I have seen the 226 with a pad that is the typical chamois/fleece material and I have also seen the 226 with a slightly more rigid foam type pad. Does anybody know the difference? Is one a newer model than the other? More importantly, which do you prefer? I have heard great things about the 226 padding but have seen these 2 versions which seem quite a bit different. I’m looking for something a little more comfortable for the longer races…70.3 and 140.6. Thanks.
Anybody??
I just did a 70.3 on the fleece pad and it wasn’t so great. Major chaff and not super comfy. They are great on run though!
It’s described on the website. One is for distance and one is not.
I once paid for a pair of Orca shorts…exactly 112 miles on the bike and 26.2 miles on the run later the shorts were toast. The spandex “broke” and that was that. DeSoto for me thanks. Unless Orca has done something huge as to its quality for their shorts I would not pay for them.
Orca 226 is actually really fantastic. I use that kit for long distances like you are talking about.
In Summer(Southern hemisphere) 2009 these come out :
The 226 Tri Pant Plus offers the most technically advanced chamois in Orca’s product range. Designed to provide the highest level of comfort possible for endurance distance athletes, the chamois is constructed from multi-level seamless pad, which features extra elasticity and optimum shock absorption. The chamois moulds to individual body contours, is hyperallergenic and anti-bacterial.
Previously and still in some lines today they have this chamois:
An ultra-thin, non-absorbent micro-fleece chamois which provides comfort and moisture management.
Many of the brands of tri-suit used by say olympic distance itu athletes have no chamois at all.
i have only used the ultra-thin, non-absorbent micro-fleece chamois in the 3 iron-distance races I have done. I recommend wearing lightly padded togs underneath but it is personal preference.
Since I have quite a few of the new padded tri-pants I will go and try a pair for the first time right now on a run and get back to you. I will also try them on a bike ride in the next day as they look better than the old fleece chamois(for cycling).
They are going cheap in the link below.
G.
http://www.triathlonshots.com/triathlonclothing2orca.html
Just tried a new pair with the pad on a 40min run. No chaffing and comfy enough running in them so will try them for a bike ride tomorow.
G
Put the pants on at the start of the day. Got around to a 20km bike at the end of the day and they were as comfy as any cycle pants i have used. will have to try them on a longer say 60km ride next.
I wouldn’t use them for run training though. I just prefer old style run shorts for that.
G.m
http://www.triathlonshots.co/triathlonclothing2orca.html