Abacus Gleneagles thermo midlayer review
Abacus is a Swedish golf apparel brand established over 30 years ago with a stated mission to make functional and smart clothing for the active golfer. Here we review the Gleneagles thermo midlayer.
Abacus Gleneagles thermo midlayer review: NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
This is a really comfortable midlayer, well constructed from a fabric that offers warmth and breathability.
PROS
- Really warm and comfortable.
- Breathable & moisture wicking.
- Premium build quality.
CONS
- Limited colour choice.
Abacus Gleneagles thermo midlayer
Now: £99
Check out the best deals on the Abacus Gleneagles thermo midlayer
First Impressions
The midlayer is a crucial component of a golfer’s wardrobe for most of the year – at least in the UK! Abacus offer a range of sweaters and jackets in their latest range in a variety of materials and thicknesses, all designed to provide warmth and breathability along with freedom of movement. Here we test out the Gleneagles thermo midlayer.
This model is available in just two colours. We tested the navy/fairway option which is essentially a very dark navy which looks almost black and some subtle green (fairway) trim. The second available colour is called sunset which is black with a little orange trim. I was a little surprised to see such a limited choice of colours particularly as last season’s Abacus midlayer, the Sunningdale came in a whole range of colour ways. This model is a half-zip construction, which is my personal preference. By way of contrast the ladies Gleneagles model is full zip and is available in a really nice peacock blue.
Now that my gripe about the limited colour choice is over, I really liked the hybrid construction of this midlayer. The yoke (that means chest, upper back and shoulders) is made from a quilted looking fabric that is padded for extra warmth. The rest of the garment is made from a thin, soft and stretchable fleece which is brushed on the inside for added comfort. Abacus call their fabric ‘drycool’ and this model is made from 92% polyester and 8% spandex. The drycool fabric offers breathability and wicking properties. The half-zip is a contrasting green (or fairway) colour and there’s the same colour green line around the back of the bottom of the garment. We get the ‘abacus count on it’ wording not only on the right lower aspect of the midlayer but also running vertically on the upper back. Then there is an ‘a’ motif on the right shoulder. Now it’s not quite at Formula 1 level but I would quite happily lose at least one of these three bits of branding
All said, the overall appearance was of a well-constructed midlayer. So how did it perform on the course?
On-course testing
I’m about 173 cm tall and weigh 74 kg with an average (ie non-athletic) shape. I went for a large size , based on previous experience with the brand. Abacus describe the fit as regular, and, as the accompanying pictures may show, this was possibly a little on the large side. I tended to find myself pulling the sleeves up as part of my pre-shot routine. And I didn’t really like the way the bottom of the garment just sort of hangs down. I wonder if a drawcord hem may improve things.
I have normally worn this as a second layer, over a base layer or a polo shirt, and also as a third layer (over both) without any restriction. I suspect that a medium size may fit a bit better, but offer less flexibility in layering. In chillier conditions, it works really well beneath a gilet/vest.
Although I wasn’t entirely sure about the relaxed fit/look (I hope to test this in a medium and will report back), this garment is an absolute joy to wear. It is lightweight, really comfortable next to the skin and, due to the stretchy fabric, offers no restriction when swinging enthusiastically. The hybrid construction works exceptionally well in that the Gleneagles offers warmth but I haven’t experienced any moisture build up thanks to the breathability and moisture wicking properties of the material.
I don’t think I’ve yet had cause to take this layer off mid-round but, if I did, I know it’ll fold up quite neatly without taking up too much space. This is an important consideration if, like me, you are an inveterate bag carrier.
The 19th hole
So here we have another piece of functional and comfortable clothing from Abacus. Although I feel it lacks a tailored look (on me) it really offers great flexibility of performance.
Because of the branding I think this particular item will spend most of its time on the golf course, where I’m confident it’ll get plenty of use. And with an RRP just under £100 I think it represents good value for money, such is the quality of construction.
Fit: True to Size/Small/Large
Comfort: 9.5/10
Value for Money: 9/10
Sizes: UK S-XXXL
Colour options: Navy/fairway, Black/sunset.
Abacus Gleneagles thermo midlayer
Now: £99
Check out the best deals on the Abacus Gleneagles thermo midlayer
The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £99
More info: Abacus website
Buy now: Here
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Jonathan Taylor
Jonathan also known as JT, is one of the biggest golf nuts on the NCG team.
He has quickly become a go-to for expertise on golf shoes and technical apparel. In fact he may have a different pair of shoes and a new waterproof jacket for every club medal he plays in.
He previously worked as a GP, which means he likes to get into the details of things, such as weighing golf shoes with his kitchen scales.
Jonathan is a member at Alwoodley Golf Club and regularly gets out on the golf course to maintain his handicap of five.
