321 replies to this topic

[Neavesy]

Howdy CR Members

I am looking for any sort of testing that has been done which compares "Skins v Under Armour v 2XU".
Hopefully I can find one that ws conducted by a outside company not Skins, etc

Do any members no of any such tests?

Thanks

[Whippet gal]

I'm bumping this topic one up because I want to know what CRs think of different brands of compression garments.

I just met with some reps from Kompressorz - Bodyscience and another one (name escapes me), and I want to know what people find works best for recovery (not running in). I know Skins have a bad rep for pilling and wearing thin... which ones have a great fit (i.e. tight enough to work).
Ta.

[sharpie]

Hi WG,

I've only worn 2XU tights but I found them great for running and recovery and I know of others who agree. No wear or pilling yet although I only wear them in the cooler months and have had them since last April. A bonus with 2XU is the drawstring so that you can stop them going to half mast during the run as I've heard can happen with the other brands.

As far as compression goes I think that the key here is to buy a size smaller than is recommended on the box. You need to let go of any preconceived ideas as to what size you should go for based on the size of your other clothing....the concept is 'compression' so that means they need to be tight; although obviously not so tight as to cut the circulation like a torniquet!

[newb_runner]

sharpie, on Mar 4 2008, 07:13 PM, said:

As far as compression goes I think that the key here is to buy a size smaller than is recommended on the box. You need to let go of any preconceived ideas as to what size you should go for based on the size of your other clothing....the concept is 'compression' so that means they need to be tight; although obviously not so tight as to cut the circulation like a torniquet!

I disagree totally with this statement,   tight does not equal compression,  especially with graduated compression garments.    The important thing is to use the measurements on the box to determine which size to wear.   The sizing is meant to guide you to the correct compression and tightness levels for your size.   Obviously if you're on the border of two sizes then you should try on both, but I think they recommend you go smaller if you're on the border.

If the manufacturer can't manage to list it's sizing correctly, then chances are they they can't manage to create an effective compression garment.

[sharpie]

Quote  [I disagree totally with this statement, tight does not equal compression, especially with graduated compression garments. The important thing is to use the measurements on the box to determine which size to wear. The sizing is meant to guide you to the correct compression and tightness levels for your size. Obviously if you're on the border of two sizes then you should try on both, but I think they recommend you go smaller if you're on the border.

If the manufacturer can't manage to list it's sizing correctly, then chances are they they can't manage to create an effective compression garment.]

You're correct Newb_R, for graduated compression the garment has to be tighter at the extremities and become progressively less tight toward the trunk. Of course you need to go by the sizes recommended on the box but I was trying to indicate that it would not be surprising if that sizing was not correct...it's not an exact science trying to get it right and there was more than one runner on the other CG thread who commented that the tights felt loose when they tried on the recommended size.
As for your final statement about the credibility of the manufacturer haven't you ever tried on a new model shoe from Asics (or other reputable brand) that ran to a different length compared to your normal size? I doubt that you would instantly be able to trash their reputation on that basis.

Edited by sharpie, 05 March 2008 - 12:27 PM.

[DontStopNow]

For the record, I tried on a pair of SKINS last week and the recomendation for my weight and height (183cm and 78kg) was MEDIUM. I tried these on and they were just too tight. The LARGE size fit alot better.

I didnt buy them and will be going into the local 2XU shop to try their product to see the difference. Id be keen to see what other people think of SKINS v 2XU?  

[NvrGiveUp]

i own a pair of 3/4 skins (xmas gift). Already the wording is falling off and i only hand wash the thing.

Will be trying 2xu long tights and probably a pair of slazenger biolynx next.

Havent found anything with proper tests. Just a whole bunch of theory (usually from the product company themselves).

[DontStopNow]

NvrGiveUp, on Mar 5 2008, 01:35 PM, said:

i own a pair of 3/4 skins (xmas gift). Already the wording is falling off and i only hand wash the thing.

Will be trying 2xu long tights and probably a pair of slazenger biolynx next.

Havent found anything with proper tests. Just a whole bunch of theory (usually from the product company themselves).

NvrGiveUp - So you wouldnt recommend SKINS then? I have heard this complaint from other people. As much as they are for recovery etc etc, youd still like to think forking out big $$$ they would at least make you look good for a year or so without falling apart??

2XU could be the go...

[newb_runner]

I prefer 2xu over skins, and if you can get them a brand called CW-X are also excellent.   I wouldn't mind trying the Adidas Powerweb stuff,  but is hard to find.

