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The Brooks Infiniti Hybrid Wind Shirt may not be new to this falls’ line up, but it is worth a glance as it packs some key features into a small package. For starters, the top is aptly named a hybrid shirt; the front fabric of this top is truly wind resistant, while other high heat producing areas are comprised of a more breathable or light weight fabric. The hybrid nature of the top makes it a good choice for fall and winter runs as the wind is quite powerful here in Colorado during these seasons.
The front of the top is made from a tightly woven polyester fabric, while the stretch knit panels incorporate polyester with spandex. The entire front of this top utilizes the wind resistant fabric to help keep the core warm. The top features a 1/2 zip that allows you to better dissipate heat if you start to heat up, which is longer than most pull over tops’ which feature a traditional quarter zip. The zippered area is also wind resistant thanks to incorporation of a flap of wind resistant fabric behind the zipper track. The zipper, when pulled up, sits in a zipper garage which means no zipper hitting or rubbing your chin while running, a major plus. In the photo above, you can also see the Infiniti Hybrid Wind Shirt also features thumb holes and longer sleeves to keeps the vast majority of your hands covered. I found this feature to be a life saver for when the temperature drops abruptly while out on a run; the area the covers the top of your hand features the wind resistant fabric, while the palm and around the thumb is the stretchy fabric.
The photo below clearly shoes the different areas of wind resistant fabric vs stretch paneling for the back of the top. The lighter or more pale teal is the wind resistant fabric, while the darker teal is the stretch or lighter weight polyester paneling. As you can see, the back panel utilizes the more breathable fabric, which allows you to keep cool and helps to dissipate heat, even while wearing with a running pack. The stretchy panels are also aptly placed under the arms and on the back of the arms. One area that I though should utilize the light fabric is over the front of the elbows as I found that sweat tended to build up in this area.
As you can see from the photo above, the top is a tad tight on my broad shoulders. According to the size guide, I am a size medium and I felt that the fit of the top was more fitted than some of Brooks’ other pull over tops. Therefore, I felt that the Infiniti Hybrid, in my book, runs a bit small. If you plan on layering over another long sleeve, then I recommend sizing up. If you only plan to wear the top over a tank or light tech tee, then the size guide shouldn’t lead you too far astray in your ordering process, just know it is more semi-fitted and less stretchy due to the incorporation of the wind resistant panels.
The Infiniti Hybrid Wind Shirt is available in 3 colors and size XS to XL for women. Fortunately, this top is also available for men as well. Both tops retail for $95. Overall, the Infiniti Hybrid Wind Shirt is a good alternative to wearing a jacket as it does an excellent job at protecting you from the elements, while also providing breathability.
Shannon, our fabulous female tester, takes gear testing to a new level for women. When not at work or school, she is most likely training for a marathon, climbing one of Colorado’s tallest peaks, riding her road bike, or skiing down a mountain slope. Like many women, Shannon gets cold easily, therefore, we try to test the best all weather gear to help her stay warm and dry during all day outdoor pursuits. In the warmer months, Shannon enjoys exploring the Colorado backcountry with her friends and dogs and attempts to escape for as many trail runs as her schedule allows. Shannon is a great women’s tester because she gives readers true insight into how a product may perform for an active woman.
