Just received my KUIU 145 LS Shirts... anyone else?

[dreamingbig]

I am not a fan of the blend with the polyester so I stayed away from this one.

 

[bbrown]

I have no experience with the 145 but I did pick up one of the branded black Kuiu short sleeve merino (155 I think) shirts just a couple months ago. It seems to be more itchy than my kuiu 185 and it already has a hole after only a wearing it a half dozen times.

I have to agree with Ryan - I have tried First Lite, Sitka, Kuiu, SW and one other that I cant think of and Firstlite is the only one I will buy from here on out.
The Firstlite is the most comfortable to me and has held up way better. I have a Llano shirt that I have used a ton every year for the past 3 or 4 years and it barely shows but the Kuiu 185 I picked up last year already has a hole and looks very used but has only been used on 2 trips.

 

[eltaco]

Where were you guys before I bought the whole system? ....

I'll give the 185 a go if they ever show up. The outside of the 230 feels completely different than the 145 to me.

 

[bbrown]

Ha - I like all of Kuiu outer layers just not sold on their merino. Another thing I really like on the FL is the thumb holes in the sleeves - I always laughed at people wearing these until I tried them. I still use my Kuiu 185 and like it but I just don't see it lasting and will be replaced with another Llano when the time comes.

On the other hand, I got to put hands on the new FL outer layers and I was not all that impressed. Seemed rather loud and heavy to me.

 

[Juan_ID]

145 is lighter weight blend, I think it was 63% merino / 37% poly blend. I've never held the 185 so I can't say how much thinner it is.


What has me intrigued about "the itch" is that the 230 feels fantastic.... no issues for me at all. Its obviously heavier than I want to go for an all day layer, but it's straight Merino.

The 230 is actually a wool/poly blend too... But I agree it's got no itch and is super comfy for me as well...

 

[dreamingbig]

I have no issues with there regular 185s and 250s. I even have a 230 and like that as well but I use the 185 and 250 as base layers.

 

[jquarnberg]

After a wash the 145 has a very nice feel. The material seems much more durable than the original 185 I shredded up pretty good. The 145 weight feels cooler and should be great for early archery. BUT that color is just driving me crazy. Surely they can print a better match than that! In vias the color shade difference is very bad.

 

[Bearcat]

I have the 185 and it had the funky wet dog smell too but after a couple washes it goes away. The 230 is suppose to have brushed poly on the inside and knit wool on the outside so probaly why feels so nice on skin. The lighter weight and durability of the blend is appealing but I wonder about stink factor vs 100% merino after a few hot days in the backcountry?

 

[Juan_ID]

How about some pics of the color differences? On the site it doesn't look any different than any of the other tops.

 

[Slim Jim]

I have the 185 and it is very comfy and fits well. Compared to my FL I would go with the FL its more comfy, dries quicker and keeps you warmer when wet. Just my .02
I don't think that merino wool holds up very well because my FL boxers already have holes in them after only one season and the kanab pants ripped holes in easily (sold those). My Llano ls crew seems to be holding up pretty well though into season two. We'll see how the 185 holds up after this season

 

[eltaco]

The color seems pretty good on Verde... no complaints there.

I just sent one shirt thru the wash. Hopefully the itch is gone by the time it dries. Still smells like funk a bit though.

I gave KUIU a call and they are out of stock on 185s and Tiburon... doesn't sound like there's any sense on waiting since season is approaching.

I have a feeler out for some 185 shirts. Hopefully I come to some solution soon.

 

[mtswampfox]

wore the ss today while running errands in se ga. hot and humid and stayed comfy all day. you could really feel the air from the truck thru this lightweight merino. agree it does have a slight itch factor but not enough to be alarmed but know that is a personal thing . fit of the x-large was typical snug on me but looked good as far as hugging the body. if it is durable at all would make me a great early season stand alone shirt.