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Craft Zero Extreme Short Sleeve Base Layer$41.03
The Craft Zero Extreme Short Sleeve Base Layer is made
of a thin, lightweight and extremely elastic fabric that is channel
stitched with two high-tech polyester fibres. A hexa-channeled fiber
against the skin enhances moisture transport, which cools the body
down. On the outside, a hollow fibre offers isolation as well as
transport of moisture to the next layer, whilst CoolMax Extreme Fresh
FX fabric keeps smell and odour away. On or off the bike, the fitted
look of the Zero Extreme not only ensures maximum moisture
transfer, but ensures that you look as good as it performs.
![]() Craft Base Layers are some of the world's most advanced, researched and tested cycling, skiing and running products. Split into into five collections – The Craft Base Layer series comprises of Cool, Zero, Zero Extreme, Zero Windstopper® and Warm collections. With these five categories, Craft offer a full range of underwear with unique performance characteristics for cycling in all climates and weathers. For 2011, Craft is the apparel sponsor for the new Team Luxembourg Cycling Project, code named 'Leopard'. Featuring amongst other internationally acclaimed cyclists, Andy and Frank Schleck, Fabian Cancellara, Daniele Bennati and Jens Voigt, this is one Pro Cycling team that will aim to win not only the early season Classics, but Le Tour in July. The website for the Leopard Project can be visited here: http://www.leopardtrek.lu/ Take a look at the Craft Base Layer Temperature Guide Chart below to see which base layer is best for you: ![]() Base layers are a bit like pants; you always have favourites that you’d look through the pile to find. Craft’s Pro ZERO Extreme is a recent addition to my kit drawer that’ll be staying right near the top. The most noticeable feature is its exceptional fit: a seamless knit, for the main body, with a huge amount of elasticity, keeping it permanently in contact with your skin, without feeling in the least bit restrictive. This is exactly what’s needed for the most effective moisture transportation and Craft’s design is superb in this regard. On a cold day, it feels warm and dry, not cold and clammy. The combination of yarns are very light and thin, which suggests it would be equally good in hot conditions too, although we’ve yet to test this. In the cold the high collar is a comforting feature, keeping out draughts, even with the top of your jersey unzipped. If you buy one base layer, make it this one. Verdict: 10/10 ![]() Providing excellent wicking and a reasonable amount of warmth, Craft's Zero Crew long sleeved base layer is the best cold-weather base layer out there, in my opinion.
The Craft top is made from 100% polyester that’s extremely soft and comfortable next to your skin, and the stretchy ribbed design means it fits snugly without any tightness, whatever your shape. Don’t underestimate how much influence that has. A base layer can only wick sweat from the surface of your skin when it’s actually touching it, so a body-hugging fit all round makes a big, big difference.
The torso is completely seamless while the raglan shoulders and the seams on the arms are flatlock stitched so there are no ridges to get on your nerves. The tail is extended so it provides plenty of coverage even when you’re stretched right out on the bike, and you certainly won’t need sleeves any longer than these – if anything, you’re more likely to find them too long than too short.
Work up a sweat and this base layer performs brilliantly, shifting moisture away from your body quickly and efficiently so you stay dry inside – and if you’re dry, you’re far less likely to get cold. Even on hard training rides when you sweat a lot, it’ll keep you feeling comfy. Of course, you can get it waterlogged if you wear too many layers over the top and sweat buckets, but it’ll still dry out fast.
In terms of warmth, Craft reckon this top is suitable 30 to 60°F (-1 to 16°C). In a long sleeve cut (a short sleeve version is available at £23), we wouldn’t be wearing it in temperatures as warm as 16°C – below about 10°C is more reasonable – but we’ve been using it on rides down to freezing point and below and stayed perfectly warm. If it gets mega cold, we just add an extra mid-layer for more insulation. In other words, it’s suitable for use in the UK from autumn right through until spring.
The only real downside is that the fabric is easy to catch, particularly on Velcro, so you have to be careful not to pull threads.
Verdict
First-rate wicking base layer for use from autumn right through until spring; our all-time favourite at a reasonable price - 9/10
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7 reviews for Craft Zero Extreme Short Sleeve Base Layer
True to size
by Shai Abadi from Israel on 11/12/2011
I love this base layer. I'm a triathlete training in every weather (almost...) and the base layers from Craft have proven to be super helpful and warm in cold weather. I also run with this shirt as a single layer and it keeps my upper body warm. Great product. That's why I purchased three more long sleeve shirts from Craft...I love their products.
by Bob Mercer from United Kingdom on 23/09/2011
Very light weight, comfortable against the skin, provides a nice level of insulation on cooler rides, wicks well - all-in-all a godd buy
by Stefano Raffaelli from Italy on 12/04/2011
I wear it under my summer short sleeve jersey,with 20°-25°C, when mesh baselayer is too light for me and zero extreme windstopper too warm. A gilet in my pocket and arm and knee warmers on and off. As I thought this item does a good job, full opened zip of the jersey on the slopes, excellent wicking, dry skin, comfy. As for the size I've got 95-97cm chest and I'm 176cm tall: M size fits me well on chest and shoulders and is on the long side on my back; I like it under lycra bibshorts with mentioned temperature range. Obviously I consider it a further card to play when temp cools under 20°C.
by Karra from Finland on 19/11/2010
Works very well under merinowool midlayer shirt,good fitting and enough long.
by @markthemamil from United Kingdom on 28/10/2010
It's warm, it's white, it fits me nice and tight, 5 stars, 5 stars.
by Norman from United Kingdom on 21/10/2010
If I could give a 4.5 I would and the only reason I haven't is it's certainly on the long side and I'm 6'4". It feels fantastic on; tonight I went out in it with it and a sportwool jersey and apart from arm warmers the only thing on my top. My lightweight gloves barely did the job cos it was pretty cold but my core didn't know it - it did a great job.
Re sizing I'm 6'4" with a not-skinny 100+cm waist and the large fits very well. If in doubt email always riding - I did on Sunday (!) re another product and exchanged emails with them twice. Great service.
by Edward Stanley from United Kingdom on 08/06/2010
I bought this top originally to wear under a tri suit sleeveless top for a race where I wanted a little extra warmth and some cover on my shoulders. It has since become my default choice for training outside in cool or cold conditions (it really is very warm!) Much tighter fit than many of the other craft tops but still suits the sizing measurements in the guide. The only problem that I can see with it is that the hole you put your head through is small and not very flexible so this could be a point of failure in the future. It does mean that you lose very little warmth around the neck though so I wouldn't classify it as a flaw. Got an in depth product question, or want to ask something else related to this product? Whatever your question, simple post it here, and we'll answer you faster than a speeding bullet.product tags for this itemClick on a tag to see the listed items, or check the boxes next to the tag if you consider them relevant. You can even add your own tags if you wish, just click here for a guide on how to tag.
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review by Scansource,
30 April 2011
30 April 2011




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