This is my first neck warmer (aside from what's built in on a balaclava), so I don't have a lot to compare to.
However, I've been satisfied with it, and use it all the time lately in the winter on both rides and jogs.
The material is pretty thin, but it seems to do a good job of keeping my neck (and face) warm. Also, it's not a tapered hourglass piece of fabric, like it kind of looks like in a picture, but just a straight rectangular item when you put it out flat. It's got a bit of a stretch to it, so it goes easily over your head, and fits around your neck ok. I can use it several times before it begins to stink, probably due to the merino wool content.
If it's really cold, I can pull it up so it covers my ears and nose and mouth, or keep my nose out if I want. It will fit that way under a cycling cap with ear "flaps" so your ears keep warm.
I should have bought this a long time ago.
I was looking for a warmer cap to wear, to go along with what I already have. My main needs are to keep my head and ears warm, and try to keep good visibility.
I own a wool balaclava -- super warm, what I wear in the coldest weather, but it seems to block out a bit of peripheral vision, sometimes fogs up my glasses, and has no bill to block out the sun low on the horizon.
I also own a basic wool cap -- pretty warm, has a small bill, but doesn't cover my ears as well, so they get cold if I'm out for a while.
The Endura Pro SL Winter Cap -- I'd say about as warm as my other wool gear, but has much bigger "flaps" to cover my ears, has little reflective panels, and it has a bill big enough to block the sun. On the down side, it's a little louder, and seems to trap in sweat a little bit more (but I've only noticed this if I wear it jogging, not so much on a bike).
After having used this for a few weeks, I think the Endura is my favorite, if I pair it with a neck warmer. If it's absolutely brutally cold, and I have to ride, I'll grab the balaclava. But if I'm commuting, and need to look around a lot, I like the Endura much better.
Temperature comfort is variable and subjective. While one rider can ride in shorts another (me) needs something warmer. I tend to prefer starting a ride a little light dressed and slightly uncomfortable, knowing once I warm up in a few miles I�m fine. So I�ve worn these from low 50 F down to 28 F and they are comfortable across that range. Temperature comfort without restricting motion.
I ride 150-200 miles per week so they get plenty of exposure time for a fair test. As construction, workmanship and seat padding comfort go, Assos are second to none in my experience. Well worth the premium price.
These are a good pair of medium/heavyish weight gloves. They do run a bit small, but overall work well. I usually have these out on a ride of 25-40ish F type weather in moderate amount of rain. Below 25, especially on a downhill where it can get to as low as 16F, they don't provide enough warmth and at that point, I switch to heavier weight gloves. But that's why it's a good idea to have multiple pair of gloves for all types of riding weather!
