Details
Let's get this out of the way right up front: if you prefer your running tees baggy, keep moving, Sugoi did not design their RS R line for you. The RS R tech tee -- whether short-sleeve or sleeveless -- is for those among us who prefer our running shirts in a trim, sleek, tailored cut. That said, while the RS R is certainly fitted and has a nice stretchiness somewhat reminiscent of a technical base layer tee, it definitely isn't a skin-tight, compression-type silhouette. The fit is intended to be flattering not snug.
For what it's worth, there is a temperature management benefit to sleek tees. With a more fitted garment, air pockets are minimized, which means perspiration is better able to move from your skin to the fabric and, if the fabric is "tech," from there to the outside environment. This is the concept employed with excellent effect by snug-fitting cold weather base layers, and it works in hot weather too. An added bonus to the trim shape: both drag and the odds of a snag on a passing branch are reduced.
While the shape of the ’09 RS R tee is similar to the ’08 version, Sugoi considerably overhauled everything else about the garment. Most significant is the change from Finostretch to Gobi, Sugoi’s brand spanking new, state-of-the-hot-weather-art fabric. The new-for-’09 color scheme is also a nice update stylistically: a shirt that was pleasantly appealing is now downright sharp. You can also of course expect the attention to detail that makes Sugoi products so lustworthy: flat seams, zippered rear stash pocket with internal wire port, very attractive drop collar, neck tape, and reflective accents. The front of the shirt is white, the back is a gorgeous gunmetal gray.
Color: White/Gunmetal
Weight: 3.8 oz . (large)
Fabric:
Gobi is Sugoi's new benchmark for ultimate hot weather performance. This ultra-light polyester microfiber is knit in a unique diamond-shaped structure that provides superior moisture management along with mesh-like breathability and ventilation with exceptional non-transparent coverage. Gobi's new yarn and knitting process also offers superior abrasion- and snag-resistance and exceptional Lycra-free stretch for comfortable form fit. 3.50 oz per square yard.
