Craft Zero Extreme Windstopper short sleeve

A high quality base layer forms the foundation of your cycling outfit, even in warm weather, and the Craft Zero Extreme Windstopper base layer adds superior wind protection for beating the chill.

Swedish company Craft add a Gore Windstopper membrane to the chest panel of this base layer, which adds impressive protection against the wind. With wind protection next to the skin, it frees you up from having to wear a windproof outer layer and gives you a little more versatility.

The rest of the base layer is made from a polyester fabric with channels to help breathability with good air movement, and it's very soft next to the skin.

The fit is very good, but the Windstopper membrane lacks much in the way of stretch so it produces a slightly tighter fitting base layer. Once on though, it's very comfortable, with a tapered torso and short sleeves, and a comfortable collar.

It's been a good choice for the crazy spring weather with its rain one minute, heatwave the next. Because the base layer provides such good protection from the wind, I've been getting away with a long sleeve jersey over the top and coped where I would typically reach for a gilet to keep the wind at bay. For that reason the Craft base layer means you can wear fewer layers which is undoubtedly more comfortable.

The Zero Extreme is really a good choice for autumn right through to spring. Even as the weather has started warming up I've still found it a good choice on blustery days when the wind can provide a chill.

It costs a bit more than a regular short sleeve base layer because you're paying for the Windstopper material. The flexibility of clothing options it provides you with, not to mention the protection from the cold wind, makes it a very versatile choice. It's a premium base layer and does work very well, and is ideal for spring weather.

Verdict

Versatile wind-cheating base layer that earns its keep.