Vangard Men's Windflex L/S Zipneck technical base layer

The Vangard Windflex base layer isn't just your average base layer in that it includes a wind stopping panel across the chest. It's an unusual feature although it's not unique; we've just reviewed the competition in the form of Craft's impressive Extreme WS. So how does the Vangard perform?

Material choice and stitching is very similar to the Craft base layer. It is constructed from 100% polyester, knitted in a sort of corrugated/ribbed way that provides a good level of stretch. That means you could probably go a size below normal for a hugging fit, almost like a compression layer. Neat, flat seams did not cause any noticeable chaffing and a good, long cut means you can tuck the hem right into you tights and avoid any unpleasant draughts. The collar is high also, with a zip for getting it over you head – although with the stretch, I didn't see this as entirely necessary. You can get a version without the zip-neck for £69.99. Overall, the base layer wasn't noticeable when I was wearing it - a good thing.

A windproof section is what marks this base layer out from the crowd. The panel spans the full length of the chest along with the shoulders, and is stitched on top of the existing wicking material. However, I found that this front section could get very sweaty because not enough moisture was escaping through it. Craft managed to pull the windstopping layer off, so it is a shame Vangard's doesn't seem to work quite as well. It's not a failure by any means, it's just not quite as successful at Craft's. The difference is in the material: while Craft used Gore's WindStopper fabric, Vangard's Windflex perhaps doesn't have the same level of performance.

The front panel does keep the wind out, though. It provides an excellent added element of protection from the elements, doing a similar job to a gilet. You can't take it off mid-ride like you can a gilet, or open it right up when the going gets tough, but for those rides where you know you are going to be battling a constant gale, it is a great option. The panels reaching across the shoulders give complete wind cover when you're in the riding position and make descending on a cold day a bit more pleasant. I found this base layer best suited to milder winter/autumn days, when you're not going to have too many layers on top which could create the waterlogging I mentioned.

Verdict

The Windflex is a good base layer. The cut is a strong point, as is the wind protection created by the Windflex panel. At around the same price point as Craft's similar offering, however (£50), I'd have to choose Craft's WindStopper Extreme. Vangard's offering is a still a strong base layer, it just has some tough competition.