Abacus Sunningdale half-zip sweater 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 Sunningdale half-zip midlayer.
Abacus Sunningdale half-zip sweater 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
- Wide range of colours
CONS
- A drawcord hem would be nice
Abacus Sunningdale half-zip sweater
Now: £89
Check out the best deals on the Abacus Sunningdale half-zip sweater
First Impressions
The midlayer is a crucial item in a golfer’s wardrobe as the weather turns cooler. Abacus offer a range of sweaters and jackets in their autumn range in a variety of materials and thicknesses, all designed to provide insulation along with freedom of movement. Here we test out the Sunningdale half-zip sweater.
This model is available in no less than seven colours, ranging from a muted olive through to the rather striking eucalyptus that we tested. The range of colour options means that you are sure to find something that suits your particular outfit. Most of the colours feature a solid contrast fabric at the shoulders and side panels, to enhance the visual impact. This model is a half-zip construction, which is my personal preference. It’s also available in full-zip, but in just three colours.
The so-called drycool fabric (made from 100% polyester) felt soft and quite stretchy, and a little thinner than the average midlayer. There is a grid pattern on the brushed fleece inside of the garment, for added warmth and air circulation. An ‘Abacus count on it’ motif decorates the right shoulder.
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 quite often found myself pulling the sleeves up as part of my pre-shot routine. That said, I was able to test 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.
I generally tested this over a base layer and, if it was chillier, beneath a gilet/vest. Despite the relaxed fit, the garment felt quite a lot warmer than I was anticipating , considering the thickness of the fabric. There was no restriction to the swing, nor was there any interference from material hanging down when playing those tricky little chips. The drycool fabric is billed as being breathable and moisture wicking and it certainly behaved as such during testing, with no moisture build up.
I normally carry my golf bag, particularly over the winter months, and I have experienced ‘pilling’ at the back of the garment with other similar weight midlayers but there was no hint that this was going to be an issue with the Sunningdale.
The 19th hole
So here we have another piece of functional and smart clothing from Abacus. Not only is it warm and comfortable, it’s also very easy to care for – just a cool wash and no need to get the iron out.
The reasonably low key branding means that this is something that could be worn away from the golf course if you wish and there is, of course, a wide range of colours to pick from. If this garment had a hem drawcord then I think that would perhaps give a slightly more fitted look, but that is a minor issue really in what is a premium bit of kit.
Fit: True to Size/Small/Large
Comfort: 9.5/10
Value for Money: 9.5/10
Sizes: UK S-XXL
Colour options: Choice of eight.
Abacus Sunningdale half-zip sweater
Now: £89
Check out the best deals on the Abacus Sunningdale half-zip sweater
The Details
Available: Now
RRP: £89.99
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.
