Sublimation X 99% Recycled Fiber Team Jerseys
Sublimation X graciously provided us with 
semi-custom designed EcoAthlete jerseys to allow us to test this new product in Moab and beyond. We've been wearing these jerseys since April, promoting recycled fiber to athletes nationwide. Overall, the jerseys are performing well and the fiber is durable breathable. The print quality is fantastic. However, the jersey cut and model is a little "old fashioned" and that's where we've received the most negative feedback so far. Here's a detailed overview of the feedback we received and forwarded to Sublimation X to help improve their product. We will continue to collect and forward feedback as the season progresses, to encourage design improvements that will lead to increased marketability for this great environmentally preferred Custom Team Jersey option for cyclists and multisport athletes everywhere!
- Overall material performance is great. This product could be a big hit. The material holds some odor since it's a synthetic product, but no difference when compared to other jersey materials. We TOTALLY appreciate Sublimation X's efforts in creating a 100% recycled jersey!
- The material seems durable and of good quality. Seam quality around the armpits could be improved.
- Print quality is excellent for a semi-custom product, and production response and design review process was excellent!
- There's not enough material across the front (seam wise) which created some zipper/neckline pressure on some of the test riders when fully zipped up.
- Elastic on the arms and waist was too tight for everybody. A thinner elastic for the waist and no elastic for the sleeves is where other cycle jerseys seem to be going in their design, and we encouraged Sublimation X to do the same.
- The pockets in back have too much material, too bunchy, too deep. This much space and volume is not needed for most riders. From an environmental standpoint, this extra material could be
eliminated and reduced to one pocket. - The length of the jersey from top to bottom seemed to work for everybody.
- For men in particular, the shoulders were too tight. This was the case for several of the women as well. At the same time, the area just below the shoulders was too wide for most women.
- General sizing of the jerseys is a little bit on the small side, but okay as that is often the case for bike jersey. In general, we would recommend ordering a size up. This jersey is probably not the right choice for XLarge athletes as it is snug with a slim cut.
I love these shoes. They were comfortable from day 1 and have a
performance fit and feel to them. I feel like I can do nearly
anything in them: hike, scramble, wear them to work like I did
today, and I would even consider trail running in them. The Finn feels
sturdy yet light. This shoe cradles the foot and provides adequate
cushioning without any bulk. No blisters or hot spots. I highly recommend this shoe and at $100, the
price is also very reasonable for what this shoe offers and delivers. The shoe fits on the narrow side and may not work that well for a wider foot. One drawback: they are not waterproof or water resistant. This Finn is available in 5 colors. Find it at:
http://www.patagonia.com/web/us/product/product_focus.jsp?OPTION=PRODUCT_FOCUS_DISPLAY_HANDLER&catcode=SHOES.SHOES.WOMENS.PERFORMANCE&style_color=79459-885&ws
The Finn is green:
- Vibram® Ecostep™ outsole (30% recycled rubber)
- EVA foam midsole with 15% recycled content
- Synthetic-cork footbed (70% recycled) with active carbon that has antimicrobial qualities to combat odor
- Bi-Fit™ dual-density insole board made from 100% recycled polyethylene/polyurethane
Patagonia's Footwear collection has greatly expanded and you'll find that all shoes have between 30 to 80% recycled content, and many of them are assembled with glueless construction Check out their full line at www.patagonia.com
The drawback of wool right now is that it is expensive. However, we tested some XTERRA merino wool shirts that are affordable and we can't wait to get our hands on more: they are comfortable, warm, wick well, and resist odor. Get this shirt and you won't wear anything else. We have worn the XTERRA Merino Wool shirts for soccer, skiing, and mt biking. In each case, performance was great, even during a soccer match in soaking rain. And, we've been able to wear the shirts for three consecutive training sessions before needing to wash it, saving even more resources by reducing laundry need. When wet, it takes the wool a litle longer to dry when compared to polyester. However, even when wet wool has some capacity to keep you warm, mitigating for its longer drying time. Durability is proving to be good as well: throw your XTERRA shirt in the laundry and dryer and it comes out same size, same shape, same performance. XTERRA may not have any other green products in their line, but with this product they are successfully offering a wool alternative to athletes who want to give wool a try, without emptying you entire wallet. Check it out at www.XTERRAgear.com.
Karhu Jil - Featuring Greenlight Core
As a first step in beginning to green their operations and products, Karhu introduced a Greenlight™ Core for their skis in 2008. The core consists of a fast growing renewable wood that's grown in China, close to their ski manufacturing facility. The bulk of the core is Paulownia wood, laminated with stringers of maple and bamboo. Paulownia wood is lightweight, strong, and valued for its reforestation abilities in poor or polluted soil. Paulownia reaches maturity two- to four-times faster than equivalent hardwoods. By sourcing the wood close to their manufacturing facility in China, Karhu reduces transportation needs, further adding to environmental benefit and reduction in their production carbon footprint. The end result is a lightweight high performance ski. You can find the Greenlight Core in the Karhu BC 100, Jak BC, Bertha, Jil, Betty, XCD Guide, XCD 10th Mountain, XCD GT and XCD Pinnacle skis.
We tested the Karhu Jil in mid January 2009 on icy condition at Snoqualmie Pass in WA, and they were a joy to ski! Edgy in icy conditions, easy turn initiation, and a stiffer tail for improved control. With good width and significant sidecut, this AT ski floats on powder and skis crud like butter. Because of 
its lightweight core, Karhu can also add a little metal to smooth out and stabilize the ride, while still creating a lightweight end product (many womens AT skis don't have metal to keep them light).
Karhu is actively working to green their operations and is beginning to study and track the lifecycle impact of their products: from sourcing, to production, to disposal or reuse. We can't wait to hear what's next - Go Karhu!!