Nike Dri-Fit vs. Nike Sphere vs. Under Armour vs. ?
 

Hi guys, I searched and couldn't come up with exactly what I wanted so I wanted some opinions from people who have tried different kinds of sweat-wicking shirts. I sweat quite a bit and use a backpack so I'm asking for advice before buying these. Right now, the Sphere is on 50% off at a store so I could buy a couple if they are good commuting assets for keeping sweat at bay. Usually I change clothes and wipe myself off, but if these kinds of shirts work well, then I'll give em a whirl.

I'm not entirely sure what the different "technologies" offer but if someone could enlighten me I would appreciate it.

Thanks!

Also, if you have any alternative suggestions I would be glad to hear them!

i would try and go with the sphere. i've heard good things about them. under armor and nike i would not recom. most likely your still going to be sweaty it's going to be ice though with certain threads. your best bet would be a cycling jersey. bright yellow for high vis. i like to unzip mine going down hills. feels good! as far as your back, it's always going to be sweaty. they do have backpacks with wicking properties. but your best bet is to get a rack (most will carry 40 to 60 llbs.)and strap your backpack down. trust me it's worth the 30$ that and a jersey will help. but if your not looking to spend 80$. go with sphere. or just stop drinking liquids! :)

I use UA as a base layer when it gets colder. One thing of note...if you don't wash the thing out when you get to work, the thing is almost ready to walk home on its own by the end of the day. (ie it smells REALLY bad). I have taken to rinsing it out really well in the shower and then hanging it to dry in my locker. I'm hoping to not have to start doing that again for another couple of months....maybe mid October or so is when it should start again.

I've been using Nike Dri-fits for almost 10 years. I like them alot and they keep me feeling good even on the hottest of days. And they dry quick.

I have used dryfit, UA and coolmax. I like the feeling of dryfit compression style shirts vs. coolmax but functionally the coolmax is cheaper and does just as good of job. Just make sure all seams are flatlocked so there is no chaffing (particularly for other sports like running). UA coldgear is excellent for sub zero. Sometimes as a base layer sometimes on its own. I have never had any problems with being stinky. The best piece of advice I can give you is to get a rack and paniers. Get the pack of your back and you will never look back.

This CoolMax you all speak of, is there a particular manufacturer for it or is the actual brand CoolMax? E.g. it's not technology provided for Adidas or something?

I don't believe I've ever seen it here in Canada, And you say it is relatively inexpensive also eh?

Hmmm, can't seem to find it anywhere...Could someone provide me with a link to purchase?

Thanks!

So this CoolMax is generally an equal performer against Dri-Fit, jerseys etc.?

IN ADDITION!

Can I really just buy a rear rack and just tie my back pack to it?
Thanks!

yeah you'll want to get a "crank strap" though, so you can secure it well. i put about 35 pounds on my rack and it doesn't really way you down. my commute is 4.5 miles one way to the university and 6 miles one way to the public library. i carry 11 text books on avg. just don't bungee them down. because if there not secured enough they'll shift. so i rec. straps. i also used some climbing rope at first and learned some knots out of a book this worked very well also but took a little more time.

I personally like dri-fit. UA bunches up when I ride and hugs me in a way that makes me sweat like crazy. Plus, i feel like a cop, and I want to feel more like Lance!

~n

Coolmax is a tradename. The technology is licensed to various manufacturers for thier use.

At the risk of incurring the wrath, hit up your local Wally-World. They got plenty of knock-off brands and for the price of one UA you can get a weeks worth of Starters.

I've got a variety of products that I wear and they all perform differently. The UnderArmour t-shirts wick the best but it's like wearing a shirt made of pantyhose. Nike dri-fit is great and works well in it's various forms but not quite as good. Lastly I've generic coolmax hi-viz shirts for commuting. Looser, thicker, slower to wick and warmer for it. Generally the various polyesters (coolmax, et al.) wick better when tighter to your skin. Also remember to not use any fabric softeners with these products.

I got your back dobber. I've bought great wicking tees at Sprawlmart for $3 on clearance. Same deal at Target, K-mart and Meijer's. Anybody who pays big bucks for a tee shirt is overly fashion-conscious in my book.

CoolMax t shirt is the best sweat wicking t shirts,Adidas use CoolMax fabric to make ClimaCool golf polo shirt,and also Nike's NikePro t-shirt,i have seen many styles in Shanghai Adidas and Nike's discount shop,aso we produce CoolMax golf polo shirt.

I love the Champion C9 shirts you can find at Target. They wick well, are form-fitting, and they're cheap!

+1

Wool is the answer to your problem. It probably won't stink like that for at least a week. Other natural fibers like silk would probably be much more smell-resistant too.

I got a silk baselayer from Sierra Trading Post for cheap ($19, I think). Very thin, surprisingly warm, you can rinse it out in the sink and dry it on a hanger, doesn't smell.

I wear Patagonia Capiliene -- Cap3 for cool to cold temps (approx 46º-54º), Cap 2 for warmer temps (aprox 55º-62º). I like Capiliene as both a baselayer and as a primary layer for both cycling and running. It wicks very well and keeps me warm and/or cool; it also treated with "bioguard" to reduce odor. I wash it in cold water and dry on a hanger. Best investment in tech clothing I've made.

IIRC, Capiliene may be on sale at REI right now.

stan

Under Armour skin tight style didn't wick the sweat and I froze it off on the descents. However, drivers loved the look.

Anyone have good luck with wearing Coolmax as a winter base layer?

Has anybody compared these with Defeet base layers? I have some and like them, but I haven't used anything else.

I also like the champion shirts from target though my favorite is probably my bamboo shirt. Feels like cotton but wicks better and doesn't stink. I got it for free, so I don't know about price.