321 replies to this topic

[Olmy]

I have 2 pairs of the Slazenger tights. One I wear often and they get washed often. The other I was saving for actual recovery. Recently I put on the fresh pair and there was a noticable difference. So the slazenger's don't seem to last as well. Although it doesn't bother me too much as I wear them for warmth mostly anyway.

[JohnHoward]

 Olmy, on Aug 2 2008, 08:20 AM, said:

I have 2 pairs of the Slazenger tights. One I wear often and they get washed often. The other I was saving for actual recovery. Recently I put on the fresh pair and there was a noticable difference. So the slazenger's don't seem to last as well. Although it doesn't bother me too much as I wear them for warmth mostly anyway.

Hello,
I'm new to this forum;  I used to be a runner (an injury in my ankle pushed me to be more of a brisk walker), and mostly I'm a bodybuilder who liked to run (now to brisk walk) to keep the bodyfat low.

I read with attention all the comments above about compression garments, because I'm a convinced believer of how they can improve recovery and posture, and how they helped me to lift more weight in the basic exercises at the gym (squats and deadlifts).

I have so far tried 3 Aussie brands:  Skins, BSC Kompressorz, and Linebreak.  None from overseas.  I fully agree with most of the comments about Skinz coming down in quality lately.  The very first Skinz (5 years ago) were of top quality, I even still wear a couple of them that I bought back then.   But the ones I purchased lately (last 3 years) didn't last very long, and their logos at the sides disappeared after the first washes.

BSC Kompressorz: I'm very happy with its quality, the compression properties are still there after more than 1 1/2 year, even though the manufacturer warns that they start to loose their compression features after 6 or 9 months.  The design and logos are very cool, and they keep intact after plenty of washes.

Linebreak:  not very bad at the beginning, but the quality not as good as Skins or BSC Kompressorz.

I wear both compression tights and tops, and soon I will be buying new ones to replace the old ones.  
I found the following website, and  I could find a big variety of brands in this website.

www.compressiontights.com.au

One in particular seems to look well constructed (the more panels in the tight or top the better compression quality), is called Pearl Izumi Phase Tight, $49.95.  I wonder if anyone has tried this brand before.
The price seems to be too good to be true; I proved this principle not long ago when I tried a Slazenger compression top;  excellent price, but couldn't say the same about the quality.

What I'm after, more than warmth, is the best compression tight and top.   As I said, Skins was good at the beginning, and I could probably stick to BSC Kompressorz (apart from being good, is 100% Aussie brand), but I need a few sets to replace my old ones.  
I even thought of 2XU,and CW-X.   Especially CW-X, seems to be a very good compression product, because has plenty of different panels sewn together.  

Finally, in my opinion, compression garments, for most sports, are a great development that we shouldn't miss.  However, I also think that we shouldn't expect the life span of these products to be greater than 2 years (perhaps my Skins weren't that bad then), after that time the fabric starts to deteriorate anyhow.  

So, if anyone has tried this Izumi brand, would appreciate any feedback.  Still think that for that price, must be too good to be true.

Thanks

JohnHoward

[tomh]

I picked up a pair of 2XU tights last night for $70 from the 2XU clearance store in Hawthorn. They're either a sample or last years model, but at $140 for brand new I don't care. I'm on the border of S and XS so got XS and they sure are compressing! My gut hangs over the top

Are they supposed to be easy to get on? Mine weren't. Not sure I'd run in them though as they restrict my movement just a tiny bit.

[lavenderlilly]

Hi Tomh

I don't have 2XU tights, I have Skins and they are very tight & hard to get in to.
I find them comfy to run, just make sure they fit right in the crutch, then they should't restrict your movements.

LL

[Tilly]

tomh that is a bargain! Lucky duck! My partner was sent on a mission at lunchtime to track down 2XU's compression tights (XS too) - listed as $140.

