26 replies to this topic

[geoangus]

So, I'm a cheapskate and still wear my old school thermals.  But I'm ready to jump into 2013 with some new base layers, but I don't know what the diff is between loose, fitted and compression layers from UA, and which would be most appropriate for golf.

First off, I don't look anything like the dudes in UA's site - I'm 51, more than a little soft and with Thanksgiving days away, I don't think the turkey in my gut is going to pop out soon.  I'll still play as long as the courses are open, and played many rounds last winter while temps were in the low to mid-30's (F).

So is compression the better route for a top layer?  Is it too restrictive during the swing?  Or would they ride up?  And I guess the same questions apply for bottoms.  Or does it all just boil down to preference?

Thanks

[CCUgolfer23]

As an Under Armour employee I will start this off. Compression is a base layer so is skin tight, and fitted hugs the body without being so restrictive. Loose is just your basic fit like a casual t shirt. Many people like the fitted for golf as it is a tad bit loser than a compression shirt but it is still gives you a tight feel. Me personally I like the compression tops and bottoms for golf and pretty much anything else. If you want something that doesn't hug the body or anything like that, loose is the way to go. Compression does ride up but if its well tucked it will stay. Hopefully my info helped

[Augster]

From everything I have gathered, you want air in between layers for cold weather.  That is how insulation works.  I would say compression to moisture-wick, on hot days.  For the cold, I would suggest fitted or loose.  Try them on and take a few swings.  I've never been restricted on a swing with baselayer on from UA, Nike or Mizuno.  I believe the stuff I use would be termed "loose" but maybe fitted.  I haven't bought some in quite some time as it doesn't get used but in the earliest spring and the latest fall.

Or better still, just get a Mizuno Windlite sweater and forget the baselayer.  Or baselayer and Mizuno Windlite sweater and SWEAT through your whole round.

[Llortamaisey]

"Compression" has come to mean many things. Under Armour, Nike, Adidas calls a lot if their products "compression" when in fact they are just really tight base layers. The performance garment industry wouldn't call a tight fitting base layer "compression".

True compression garments have a super high elastane content. It's beyond tight fitting. The ultra tight fit improves blood flow and oxygen dispersion within the muscles. A tight base layer will not do that.

Your best bet is to find a fitted base layer. It will be a lot cheaper than true compression as well. I recommend the FJ base layer. The other option would be to try to find a heavier weight garment, something well above 200 grams per square meter. In a perfect world, you would be best to get something with ThermoCool fabric. It has a hollow yarn that regulates body temperature as good as anything on the market. I think several companies are using that fabric now. It isn't cheap.

[KMeloney]

I'll do whatever I can to not wear a jacket when playing. So, on the colder days, I like to wear UA's compression with a thermal over it. On cold days with wind, I don't think the UA keeps you warm enough (exposed) on its own. But, with the thermal over it, my arms stay nice and comfortable. I'll wear a Mizuno WindLite vest over that, and that usually does the job. If I HAVE to throw a windbreaker over that, I will -- but the idea is to get to a warm place with my arms able to swing freely without a bunch of material flapping around.

I am pretty thin, so I'd like that the compression gear would want to ride up on a build like mine -- but it doesn't. Also, UA gear is long-waisted/tailed, so it appears to have been designed with the idea of staying tucked.

I do have a UA "fitted" shirt, and I don't like it as much as the compression. I'd say that IT is more inclined to ride up, since it's not tight through the bottom like the other. Also, if you do consider throwing your thermal over the base gear, I'd imagine you'd want something tight under it so there's no bunching and whatnot.

[sheppy335]

i dont look like them either but compression gear moves so nice with your body it will not be a problem. This will keep you very warm and able to play like normal(if you can in the cold).

[Rhythm&TempoRenzo]

I'm in Southeastern Michigan and a couple of courses here like The Riverview Highlands are open all - year round. I've played in very cold weather and personally I like the UA Compression Long Sleeved Shirt & Bottoms (appropriately marked "Cold Gear") as a base layer, on top I wear a loose fitting fleece shirt, standard golf pants and finally a sleeveless down filled vest from North face. There's 36 holes at Riverview Highlands and you'd be warm enough to play them all - you might even have to take off the vest. You can find most of this gear at a Cabella's (Hunting Gear Store) or your local Dick's Sporting Goods. Good luck, stay warm but don't sweat.

