As a base layer, range shirts need to provide adequate sun and skin protection – while still maintaining enough ventilation so as not to overheat the wearer. Introduced in 2021, the Boss Rugby shirt from Velocity Systems is intended to provide those aspects to those who wear their gear all day.
Made from a proprietary blend of both 83% nylon and 17% spandex, the fabric of the Boss Rugby is treated with a soil-release dye, and OdorexxTM antimicrobial to minimize fabric soil and stains. This also has the added benefit of providing a moisture wicking effect, with some effect of stretch and fabric recovery. It also gives some measure of UV light protection with UVA at 97.98%, and UVB at 89.84%.
At the neck, the Boss Rugby has a “rugby style” V-cut collar for a comfortable fit that avoids having the shirts collar press against the throat that may come from wearing a plate carrier or chest rig. The rear 2/3s of the collar has an increased collar line than at the front to offer additional protection for the neckline from rifle slings.
Both shoulders have an optional envelope-style pocket for small accessories or field items. On the top of these pockets is a field of hook-and-loop (female) that can be used for attaching identification or morale patches.
At the bottom, the hem of the shirt is a split-tail design with a slight extended coverage on the back to mitigate pulling when bent over or stretching.
The Boss Rugby is available in Multicam (featured), Multicam Black, Coyote, OD Green, Ranger Green, Red, Wolf Grey, and Black while comes in sizes between XSmall and 3XL.
Product Evaluation Scores:
- Cost – Average (3/5): At an MSRP of $71 to $77.00 (based on color selection), the Boss Rugby shirt (short sleeve) is one of several shirts in the Velocity product line, and one intent on giving a more professionalized and functional appearance for the end-user on range or elsewhere. Made of a variety of lightweight materials, the design of the Boss Rugby is to provide added protection to high-abrasion areas, while providing the breathability over typical 100% cotton collared shirts. Alternatives for the Rugby Boss include the Tactical Rugby Ss ($99.99) by Kryptec, the Combat Shirt Short Sleeve ($54.99) from Propper, or the Op Top ($90.00) from Born Primitive. The market price for rugby-styled or collared shirts is driven by design and (predominantly) material, thus the Boss Rugby shirt provides a light and functional outer layer (or as a base layer) that provides the wearer comfort and breathability at an appropriate (or average) cost.
- Comfort – Good (4/5): Due to the design and fabrics, the Boss Rugby shirt had a great deal of breathability in the fabric that allotted for good airflow and moisture wicking. This allowed for easy airflow across the shoulders and upper back that notably assisted in heat mitigation. The difference in comparison to a regular cotton shirt or collared polo was apparent as the Boss Rugby lightweight material felt more flexible, and offered improved moisture wicking for sweat mitigation. This made it ideal for wear in the spring and summer when ventilation is key, but less so in obviously winter due to individual heat loss and should be layered. The higher style collar also added a fair degree of abrasion prevention to the neck and shoulders from rifle slings or other associated gear. Multiple wash cycles did yield in a slight curl of the collar (likely due to tightening of the fabric after drying).
- Durability – Average (3/5): While the Boss Rugby was made from a combination of nylon and spandex that remained light, flexible, and breathable, it had an appropriate (or average) level of durability as other range shirts. The fabric was still susceptible to some stains or other resins common to ammunition carbon and other elements. While the nylon element would provide some level of durability when worn with other gear, during movement/usage it was observed contact with hook-and-loop (male) material from various gear, belt, or carrier points did pluck at the material and cause preliminary fraying at the topical layer of fabric, which will likely exacerbate wear over time. This could lead to needing replacement over time if the friction against the hook-and-loop is persistent. Lastly, with washing there was still a minimal amount of shinkage from the material (most likely the nylon aspect), so it is recommended that the shirt be washed cold, then dried on a low heat or hung.
- Functionality – Good (4/5): While the Boss Rugby shirt was intended as a base layer that provided a functional use and professional appearance, it also maintained good breathability, and an appropriate abrasion resistance. The OdorexxTM material did provide some minor level of day-long odor control provided the shirt was given a typical level of body oil associated to sweat (which in turn is associated to the bacteria that exists naturally in odor). Naturally, when not cleaned, then the oils built up and the odor could overtake the materials ability to mitigate smell. So take the hint, and wash your Rugby shirt after wearing it. Otherwise the sleeve pockets and hook-and-loop (female) material served as the main useful purpose for the Boss Rugby shirt to store short-term or flat items. The length of the shirt’s rear material was sufficiently longer than the front. and prevented slippage or “riding up” over time and with more dynamic movements that frequently necessitated bending at the waist. It should be noted that the sizing of the Boss Rugby runs slightly tight as an athletic fit at the chest and arms due to its intended design of maintaining minimal bulk in conjunction with other gear. While the reviewer typically wears an XL shirt, in the case of the Boss Rugby, an XXL was sized more comfortably for a looser fit. Those utilizing a typical size Medium or below reported no issue, and were able to order their correct sizing. One minor recommendation to consider for Velocity Systems would be to add a pen sleeve to one of the sleeves, to add that ability to retain writing implements, or perhaps a fabric loop at the collar to attach PTT switches or ID cards.
- Weight – Average (3/5): At a mere 9.3 ounces (for a reviewed XXL), the Boss Rugby shirt had a similar weight to those of other range or cotton shirts with similar features and materials. The blend of materials afforded the shirt to be very light and breathable, while not making the overall fabric excessively heavy (esp. when wet or when the fabric was burdened with sweat). In contrast, the Tactical Rugby Ss (11.5 ounces) by Kryptec, the Combat Shirt Short Sleeve (6.5 ounces) from Propper, or the Op Top (7.76 ounces) from Born Primitive all illustrate that while the weight varies in mere ounces, the Boss Rugby was still one of the heavier options and appropriate (or average) amid the market with its flexible material, added OdorexxTM, and overall design.
Overall Rating – Above Averge (17/25)
Product Link: https://www.velsyst.com/products/boss-rugby
I am reviewing this product as a courtesy to the manufacturer and via High Ground Media, LLC, so that I can evaluate it and provide my honest feedback. I am not bound by any written, verbal, or implied contract to give positive reviews. All views are my own, and based off my personal experience with the product.
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