Heard positive things about 2XU and agree with JohnHoward that Skin's quality has dropped in recent years.

As for Pearl Izumi, I've recently ordered a pair of their shoes and have run in a Pearl Izumi weather proof jacket. The brand is very reputable but I have not worn their compression tights/tops.

That is certainly a good price and had I known about this 2 hours ago I might have held off on the 2XUs!!!!!!

[batavia]

I bought two pairs of Skin Brands one for my wife and one for myself at an embarrassingly outrageous Euro price.  Both had disappointing quality issues, mesh at back and crotch ripped in mine and stitching on leg on my wife’s all in the space of a few weeks.    


Strongly suggest trying a different brand

[Runc]

I bought some skins last week and wore them for a 30km run and must say they were so comfortable - legs also felt great during the run. I have worn them for recovery also and I was expecting they might help a little but the difference was amazing. I really felt as though I had not run at all by the evening time and next day legs felt completely normal- usually have aches and legs feel tired.
The logo started to peel off after first 30min cold wash - think I will bring them back and complain because this sort of thing makes me r angry- obviously they must know this is a problem and continue to sell them without correcting it. So at least if they end up replacing my pair it will cost them and if everyone did that they would have to do something about it. Will let u know how they go quality wise long term. I have not tried any other compression clothing. I would love to try their socks as often my feet feel the most tired.

[lavenderlilly]

 caz, on Aug 29 2008, 04:00 PM, said:

I bought some skins last week and wore them for a 30km run and must say they were so comfortable - legs also felt great during the run. I have worn them for recovery also and I was expecting they might help a little but the difference was amazing. I really felt as though I had not run at all by the evening time and next day legs felt completely normal- usually have aches and legs feel tired.
The logo started to peel off after first 30min cold wash - think I will bring them back and complain because this sort of thing makes me r angry- obviously they must know this is a problem and continue to sell them without correcting it. So at least if they end up replacing my pair it will cost them and if everyone did that they would have to do something about it. Will let u know how they go quality wise long term. I have not tried any other compression clothing. I would love to try their socks as often my feet feel the most tired.

Hi caz,
I too was impressed, how comfortable my skins were on my 20k run and even more with the recovery.
I also wear them for recovery after my hill session and don't get sore legs at all.

As far as the logo peeling - I have the blue stitch tights and they don't have the big logo on the side like the purple stitch tights, they have a small logo at the front from waist which doesn't peel off at all.
So if you take them back, you might consider getting the other ones (blue stitch).
Good luck!

LL

[Goughy]

I have a rellie who was a manager at an amart allsports store.  He said it was amazing the amount of skins that were brought back with pealing lettering.  That was generally the only returns he remembers.

[Runc]

Thanks LL,
I will ask about ones with stitching. But I am not prepared to be skinless for any period of time if they go on about returning to manufacturer or any of that rubbish. Addicted already.
Cheerio
Caroline

 lavenderlilly, on Aug 29 2008, 05:51 PM, said:

Hi caz,
I too was impressed, how comfortable my skins were on my 20k run and even more with the recovery.
I also wear them for recovery after my hill session and don't get sore legs at all.

As far as the logo peeling - I have the blue stitch tights and they don't have the big logo on the side like the purple stitch tights, they have a small logo at the front from waist which doesn't peel off at all.
So if you take them back, you might consider getting the other ones (blue stitch).
Good luck!

LL

[ShufflingLea]

Sitting here tonight in my lovely new 2xu's (70 denier) and although I can't compare them to any other brands, I can compare them to not wearing any compression garments, and it's love at first wear!

With a few long runs over 30k's now and more on the way, I'd thought I'd treat myself to some to try to speed up the recovery process (minor aching but still nice not to have), and although they've only been on for half a day I already know that they're helping (yep, the aching starts early for me). Not feeling a thing and pretty sure I won't tomorrow either.

Will be sleeping in them tonight and anticipate having a tough time giving them up for a suit tomorrow!

