7/13/2017
by Anonymous
Cycling Enthusiast
Portland, OR
Value Rating
Overall Rating
5 of 7 customers found this review helpful.
Quality Shorts at a decent price

I use these in warmer weather by themselves and under tights in cool weather. As with most Pearl Izumi gear they are well made and seem like they will last a long time. I am a 32 waist and these fit me just right. My only minor complaint is that the padding is a bit thicker than I like.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Paul

Reviewed 7/7/2017
by Paul
Cycling Enthusiast
Gurley, AL
Value Rating
Overall Rating
4 of 4 customers found this review helpful.
Very good product at a reasonable price!

Very comfortable and seems to wear well.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Jason

Reviewed 6/4/2021
by Jason
Vancouver
Overall Rating
1 of 1 customers found this review helpful.
Perfect pair of Go To shorts

These shorts are no muss/fuss cycling shorts. More than comfortable out of the bag, I haven't used any Butt'r since buying them and have had 0 issues. Great in comfort and form and simple for your time on the trainer.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Smithaca

Reviewed 2/11/2021
by Smithaca
Cycling Enthusiast
beautiful finger lakes NYS
Value Rating
Overall Rating
3 of 3 customers found this review helpful.
Typical BTD good value

Understand that cycling shorts and chamois are like saddles - very personal. But for me, I find these shorts to be quite comfortable regardless of ride length or air temperature. Also on my indoor trainer they work well but not 5 star. One hour seated only sessions. Outdoors, 2-2 1/2 hours. But what shorts do get 5 stars on a trainer? Older male rider, 175 lbs.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Mark

Reviewed 1/17/2021
by Mark
Cycling Enthusiast
Cincinnati
Value Rating
Overall Rating
1 of 2 customers found this review helpful.
GREAT CYCLE SHORTS

So guess what? A new pair of cycle shorts can make a huge difference. It's especially true when the manufacturer has improved the product. The Chamois and the construction of the shorts are both improved the the pair I bought several years ago.

Thank you for your feedback.

Review by Carl

Reviewed 8/22/2022
by Carl
Philadelphia, PA
Overall Rating
Good shorts at a good price

Nice shorts for shorter rides. Bought them for trainer rides and for short rides under regular shorts.

Thank you for your feedback.

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