shopping for a LS base layer-smartwool, cw-x or craft?

[southtxrider]

any preferences? They are all relatively close in price but the descriptions/technology of each of them is over my head - I'm so new none of it means anything to me yet! LOL

Any favorites? I have a free shipping code from TE that I'm itching to use.....

[Dianyla]

I have a few of the Smartwool tops and I love them. It is a nice weight of fabric. The v-neck does run a little long in the torso for my short-waisted self, but so do the Craft tops. The zipneck is just right - long enough to not have a belly/back gap, but not too long.

I have fingered (erm, that sounds bad! :rolleyes: ) a wool Craft shirt at an LBS and it was very lightweight. So much so that the black shirt was just slightly translucent if worn over a white bra. I have an older Ibex wool layer that's similar, it's wonderfully ultralightweight I just have to be thoughtful about what I wear underneath. I don't know if the wool Craft shirt is the one you were looking at, though.

I don't know anything about the CW-X or Craft synthetic layers. I mean, c'mon! If this is a choice between wool and non-wool, there really is no choice!!! :p

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

If you are looking for an all-purpose merino longsleeve base layer, I love the Smartwool microweight crewnecks:
http://www.teamestrogen.com/products.asp?pID=19348
I find these particular SW shirts run a bit large- I usually take a medium in everything, but in these I need a small. The SW microweight is a tiny bit thicker than the Ibex "woolies" thin baselayer. The Ibex are longer torso too, so you may have to tuck them in. The SW crews are more "normal" length and can be worn as an outer top alone too. They are not "tight" or too fitted. (NOT fitted at the waist like the SW Zip-T's are.) The Ibex woolies have more of a long-john look- with long cuffs, long torso, and a snug fit. Both are nice, but the SW crews are more versatile for various uses.

[southtxrider]

see, there is my "newness" shining through again - I have NO idea about wool/synthetics and definitely didn't know it was the best :)

So I will go with the smartwool...

any bra reccs??? I am a 34D and want to use the bra for biking and other higher impact exercising (a little running)

thanks!

[KnottedYet]

CW-X bras are the best in my experience. TE sells both the "sport" support and the "firm" support. I'm a 34 C and wear the "sport" for everything. (running, tri, biking). BikingMomof3 has tried both and prefers the sport support. (firm support is VERY firm)

[shannhicks]

As far as bras, I recommend the Athena bra at titlenine.com. And the 3 reasons bra. I am a 30 E (yes naturally), and these bras work and feel great.

I have the craft base layer. I ususally wear it with a longsleeved jersey, and a gore jacket. I stay incredibly warm, which is unusual for me.

[mariposa]

...they have short sleeve Smartwools for $22 each. Steepandcheap is a totally new discovery for me, but I hear their items sell out VERY FAST!