So under armour is becoming my favorite stuff to layer and right now I have a heatgear long sleeve compression that I love at 50-60 alone and as base layer for cold stuff.

Anyone know the difference between heat and cold gear brands? I'm tempted to get a coldgear - but damn this stuff ain't cheap.

I have one piece of UA cold gear and its like a sponge that traps an incredible amount of perspiration against the body. Once saturated it is difficult to get out of. Maybe it works better if it is the only thing you are wearing.

For a base layer I really like the UA Base products that come in 4 thicknesses. I've used the 2.0 and got a 4.0 last year but it didn't get cold enough to try during our non-winter.

I love the UA cold gear for winter cycling. Heat gear stuff ... meh, it's ok for general workout wear, I've bought a little bit of it over the past couple of years, but I don't see it being all that special. Most brands have some kind of equivalent - I actually like the Champion Vapor series athletic shirts and they are about 1/3rd of the price of the UA.

I use base layers used for ice hockey. Nothing but nothing is colder than skating and playing hockey in wet gear.

ANT3 Freeze base layer is awesome stuff.

UA stopped innovating a long time ago. Now it's mostly style over substance for that company.

Interesting that you mention that. IMO, I think lots of active/sportswear companies end up going that route. Obviously it's money driven, and by the fact that NON-active people like to "look the part" and dress like those of us who are active. Consequently I don't always look first to the usual name brands for this type of gear. Over the years I've found some of the best clothing for certain activities is clothing that isn't necessarily meant for that activity. And in those cases it's usually considerably less expensive.

Dan

I have one coldgear shirt - I've had it for a long time, and it's one of my go-to layers for cold weather running - I've worn it a couple times cycling, I'm really just starting to get into cycling in the cold.

It's a good baselayer for really cold, for running I won't pull that out until we get below freezing, and then it's usually with just a T-shirt. I have found when cycling it doesn't seem to keep me as warm, likely the wind effect as that's after I start to warm up and sweat.

The big thing about the under armour brand is that it just isn't worth the premium. I tried it out, liked it, but still have never bought any more. At that kind of price point there is better stuff, and you can get as good for less.

Oh, and to answer the OP's question - Heatgear is for wearing in the heat. It's supposed to keep you cool. Coldgear is for wearing in the cold.

use a UA Coldgear long-sleeve shirt as a primary base layer.

best thing I've purachased for winter riding. really like the form-fit and excellent wicking properties.

only problem is that it's almost too warm...temps need to be ~45F or lower or I overheat. above that temp, I can get by with jersey, arm warmers, and wind breaker.

with the UA top, fleece bibs, full-finger gloves, good down to low 30s.

Wow. I wouldn't consider wearing coldgear above 0C / 32F unless it's raining. Usually save it for when it's a lot colder than that. Yesterday's commute was -3C (26F), and the ColdGear, some knit glove liners, and a nylon jacket as windbreaker, and a little too much sweat once I warmed up. Probably should have used a lighter base layer and a heavier windbreaker - really, most of the wind gets through that one.

well, at 6' and 150 lbs, so not exactly packing a lot of body fat...and I really dislike being cold.

but, at the moment, that's not an issue...it's still in the low 90s here this wkend.

I'm pretty close to the same size as you (6' ½", 165), and envious on temperature.