Ground Effect Sniper baggies

Ground Effect’s most XC-oriented shorts, the Snipers are lighter and slimmer than their New Zealand-made siblings.  By bringing the legs up higher than has become fashionable, the Snipers are intended to sit above knee pads without interfering, keeping them cooler on warm days and out of the way of linkages, QRs, and the like. Storage is limited to a single zippered security pocket on the left thigh, complete with the brand’s trademark sewn-in tube patch.

In a slightly brown-ish “Seal Gray” with royal blue accents (black is also available), the Snipers make for a handsome short.  Though the reduced leg length feels odd at first, it really doesn’t look strange when worn- and the legs are considerably longer than Lycra shorts we all used to wear.

Like most Ground Effect products, the Snipers are clearly built to last.  After a half-season in the desert, our review pair are still looking fresh.  Enduring construction does mean that they’re slightly warmer than less-substantial alternatives- but the shorter length and mesh vents really do help.

While riding, the Snipers all but disappear- the Velcro waist adjusters sit cleanly against the waist and the cut is well-arranged for pedaling.  The zippered-and-poppered fly works as intended and is offset slightly in a way that reduces interference with pack waistbelts.

Unlined, Ground Effect recommends their own Underdogs liner with the outers.  Unfortunately, the padded mesh undershorts are sized differently than the outers- where the small Snipers fit a 30in waist well, the same-size Underdogs felt a whole size larger and couldn’t be tested (no XS is offered).  Medium and larger riders would do well to size down if liners are needed.

Overall: While the reduced length will put some off, the Snipers are a well-made and high-performing all-day short. Given their durability and function, there’s no reason to think that one wouldn’t get more than their  £60/$100 worth out of a pair.