New from New Balance are the following:
INITIAL IMPRESSION & TRAIL TESTING
Impact Half Zip Long Sleeve
A great fit out of the packaging. The Impact Half Zip is great for those Spring mornings or evenings when a little more coverage is needed to fight back the chill. The half zip collar has great coverage over the neck to just add the right touch of warmth. It is a perfect addition to one’s Spring apparel. The contrast mock mesh insets are a nice addition visually. The half zip option makes getting the apparel on and off the body much easier. I loved the fit, versatility and feel of the Impact Half Zip (and it looks great).
Impact Short Sleeve
Wow! The Impact Short Sleeve is one of the lightest shirts I have worn. It comes in at 3.65 oz (~104 g). It feels super soft and light on the skin. It is semi-fitted and works well in high perspiration conditions. The Impact Short Sleeve is made of New Balance “ICE” – “literally lowers the skins temperature, keeping you cool and dry when things heat up.” I’m not sure about those claims, but it works really well in high perspiration conditions – warmer afternoons, tempo runs, in the gym (cross training). I love the feel, light weight fabric, and quick dry features of the Impact Short Sleeve.
7 inch 2-in-1 Shorts
The 7 inch 2-in-1 shorts fit very loose. Although the NB website state “semi-fitted”, these shorts are relaxed fitted. They have a drawcord to customize the fit around the waist. The boxer liners are a nice addition to the shorts for those who want more coverage. It is also great for minimizing any chafing between the legs (we all had that happen once or twice – ouch!). The material used in the shorts is special polyester that wicks away moisture called Lightning Dry. The outer material dried very quickly. However, the boxer liner is thick (thicker than what I am used to in a liner) and took some time to dry. In summary, a relaxed fitting pair of running shorts with boxer briefs for more coverage that minimizes chafing (another plus – it comes with regular pockets).
TECH SPECS
- Material – 100% polyester
- Fit – Semi-Fitted
- Number of Pockets – 1 (Small Chest Pocket)
- Made in – Vietnam
- Material – 100% Polyester
- Contract Mesh Material – 100% Polyester
- Fit – Semi-Fitted
- Dropped back hem (nice addition)
- Number of Pockets – None
- Made in – Philippines
- Outer Material – 86% polyester/14% spandex
- Lining Material – 87% polyester/13% spandex
- Fit – Semi-Fitted (However, it is a Relaxed Fit)
- Liner – Boxer Briefs
- Number of Pockets – 3 (Two Regular and One Small)
- Inseam Length – 7 inches
- Liner Length – 6 inches
- Made in – Cambodia
Weight Breakdown
CONCLUSION
Impact Half Zip Long Sleeve
I loved the look, fit, versatility and feel of the Impact Half Zip. The Half Zip is a great addition to your apparel line-up.
Impact Short Sleeve
Light weight, extremely breathable, and works to keep you dry with NB’s ICE fabric.
7 inch 2-in-1 Shorts
Relaxed fit with regular pockets for plenty of storage and a boxer liner to increase coverage while reducing chafing made from New Balance’s Lightening Dry polyester. Nice shorts!
