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Msilverhammer
327
Jan 24, 2018
In September 2016 I purchased an Aero Short Sleeve Crewe XXL, and a Cool Lite Sphere Short Sleeve Crewe XXL, directly from Icebreaker during their annual sales for $33.80 each, with free shipping. By the way, they spell crew with an extra "e" on the end. I guess it is a New Zealand type of spelling. I live in a hot climate, so I wanted the most breathable wool type shirt, or base layer that I could find. The Cool Lite seems to be the super light choice, or as Icebreaker states, featherweight at 130 gram weight, and the most breathable shirt that they make due to the addition of Tencel (Lyocell), made from natural wood fibers, and Nylon.
Following is the Icebreaker Cool Lite Fabric weight/description: 130 Featherweight, Fabric: 52% Merino Wool, 35% TENCEL®, 13% Nylon. https://www.icebreaker.com/en/mens-layering-firstlayers/cool-lite-sphere-short-sleeve-crewe/103608.html The Icebreaker Aero is even a lighter with a Fabric weight of 120 Featherweight, but does not contain any Tencel, just Merino wool, and nylon. Following is the Icebreaker Aero Fabric/Weight Description: 120 Featherweight, Fabric 90% Merino Wool, 10% Nylon. https://www.icebreaker.com/en/mens-layering-firstlayers/aero-short-sleeve-crewe/103790.html
Bottom Line...The Cool Lite breathes, and wicks a little better due to the addition of the Tencel, and Nylon. The Tech Lite being offered on Massdrop today is a little heavier than both the Cool Lite Sphere, and the Aero with a Fabric weight of 150 grams. Following is the Icebreaker Tech Lite Fabric/Weight Description: 150 gram Ultralight Fabric, 87% Merino Wool, 13% Nylon core spun. https://www.icebreaker.com/en/web-specials/tech-lite-long-sleeve-crewe-toughest-triple/103862_WS.html?dwvar_103862__WS_color=801
I also picked up two really nice long sleeve shirts in the Mossy Oak Camouflage pattern for only $28.00 each! They are now discontinued on Icebreaker, but still available here and there on places like EBAY, albeit for twice what I paid! The shirts are described as Mossy Oak Break Up Infinity Bodyfit, 200 gram weight, 100% Merino Wool. https://www.ebay.com/p/Icebreaker-Bodyfit-200-IKA-Mossy-Oak-Base-Layer-Top-Merino-Wool-Lightweight/1981147761 FYI...The fabric weight numbers represent the fabric's weight in grams per meter, and some manufacturers still use microns when referring to wool weight and thickness. They are all very good shirts, and slightly different, but I am happy with my purchases and I paid essentially $20.00 tp $25.00 less per each shirt for the Cool Lite 130 gram, Aero 120 gram, and Mossy Oak Bodyfit 200 gram shirts, as compared to the Tech Lite drop being offered today, when you add in the Massdrop shipping costs.
The Mossy Oak Bodyfit 200 gram shirts worked well as a baselayer, and kept me comfortable, when worn under an Icebreaker Victory Long Sleeve 200 gram full zip second layer, or a 200 gram Tech Top Long Sleeve Half Zip second layer at around 40 to 45 degrees.
FYI...The wool baselayers, and second layers do not do that good of a job at stopping wind, but an additional lightweight windbreaker, rain jacket, or insulated jacket, like the Marmot Isotherm jacket made with Polartec Alpha insulation as a final layer solves this problem, and should give you a system that will keep you warm down to about 25 to 30 degrees.
That being said, the drop today is what I would call a reasonable price, but not an outstanding value like my purchases.
One final thought...I have noticed that Icebreaker is continually updating its product line by adding new products, with new names, and also by removing old products.
The best time to buy Icebreaker seems to be their annual clearance sale, or when they have discontinued items on sale, that still work great, but are just being sold for much less due to being discontinued.
FYI...On another note...I have noticed that Ibex, which was another big player in the Merino wool industry has bit the dust, and has gone out of business.
That leaves Icebreaker, and Smartwool as the major lightweight wool players, along with Minus 33.
There are lesser known players such as First Choice that make some really phenomenal products like their Aerowool shirts that incorporate Cocona, which dramatically increases the hydrophobic action of the wool.
I have also noticed what looks like some decent wool/synthetic combination shirts at a British company named Mountain Warehouse.
Good Luck, and hope some of this information, and my experience helps you in some way!
badlucktv
43
Jan 24, 2018
MsilverhammerIf you're not turned off by the price tag, Outlier have some superb Merino offerings also. They're perhaps a little more fashion oriented, but the quality of the materials is very high.
Msilverhammer
327
Jan 25, 2018
badlucktvI took a look, and for $88 for the Runweight Merino T Shirt I think that I'll pass, but thanks for sharing. https://shop.outlier.nyc/shop/retail/runweight-merino-tshirt.html
I advocate that everyone do their research, and then select the best product that will allow them to accomplish their mission, whatever that may be in the best way possible.
Once the product has been selected, wait until products that are selected, like those made by Icebreaker for instance, are being sold at deeply discounted prices.
Always purchase high quality, at the lowest possible price, and always get the best warranty available if possible.
The end result usually equates to a high value purchase.
Buying the most expensive item, usually does not equate to best value.