This is a compression-style, non-encapsulated sports bra. It was a GODSEND to me years ago when I bought it - you know, when you've been wearing an underwire and at least two "compression" sports bras over it and that helps the pain but you're still bouncing all over the place... I will say that I owned this as my only sports bra for many (not very active) years and though the tag is basically worn off the rest of the bra (read: stretch/compression) is still in great shape.
Anyway, shock absorber is a great bra, but I'm a firm Panache Sport underwire convert now.
This bra is a little too small all over for me, but it works well when worn with homemade extenders. The fabric is firm and wicks sweat well, and the bra restricts motion pretty well for at least moderate exercise (elliptical). I don't care much for the colors, but the construction is attractive enough.
This bra is mediocre. There are a lot of really minor problems with it- a 30 band was too small and a 32 is slightly too big so I have to wear it on the tightest hook if I want support (for reference, I usually wear a 28 or 30 in Freya bras.) I originally got it in a 30H and the cups were TINY- I spilled out on every side.
The cups are alright in this size, but they wrinkle at the bottom, give me uniboob, and don't provide enough support. The straps are wide but take too much of the weight that the band should provide. The elastic has a lot of give to it, so it doesn't really eliminate bounce. I wouldn't recommend it for any high-impact exercise if you're anywhere near as busty as I am.
However, if you're looking for a low-impact exercise bra or a sleep bra, this is pretty comfortable.
