The Ibex Pulse Runner short is a lightweight running short, with a 6 ½ inseam (size medium) and a relaxed fit. It is constructed of recycled 4-way stretch polyester outer shell with mesh side panels, and a Merino Wool boxer brief liner. The shorts include a 6” zip lumbar stash pocket, and an elastic waistband with adjustable drawcord. Our initial impression was really great for these shorts. Their outer fabrics and linear are very soft and comfortable. Our team was really excited to include Ibex in the shorts review.
Our testers wore the Pulse Runner shorts for short runs and longer runs up to 3 hours. Conditions varied from the treadmill in a garage, to hot mid-day road runs, and some chilly, pre-dawn trails. The shorts performed well, with no chafing from the merino liner. They seemed to bunch a little at the waist, probably due to the aggressive elastic waistband and while this didn’t do anything to affect performance, I didn’t really appreciate the esthetic result. While the outer shell seemed to breath and manage moisture well, the merino liner seemed a little warm, especially on warmer afternoon runs. However, for a chilly morning trail runs, the added warmth was a nice benefit. The Merino liner seemed to do a good job at managing body odor, which we never noticed as an issue while wearing the shorts on repeated outings. However, when the liner got a little sweaty or wet, the characteristic smell of wet wool was very persistent. The Pulse is a good short for an early spring or fall run when the temps cool down, but we would hesitate to wear them for a high output, long distance endurance event in warming temperatures. Overall, the Pulse Runner is a short good short, but a little costly.
Price – $85
Inseam – 6.5″
Overall – 4
Fit- 3
Appearance- 4
Durability -5
Wicking- 4
Odor management- 3.5
Length- 4.5