[runnabug]

2xu are way better than skins.....  Skins use a cheap quality lycra that breaks down a lor quicker than 2xu or any other compression garments I have worn.  Skins use a 30 or 40 denier lycra where 2xu use a 50 denier.  2xu are the only compressions on the market to my knowledge that use a cicrular knit which is the closest to medical compression.... so great for other uses than sport. Cost is around $140 which is same as skins.  I have personally not found them great for running in..... they are fine for slow easy jogs but could not run fast in them.... Skins are better for this... as they are not as compressive... you can move a lot easier and they are a lot thinner than 2xu.  2xu long compressions are on ebay atm for $60!!!!!!

[NvrGiveUp]

DontStopNow, on Mar 5 2008, 03:24 PM, said:

NvrGiveUp - So you wouldnt recommend SKINS then? I have heard this complaint from other people. As much as they are for recovery etc etc, youd still like to think forking out big $$$ they would at least make you look good for a year or so without falling apart??

2XU could be the go...

Hi mate

I would definitely say shop around for alternative products, check your budget, and read the theory and go from there. Im no expert.

Personally i chose not to buy skins simply because i could not justify its cost., 'Performance' benefits obtained from wearing skins were arguable (or rather, not conclusive). I was lucky enough to get one as a gift.

Alot of folk here wear skins for recovery.
If you are going down this path, then what role does skins plays in recovery? If its simply compression, well then there are plenty compression garments on the market for alot cheaper. Not only that, theres other ways to help with recovery (eg stretching, food, rest etc), so skins may only contribute a fraction in the recovery process.

If its something else in the skins product that aids recovery (dunno what that may be??), im very much
keen to find out what.

In terms of wear and tear: well as already stated, the wording has already started to come off.
Also, im not sure how long it will hold its compression fit for tho? im reluctant to test via stretching.

I also own a long sleeve heat gear compression shirt, and have stretched this thing out BIG TIME, and it went back into place as new.  Dunno if this would be the same if i tried it on the skins.
For the record, i love my heat gear shirt, tho do not use it much.

HTH

Cheers

[Shankate]

I posted a very similar reply in another thread; however I have found my Skins to be of quite poor quality considering what I paid for  them. I likewise have had the labelling peel off and I think they've thinned and lost their compression-ism a little during their short 6 month life. The seams also leave indents which are very itchy following removal of the tights. I have broken the skin scratching the track marks from the stitching!! (Saying something about my own lack of self control....   )

I do however love my Skins; but only because they are the only compression tights I own. If I had my time again, I would definitely consider another brand.

[NvrGiveUp]

Went to Big W on the wkend and tried on a pair of the slazenger biolynx gear. Man they felt GREAT!

Couldnt find too much detail about the material on the packaging though. So i declined buying them until i find out some more info. At the moment iam tossing up between 2xu or slazenger for a pair of long john tights.

Tried on a pair sized Large, and compression was really good! Felt extremely similar to my skins (althouh they are only 3/4 length).

For around $30 odd dollars u cant really complain !

Ended up walking out of BigW with a new pair or slazenger running shorts. Was so upset to see really good running singlets for $20 - only because recently my gf spent $50 on an asics one for me. I could of had TWO singlets and some socks! for $50

Edited by NvrGiveUp, 10 March 2008 - 12:49 PM.

[StellaBella]

I was in Rebel yesterday and it seems like EVERYONE is doing Skins-like clothing.
There was Nike and Puma and some other brand I can't remember... thing is the Nike and Puma was almost half the price of the skins!

There's also some of this type of stuff at Kmart for about $30 - Bio-ev or some such name.

The Skins are just so expensive it's really off putting.... would these other brands which are "generally" reputable make a similar or superior product in terms of this kind of gear (compression)?

Oh and if you try them on in the store dont they get stretched out of shape!?

Last but not least, I'm yet to run further than 10km but am going to start training for a HM... my knees end up "creaky" after the 10km distance - would compression clothing alleviate this occurance?

Cheers  

[dcl]

I bought 2XU full-length tights recently and so far they seem to be very good. They seem to be well constructed with none of the loose stitching or threads you sometimes find. Time will tell how they wear.

As I was exactly between small and medium the shop assistant directed me towards small which seems to be be right. Don't forget that they will tend to expand a little over time so this may be a reason to prefer a slightly smaller size.

