I recently reviewed 2XU compression tights and I was impressed by what I found. It is now my goal to try as many compression products as possible to try and determine which if any may offer some training or race benefit. This is not a scientific study by any means, just one guy’s opinion based on my current training demands and years of experience trying the “latest and greatest”; if I thought it might improve my performance legally.
I have been hesitant to run in calf-guards in public for fear that the fashion police would immediately swarm “swat team style” for my blatant disregard of one of my favorite phrases; “you’ve got to look good, to feel good”. So suffice it to say the majority of my non-scientific study of the merits of the 2XU calf-guard has been limited to my treadmill, or worn underneath tights as I brave the winter elements (and try and avoid the fashion police) here in Bend. This weekend however, I brazenly debuted this compression-chic at the Footzone winter race series #3 and they once again showed me their worth.
Perhaps even more than the tights I tried, the compression effect of the 2XU calf-guards are immediately noticeable. I believe the flexibility of this product, both literally and figuratively, makes this a must have for any hard training triathlete, cyclist or runner. I have come to “need” these calf-guards for all of my intense workouts. I have found that whether I am doing hard intervals on the bike or a 5km run like the one noted above, I am definitely less sore in the days and workouts following those that I have worn the calf-guards. I have experimented with a few compression socks (which I will review in the future), but absolutely would only consider the calf-guard for actual triathlon race implementation. The socks I have used are quite difficult to put on and I can’t imagine trying to put them on with sky high heart rate and wet feet that would normally be found in T2. These calf-guards on the other hand, can easily be worn during the swim or be put on quickly in transition.
The 2XU Compression Calf Guards are made of exceptional quality like all of the other products that I have seen from this manufacturer. The 50 denier lycra is not overwhelmingly tight but certainly offers a high level of support to hard working muscles. The stitching is durable, the style and graphics are great and the calf guards are available in black or white.
Steve Larsen testing the 2XU Compression Calf Guard at Footzone Winter Race Series #3 – Bend, OR. (See photos in my user profile)
Although I was skeptical early on, I am definitely becoming a believer in the compression movement. And who knows, if I can keep training at such a high level thanks to these calf-guards, I may even be able to out run the fashion police!
**Who should buy them? ** Anyone training with repeated high intensity or high volume workouts. In training, I can’t see how they can hurt and I know from experience that they can help.
How much do they cost?2XU Calf Guards suggested retail is $54.95
Where can I buy them?2XU Compression Gear, Apparel and Wetsuits are available at www.worldtri.com and other top multi- sport retailers.
Nice review. I love my 2XU compression calf guards. However, once you try a good compression sock, that includes compression in the foot (CEP, SLS3) you we jump and embrace full on dork. They make a considerable difference in my opinion.
Agreed. I was skeptical, and still think they look ridiculous. But they seem to work. I have the Skins version. I wore one only on my right calf, when I was rehabbing a minor injury and I believe they helped. I haven’t worn a pair yet, regularly. But probably will.
Is it even more of a fashion FUBAR to wear only one, and to go commando on the other?
I will be trying some compression socks in the weeks ahead so it will be interesting to see if my findings are the same as yours. It has certainly been interesting what I have found so far.
I believe back in the day, LL Cool J taught us that rolling up one leg of your pants meant you got laid the night before. So it could be interpreted that way as well I suppose!
one pant leg rolled up - A trend either worn by: a- celebrities such as LL Cool J back in the early 90’s or Eminem, b- the thug or gangsterish crowd, c- people who ride bikes.
Situation: Adam had “one pant leg rolled up” accidentally. Melissa gives him an awkward look. He says, “Yes I’m gangsta!” She replies, “You know who else wears their pants that way?.. People who ride bikes!”
Hysterical.
…and the new compression sleeves have the same amount of compression as our sox - no compromise anymore…
How do you know? Have you measured it? Not that it’s your responsibility, and I’m not being negative on your part. BUT, my biggest peeve with the whole “compression garment technology” is precisely around what you’re saying.
On your site, you list your sox as averaging 24-26mmHg and the sleeves as 26-28. 2XU doesn’t list anything. They just blather on about their 50&70 denier fabrics. On the CEP site, I found nothing that states their compression measurement. Zoot lists 18-30mmHg for their products, which is a regression from previously listing the compression range for areas moving up the leg.
It’s bullshit. I want to compare a fucking apple to an apple. I want to compare an orange to an orange. Furthermore, why aren’t athletic compression garments up to medical grade levels of compression?
Seriously, are all the f-bombs needed in a discussion about compression gear? Life’s too short to be so enraged over something like that, especially in the midst of like minded people sharing experiences in an open forum like Slowtwitch. manufacturers will always have their opinions and spin on why their products are best which is exactly why forums such as this are so beneficial to so many. It is however up to each individual to filter out the hyperbole and determine what works best for them. Personally, I couldn’t care less about hhmg’s, denier, or any other measure… I just want to know if it works, which is the case of these calf guards I have found to be the case.
Go Fast and Have Fun!
All this is anecdotal at best and marketing hype at its worse.
Show the consumers the research that proves the claims. Otherwise, all of this is just like the supplement industry with claims that need not be justified.
Get into the lab & test the products.
All this is anecdotal at best and marketing hype at its worse. Show the consumers the research that proves the claims. Otherwise, all of this is just like the supplement industry with claims that need not be justified.
Get into the lab & test the products.
if they could do this, they would. the problem is that there is very little research on compression, and what is available seems to imply that people with compression gear have more money than brains.
Zensahs are more comfortable. I have both pairs in teh same size and the 2xu’s dig into my leg at the top of my calves but are fine at my ankle. Aren’t these supposed to graduating compression? There’s no stretch at the top the way these are stitched. I have 2xu compression tights I love but the sleeves are horrible.
I trained with the 2xu calf guards for a couple of months and found them to be fantastic. I believe the increased blood flow to my tibial area helped heal a tender spot that could have been the makings (or symptom) of a stress fracture.
Since I live in San Diego with about 43 million triathletes, the calf guards didn’t register a blip on the fashion radar. The calf guards were black but might as well have been invisible.