100 replies to this topic

[Dermottj]

Hi,

I am really hoping for some guidance here, I have only been running for around 3 months and am in training for my first half marathon at the end of August, at the moment I am running around 60kms or so a week and have worked my way up to a longest run of 15kms so far, running just under 5 minute kms.

I had been pulling up a bit sore a few times (to be expected I know) and am now wanting to purchase some compression tights that through reading look like they will help during & post my runs (sore calves, right knee has been quite manageable to date). My query is what do you buy, Skins have a large following, 2XU look good but am I just as well off buying Diadora or other less popular brands?

Can someone please assist, this is all foreign territory!

Cheers

John

[Skat]

Hi John,

I did a lot of research on this last year and decided on 2XU, and i cant even really remember why i chose them over the others. There are lots of opinions/testimonials already on these forums if you search for compression. I think you need to do the reading and decide what makes most sense for you. IMHO they do work and slipping them on after a long run is heaven.  Good luck

[mandaj]

I was/am having the same dilemma. I recently purchased a pair of full length 2XU tights. I've run in them twice and both times vowed I wouldn't run in them again. They make me too hot (both times I ran in Sydney at night in winter). BUT, I love them for post run recovery.

The 2XU are a hipster style which was something I didn't think about when I bought them but will when I buy my next pair.

[funrunner63]

I use cheap (Target) compression tights for my quads, but 2XU compression socks for my calves/achilles tendon.

Both have helped- wear them during and after exercise.

If I was specifically concernec about my calves, I'd go the 2XU compression socks or Calf Guards,

Funrunner aka Craig

[brettsrun]

mandaj, on Jul 22 2009, 04:04 PM, said:

hipster style which was something I didn't think about when I bought them but will when I buy my next pair.

The hispters for the women are popular with the samller rear ends, if you have a little bigger read and belly these are not very popular and some women buy the mens and they fit just fine, remember they are compression and they stretch around all the curves

There are multiple models available in the 2XU range.
It is importnat to understand what modelk someone refers to when they say they are hot running in them.
The vast majority of people I speak to or supply compression gear to dont have "hot" problems.
There are a couple of thermal models, high performance and elite.
You wont go past 2XU for Compression to aid in fatigue minimisation and recovery, check the other threads and there is plenty there to make you own decision from. If you decide you want to try 2XU let me know, can introduce you to them at a discounted price.

there is always the cheap option but you do get what you pay for..

cheers brett

[Sunder]

I swear by skins. I've run as cold as 8* and hot as 30* in them, and never had any problems with overheating or freezing. (Although I suspect at 8*, I could run in the birthday suit and the worst thing that would happen would be a public nudity charge).

[Dermottj]

Hi Brett, I am interested in the 2XU's as I have read a couple of previous threads in relation to them, if you would be so kind to shoot me an email if possible (john@mbo.com.au) in relation to pair I would greatly appreciate it, I have tried to send you an email via this website however not proving to be successful at this stage.
Kind regards

John

PS - thanks to everyone, most useful to have your input, if anyone else has something to add please feel free!

[mandaj]

brettsrun, on Jul 22 2009, 04:20 PM, said:

The hispters for the women are popular with the samller rear ends, if you have a little bigger read and belly these are not very popular and some women buy the mens and they fit just fine, remember they are compression and they stretch around all the curves

There are multiple models available in the 2XU range.
It is importnat to understand what modelk someone refers to when they say they are hot running in them.
The vast majority of people I speak to or supply compression gear to dont have "hot" problems.
There are a couple of thermal models, high performance and elite.
You wont go past 2XU for Compression to aid in fatigue minimisation and recovery, check the other threads and there is plenty there to make you own decision from. If you decide you want to try 2XU let me know, can introduce you to them at a discounted price.

there is always the cheap option but you do get what you pay for..

cheers brett

The hipsters are fine (even for my bigger rear end ) but it's definitely something to think about when you are purchasing, whether you want that style or not.
Also, in regards to getting hot, I have realised I don't like running in long pants or a long top. Again, it's personal preference. And I didn't really know that before I ran in my long 2XUs. But as I said before, I love them for recovery.

[BigAl5000]

I love my skins. I run in them, train in them etc. They seem to be the only brand that makes them in my size. But to be honest i havent tried any other brands. Think it is easiest just to experiment.

[Melruns]

Hi Dermottj,

I love full length Skins for recovery and have found the Performax brand compression pants to be really good to run in as well.  T&F make them and they are a little cheaper than Skins and 2XU.

My husband loves his Linebreak full length pants.

As for the much cheaper options, I have only tried the Kmart ones, I think they are Torpedo by Slazenger.  I don't rate them at all for compression.  You can tell the difference just stretching the fabric in your hand.

Happy hunting!

[Mister G]

Did a bit of shopping a couple of months ago as my first winter in Wentworth Falls closed in. The beauty of 2XU and UnderArmour tights is that they have a drawstring- Skins and some of the generic brands tend to slide down on me (and others), not a good thing (or good look).

Incidentally the 2XU tights have worked fine in the middle of a winter day at lower elevations, no overheating experienced. Summer will be a new test.

[skarabrae]

If you are interested in trying 2XU tights, go ahead and contact Brettsrun about them. It is not a con, is the genuine article, and is a great service offered by Brett.