One point is that they don't feel particularly warm - probably because the fabric hugs the skin so closely. It was quite cool this morning for my long run in the Dandenongs and it felt not much warmer than wearing shorts. If warmth is what you want then perhaps go for conventional tights.

Edited by dcl, 30 March 2008 - 03:37 PM.

[PEEKIE]

I have skins and rate them highly, tried the k-mart ones, crap, don't buy them, and y'day I picked up a pair of slazenger half leg tights in Big W for $35 which feel pretty good on and the material seems quite thick, thicker then skins. Still to run in them but so far they are rating highly and are top value for the price.

[ingrid]

If you can get your hands on the latest edition of Runners World (April) page 88, they do a fairly good overview of
I will try and summarise the points briefly (hopefully I'm not breaching copyright here)

Brooks Vapor Dry 2 Splice tight mens $90 elastic  banding at bottom of tight to prevent creeping.(some found it too restrictive
womens $80

New Balance Pace tight $65: Comfortable mix of elastane and nylon

Skins $139.99 Long length, may bunch at ankles

Adidas Response tight 3/4: $60 Climalite fabric, popular in terms of design and price!
Adidas Supernova Long tight: $90

Linebreak: $99.99 rated high on comfort support and fit

Mizuno Basic:$80
Mizuno Performance $70

Arial Scody Speedz: $159.99

Reebok Speedflex:$120 heavier fabric, more suited to cold weather

Asics Statement: (Women's) $54.95- jelly taped hems. Zip key pocket popular

Puma Advanced:$80 Nylon spandex mix, long tight, more suited to taller runners

UnderArmour Heat Gear $80 men's nylon/elastene blend
UnderArmour Action: $80 women's

[k_run]

The Adidas Tech fit product has good research behind it.  The research was presented at last years Sports Medicine Australia conference. I have been wearing the tights for a couple of years and have been very happy. However, I have not worn any of the other compression tights to compare.

[chookrunner]

Shankate, on Mar 6 2008, 02:27 AM, said:

I posted a very similar reply in another thread; however I have found my Skins to be of quite poor quality considering what I paid for  them. I likewise have had the labelling peel off

It doesn't end with skins. I've got a 2XU technical top, not a compression garment, and the writing is peeling off also. I really haven't used it much and the thing looks pretty shabby considering how expensive they are.

[NvrGiveUp]

PEEKIE, on Mar 30 2008, 10:28 PM, said:

I have skins and rate them highly, tried the k-mart ones, crap, don't buy them, and y'day I picked up a pair of slazenger half leg tights in Big W for $35 which feel pretty good on and the material seems quite thick, thicker then skins. Still to run in them but so far they are rating highly and are top value for the price.

Havent tried the k-mart ones.

Slazenger are definitely the winners in my books in terms of value.

Otherwise my preference is:
1)2xu
2slazenger
3) Other

[Whippet Man]

I think R4YL did a review ages ago. I agree with their finding that the Skins are great for compression post event. And the Linebreak are less compressive so serve better to wear while competing. I have a pair of each and that is how I use them.

[Bristol City FC]

One thought/Question for all those who 'cant live' or 'need' their compression garments.

How do ANYONE manage to recover before they were invented? was everyone just in total agony before they came on the market?

Was everyones recovery REALLY terrible before they started wearing them? Do people really believe any perceived benefit from them in relation to the cost of them?

What happenned to good old cool downs, stretching and showers?

[Sunset]

I have had Skins for about a year and wore them all through last winter - mostly for warmth while running. I then discovered that they are an excellent recovery tool so have been wearing them a fair bit for recovery.

The last few months I've noticed they aren't working as well as they used to. I think the compression effect is starting to go.

Yesterday I bought a pair of 2XU tights. They have graduated compression and feel a bit different to the Skins. The man in the shop gave me an excellent sales speel about how they are the best compression garment around.
They are the same price as Skins so I thought I would give them a go.

I'm wearing them at the moment and they are quite comfortable under work pants (the ultimate test!)

[Louise]

Bristol City FC, on Apr 10 2008, 12:51 AM, said:

How do ANYONE manage to recover before they were invented? was everyone just in total agony before they came on the market?

One (older) guy that I run with wears women's woollen tights in winter.  $8 from the supermarket apparently.  Very fetching.

[Bristol City FC]

Louise, on Apr 10 2008, 06:48 PM, said:

One (older) guy that I run with wears women's woollen tights in winter.  $8 from the supermarket apparently.  Very fetching.