Edited by ShufflingLea, 07 September 2008 - 09:24 PM.

[Olmy]

 ShufflingLea, on Sep 7 2008, 09:23 PM, said:

Will be sleeping in them tonight and anticipate having a tough time giving them up for a suit tomorrow!

Don't take them off! I sometimes wear mine under other clothes. They don't seem to heat me up too much, so it's great!

[Melruns]

Having rated my Performax 3/4 pants highly on here before it is with great regret that I have to admit that after 14 months of very regular use (and washing in bra-bag), they have given way in small patches around the upper thigh area on both sides (like how lycra swimmers "give way" and go sort of transparent).

No, my thighs haven't gotten bigger!  Still, I am pretty happy with the value for money they gave me.  I am now at the acceptance phase of the grieving cycle   .

[southy]

Hi Melruns, I have a pair of Performax. I don't rate them highly as a compresion garment but they are good value for money as training tights. I can't see getting more than a year out of any tights really if you wear them regularly but the Performax did not provide anywhere near as much compression as say 2XU or skins. But they have held up well to a years worth of regular wear as training tights. In the near future I will only buy compression tights though (probably 2XU) and use the older ones for training in while keeping the newer ones for recovery.

[Melruns]

Yes, I keep my long skins for recovery, I really like them.  The lettering is starting to peel but I don't really care!  I wore them under my pants skiing and walking heaps in Japan this year and they were great.  I just got some cheap skins shorts and like running in them.

[Speedysnail]

Have any of the ladies here had problems with any of these compression tights falling down and having to constantly hitch them up??.. ahh this is an extremely annoying problem I have with most normal tights, but I am yet to try compression ones and seeing as I have started running I though I might treat myself to some once I have reached my goal weight in a couple of months.

Also, are the 2xu tights on the probikekit site unisex?  and if so does this change the sizing, as a mans waist compared to his legs and butt is alot different to a womans..

Thanks
Nat

[tonedbutt]

I'm wondering if the BioSlyx come in ladies styles?  I saw some blokes ones in the latest BigW catelaogue (fitness and exercise gear) but none for the ladies.  For the same reasons as Nat just above me stated.  Differences in the way we are built.

[Goughy]

I've never looked in the ladies wear to see!  Bit worried what the girls will think if I'm skulking around in their underwear dept

But I did just see some ebay listings for the Bio Slyx with a buy it now of 59.99!!!!!  Someone's making 20bucks profit on those!!!

[tonedbutt]

Another annoying thing I noticed was that on the Skins site, they had blokes half tights in multi colours but womens' only come in black.  Very sexist.

[tonedbutt]

Just looked on the Rebel sport site and they have 4 pages of blokes compression gear as opposed to 1 and a half womens'.  Damn annoying.  One for the "irks" thread I think.

[Goughy]

When I was in Rebel the other day they had tonnes of womens compression gear, and much sexier colours than the guys black (not that I'd wear them).  Maybe check the store out.  And this was the toowoomba store, not a big city store.

[Goughy]

 tonedbutt, on Sep 16 2008, 04:21 AM, said:

I'm wondering if the BioSlyx come in ladies styles?  I saw some blokes ones in the latest BigW catelaogue (fitness and exercise gear) but none for the ladies.  For the same reasons as Nat just above me stated.  Differences in the way we are built.

I went to my bigW today and asked them about womens  bioslyx.  That lady said they did have them up until about a month ago.  They'd started discounting them - down to $29ea, to $15ea right down to $5 a piece until all gone.

She said they haven't been back and she thinks with the way they were being discounted (while the mens weren't) they won't be back!

You could ask at your local bigW, but I got the feeling that they aren't going to stock them anymore.

I wonder if other sports stores can get slazenger bioslyx.  I mean, they stock slazenger cricketing gear etc at some sports stores.

Anyway, sorry girls...

