We will be giving a long term look at the Champion System jersey review and how the product holds up and performs. The Champion System custom jersey program has come a long way in the last 5 years. We have been using a variety of their products for well over a decade and if you haven’t given their jerseys a look recently then you are definitely missing out.
Let’s take a look at three jerseys that always seem to make it into the rotation year round. We will cover the high end Apex Pro jersey, the budget friendly Tech Light jersey and the Tech Long Sleeve jersey.
Before we start though, we should make it clear we have no affiliation with the brand and have paid for all items. Also, we have been using a variety of custom brands throughout the years as a cycling coach company.
Champ System Jersey Review - Long Term
Apex+ Pro Jersey
A Champion System jersey review wouldn’t be much without a look at their highest end offering. This jersey is without a doubt our favorite custom jersey we own and you can see it in action in the picture at the top of the article. It beats out other customs jerseys we own from Bontrager, Hincapie, Rapha, Panache, and Giordana. They jersey has a slim cut but you won’t even notice because of the way the fabric feels. It doesn’t feel restrictive or like you are being stuffed in a jersey. The sleeves are also longer, keeping with current trends in the pro peloton.
One of our only complaints is you cannot opt out of having the zipper pocket removed like in years past. While this isn’t a huge issues, you will notice that pocket doesn’t stretch as much as the other two because of the water proof lining.
One thing you will for sure love is if you crash and destroy the jersey they will replace it for free. Champion Systems will also replace it for free if you drop in weight enough that you require a new jersey.
What we like:
- Incredibly soft and breathable material
- Longer sleeves and a race appropriate slim cut
- Respectable price when you compare it to other high-end jerseys
- Life Time Warranty (we have never had to test this luckily)
What we don’t like:
- You cannot opt out of having the water proof pocket anymore
Tech Long Sleeve Jersey
This long sleeve jersey is must if you are putting in an order. What is great about this long sleeve jersey is it is not heavy weight and fleece lined. If you are looking for that, I am sure they offer it, but that is what makes this so great to use. You can wear it as soon as the temps begin to drop then add layers beneath or on top as the temperature continues down into winter.
The cut of the “tech” line of products from Champion System are far less slim than that of the Apex or Pro lines. However it is a nice change in fit, especially when you want to through a base layer underneath.
One thing you will for sure love is if you crash and destroy the jersey they will replace it for free. Champion Systems will also replace it for free if you drop in weight enough that you require a new jersey.
What we like:
- Incredibly soft and breathable material
- Longer sleeves and a race appropriate slim cut
- Respectable price when you compare it to other high-end jerseys
- Life Time Warranty (we have never had to test this luckily)
What we don’t like:
- You cannot opt out of having the water proof pocket anymore
Tech Lite Sleeve Jersey
This jersey from Champion Systems is an absolute workhorse and steal at the low $48 price! Much like it’s long sleeve companion, it has a looser fit and can even be ordered in a “club” fit for those looking for even more room
While you loose the high-end thin fabrics of the Apex line, you won’t real mind with the money you saved. You will notice the fabric is heavier and slightly thicker but it breathes just fine on a summer day.
Any time we have made an order I usually throw in one or two of these for myself simply to have for training during the week. I won’t feel like I am using my more expensive stuff too much this way, even though I have yet to have a jersey fall apart at any price range from usage. We typically end up donating old kids to junior and developmental teams well before we see any wear of the 2-3 years of usage.
What we like:
- Crazy cheap price for a fully custom jersey
- A more comfortable fit that is the nice change from your race kit
- Life Time Warranty
What we don’t like:
- The band on the arm has little to no stretch (not a deal breaker – especially at this price range)
Overall Champion System Review
Throughout years of using Champion Systems I can only think of one issue that came to mind which they offered to fix. The designers who finalized your jersey and send you a final proof had mad a very minor change I wasn’t able to pick up visually until I had product in hand. They went out of their way to make sure we corrected it and were taking care of in a great manor!