This winter I have seen lots of press and commentary regarding the merits of compression gear. Since I wanted to find out for myself if some of these products lived up to the hype, I have started using a few in my training this winter. For what it is worth, I wanted to share my thoughts with the Slowtwitch community and my review of 2XU Compression Tights follows. I post all of my product reviews at our online store http://www.Worldtri.com and will be working to add more in the future.
2XU Compression Tights – Reviewed by Steve Larsen
Throughout the past twenty five years of my competitive career I can associate certain songs, foods or things with certain races. For example, 1989 Jr. Worlds in Bergamo = U2 Joshua Tree, 1994 Giro di Lombardia = Risotto con funghi porcini at Villa Fleuri in Como. Or finally, 2008 Kona Ironman World Championships = COMPRESSION GEAR!
When it comes to compression gear I have to admit I am probably as skeptical as anyone. However, I have learned through the years it is critical to keep an open mind as it pertains to new products that may possibly improve my performance. It was in this frame of mind that I tried to objectively determine if 2XU Compression Tights would actually improve my performance and recovery.
This winter I have been running in the 2XU Compression Tight whenever the weather allows. I have done some longer runs (90 minutes) and some shorter more intense runs and have been very pleased with how I have felt when using the tights. Although my times on various workouts are comparable to winters past, I have definitely noticed less soreness after key workouts when I have run in the tights. This past Sunday I ran in a local 5k and posted a 15:59 finish (photo below) and have not been sore in the days since. The fact that I am currently only running about three days a week and yet still was not sore, leads me to believe there really is something to these tights.
The 2XU Compression Tights are made of exceptional quality like all of the other products that I have seen from this manufacturer. The 50 denier fabric is not overwhelmingly tight, offering good flexibility and just enough support. The stitching is durable and the style and graphics are the best I’ve seen in available compression gear.
Overall I am very impressed by this product. I am not sure I am yet at the point that I’ll be racing in knee high socks or calf guards, but as a training and recovery tool I will always have a pair of these tights nearby.
I think the Craft shamois is comparable (when dry) but that rubber band they put around the leg ends is kind of ghetto for a high end suit or short. It’s a rubberband for pete sake! Splurge on a nicer one!
I am not familiar with mmHg, but it sounds like something that would make you fast, or come in copius amounts on Chinese Food, however on the box for the tights it they say 50denier (which I beleive is the amount of compression). As a frame of reference, the Elite version of their tight has a blend of 50/70 denier fabric.
Totally agree with you Steve. Not a big fan of all the “hyped” products but I couldn’t refuse my sponsor when they insisted I check them out. I hate running to begin with and always struggle with calf pain because of my cowboy legs. Yeah, Steve I grew up in C.O. This winter I put some effort into a marathon and an offroad ultra. Bagging a lot of miles in my new ballet tights, errrr, 2XU compression tights, I did notice a substantial decrease in the amount of calf pain and some reduction in the quads. With out going all hype crazy on an expensive product I would recommend them if your having issues. By the way, my wife wore compression socks from Rite Aide when she was pregnant. I think they were $10. Ugly as hell but cheap.
This brings me back a little bit to 2001. 16 minutes for a 5 k at this time of year with your biking skills must be putting a little bit of fear in the competition regardless of how fast you swim. Have you got a racing schedule yet? Where might we look forward to seeing this speed being exhibited in triathlon this year?
I had to run hard since my 11 year old, Massimo, was running too. The handicap was 2 min. per mile and I just squeaked it out. My days are numbered as the champion of the Larsen house, and I can’t wait.
In regard to this years races, I think I have forgotten how to swim so it may be awhile before I race. Although that worked okay in 2001, so maybe swimming is overated. At this point, hoping for a couple of Xterras, a couple 70.3’s, and maybe one IM if all of the planets align mid to late summer. For the moment I’ll be sticking to pummeling myself in the garage on the trainer & treadmill (I’ll be feeling good in my compression socks, you just won’t see me:).
I had to run hard since my 11 year old, Massimo, was running too. The handicap was 2 min. per mile and I just squeaked it out. My days are numbered as the champion of the Larsen house, and I can’t wait.
In regard to this years races, I think I have forgotten how to swim so it may be awhile before I race. Although that worked okay in 2001, so maybe swimming is overated. At this point, hoping for a couple of Xterras, a couple 70.3’s, and maybe one IM if all of the planets align mid to late summer. For the moment I’ll be sticking to pummeling myself in the garage on the trainer & treadmill (I’ll be feeling good in my compression socks, you just won’t see me:).
Very impressive about Massimo running 7 minute miles for 3.2 miles at age 11. You are right, your reign in the household is probably going to be short lived. At least you will give it up gracefully and not have to be poisoned, like in a Shakespeare play. The depressing thing is these kids don’t need compression socks. What do they know about soreness?
His accomplishment may be close to the accomplishment of Gabrielle Jennings who just ran 6 minute miles for 2 miles, winning the state high school championship as a 5th grader. Massimo and her will probably meet some day although they won’t have to race each other. She looks cute so he may want to keep his options open.
I have a pair. Love 2xu stuff, but have to say… the compression is just too weak. I also have a pair of CWX compression and if both are clean…
I grab the CWX EVERY TIME!
Also, no offense… but in regards to Sojourner’s post… if you are going to write a professional opinion (since you are a pro and apparently own a store), you really ought to know something about the actual measurements used with compression gear.
Expressed in mmHg, what level of compression are these 2XU tights?
2xU doesn’t state the compression, other than to say that they use 50denier fabric (which is the yarn thickness, not a compression level). I have the calf guards and they feel like 15-20mmHg (moderate compression) based on medical grade stuff I’ve tried. That’s probably about right for running; I use 25-30mmHg for recovery/sleeping/long plane rides. For ref. mmHg is a pressure measurement (imagine compressing the bulb of a thermometer, this is the pressure needed to push the mercury level up 30mm).
Ok- Here’s an ambarassing question…What about if you are 10-15 lbs overweight? I tried on a pair and felt like a giant prune trying to squeeze into a grape skin! I’m ready for the onslaught of lose weight jokes but I’m serious.
does 2XU have a Ht/wt chart that you use to find your size? Use that.
Either way, they are meant to be tight. The first time I put mine on I thought I had picked the wrong size.
After a few minutes, they felt really good. Just be careful not to put your finger through the stitching while you’re
yanking on them!