[DontStop]

Skins has just released a new range called Skins Ice. They're designed for hot weather, so if you're addicted to compression, but freak out at the whole tights-in-summer thing, this might be interesting. I'm thinking of getting my hands on a pair soon, so I'll give them a go and report on how they work.

[Speedysnail]

ooh that sounds promising.  Might have to check them out cheers dontstop!

[Speedysnail]

typical looks like it's just for blokes

[DontStop]

SS, I'm pretty sure Ice is unisex... besides different colours and designs, there's no real functional difference between women's and men's compression stuff anyway.

[Speedysnail]

That's interesting.  Men and women's shapes are so different I just assumed...

[orlando]

Skins do separate mens and womens for their other ranges, so I'd be surprised if these were unisex.

[Mick]

I had to get a pair of long non-cotton pants as part of the compulsory equipment for an adventure race on the weekend, so got some Performax from A-Mart as figured I could wear them on their own rather than thermals that are just an undergarment. Didn't use them on the race as it was fairly warm.

Put them on this avo as it seemed a bit cold and wanted to see what they were like to run in given all the positive reports.

Absolutely hated them, felt restrictive and hot and since I had shorts on top, stopped at 4km and took them off.

Might try them on _after_ a long run for recovery ... sceptical, but will keep an open mind.

[Sunset]

I'm looking into getting a pair of CW-X Stabilyx tights. Anyone know where they retail in Aus? I know of online retailers but am just unsure about sizing.

[newb_runner]

I got mine from OS,  their L in mens is about the same as a Skins L.   So just get the same as your skins size and you *should* be okay.  Obviously cross-reference it to the sizing chart as well just to be sure, and always get the smaller size if you're right on the border of two sizes.

[Sunset]

yes I was thinking of going with the same size as my Skins.  I'm on the grey area between two sizes and they recommend you should go up a size if on the grey area!? This is a bit odd as there couldn't be anything worse than compression gear that is not tight enough!

I'm pretty excited about the stabilyx tights.  I read about them in the pamphlet that was in a Runners World mag recently.

Have you found the CW-X stuff to be good, newb_runner?

[Fifa01]

Awesome thread guys,

I have been contemplating which compression tights to purchase. To date the nearest thing to compression gear I have used is a pair of nike running pants I got about 5 years ago. They fit tight but I don't think it would class as compression.

Anyway after reading this thread decided to try the cheaper slazenger ones to begin with. Got them this morning, see how they go on my long run this weekend!

Thanks

[RunRunRun23]

Someone touched on this several pages back but I must admit I scrolled pretty quick for a long while there so excuse me if my point has already made in detail...

I recommend those of you who like to enjoy a little compression while at work try compression pantyhose.  I can't see why they wont work for the blokes amongst us, we wont tell anyone they're under your suit if you don't want us to   

I can't think what the ones I buy are actually called, but they have a picture of flight attendants on the front; apparently smiling glamorously because their legs still don't ache after an 18 hr flight.  They're actually a pretty ugly colour and quite chunky - they look like nana stockings...  but I don't buy them for looks, I buy them cos they are really comforting to achy legs...  and a MUCH cheaper alternative to skins et al.

FYI ladies they are pretty bullet proof, don't ladder anywhere near as readily as normal stockings.  And they squish my bum in nice and tight to give a nicer line under clothes.

If I want to show off my pins, I wear a shiny pair of stockings over the top.


And another tip...

I'm a really hot sleeper (I sweat buckets) so I don't like to sleep in tights.  But I do enjoy the comfort of compressed legs after a long run....  so I buy that compression bandage tubing from the chemist for sleeping in.  I find that cooler and more comfortable than having a whole garment on.  My partner does the same thing.  Hows that for a sexy image?

[Fifa01]

First run this morning with the Slazenger tights, felt really comfortable. Cannot compare them to Skins, 2XU etc as I have not tried them, but I do rate them higher then my Nike Running pants.

