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Under Armour Base 2.0 Crew - Women's Review

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Under Armour Base 2.0 Crew - Women's Review (Under Armour Women's Base 2.0 Crew)
Under Armour Women's Base 2.0 Crew
Credit: Under Armour
Price:  $55 List
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Manufacturer:   Under Armour
By Amber King ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  Nov 21, 2016
62
OVERALL
SCORE
  • Warmth - 25% 4.0
  • Breathability - 25% 9.0
  • Layering ability - 20% 5.0
  • Comfort and Fit - 15% 4.0
  • Drying Speed - 10% 9.0
  • Durability - 5% 8.0

Our Verdict

If you're planning on signing up for a race like the “Tough Mudder” or the “Color Run-5K”, then this quick drying and lightweight Under Armour Base 2.0 Crew may be perfect for you! As the most breathable and fastest drying base layer tested, your cardio workouts will be a breeze. If it's warmth you are seeking, opt for another layer as the 2.0 crew trades off warmth for breathability. We loved its design and features, but weren't too thrilled about its tight fit or thicker fabric. If lightweight and quick to dry is what you're looking for, we've got it here!
REASONS TO BUY
Great breathability
Fantastic features
Great cut and look
Lightweight
Affordable
REASONS TO AVOID
Very limited warmth
Shrinkage
Small fit
Update - November 2016
Under Armour states that they have updated the fit of the Base 2.0 Crew to be a bit more sleek and modern.

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Under Armour Base 2.0 Crew is a highly breathable and quick-to-dry synthetic crew neck base layer. Take it with you on your sweatiest workouts or wear it to your next practice.

Performance Comparison


under armour base 2.0 crew for women - brittany is so happy that she found a base layer that breathes well...
Brittany is so happy that she found a base layer that breathes well and aids in her daily workouts. A perfect suitor! What is yours?
Credit: Amber King

Warmth


When we wore the 2.0 base by itself, we realized that it sacrificed warmth for breathability; as a result it scored considerably lower than most of its competitors in this metric. Even when layered in a system, we still felt chilled and not too comfortable. We would not recommend wearing this base layer to the ski hill or while singing “Kumbaya” on a cold fall night.

Breathability


Blowing the competitors out of the water, the Crew 2.0 was the most breathable shirt tested. With its deep waffle-like pockets and porous face fabric, it allows ample air flow worn on its own or in a layering system.

under armour base 2.0 crew for women - it's no wonder the under armour was our most breathable fabric...
It's no wonder the Under Armour was our most breathable fabric. Check out this waffled and super thin fabric. For the Base 2.0, warmth was a big trade-off for this great breathability as a wear alone piece.
Credit: Amber King

Layering Ability


Layering under this shirt is just dandy, but our testers found that layering over it can be difficult. The fabric is thicker and not very stretchy, which actually makes it feel more like an insulation layer like the Patagonia R1 Hoody - Women's than a base layer. Most of our testers felt that it was better to wear the Under Armour 2.0 alone instead of integrating into a functional layering system.

Comfort & Fit


The fleece that sits next to the skin is cozy and comfortable with a fitted and athletic look. The thick cuffs and integrated thumb loops also add versatility. One of our testers actually noticed that she could slip her iPhone or iPod into the sleeve of the shirt, which turned into a secret stash spot - SCORE! To make this a more comfortable and versatile piece, we wished for a little more stretch and a little less bulk, like our Top Pick for Comfort winner, the Smartwool NTS 250. If you plan on purchasing this workout wonder, remember to size up as we found it ran a little small and tight.

under armour base 2.0 crew for women - the extra long cuffs and thumb loops are thick and burly. if you...
The extra long cuffs and thumb loops are thick and burly. If you slip your iPod into the sleeve, you'll have an extra stash spot without a real pocket!
Credit: Amber King

Drying Speed


Boom! This long underwear top dried faster than any other layer in our head-to-head drying competition. Once again, the waffled fabric that enables great breathability also allowed it to dry extremely quick. Thinking of doing the “Tough Mudder?” This is a great option!

Durability


We were pretty impressed the durability of this top through our testing period and didn't notice any stitching fly aways or pilling on the face fabric. However, the waffled fleece interior showed pilling and the top shrunk just a tad after the first washes. If you are looking for a synthetic with equal durability and no shrinkage, check out the Arc'teryx Rho LT Zip.

under armour base 2.0 crew for women - we found the face fabric to be strong and durable. we didn't notice...
We found the face fabric to be strong and durable. We didn't notice any wear and tear during our testing period. However, know that the fabric overlaying the waffles does look thin, so this isn't recommended for highly abrasive activities like chimneying or splunking.
Credit: Amber King

Best Applications


Limited in its uses due to low scores in warmth, we felt this layer was at home as a wear-alone top playing sports or going to the gym. Leave it at home for colder and more demanding missions that require an exceptionally functional layering system.

under armour base 2.0 crew for women - brittany found the under armour 2.0 to be a perfect running partner...
Brittany found the Under Armour 2.0 to be a perfect running partner for cool morning runs. It breathes well but is still too warm for days above 60 degrees F.
Credit: Amber King

Value


The price tag of $55.00 is very reasonable if you are looking for a very breathable layer to take with you to the gym or soccer field. If you want a synthetic alternative with more versatility, check out the Best Buy Award winner, the Patagonia Capilene 3.

Conclusion


The Under Armour 2.0 finds function in trips to the football field or the gym with its quick drying speed and amped up breathability. We wouldn't recommend it for any multi-day mission in the mountains or really cold weather due to its lack of warmth and versatility. That said, we loved its unique features and affordable price tag.

under armour base 2.0 crew for women - a great stand alone top for yoga on the top of boot hill during a 5...
A great stand alone top for yoga on the top of Boot Hill during a 5 mile run. Use this super breathable layer for any aerobic activity. Avoid it for cold weather and choose another top to integrate into a layering system.
Credit: Amber King

Amber King