The folks at Quiksilver are stepping outside the box, attempting to fill an obvious void in surf apparel options and push beyond the over saturated surf industry clone war and into the world of exercise gear. Countless companies offer boardshorts and walkshorts, but these are not functional for exercising. Boardshorts don’t breathe and walkshorts don’t stretch. So Quiksilver has rolled the dice and unveiled a new line of traing gear called EQPT (Elite Quiksilver Performance Technology).
According to
Quiksilver, the EQPT line is constructed of an innovative fabric that promotes a more enjoyable and effective “off board” workout. EQPT sports several levels of technology that set it apart from other surf brands.
Quikfresh (anti-odor),
Quikdry (sweat transport),
Quikblock (UV protection), and
Quikrepel (wind/ rain protection). Is this stuff the real deal or is it a lot of hot air?
To answer this question, I tried the Constellation (made of a polyester, mesh, and spandex blend), Insuborbination (Long sleeve exercise shirt), and the interestingly named Nail Gun(exercise shorts with secret Velcro pouch).
The Trial
I threw the EQPT gear into some serious surf-related and not so surf-related activities. Beginning with a dawn patrol mission to the beach, I pulled on the Constellation, a short-sleeve camouflage tee-shirt made of equal parts spandex and polyester. While it appeared similar to lycra, there was a much cooler and lighter feel with its loose fit and thin fabric. The shirt didn’t strike me as unique until after my session.
Baking under the hot rising sun and still panting and sweating from some good, warm Florida waves, the wicking technology seemed to really cool my skin and kept me from sweating on the ride home, and it didn’t look bad with a pair of jeans either.
Next up was a more intense trial of the long-sleeve Insubordination, which included mowing the lawn below a brutal 95 degree Florida sun. In addition to the wicking action that really keeps the sweat from accumulating, the sun protection is top notch. There is zero direct heat intrusion from the sun. Any dark cotton colors let the heat be known and light cotton colors let in UV light. I can say for sure that the EQPT lived up to its claim of anti-sweat and anti-sun. As for the Quikfresh technology, I can’t really say. I wasn’t stinking or anything, but that may be my natural anti-odor abilities.
Lastly, I took the interestingly named Nail Gun EQPT shorts for a run on the treadmill and a long bike ride. I can say confidently that these babies are comfortable, loose fitting, and light with lots of breathing and stretching capacity. The light blue ,knee-length, lycra/spandex/mesh shorts also boast a secret Velcro inner pocket to keep money and keys safe from your exercise vigor.
Overall, I enjoyed trying out the EQPT gear. I found the shorts and shirts to be durable and comfortable, while still sporting that Quiksilver soul that surfers have been digging on for decades. Wearing non-cotton material took a little getting used to, but the unique fabric had some obvious benefits in the gym, on the beach, and even on the lawn. Other styles of EQPT gear range from sweat pants to jackets, in addition to the shorts and shirts I have reviewed. They may not make you stronger and faster during your workouts or outdoor activities, but the EQPT clothing definitely lives up to Quiksilver claims.
