Review- Woolrich Elite Series Half-Zip Sweat Shirt

[mercop]

First I have to start off by saying that I hate sweatshirts. It drove me nuts in the army and police academy when we had to wear them as part of the PT uniform. My problem with the regular type sweatshirt is that the cuffs and waistbands are too restrictive. This is a problem when using it to conceal a handgun, as well as limiting ventilation causing you to overheat. Hoodies never did it for me either, I prefer to wear a hat and keep my peripheral vision. Not to mention that when they are not in use they are just a useless lump on the back of your neck.

Here on Mt. Crumpet (south east) PA it can get pretty chilly and my Man Cave is unheated. This necessitated me looking for a comfortable garment for the cooler months. The Woolrich Elite Series Half-Zip Sweatshirt has fit the bill. As soon as you pick it up you notice the weight.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j22/mercop/Gettysburg156.jpg?t=1258904072

From top to bottom this is what makes this sweatshirt work for me.

First off is the half-zip stand up collar that makes it easy to take on and off even when wearing hat and or glasses.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j22/mercop/Gettysburg157-1.jpg?t=1258904354

The zipper is an antiqued bronze YKK that is smooth as silk.

The sweatshirts sport the traditional Woolrich zippered pen/ID pocket on the left shoulder.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j22/mercop/Gettysburg159.jpg?t=1258904495

Short ribbed cuffs are comfortable and keep sleeves in place without pulling.

The open bottom and over all length are allow total concealment to belt carried gear without printing, yet allow fast access.

At night when I venture into the Man Cave to smoke my cigar or pipe I toss on the sweatshirt, usually over a t-shirt. and a fleece watch cap. Before long I am warm enough and shed the cap. The inside of the sweatshirt is soft and comfortable.

http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j22/mercop/Gettysburg158.jpg?t=1258904433

I only have one criticism and it is small one. This sweatshirt does not have anything inside the color to hang it with. A piece of gutted parachute cord remedies that fast.

This has become my go to outer garment when it is not raining. If you are looking to dwindle down your collection of sweatshirts, this one might just help you out.

[Sone]

How does the sizing run on it

[mercop]

Mine is a 2XL, what I usually wear. Comfortable with a bit of extra room.

[NoBody]

Price?

[CLHC]

Price?
I know mercop reviewed the Woolrich Elite, so I don't know the price. But, EOTAC has a very similar version called the < Operator Grade Half-Zip Sweatshirt (http://www.eotac.com/?p=18&prodID=501) > that retails for sixty-four ninety-nine up to the size as that of George M. on their online site.

Hope you find what you're looking for and Enjoy! :cool:

[mercop]

US CAV has them for $50 ish.

[ST911]

How's the body and sleeve length? I can see how it hangs in the pic, but how tall are you?

[Iraq Ninja]

Not a bad price, but I prefer to support EOTAC if the two products are similar. At that price point, I wouldn't worry about getting it torn up outdoors.

Hoodies are my favorite for the simple fact that the hood can be used for things besides the obvious. Think of it as an improvised emergency pocket. You can even store a pistol in it, and there are times you may want to have it in that location. They are also good for hiding your face if needed.

I recently bought the new TAD Gear Ranger hoodie and the material is simply light years ahead of these low end sweaters.

[kmrtnsn]

Looks a lot like a Fire Department work sweatshirt.

[mercop]

I am 6'2 and it keeps my belt line covered when I bend over. This is a casual wear item. Nothing I would wear under armor or something. TAD gear is great as long as you are smaller framed. Hard to get anything from them in the bigger sizes. Think I will start Fat Bastard Tactical.- George

[ST911]

I am 6'2 and it keeps my belt line covered when I bend over.

Okay, thanks.


Think I will start Fat Bastard Tactical.- George

I always proposed that it be called KDT... Knuckle Dragger Tactical. ((c)2009. :D)

Nothing smaller than a very generous L, with talls and extra-talls. And they would be genuine tall sizes, not the +1" blech others call "tall".

[geminidglocker]

http://http://www.everydaynodaysoff.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/WoolrichAd.jpg
Cool Sweatshirt though.:)