Just in for test is something a little different from X Bionic, the Humdinger.
It’s a light midlayer, but the close fit means it’s a good next-to-skin piece as well.
It’s much smoother on the outside than we’re used to seeing, but does have the familiar front and rear venting triangles which line up with the same features on the base layers, the idea being to keep the mechanics of the fabric intact through both layers. These zones are ribbed inside as well to promote ventilation, the inside of the collar has a similar effect, which does feel nice against the skin.
The collar is a good height, and the zip has a decent length for pulling on and off and getting some direct venting too.
It’s very soft feeling, unrestrictive and if the performance is up to the usual standard, it’ll be a great alternative to a microfleece on upcoming trips.
You’ll see below it has much diminished packaging, just a bit of cardboard on the shoulders. Good job.
I’ll have some more X Bionic coming up soon, a look at next year’s kit and news from the factory including some answers to our questions.
Good to see they are listening about the excess packaging.
I had a shock in Nevisport the other week; there were tops and ‘support’ clothing by another manufacturer which had the same kind of marketing speal, but was far more expensive! Like 80quid for a bit of tubi-grip like thing for your knee. Made Xbionic look positively reasonable.
Oh and I rather like the Wallerby. I put it on my wrist when it arrived and it’s _still_ there. Have to wash it soon!
It’s a handy wee thing :o0
It comes with ‘Slight compression helps prevent excessive muscle vibration and thus reduces fatigue’. Does the average person actually buy into this? It’s an overpriced stretchy top, with some new words invented to market it, the 3D-BionicSphere!! Wow how long were the marketing men sat around the table for that one?
With all these new technologies, it makes me wonder how on earth we dared to venture outside before they were invented. My running tights feature slight compression, my legs are still trashed after a run whether I wore them or shorts? At what level of physical peak performance do you need to be before it works? Although I imagine the x-bionic stuff looks great in the metrosexual gyms, I can imagine them running on the treadmill, followed by a 1000 calorie syrup loaded latte, whilst flicking through Men’s Health!
I’ve just been reading about Tom Weir falling in the Cuillin, sliding down a snow slope and being upset that he ripped his new Grenfell (cotton safari) jacket…
I must admit to skimming over all the bumff and techno-babble that comes with test kit, it’s not going to make any difference to me once I’m wearing it. What’s it made of, what’s features has it got, is it too heavy, does it fit, does it work, how much is it?
I don’t think many of us will buy something based on anything other than a fluid mix of the factors above.
There will be folk who’s lifestyle requires both financial outlay and visible technology to make it viable, regardless of the actual need for it. But, the more they buy the better, it keeps the general cost down for everyone else :o)
Hah! It’s true, at the end of the day we’re all walking around in precisely the same kind of stretchy, slightly compressive baselayer, under all the more expensive kit… waterproof, too, although the fabric does get a little wrinkly with prolonged exposure.
How true :o)
I need new boxers. Sorry to be blunt but there it is. I am looking at the following: Skins base layers and X Bionic base layers. Couldn’t give a hoot about the price as I don’t spend my hard earned cash on anything else.
The question I have mainly, besides anyone’s opinion on the the two options, is this: what is the difference between the X Bionic Energizer boxers and the Trekking boxer/shorts? Mark Richardson has both in at ULOG but I do not know which I’d like. The Energizer’s are lighter and more of a boxer but the trekking boxers/shorts seem to be marketed at backpackers. I carry a 6kg pack (sometimes less) and move fast so am I in need of the Energizers? The Trekking boxers are more expensive – does that mean better?
Any thoughts…
I think the fabric performance, that compression aspect, will always be a little relative to the user. Different folk get different results from the same item, that is, cool or sweaty, just because of the tight fit and your own metabolism I suppose.
I like the Energizers and the Trekkers. The Trekkers’ long leg length and softer flex are great, very comfy. The Energizers are neat and noticably more “supportive”.
Personally, for more than one day out I’d choose the Trekkers for long term comfort, the Energisers’ short legs can ride up and there’s more of apossibility of niggles there, buit it will come down to body shape as much as anything.
I bet that’s no help at all.
How quick drying are they? Secondly, I love my Montane Bionic but would Trekking equivalent top be any better…?
And it was helpful. The Trekkers sound more suitable especially as, trying not to be blunt, the “riding up” issue is relevant…
Drying time at rest is fine, it’s the drying time in use that I notice a difference to other synthetics. I find it is a bit quicker here, and probably more comfy when wet too.
The Montane Bionic is another cracker, the merino content make it it great for a few days in a row. I’ve used both quite a bit, and they’re pretty different, the Bionic is a more relaxed fit too, very difficult to compare.
This is the thing with kit testing, you find out that there are no clear winners unless you’re really biased :o)