Rhone Pursuit Short Review | Are They Worth the Price?

Who Should Buy the Pursuit Short?

• You Love High Mobility: If you love a light, stretchy shell that moves with you, Rhone nailed it with the Pursuit. They remind me of the Vuori Kore Short’s feel in a really good way.
• You Want a Gym and Daily Wear Shorts: If you want shorts that you can train in and also just as comfortably wear every day, these are worth picking up.
• You Like Letting the Boys Breathe: If you prefer shorts with a looser compression, especially compared to the Mako Short, the Pursuit Short delivers with a medium-level compression that stays in place without being overly restrictive.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Pursuit Short?

• Mako Fans…Tread Lightly: If you’re a die-hard Mako Short lover and you’re expecting these to feel the exact same, you won’t like these. They’re not as rigid or compressive as the Mako. Try the Legends Luka HD for that.
• Barbell Athletes: If you’re a powerlifter or weightlifter and need a short that’s highly resilient, that can hold up to constant barbell rub, you’ll want to look elsewhere. These may not have the best shell for constant knurling abuse. The Foundation Short from TT can be a good option to try for this.
• You Want a Running Short: If you want a short for running that has secure pockets to hold your phone, these are going to be a pass. The compression liner pockets do not provide enough lockdown to keep your stuff secure when you’re moving around a lot at high intensities. Grab the WOLACO Warren Short for that ask.

Fit & Sizing Thoughts

My Measurements:

• Height: 6′ 0″
• Weight: 181 lbs
• Waist: 32-33″
• Hip (circumference around butt): 40″
• Mid-Thigh: 23.5″-24″

I picked up a medium in the lined, 7-inch inseam model. Length-wise they’re perfect. They give just the right amount of quad to be tasteful and still let you breathe. Most of my shorts these days are either 5-inch or 7-inch inseams. Either one would have been great, but I do enjoy the 7-inch in these.

The liner pockets are big enough to hold the larger iPhone models, but your phone will slide around if you’re moving a lot. It’s the tradeoff for having a lightweight, medium-compression liner. That said, pocket security isn’t as much of an issue for casual wear.

My recommendation is to stay true to size for most individuals. The material of the shell has enough stretch to it that even if you have extra beefy quads or thighs, you’ll still be comfortable.

Performance Assessment

Lifting: 8.5/10

Lifting in these has been great. I’ve enjoyed the Pursuit a lot more than I thought I would. I quickly found myself reaching for these if my workout was going to be more dynamic or hypertrophy-focused. Again, they’re not the best for workouts that are heavily barbell focused. I worry about the knurling tearing up the front of the shorts during my heavier deadlift and clean days.

The lightweight and stretchy material moves great with my hips when I got into deep flexion on squats and lunges. They’re even better for more dynamic workouts like dumbbell or kettlebell snatches, and quick power movements. There’s enough room to move freely without getting hung up or restricted anywhere.

Cross-Training: 8.8/10

I’ve already talked a lot about how well these move, and that was even more apparent in my cross-training and athletic-focused workouts. One of my biggest annoyances with a lot of shorts is an external drawstring. It’s too easy to get it caught on the floor or snagged on weights or machines. The Pursuit’s drawstring can be positioned internally. There’s no concern about it getting in the way during burpees or on any piece of equipment.

The only issue I have with them is how they perform in a humid environment. They’re very breathable thanks to the lightweight liner, that’s not the problem. They’re just not very good at wicking away sweat — and the waistband takes it one step further and really holds on to sweat. It’s not a true dealbreaker, more of an annoyance. It is something to be aware of, though.

Short Runs: 7/10

The Pursuit Short really nails the mobility and breathability I look for when it comes to running. But the pockets are a problem. Because the short is so lightweight, the pockets aren’t very secure. I tend to stash my phone in my pocket or in one of the liner pockets during my outdoor run. In these, as soon as I start running, my phone starts moving around, swinging and getting in the way. 

If you’re going to use these for running, and prefer to run without holding anything, I suggest getting some kind of hip bag or arm band to hold your phone. Other than that, these are a great option for short intervals as part of a circuit, or for an easy jog outside where you go tech free.

Daily Wear: 9/10

I really love these for daily wear. Honestly, this is where they shine. They’re so lightweight and comfortable. The waistband isn’t stiff or restricting. They’re not overly branded. And the pockets are good enough for walking around. Instant hit for me who loves more minimalist apparel.

Pros Expanded (for my analytical friends)

1. The high-stretch shell: The shell on the Pursuit Short is lightweight and comfortable. It feels good on the skin and has the perfect amount of stretch to move with you instead of fighting against you. 
2. The light and compressive liner: The liner on the Pursuit Short offers a medium-level compression and is very breathable. It does a great job of locking down and securing the tender bits without squeezing them. One of the problems I had with the Mako Short was that it would constantly ride up my quads. That isn’t a problem with the liner in the Pursuit, it stays in place despite having less compression than its predecessor.
3. The lightweight construction: The Pursuit Short is a bit on the pricier side at $84 for the lined version ($74 for the unlined). For that price point, you really do get the premium vibe that you pay for. The Pursuit Short feels very well made and put together. The stitching feels secure without being overly stiff or scratchy.

Cons Expanded

1. The pocket storage: The Pursuit Short is not going to be the best for storing things in your pockets. Because they are a lighter weight short, the shell pockets don’t offer much in the way of lockdown. It’s fine if you’re walking around or sitting, but once you start training or jumping around, whatever you put in your pocket starts swinging. The hip pockets built into the liner aren’t much better. The liner isn’t very thick and combined with the medium level compression, they don’t offer the security that I look for.
2. The lightweight construction: Yes, I mentioned how this can be a big pro earlier. It’s also a con, specifically for powerlifters, weightlifters, and athletes needing a compressive short for running. The Pursuit Short isn’t super rigid and the shell isn’t built out as much as the Mako. It’s great for the generalist in the gym, but for powerlifters and weightlifters, the knurling on the barbell will rub and start to break down the shorts.

Final Thoughts: Would I Get Again?

I wasn’t a fan of Rhone’s Mako Short. It was too stiff and rigid, the compression was too high, and it kept riding up my quads.

The Pursuit Short is a huge step in the right direction for Rhone. 

The Pursuit is a more versatile short than the Mako, and honestly, it’s one of the most versatile shorts I’ve ever worn. The only question left for me to answer is which one of the three, Ten Thousand’s Interval Short, Legends’ Luka Short, or Lululemon’s Pace Breaker Short is being replaced by the Pursuit.

It’s worth the investment at $84 for the quality and versatility. And you can save a few bucks if the liner isn’t important to you. As a reminder, “THATFITFRIEND20” also saves you 20% and it supports my reviews. It’s a win-win, and I appreciate you.

For me, it’s earned a spot in my regular rotation.