pearl izumi: why don't they have a top-end women's short to match the men's?

[bounceswoosh]

This is odd.

Earlier today, my husband and I had been discussing Pearl Izumi shorts (we both just bought some). He said that their high-end shorts were much more expensive than the ones we'd gotten.

Anyhoo, later this evening, I commented that, sure enough, the women's highest-end short is $120. He said, wait a minute -- the highest-end men's short is much more than that.

So I checked the Pearl Izumi site, and it looks like both men and women can get the $120 microsensor 3D, but only men can get the $200 Heliarc.

Not like I'm about to shell out $120, let alone $200, for a pair of shorts right now, but I'd still like to know why the guys get a higher level of gear than we do!

[Irulan]

the short answer is always "marketing". Someone in the marketing and development end of things has decided that there is not enough market for that type of thing to justify it's manucture. It's the same reason that there area 1/3 the baggy style for women as men, why there aren't more "odd" sizes made of many thing, it all comes down to how much product a company thinks it can sell.

irulan

[bounceswoosh]

Yeah ... I guess I knew that deep-down ... but it still sucks! If I want to blow $200 on a pair of shorts, I ought to have that option! ...

Seriously, though. It seems like, for every sport I do, I have to compromise on fit or performance to be able to participate at all. Grr!

[pedalfaster]

It's not just shorts.

Bikes are the same way. "WSD" bikes usually top-out two to three levels below a company's top-of-the-line race rigs.

Probably 99% of my gear is "mens" stuff (jerseys, shorts, saddles, etc). I'm not willing to sacrifice quality or performance for a little tag that says "women's".

[bounceswoosh]

Fortunately, the WSD bikes don't fit me as well as the "standard" line. Although my bike does come in a WSD version ...

Anyway, yeah. I'm just glad there's at least one company making women's shoulderpads for hockey. Men's chests are *not* the same shape as women's! (Well, okay, I've played with some guys who definitely had man-boobs.)

[yogabear]

Hi Ladies,

I am very excited to report there are Pearl Izumi HeliArc shorts for Women. Today, while I was browsing through the newest edition of the Colorado Cyclist catalog, I almost screamed out in delight: they do exist! I wasn't even looking for them and there they were! They cost $199.99, but seem just as tricked out as the men's version. I am actually in the market for some high-end shorts, so maybe I will check them out.

Just wanted to pass along the exciting news. It's funny when I saw them, I instantly thought of this thread. Funny, I can't really apply these memory skills to other aspects of my daily life...ah, such is life...but, shouldn't it be all about biking?

Many blessings,

Lisa

P.S. They are on page 84 of the new catalog, but I am sure they are on-line too! BTW, I don't work for Colorado Cyclist, in case anyone thinks I am trying to "sell" via the message board. LOL

[bounceswoosh]

Nice! Thanks for the info.

Here's the link on their site:

http://www.pearlizumi.com/pearlizumi...tColorsTB=6651

[emily_in_nc]

200 bucks for a pair of shorts?! I am glad I am quite comfy in my $50-60 shorts (Shebeest, Team Estrogen, Terry, and Performance brands), even for centuries, as I just can't see spending that kind of money on such a small and utilitarian piece of clothing. I mean, really, how much better can they be than the $119 versions? I just think that's highway robbery by PI.

Emily

P.S. I hope I haven't offended anyone who would consider buying these. I guess I am fortunate that I really don't have too many shorts issues. I realize that to someone who does, any amount of money might be reasonable for something that works. The problem is, you don't know if it will til after you've spent it!

[bounceswoosh]

I haven't spent that much on any shorts, but it just chafes my britches when guys have access to higher-quality gear than gals do. You have to wonder how much better we'd do if more athletic gear fit us properly ...

(I have two Pearl Izumi attack shorts bought at $45, a TE short that they don't make anymore *pout*, a primal, and shebeest baggies I try to avoid.)