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Base layers
Craft Active Extreme Concept Piece S/S Craft Active Extreme Concept Piece S/S Craft Active Extreme Concept Piece S/S
Craft Active Extreme Concept Piece S/S

Craft Active Extreme Concept Piece S/S

8
by Caven O'Hara
UPDATED Thu, Oct 15, 2015 04:24

First Published Mar 24, 2013

1
£45.00

VERDICT:

8
10
Very efffective thin and lightweight base layer that keeps you dry and warm on cold days
Weight: 
90g
Contact: 
www.craftsportswear.co.uk
How we test

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One thing I have seen the benefit of these last few months is the art of layering. With some truly miserable riding conditions, getting your wardrobe choices right will enhance your ride, and this Craft Active Extreme Concept Piece fits the bill for the chilly weather.

It's very thin, weighs next to nothing and first impressions would ask the question - how much use would this be? The short answer is: pretty effective. The fabric is stretchy and thin as I've already mentioned. The design concept is this combination will keep you dry and fresh, even in cold weather. This works through moving the moisture away from the skin with channeled fibers and lets the body cool. Before this has a detrimental effect on the body there is a hollow fiber on the outside that offers insulation whilst moving the moisture onto the next layer. Clever stuff?

What you do notice is no matter how hard you work, the Craft Active Extreme does stay reasonably dry, keeping your torso comfortable. Not only wicking away moisture but ensuring the temperature doesn't fall too far. Worn under long sleeve tops or even a short sleeve jersey, the base layer has proven its worth - and you can find it on sale online for around £25.

Despite its flimsy appearance it has shown no signs of proving anything other than a robust piece of kit. It proves the old adage that you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, especially if you're looking to keep warm.

Verdict

Very efffective thin and lightweight base layer that keeps you dry and warm on cold days

road.cc test report

Make and model: Craft Active Extreme Concept Piece S/S

Size tested: Medium, Night Sky

Tell us what the product is for, and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Ideal for someone wanting a top performing layer, technically sound and certainly does it's job well.

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Despite it's thin appearance the Active Extreme is proficient at transporting the moisture away from the body and onto the next layer but also keeping the warmth in.

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
8/10

It is both thin and lightweight which belies the quality job it does.

Rate the product for performance:
 
8/10

Does what you would hope and expect it too, which is keeping you dry and warm.

Rate the product for durability:
 
7/10

It is tight fitting, whether it can withstand a prolonged use remains to be seen. So far though it is coping well.

Rate the product for weight, if applicable:
 
8/10

Almost feels like a second skin, it's that seamless.

Rate the product for comfort, if applicable:
 
8/10

The fact that it fits snugly might offer the chance for a chaffing around the top of the arms but no such sensation.

Rate the product for value:
 
7/10

It's a competitive market but this is on the money in terms of value for.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

It performed better than I expected in how efficiently it was able to keep me dry but also warm. Impressed

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

It did the job it was designed for.

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

The material feels susceptible to snagging on other items or objects - it hasn't so far but because of the mesh construction this may be an issue.

Did you enjoy using the product? Yes.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes.

Would you recommend the product to a friend? I would, yes.

Overall rating: 8/10

About the tester

Age: 44  Height: 178cm  Weight: 80kg

I usually ride: Currently riding a Pinnacle Evaporite Three  My best bike is: As above

I've been riding for: 5-10 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: road racing, commuting, sportives, mtb, Not yet but looking to dip my toe in the world of TT

 

jersey
Craft Active Extreme Concept Piece S/S
Craft
Base layer

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1 comments

Avatar
Rob Simmonds | 11 years ago
0 likes

My god that's thin! Be grateful o dear readers that it's skinny Matt in the pics and not me. 13 31

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