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Looking to update your winter wardrobe? Steve Carroll has put the Lyle & Scott Windshield 1/2 Zip Midlayer to the test
Lyle & Scott’s Half Zip Midlayer is designed to provide comfort when worn during windy days out on the course.
Lyle & Scott Windshield Half Zip Midlayer review: NCG Summary
NCG SUMMARY
Exceptional performance in cold and windy conditions, this is a very solid midlayer.
PROS
Excellent performance in the wind.
Easy freedom of movement when swinging clubs.
Lining doesn’t rustle as much as other models.
CONS
Fabric seems a little prone to snags.
Lyle & Scott Windshield Half Zip Midlayer review: First Impressions
We’re in that tricky time, aren’t we? Too cold for shirts and sleeves but still too warm to don a jacket.
It can leave you in the twilight zone of discomfort on the golf course – as you’re forever fidgeting with layers rather than concentrating on your shots.
This is where the midlayer comes into its own, and Lyle & Scott have got a half zip model that should definitely be in your thoughts if you’re looking to find the ideal garment for autumn and early spring.
The Windshield Half Zip Midlayer has a polyester and cotton body, a polyester lining, and a trim containing stretchy elastane.
It’s all designed to do one thing – keep in heat and block out the wind. It boasts that classic Lyle & Scott design that many of us love about the brand: simple, but elegant, and good looking out on the course.
No huge emblems here – just the discreetly off-centre-placed golden eagle logo you’ve come to expect. It has a sizeable pocket on the right-hand side and fits comfortably, without being too baggy, which can often be a problem with this type of clothing.
The arm length is good too, sitting just above the wrist and ensuring you’re not forever shifting it up and down as you take and move between shots.
Lyle & Scott Windshield Half Zip Midlayer review: On The Course
It was blowing a gale when I wore this for the first time but, if the sudden gusts hadn’t forced several hasty retrievals of headware, I wouldn’t have noticed it through the Lyle & Scott Windshield Half Zip Midlayer.
It’s a master at protecting the cold getting in but also the warm getting out. It’s also extremely comfortable to swing in and the elastane in the trim comes into its own during those sudden movements.
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There is nothing worse than having to keep pulling down your top because it keeps riding up and this has plagued me with other midlayers.
This stays nicely in place and it will be interesting to see how that continues with repeated wear.
Another factor to consider with these kinds of garments is the noise. A good lining will block out the elements but it can also rustle, making it sound like you’re wearing a plastic bag as you move.
This windshield is not soundproof. You will hear that familiar shimmering tone. But it’s more electric car than noisy diesel. It’s not off-putting and, after a couple of holes, you’ll have forgotten about it entirely.
There was some irritation, though, when I glanced down to my left after about four holes and saw two significant snags in the fabric. I’d deliberately avoided carrying a bag, hadn’t been anywhere near any undergrowth, and yet there they still were – taunting me like a giant spot arriving on the morning of a teenager’s prom.
You’d like to hope that the fabric was a bit more robust, and this was just an aberration, but it would still be pretty annoying to find on a new buy nonetheless.
To finish on a positive, though, this midlayer does a brilliant job of keeping you warm and blocking out the buffeting winds in what can be changeable conditions at this time of year.
Lyle & Scott Windshield Half Zip Midlayer review: The 19th hole
Now to the moment of truth – a cycle through the washing machine. My previous experience of windshields is that they bend out of shape, never to feel the same again, once they’ve tumbled around for half an hour at 30 degrees. Not even a firm iron can set them right. They feel like they’ve shrunk and they get shoved to the back of the wardrobe.
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I am delighted to report that is anything but the case with the Lyle & Scott Windshield Half Zip Midlayer.
It held its position superbly, with not a hint of movement in the fabric. I can’t tell you how big a plus this is for your confidence in forking out a not insignificant sum and knowing it’s going to remain a forefront of your autumn and early spring apparel thoughts.
And, on the whole, his garment is exceptional. It’s simple, but classic, looks will appeal not only to the traditionalist but those who want to look stylish on the course and its performance in the wind is exceptional.
I’ve been used to layering up when the weather turns but combine this with the Lyle & Scott tech baselayer and a polo shirt and you’ll probably have everything you need until the ice starts arriving.
Fit: True to Size/Small/Large Comfort: 9/10 Value for Money: 8.5/10 Sizes: UK S-XXXL Colour options: Jet Black.
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