Shock Absorber D+ Max Sports Bra (style B109) : Super Light, Super Support

If you're like me and have trouble finding the right sports bra because you have a small bra size and large cup size, then you'll be happy to hear about Shock Absorber's B109 sports bra.

I tested this bra several years ago, and really liked it, but had forgotten how well it worked because I've been wearing the old one around and it's past its prime...and I've gone up a few cup sizes. So, revisiting this bra was a surprising treat.

There really is nothing better than a bra that fits. Slipping on this bra in the correct size felt incredible. No spillage under my arms (my mother and I call those bulges "three" and "four"), no straps digging into my shoulders. If you haven't already, get yourself to a Nordstrom's or to another lingerie shop and get professionally fitted. Eight our of ten women are wearing the wrong size bras!

What I love about this Shock Absorber bra is that when I pick it up it feels super lightweight and flimsy. No underwire, and no apparent support system. When I look at the centimeter-wide band, I think the bra can't possible give me what I need -- serious support for my bouncing melons. Then I put it on and go for a one-hour power walk through very hilly terrain, and I'm reassured that Shock Absorber knows a few things about sports bras.

Because the bra is so lightweight, it's ideal for all my fitness activities. It's also made out of wicking material that provides good breathability. Even when I'm completely drenched in sweat, I don't feel soggy. More important, I don't feel any difference in function. I like the adjustable straps and love that they're wide and padded where they wrap over my shoulders. I also appreciate the three-hook enclosure. When you're top heavy like me, the more hooks the better to anchor the bra.

Normally, I wouldn't even try on a bra that didn't have at least an inch-thick band around the front of the bra, but somehow, Shock Absorber has managed to produce a sports bra with incredible support without some of the usual design elements I think I need.

Sizes: 32-40, D/DD/E/F/FF/G/H. Available in white, beige, black, and hot pink. (I have the beige bra-and love it's taupe shade.) If you buy the pink one from www.lessbounce.com, part of your purchase price goes to a breast cancer charity.

This bra is rated for maximum impact. I think that rating is accurate. I don't run in it because I have to have maximum compression and zero movement (because I'm completely obsessive), but I think most women my size (32FF) or smaller would feel comfortable wearing this for running. (Soon I'll be reviewing the even more supportive B517 sports bra - which I will run in. Look for that review around mid-Sept.)

Available in the US, UK, Europe.

I'd like to thank LessBounce.com, an online sports bra store based in England, for providing the test bras. They know a lot about bra fitting and have a variety of sports bras in all styles and sizes. If you'd like to support them, purchase the bra at their site, www.lessbounce.com, and please tell them you heard about them here.

Bottom LIne: This is one of my favorite sports bras (and also, an every day bra). Because it's so lightweight - it's easy to wash and to pack (as opposed to underwire bras, which require more care). It provides incredible support, and it's totally comfortable.--E.D. (Sept 09)

Price: $37 (£25.50)

Manufacturer's Site: www.shockabsorber.co.uk

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