I'm waiting for the posts where people convince me they are a waste of money, but its not happenning. looks like I might end up buying some, damm!

[nabiya]

The latest Runner's World mag has a rundown of compression garments for the legs. However, it doesn't include the Slazenger ones which I've recently had a great experience with.

I am fairly new to running 2+ hours and I am certainly brand new to compression tights. I bought a pair of compression shorts, simply because I looked so foul in the full length tights    - yes I know - I should leave vanity behind but I just couldn't get over how revolting I looked in the 2xu change room mirror!!!

Anyway, I thought it was interesting how I was only sore after long runs (12km+) from the knee down when I wore my 2xu shorts. so I decided to get some full length tights from Big W - bought the Slazenger ones for just under $40 and wore them under my jim jams that night and OMG - the day after my long run, I had NO PAIN whatsoever whereas the previous week I was sore for about three days after my long run.

So save some dollars and grab some Slazengers from Big W

Oh, and they look much better on, too

[wombatoutofhell]

I bought some slazengers for mrs wombat tonight-she has a pair allready but these are womens ones with pink seams!  she's pretty happy with that!

[sunny1]

nabiya, on Apr 10 2008, 08:32 PM, said:

- I should leave vanity behind but I just couldn't get over how revolting I looked in the 2xu change room mirror!!!

Change room mirrors do that!! What a bargain though, the Slazengers sound great!!

[StellaBella]

Yeah I've got some of the Bioslyx too... will be testing them out 2mrw!
I only got the knee length ones though as I really don't like full length leggings... they're a weird length I think, sitting above my knee - I thought they would be 3/4 length!  I've never worn any compression garment though so have nothing to compare them too...

[Colsy]

Thanks for the Slazenger tip. I was in Harbour Town today and they were charging $129 for full length Skins...in a clearance store. Tomorrow I am going to get some of that Slazenger action. Hope they have them at Westfield Marion.

[blair]

I've had Skins for about 8 months now and always wear them for recovery. I've rarely had DOMS since wearing them. In fact, I can only recall one occasion. I've never tried other brands but heard good things about 2XU and plan on getting a pair when I can afford it.

[blkbox]

Please note I have a financial interest in the product mentioned in this post

Rather than wearing the traditional "Skins" styled garments you could try wearing compression stockings from Venosan

One study on the effectiveness of these products can be found here

[NvrGiveUp]

hi nabiya

how does the slazenger ones compare against the 2xu??

SKINS are definitely off the books. My XMAS gift has already lost its compression and logo peeling off, and i hardly use the thing!!! How dissapointing.


Anyhows, tossing up between slaz and 2xu. Leaning towards 2xu because they have a very HIGH compression rating (almost to medical rating something or other). But cant go past the biolynx in terms of 'bang for buck'.

Thanks

[getfitfast]

Should these tights be worn during the run or after for recovery..?

I only have one pair so can't use them for both ... besides don't like the look of being outdoors with them..

The wife and the kids had a real laugh at me yesterday - and then the shorts on top (a must for blokes) makes me look rediculous..

But I wore them last night (as I did my 20K in the morning) and I'm wearing them now (as I did a 10K this morning) and they feel great and it appears as if the ache is less..

[Whippet gal]

I've got 2XUs and can't believe the difference they make to my recovery. Whack them on, sleep in them and they do wonders.

[Sunset]

getfitfast, on Apr 14 2008, 12:51 PM, said:

Should these tights be worn during the run or after for recovery..?

...and then the shorts on top (a must for blokes) makes me look rediculous..

I wore Skins last winter for running (rather than recovery) and couldn't believe the difference they made to my usually sore muscles.

I've since only been wearing compression garments as recovery and they help immensely.

I do the shorts-on-top thing too. I think my local fruit-and-veg place is used to seeing me turn up on a Saturday morning looking slightly hagged in my tights, shorts and singlet

[Peterhorse]

so far i've found the Skins brand better than Nike equivalent for long pants type. My Pearl Ozumi tri nicks are actually pretty good when new and more comfortable to sit in under the work plants - sadly they get worn out pretty quick training and racing and not an attractive look when thread bare!
i'm going to try the ticker Nike ones or Katmandu shop ones for winter.
I like running in them but they can get a bit warm, trapping heat which becomes an issue the longer the distance (also get an issue with chafe over 2hrs running in them). Mostly wear them as recovery aide, which i think work well, but not entirely sure whether is psychological or not - happy to think i'm better off and use them still. I had a muchbetter recovery after GCM last year compared to year before when i didn't wear them but there were mostyl likely other factors too, so who knows?

