Bandit STAMINA™ LYRA RACE CROP&Tracksmith Bell Lap Top
I’ll be honest—I never really got the hype around Bandit. The designs didn’t quite speak to me, but after seeing so many runners and influencers repping the brand, I started to wonder… is Bandit actually worth it? (Okay fine, their marketing totally worked on me.)
Another reason I hadn’t pulled the trigger before was because my size (Small) is always sold out. So when I saw the Lyra Crop Top finally restocked two weeks ago, I figured it was time to give it a shot.
Coincidentally, Tracksmith was running their Medal Silver sale at the same time, so I also grabbed the Bell Lap Top. They both arrived the same day—perfect timing for a side-by-side comparison.
I’ve always loved Tracksmith—their color palette and fabric choices are just nothing can go wrong. But between these two tops? Surprisingly, Bandit takes the win. Here’s why: • The Lyra Crop has two sleek side pockets built into the tank. Perfect for stashing gels on race day—something the Bell Lap Top doesn’t offer. • There’s a built-in bra layer in the Lyra Crop, which gives it better coverage and support. The Bell Lap, on the other hand, is a single layer, so I need to add pads if I don’t want anything showing through.
However, the Lyra fabric is noticeably thicker. If you’re in a cooler climate, that might not be an issue. But here in Florida, where I need everything to be thin and light, the Bell Lap is definitely more breathable.
Final thoughts: Both are solid choices for racing and training. Bell lap top is $80 origibal price $59 on sale, Lyra crop top is $ 82 original price $72 for members, so they are not cheap as running tops. If you’re debating between the two, I hope this helps you decide.