[Pink Lady]

 RunRunRun23, on Sep 26 2008, 04:20 AM, said:

I recommend those of you who like to enjoy a little compression while at work try compression pantyhose.  I can't see why they wont work for the blokes amongst us, we wont tell anyone they're under your suit if you don't want us to   
I can't think what the ones I buy are actually called, but they have a picture of flight attendants on the front; apparently smiling glamorously because their legs still don't ache after an 18 hr flight.  They're actually a pretty ugly colour and quite chunky - they look like nana stockings...  but I don't buy them for looks, I buy them cos they are really comforting to achy legs...  and a MUCH cheaper alternative to skins et al.

I think they are the same ones that I use - they are called Stress Relief

I have just found a new use for these stockings - remember the RICE principle for injury - I am wearing them inside the silly moon-boot that I have to wear for the next 6 weeks because of a broken bone in my foot.

[RunRunRun23]

 Pink Lady, on Sep 29 2008, 02:36 PM, said:

I am wearing them inside the silly moon-boot that I have to wear for the next 6 weeks because of a broken bone in my foot.

Just when one thought a moon boot couldn't get much sexier...  you go and put nana stockings underneath it.  So hot right now!!  

[Melruns]

Quote

so I buy that compression bandage tubing from the chemist for sleeping in. I find that cooler and more comfortable than having a whole garment on. My partner does the same thing. Hows that for a sexy image?

Errr, kind of creepy rather than sexy?!

Quote

I have just found a new use for these stockings - remember the RICE principle for injury

I used my skins for the same purpose whilst overseas and lacking compression bandages, with swollen knee.  Worked a treat!

[shells]

i wasn't a fan of tights at all, but cold melbourne night runs were giving me shin splints (i was running in shorts!)

skins seemed kind of 'thin' good for summer but my primary reason was keeping out the cold, so i got Under Armour cold gear tights. they were about $119 at rebel sport. I got men's one's even though i'm female. they're completely plain, so no real reason not to. they're a tad bit thicker than skins.

the tag says they work best at temps under 14 degrees, which was perfect for me. as the temp is about 8 - 14 degrees when i run.
keep you toasty and wick the sweat away - perfect. no more shin splints either, so i'm really happy with them, worth every cent.

only thing is that i am short 158cm and they seem to fit me perfectly - how a taller person would fit the length of these baffles me! the length seems quite short. (on the other hand skins are MUCH too long for a shortie like me!)

Under Armour do heat gear tights too - they're about the same thickness as regular skins.

I only found this out after i had purchased Under Armours - Skins and Under Armours are a two way stretch and 2XU's are a 4 way stretch. I believe this means 2XU's give greater compression.

I'll definetly be checking out 2XU's in the future.

ps. if trying on Under Armour's at Rebel Sport - be careful to check the stitching around the waist. Mine are fine, but i think people get a little over zealous in the change rooms and many i saw had unravelling stitching. so just a word of warning for such an expensive item ;P

x shells x

[Pink Lady]

 RunRunRun23, on Sep 30 2008, 12:15 AM, said:

Just when one thought a moon boot couldn't get much sexier...  you go and put nana stockings underneath it.  So hot right now!!  

OK RunRunRun23 I will have to think about this for a moment.
Sexy      -       or         -        improved healing
Sexy       -      or           -      improved healing
Sexy      Nah

Edited by Pink Lady, 01 October 2008 - 01:21 PM.

[ican]

I just bought a pair of compression shorts for the upcoming marathon   Thought I'd get 2xu's this time round, I own long and mid length Skins.  Tried on the 2xu's and they look good but weren't nearly as comfortable around the waist as the Skins.  Wore them on a long run yesterday and they were awesome.  I'm hooked on Skins.

EDIT: Tried on heaps of others also, but Skins were just the most comfortable

Edited by ican, 02 October 2008 - 08:13 AM.

