Planet X merino base layers - anyone else smell of wet sheep

mr_sj

Got an email back from px saying they are aware of the problem and after a few washes they should be sweet smelling !

jimmcdonnell

I haven't had any further replies since the initial 'we'll look into it...' one, but my regime of wear/febreze/wash/repeat seems to be reducing the whiff gradually.

Lovely stuff when it doesn't smell, I'd probably risk buying On-One again if there were similar cheap deals...

I have nearly identical but non-merino Craft base layers, and they are indeed good but the merino is nicer.

And as for Helly Hansen - I'd rather smell of merino sheep than B.O., which is what Helly does after a day's riding!

on-yer-bike

Mine are OK now I have worn and washed them a few times. It was never that bad.

koulis1984

Just to revive the tread I bought 2 merino 120gr white sleeveless Baselayers from planetx today and the minute i got them out of the packet they smelled sooooo bad.
Is the smell going to get better after a few washes or should I just return them for a refund

MattC59

Not all Merino is equal........... hence the huge variation in price. Basically, you get what you pay for. I believe that there has to be a minimum Merino content for it to be termed Merino. The better quality tops have a high (if not 100%) Merino content and are softer, the cheaper ones can be blended. Lesser wools smell like wet dog when wet; I've got a lovely lambs wool jumper and I smell like a dog that's been murgling in the woods, in the rain when it gets wet.

I primarily use Baa Baa tops when I'm cycling, as unless it's really cold I don't feel the need for a long sleeved base layer. I've never had an issue with them smelling, when dry or wet. My Icebreakers get used mainly when I'm skiing as they're a bit thicker, and they can end up getting soaked; again, no smell. the nicest ones I've got are Orca, and they're streets ahead of anything else I've worn. In fact I'm wearing a midweight at the moment and it's ace !!!

springtide9

FYI

All the PX Merino baselayers and tops are 100% Merino:
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/c/q/clo ... erino_wool

MattC59

springtide9 wrote:

FYI

All the PX Merino baselayers and tops are 100% Merino:
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/c/q/clo ... erino_wool

Then I can only assume that they have a sh*te manufacturing process, or the manufacturers buy poorly processed wool. Why else would they stink ?

jimmcdonnell

I've just worn the On-One again after a winter in long sleeve base layers, and after some vigorous sweating the smell's still there (the wool, not just my own Attractive Musk™ *), but it's not as bad. It's definitely diminishing with successive washes. On balance, I'll tolerate the initial pong for the cheapness.

I'd really like some long sleeve layers in a merino this light (120 denier(?) instead of the 180 or 200 weight you usually get. Any suggestions?






(* - this is my opinion, and I'm sticking with it)

apreading

I got some lighter dhb merino base layers from wiggle - because I was sweating with a thicker one under my gore soft shell. Seem pretty good and price was good too.

ajroad

I've had the same issue with mine - definitely smelly when wet. It's a shame, the price is very good and they are very comfortable and perform well. Not sure yet if the smell is diminishing with washing. I would buy more if PX can sort out this issue with them, or tell me what to do to rid them of the pong. Anyone from PX care to comment?

mr_sj

i can confirm the smell does go after a few washes, mine were terrible when i first got them and coming into the house after a ride the smell was pretty vile.

maybe 4 or 5 washes and no smell whatsoever now. im after another one but planet x have non in stock anymore in small or medium short sleeve

MattC59

Warm, soft, comfortable, not stinking but expensive.
Warm and stinking but cheap.

I'll stick with the first option.

xixang

looking into getting some of these - how do they size up - generous or tight?

apreading

I found the lightweight SS top was closer fitting than the LS half zip or the 190g SS

springtide9

MattC59 wrote:

springtide9 wrote:

FYI

All the PX Merino baselayers and tops are 100% Merino:
http://www.planet-x-bikes.co.uk/c/q/clo ... erino_wool

Then I can only assume that they have a sh*te manufacturing process, or the manufacturers buy poorly processed wool. Why else would they stink ?

I bought the 'deal' which included four different tops; I also own their merino jumper. None of mine 'stink'. In fact they don't smell at all, even after a number of rides.

If you read the full thread, it sounds like there might have been a bad batch (not dried properly at the factory?)... but the 'smell' goes away after a number of washes.

rainerhq

Do you guys recommend merino sleeveless base layer in warm conditions (25-30C)?
Base layer + ss jersey.

ajb72

rainerhq wrote:

Do you guys recommend merino sleeveless base layer in warm conditions (25-30C)?
Base layer + ss jersey.

not for me, far too warm at that temperature range. I have a rapha lightweight merino and even that would be too warm at 25c upwards, they make you sweat even more than normal and then hold the moisture in the garment.

I have a couple of Craft mesh type vest base layers and they work very well in warmer temperatures, wicking away sweat effectively.

rainerhq

Thanks.
I also have Craft base layer and it is superb.
Thought I´ll try merino, but after that info, I won´t. In winter I wear Brynje.

koulis1984

Update

Had a very fast response from PX and they reassured me the smell would dessipate after a few washes.
After the 5th wash today I can confirm they don't smell.


Thanks for all the responses