[Chilidog]

This isn't exactly true. I work in the industry and as long as the garment has 8% spandex in it, you will be fine. If the garment is too tight, it will do the opposite and will constrict the blood vessels and capillaries causing reduced blood flow.

The way UA compression works has nothing to do with the amount of spandex in it. It is the fact that it is a double knit construction (think about to layers of fabric being knit together)....the "air" zone comes in the knit between the two layers of fabric, causing a mini-down effect.  

Llortamaisey, on 21 November 2012 - 07:34 AM, said:

"Compression" has come to mean many things. Under Armour, Nike, Adidas calls a lot if their products "compression" when in fact they are just really tight base layers. The performance garment industry wouldn't call a tight fitting base layer "compression".

True compression garments have a super high elastane content. It's beyond tight fitting. The ultra tight fit improves blood flow and oxygen dispersion within the muscles. A tight base layer will not do that.

Your best bet is to find a fitted base layer. It will be a lot cheaper than true compression as well. I recommend the FJ base layer. The other option would be to try to find a heavier weight garment, something well above 200 grams per square meter. In a perfect world, you would be best to get something with ThermoCool fabric. It has a hollow yarn that regulates body temperature as good as anything on the market. I think several companies are using that fabric now. It isn't cheap.

[Jimmy Mac]

geoangus, on 20 November 2012 - 09:29 PM, said:

I don't know what the diff is between loose, fitted and compression layers from UA, and which would be most appropriate for golf.

I would recommend the fitted version. Loose will allow more airflow under the garment which you generally don't want in cold weather. Compression isn't really a very good choice for cold weather. It's great for hot weather active sports, but there's pretty much no benefit for a low activity sport like golf. If the garment truly compresses your skin and capillaries, it reduces the blood flow which will make your skin feel colder. Odds are the UA gear isn't really built for compression and if you love the fit, it's not gonna kill you. But personally, I'd go with the fitted version.

geoangus, on 20 November 2012 - 09:29 PM, said:

So is compression the better route for a top layer?

While compression would be passable for a base layer, but it would be an awful choice for a top layer. If you're doing a traditional cold weather 3 layer system, the middle layer is your insulation/loft layer, if you put a compression garment over that, you're compressing the air space that is needed for you to retain warmth.

geoangus, on 20 November 2012 - 09:29 PM, said:

Is it too restrictive during the swing?  Or would they ride up?  

That's gonna really boil down to what size you buy. Try them on and take a few clubless practice swings in the dressing room.

Edited by Jimmy Mac, 21 November 2012 - 02:59 PM.

[chrisday83]

To be more basic.

The UA Cold Gear compression stuff is really good at keeping you warm. You need a thin jacket over exposed sleeves in particularly cold/windy weather.
It does not feel overly tight or restrictive in any way.

I endorse this product!

[njlam]

I just returned from a windy, rainy and cold long weekend at Bandon Dunes. The Columbia Omni-Hear baselayer made the trip for me. my UA compression and Nike Combat fitted baselayers did not keep me nearly as warm.

Omni Heat works and is a hit!

[golftw]

@JimmyMac.

[golftw]

He means top of the body as opposed to being over other layers of clothes. aka torso

[Llortamaisey]

But isn't it true that the big companies like to call garments compression when in fact that are not true compression garments? Obviously you put it much more eloquently than I did. All I was trying to say was a tight fitting shirt with a little spandex does not equal compression.

Chilidog, on 21 November 2012 - 02:31 PM, said:

This isn't exactly true. I work in the industry and as long as the garment has 8% spandex in it, you will be fine. If the garment is too tight, it will do the opposite and will constrict the blood vessels and capillaries causing reduced blood flow.

The way UA compression works has nothing to do with the amount of spandex in it. It is the fact that it is a double knit construction (think about to layers of fabric being knit together)....the "air" zone comes in the knit between the two layers of fabric, causing a mini-down effect.  

[Woogie]

I was in the market for some new thermals as well, but instead of getting thermals, I went with the Under Armour ColdGear Element Storm pants.   I had the opportunity to try them out yesterday and they were very warm and i can still wear thermals underneath if I feel the need.  They worked well.

[jeffc]

Go with fitted. Not too tight, not too loose. Just right

[MileHighClub]

jeffc, on 22 November 2012 - 06:57 PM, said:

Go with fitted. Not too tight, not too loose. Just right

Agreed.  I have both and I prefer the loose/fitted to the compression.  I won't buy compression again.