[nabiya]

NvrGiveUp, on Apr 14 2008, 12:32 PM, said:

hi nabiya

how does the slazenger ones compare against the 2xu??

SKINS are definitely off the books. My XMAS gift has already lost its compression and logo peeling off, and i hardly use the thing!!! How dissapointing.
Anyhows, tossing up between slaz and 2xu. Leaning towards 2xu because they have a very HIGH compression rating (almost to medical rating something or other). But cant go past the biolynx in terms of 'bang for buck'.

Thanks

Hi NvrGiveUp,

I only have bike shorts in the 2xu range so I can't really compare them to the full-length slazengers I have.  But I am seriously stoked with the slazengers. No sore muscles at all again today after running in them and wearing them overnight.

I have three pairs of slazengers for the cost of one pair of 2xu or skins so I can have them on rotation - one pair for running, one for recovery and one in the wash. The logo on the back of a pair of the slazengers has started to rub off, but who cares? There's no big logo down the side, just dusky pink stiching on the chick ones.

Hope this helps somewhat?!?

[Sunset]

I'm off to Big W today to check out these Slazengers! I would love a pair for running so I can keep my 2xu for recovery.

[plodalong]

I got a pair of skins last year and enjoyed the benefits that much I got a second pair, 1pair for training one for recovery.

I don't know what others are doing to their skins but I have no noticable peeling of the logo or any other defect after 12mths use.

I noticed that some manufacturers are quoting research to support their products but when reading these papers they have used skins as the garment in the test.

I haven't tried any other brands but with all the unpleasent responses to skins i thought i would voice an opinion in support and would recommend them to anyone.

[Shankate]

Hi Plodalong!

I was one of those who voiced my frustration over the skins logo peeling off, however think I know the likely cause. I wear them during the day under my work pants and at night in bed also, so I presume it has been the constant friction against the logo that has caused this to happen.

Of course for those who only wear theirs during exercise, without another pair of pants on top or other ways (and hand wash them in their little bag - which i do) then I guess the friction wouldn't come into it.

They are good - just pricey!  

Happy running

[NvrGiveUp]

hi nabiya.. hows does the compression compare? i know u only have the shorts, but say up to the knee...

[Sunset]

I went to Big W in my lunch break and was distracted by the other options available and ended up coming away with a knee-length pair. I have always wanted a pair of knee tights to run in as I usually run in shorts. So now I have them

They also have full-length versions and short-sleeve tops - all for the low price of $35 each.

I was also distracted by Lindt chocolate and came away with a bag of 25 assorted pieces. I need the individually wrapped type to aid my portion control issues

Edited by Sunset, 15 April 2008 - 02:11 PM.

[Also Ran]

Sounds like a quality RT session.  

[Danny]

Check out the new 2XU compression tights - very nice!!  I like the super-hero-like logos on the side!  Hey Sunset - I have a couple of Slazenger compression shirts.  I wear it on rainy days and trail runs - I have found it very good and the 30+ sun resistance is a bonus.

http://www.2xu.com/c...on/ua1088b.html

Cheers,

Danny

[allrounder]

Performax are another good cheaper option...available from Rebel...

[NvrGiveUp]

yeah i saw those Performax in Rebel. But they had the security tags on them so i couldnt open the buggers or even try them on. Was in a rush so might ask the staff to open them for us next time.

Im still leaning towards biolynx or 2xu. I dont wear compression garments whilst training. Ive a pair of cycling leg warmers that i use now and then if it gets too cold to run.

[nabiya]

NvrGiveUp, on Apr 15 2008, 02:03 PM, said:

hi nabiya.. hows does the compression compare? i know u only have the shorts, but say up to the knee...

They both feel really firm - I wouldn't say one is more firm than the other. I was a bit worried that the 2xu ones would have a bit of 'extra' room in the crutch because they're unisex but that's not the case. The slazengers are specifically for women or men.

[newb_runner]

Sunset, on Apr 15 2008, 02:10 PM, said:

I was also distracted by Lindt chocolate and came away with a bag of 25 assorted pieces. I need the individually wrapped type to aid my portion control issues

You can eat more of those than blocks of chocolates as unwrapping the buggers usually takes a few calories of effort