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

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?

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Very comfortable and seems to wear well.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is a solid, non-articulating chamois. Bulky feel, no comfort for long rides. At the price they are fine for a daily commute. These are not your best choice for anything over a 10 mile commute. The shell squeaks on my seat as well. These used to be my choice for my weekday workout ride (~20 mile) not any more. Has Pearl abandoned the 'value' segment of recreational rider wear.

I'll not longer trust a short were the chamois isn't shown.