Tuesday, April 11, 2023

2023 Run Shorts Round Up Review: Ultimate Direction Velum, Dynafit DNA 2-1, Ibex Springbok, and BN3TH Runner’s High 2-1

Article by Sam Winebaum

In the article I review four 2023 multi purpose run shorts : Ultimate Direction’s Velum, Dynafit’s DNA 2-1, Ibex’s Springbok, and BN3TH Runner’s High 2-1. All are excellent, differing in length, types of liner and storage. More than "basic" run shorts, all feature state of the art fabrics and top notch construction.


The Heavy Hauler


Ultimate Direction Velum Shorts  ($70)

5” inseam, brief, most waistband storage


Best for:

Daily runs and races on trail or road when carrying fluid, phone and more is called for.


Pros

  • The capacity of a race vest in a short with  4.5” deep 360° mesh waistband storage 

  • 4 compartments each doubled with outer slightly stretchier mesh, inner snugger mesh so 8 x storage areas

  • Mesh waist band is now greater in depth doubled compared to 2022 version.

  • 5” length is my go to, not too long not too short

  • Very moisture wicking thin stretch woven outer shell, comfortable knit brief

  • Copious reflective details

  • Reasonable price for such a versatile high capacity short

Cons

  • Waist given a triple layer of mesh and its height is a bit snug and high. 

  • Is there really a need for double layered compartments? Inner are harder to reach and one can get confused on the go as to where gear is.


The Long Hauler

Dynafit DNA 2-1 Shorts ($140)

Approx. 7 “ inseam, short tight length inner. 360° mesh waistband storage, laser hole ventilation tight and shell. Lightest and longest.

 

Best for: 

Ultra and really any racing or running where carrying capacity, ventilation, longer coverage and light weight are priorities.

Pros

  • A great choice for ultra racing but as so light and stretchy for any running.

  • Forget you are wearing shorts feel in a tights length with storage

  • Highly laser holes ventilated and stretchy outer shell and inner tight, Never any chafing.

  • No waist pressure & surprisingly secure 360° mesh waistband storage with 4” depth.

  • White waistband trim makes it easy to find and grab openings, not always the case with mesh bands

  • Despite light touch no sagging or bouncing when short is loaded

  • Sun, and as I found out wind cold protection, given the lengths of inner and outer

  • Copious reflective highlights and cool look


Cons

  • Longer than my usual preference and a bit goofy looking.

  • The rear zip pocket is too small for a phone although all 3 mesh pockets hold it well

  • Top end pricing


The Deluxe

Ibex Springbok ($100 )

7” inseam, Merino Tencel brief

Best for: Sheer comfort and class on the move


Pros: 

  • Incredibly light with stretchiest outer shell

  • Classy and simple

  • Softest and smoothest feeling brief (and overall here)

  • Can easily also be your most comfortable underwear

  • Very smooth feel and cool on the skin, ideal for hot humid conditions

  • Anti Microbial 45% Merino, 45% Tencel 10% nylon  brief with a special cooling finish

Cons

  • Only two small pockets: key/card zip pocket and a hidden interior key pocket

  • Not as “warm” as one might expect from Merino in cool conditions, a bit smooth and slick 

  • Price


The Do it All

BN3TH Runner’s High  2-1 Short  ($80)

5” inseam outer shell, boxer brief, 4 pocket storage


Best for: 

Do it all utility and style: run, gym, hike, lifestyle, travel


Pros

  • Do it all utility and style: run, gym, hike, lifestyle, travel

  • Lightly compressive, breathable boxer liner with MyPakage Pouch Technology™ for support and comfort

  • Practical pockets including: front hand pockets, zip key/card rear, and thigh phone

  • Very effective Ionic+ anti stink technology, actual fibers not just a finish


Cons

  • Rear waist band tends to sag when shorts are loaded

  • Knit boxer could be smoother and softer feeling


Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is 65 with a 2018 3:40 Boston qualifier. 2022 was Sam’s 50th year of running. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets lucky,, training 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run or nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.


The shorts were provided at no charge for review purposes.RoadTrail Run has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased via shopping links in this article. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content. The opinions herein are entirely the authors'.


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2 comments:

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the backrooms said...

I'm waiting for the big sale. Although it is very comfortable but the price is not suitable for me