Polo Explorer (2007)
by Ralph Lauren

The bottle's military-issue-style and rugged looks certainly complement the forest green of my fatigues. It even fits into one of the compartment for navigation devices. But how does the scent fare? Like many RL frags, the top notes carry a fat juicy bait on a big hook with which to snag a sale. But I had learnt my lesson from the massive 'posterior end' that was Polo Black and waited to see if the hook was all there is to the scent. It was at this point that POLO EXPLORER's pleasantly constructed woodsy aromatic revealed another side of RL that may well be worth exploring.

The bottle screams ruggedness. Forest-green with hunting-orange details, as well as a rubber cap suggest field equitment.

The scent itself is very woody, as people have mentioned. There's also a certain amount of green- when I first smelled this stuff I swore that I could detect a vauge suggestion of pine, however I can't really now. One word that comes to mind when I think about this stuff is "dry". It's pleasent and smooth, however it's light and it really doesn't last the long on my skin.

Overall, this stuff is okay. It's safe, one of those scents where you don't have to worry about people being offended by a prominent note.

EDIT: Since buying this I've recieved incredibly positive response from my female friends (21-23yo). It's been described as "subtle, yet still good". I have to say that it's also grown on me quite a bit- I find it to be sweeter in it's opening now, but it isn't a turn-off. The mid-notes also have found a place in my heart. Longevity is still a problem, but now I usually carry around a mini when I'm wearing this so that I can reapply.

Hi there ^.^

I really love this fragrance as being a big fan of Polo Ralph Lauren myself. This EDT does not turn me down at all. It smells woody (agreed with foetidus), refreshing and adventurous as the name implies.

Only bad point is it does not last long on me. I have no idea about other people but the longevity of this EDT for me is 2 hours at most. The price is also a bit high compared to others, but not as high as Amrani Code :P

Cheers,

Polo Explorer has a strongly aromatic opening, and the aromatic impact continues for the relatively speedy run of the fragrance. The cistus from the middle is likely responsible for this dominant force. It adds an aura to Polo Explorer that probably accounts for the feeling of strength and potency as well as for the implication of wood. To be honest, I really don’t think the fragrance (except for the aromatics) projects very well, and I really don’t smell the wood listed in the base of the pyramid. The sandalwood and mahogany (there’s mahogany there?) are quite recessive and the least potent elements in the entire fragrance. But the amber and patchouli come through beautifully to augment what is essentially a cistus / semi-leather fragrance with a consistent bergamot background and bit of a coriander freshness. What wood impact is there is attributable to the patchouli, and since patchouli qualifies as wood, I guess Explorer deserves the label “woody aromatic”: But it would be a clearer distinction to call it an aromatic patchouli fragrance … or, better yet, a lightweight aromatic. All that said, I must say I enjoy Explorer: This is a chancy departure for Ralph Lauren… Explorer and Polo Double Black seem to begin to show that maybe RL is again getting serious about creating decent masculine fragrances. I welcome that… it’s been a long dry spell and it would be excellent to find a deserving heir to Polo Green, Polo Crest, and Safari. (Edit of 13 September 2008 review.)

Starts out with a fresh green minty patchouli, then develops a lemony oatmeal vibe that segues into an herbal vegetable soup mess (oregano and a little sage). Kinda gives me that green champa incense vibe...The best thing about it is the synthetic patchouli (dry and powdery, ala beyond paradise) and that really shone brightest on paper versus my skin...not bad for a ho-hum office scent in autumn, but Eddie Bauer Adventurer 2 is much better. I would only pick this if I felt like I needed the RL label when people ask, but I have kinda lost interest in the cache of RL these days, go with 3rd man or Yatagan if you really want quality.

I am in love! I cannot compare it to anything. I received it as a birthday gift and it hit me right on the spot. I am not a big fan of Ralph Lauren's colognes, though I appreciate their own value and presence. This is one is my new favorite! Could it be the Cuban mahogany? Since I am Cuban and having had my bedroom furniture in very old Cuban Mahogany, maybe that smell strikes a cord and brings me back to my infancy? I don't know, but it is a very manly woody aroma with a soft flower and fruit accord that makes me feel happy and youthful. I was needing a young scent that was not citric, and just anytime pleasant, and I've just found it!