[ParChaser]

geoangus, on 20 November 2012 - 09:29 PM, said:

So, I'm a cheapskate and still wear my old school thermals.  But I'm ready to jump into 2013 with some new base layers, but I don't know what the diff is between loose, fitted and compression layers from UA, and which would be most appropriate for golf.

First off, I don't look anything like the dudes in UA's site - I'm 51, more than a little soft and with Thanksgiving days away, I don't think the turkey in my gut is going to pop out soon.  I'll still play as long as the courses are open, and played many rounds last winter while temps were in the low to mid-30's (F).

So is compression the better route for a top layer?  Is it too restrictive during the swing?  Or would they ride up?  And I guess the same questions apply for bottoms.  Or does it all just boil down to preference?

Thanks

I am a little older than you and wear compression under my hockey equipment.  The extra muscle support is welcome and it keeps me warm, even our indoor rinks are cold.  The UA warm gear is very comfortable and keeps me warm on the golf course as well.  I have three all the same size but each seems to fit a little differently.  The loosest is my favorite for golf. The only binding I experience is in the forarms.  I am hoping to try fitted next. Trying them on is important as each of mine are large UA compression and fit a little differently.

[geoangus]

thanks guys, as I'm ordering these, I'm going to go with the "fitted" version.  Just not sure if compression would just feel too weird.  Maybe next time I have $$ to burn, I'll give the compression a shot.

Quick question - do they run true to size?  Large is 42 - 44, my chest is 44, should I stick with L or go to XL (will it shrink)?

Edited by geoangus, 24 November 2012 - 09:16 AM.

[CCUgolfer23]

geoangus, on 23 November 2012 - 09:36 PM, said:

thanks guys, as I'm ordering these, I'm going to go with the "fitted" version.  Just not sure if compression would just feel too weird.  Maybe next time I have $$ to burn, I'll give the compression a shot.

Quick question - do they run true to size?  Large is 42 - 44, my chest is 44, should I stick with L or go to XL (will it shrink)?

I tell customers to buy a size up from what you normally wear with any base layer as they are supposed to run tight and fit snug.

[shinwedge]

The Footjoy baselayer is a great itme. It fits snug but it does not squeeze you like some of the compression stuff out there. It is very warm but not at all constricting.

[jeffc]

geoangus, on 23 November 2012 - 09:36 PM, said:

thanks guys, as I'm ordering these, I'm going to go with the "fitted" version.  Just not sure if compression would just feel too weird.  Maybe next time I have $$ to burn, I'll give the compression a shot.

Quick question - do they run true to size?  Large is 42 - 44, my chest is 44, should I stick with L or go to XL (will it shrink)?

I have a large and wear a 40-42 jacket and it fits well. Wouldn't want it any smaller I don't think. If I were you I would go with an XL if you are a 44 jacket.

[memphishorn]

shinwedge, on 24 November 2012 - 09:11 PM, said:

The Footjoy baselayer is a great itme. It fits snug but it does not squeeze you like some of the compression stuff out there. It is very warm but not at all constricting.

I also just bought the Footjoy Base Layer and it is warm and fits well. Plus it's a little extra long so it stays tucked in.

[KMeloney]

Just wore my fitted UA shirt this past weekend (my compression shirt was in the laundry). The fitted is loose in wrong spots, I think. It's loose around the waist area, and looser at the cuff -- the two places it should be tight, I think. Otherwise, it fits like the compression gear everywhere else. It's like the compression gear but where the looser cuffs and slide down to your golf glove, and loose at the waist where it can bunch up and not stay tucked as easily.

So, again, I'd go with compression gear -- or, go up at least a size in the fitted so that it's not snug anywhere (which, again, I DON'T want when playing golf).

[lawrencedc1]

Icebreaker 260.  Topic Over

[SPIF]

lawrencedc1, on 26 November 2012 - 09:23 AM, said:

Icebreaker 260. Topic Over

Somebody knows a thing or two about cold weather!  If their wool (which is fantastic) doesn't work for you, Arcteryx and Patagonia make top of the line synthetic base layers.  Icebreaker will without a doubt be the warmest though.  Great stuff.

[Padre John]

I have two lined sweaters from FJ that keep me warm, even in the wind and at 45 degrees.  They are loose fitting.  and If I need to, I add a FJ base layer and I am very warm and not constricted.