[DontStop]

Got some Skins Ice yesterday. I'm going to have a little run in them tonight, and most likely wear the tights in the mara on Sunday. Should be a good test for them.

[Old chook]

I've had noncompression tights to keep me warm. The best ones also stay warm and feel dry when they're sopping wet. Unfortunately I bought them 15 years ago and the labels are so worn I can't identify them.

Someone bought me some skins. Feel absolutely sensational for recovery. Downside is their tendency to slip down when running. Yep, labels peeling off. A bit too long (or I'm too short) in the leg and uncomfortable when they bunch.

Recently bought some cw-x stabilyx tights. Much better quality than the skins, feel fantastic, fit perfectly and make me look like a superhero!

I bought a pair each for a pair of married triathletes and they just put them on to walk around the house ogling each other.

[dmnz]

Geez I've now seen this topic repeated on 3 different forums for 3 different 'sports' in the last few days.

In my experience , compression works.  That's good enough for me.

The best by far is Skins.

All the others seem pretty average from the compression perspective.

There are improvements Skins could make but for me they are the best ones out there without a doubt.

[BigAl5000]

I've been using skins in both the short and longer style for running and martial arts, I've also got some 2xu and body amour. My white skins have stretched around the waist band but they are 2 years old now and are worn 2-3 times a week. Apart from that I've been happy with all the garments and have noticed reduced DOMS from kicking and running.

[impoze]

i just ordered some linebreak long pants and long sleeve top with 40% off,
usually $99 each, but $60 each after discount which I think is pretty good, and shipping is only $7.50 for 3 items or less,

these will be my first compression garments so i'm looking forward to using them the service was really nice on the phone too..

found the coupon code on ozbargain and is available for use until 15/5/09, so plenty of time,

[impoze]

just received mine in the mail, i was expecting them to come tomorrow but they came today, 1 day after ordering after midday.

[brettsrun]

 dmnz, on Apr 18 2009, 12:51 AM, said:

In my experience , compression works.  That's good enough for me.
The best by far is Skins.

There is no doubt about DMNZ alliance, we all have different likes for what works for us, I highly recommend 2XU products, but I guess I am biased,none the less many posters across the forums are very happy with the results 2XU provide, DMNZ being possibly one of the only to not find them to his liking. If anyone wants to try some, PM me and I will get you some at close to 50% off, like I said I guess I am a bit biased, but try them and make up your own mind

Edited by brettsrun, 29 April 2009 - 11:19 PM.

[tim]

nice ad  

[dmnz]

 brettsrun, on Apr 29 2009, 11:18 PM, said:

There is no doubt about DMNZ alliance, we all have different likes for what works for us, I highly recommend 2XU products, but I guess I am biased,none the less many posters across the forums are very happy with the results 2XU provide, DMNZ being possibly one of the only to not find them to his liking. If anyone wants to try some, PM me and I will get you some at close to 50% off, like I said I guess I am a bit biased, but try them and make up your own mind

Brettsrun, I hope you don't think I'm trying to put down 2XU in any way or your efforts in promoting them.  Very grateful for your help.  You're a great ambassador for the brand.  And it obviously works for yourself and a lot of others.

I am not putting 2XU down.  Damn, no one makes a better run singlet than 2XU.  I just like Skins better when it comes to compression.  This is a personal preference only and it may be down to fit/body shape or the fact that I've had the most experience/time spent in them.  

I just find that Skins works best for me personally (I've probably tried 5-10 different compression brands over the years now) so I can only give feedback along those lines.  I love the Skins but am not associated with them in any way.  

That being said, I've made my displeasure with the Skins tops known on forums and with the local rep, as well as with Skins directly.   It's not perfect by a long way but it's what works best for me.

So, bottom line.  Skins works best for me.  But you should try a few of the brands and sees what's best for you.
That's my 5c!  

Hope that clears the air a bit mate!