Re the tights themselves: I've worn full-length Skins for a few years now, all year long in the Brisbane area, without ever feeling hot in them. When you first put them on, you think you will be hot, but soon forget about them. When I get to a tap, I wet my legs in them, which I would do if wearing shorts anyway. After a long run, I leave them on for an hour or so before I have a shower. After a REALLY long run, I put a clean pair on after my shower.

When I needed a new pair, the 2XU looked so funky, I just had to try them! Silly me, didn't try them on in a shop, ordered girly Elite full-length from Brett. When they arrived, the waistline was WAY too low. Now I am size 10, normally described as "slim", but it's my personal choice to prefer a higher waistline. I sold them on to a fellow runner who is the same size but younger and shorter, and she is very happy in them. I then ordered mens, also size small, for me, and they are perfect. You get the waistband into the right place, tighten the string, and they never move. Having said that, the Skins have a higher waistline, with no string, but they don't fall down on me.

Another benefit of compression tights is that, as most of my runs are along the beachfront, after a long run I can go and sit in the sea to recover, effectively icing all the large muscle groups. When I come out, I just towel off the tights, put my shoes back on and head off for a coffee.

Direct comparison of Skins and 2XU : I can't feel any difference in compression, both are comfortable and cool, but the 2XU look much funkier! And Brett can get them for you at a significant discount.

Edited by skarabrae, 23 July 2009 - 12:20 PM.

[Sunset]

I have Skins, 2XU and CW-X.  Personal preferace is the Skins.  I feel they have the best compression.

[gottagofasta]

I have tried various brands, but personally can't go past Body Science (BSC) full length tights. A great fit which I believe provide very good compression. I mainly wear them immediately after hard training sessions (not necessarily during) and since doing so I experience less soreness / stiffness afterwards and recovery has been quicker.

[BIGKEV]

Dermottj, on Jul 22 2009, 12:34 PM, said:

Hi,

I am really hoping for some guidance here, I have only been running for around 3 months and am in training for my first half marathon at the end of August, at the moment I am running around 60kms or so a week and have worked my way up to a longest run of 15kms so far, running just under 5 minute kms.

I had been pulling up a bit sore a few times (to be expected I know) and am now wanting to purchase some compression tights that through reading look like they will help during & post my runs (sore calves, right knee has been quite manageable to date). My query is what do you buy, Skins have a large following, 2XU look good but am I just as well off buying Diadora or other less popular brands?

Can someone please assist, this is all foreign territory!

Cheers

John

Hi John..went with Skins myself..always look at the brand leader i.e audi, bmw, porsche etc for cars..skins for compression clothing. They invented the market and they are ,in my humble opinion, the best. I've had no heating issues with mine and the post-run compression is awesome...for anthing longer than 21K they are a must...I've also heard they add upto 3% increase in speed which equates to a good taper without eating all those muffins !!! They are all good....
keep running,
BK

[brettsrun]

Gottagofaste, youwillgofasta in 2XU  

[Lamoose]

I am also planning on getting some compression tights soon, went to the local 2XU store not too long ago and had a look - the guy was praising them, saying how the material weave and quality is so much better than the competition and that Skins is "an inferior product". I was thinking of the thermal ones but stopped when I saw the $150 price tag!

brettsrun your offer sounds good, does it extend to any CR member?

[brettsrun]

Lamoose, on Jul 31 2009, 10:31 PM, said:

I am also planning on getting some compression tights soon, went to the local 2XU store not too long ago and had a look - the guy was praising them, saying how the material weave and quality is so much better than the competition and that Skins is "an inferior product". I was thinking of the thermal ones but stopped when I saw the $150 price tag!

brettsrun your offer sounds good, does it extend to any CR member?

Hi Lamoose,
you'll need two pairs, one for the front legs and one for the rear, will struggle to fit a compression top over those antlers though
Sorry needed to humour myself, tough week.

Offers good for all CRs to get the chance to try 2XU for themselves, best way to decide if they are better than the opposition is to try them. Being a newbie, you wont be able to PM, go to my website as per my signature and drop me an email and we can sort it out from there, good luck

Edited by brettsrun, 31 July 2009 - 10:35 PM.

[Old chook]

Got skins, got "noname"s, got CWX's. Haven't got 2XU's, though tried them on while buying some for a friend who wanted them. CWX's the most expensive. Also the best fit and compressiveness. Panels tailored for women. Much better wearing than the skins, which seemed approximately equivalent to the 2XU's in quality of fabric and manufacture. CWX have grades for very cold, normal and warm weather. They definitely help in recovery and feel great in running the few times I found it cold enough to wear them.

[brettsrun]

Old chook, on Aug 1 2009, 09:08 PM, said:

Got skins, got "noname"s, got CWX's. Haven't got 2XU's, though tried them on while buying some for a friend who wanted them. CWX's the most expensive. Also the best fit and compressiveness. Panels tailored for women. Much better wearing than the skins, which seemed approximately equivalent to the 2XU's in quality of fabric and manufacture. CWX have grades for very cold, normal and warm weather. They definitely help in recovery and feel great in running the few times I found it cold enough to wear them.

Hi Old Chook, no doubt you have read all above,
if you would like to try 2XU, send me a PM
cheers Brett

[IronD]

FWIW I also think the 2XU's are the goods.
Have tried both skins and 2XU. the skins lost their 'compressability' after a few wears. As a smallish female the sizing was also not great.
2XU's are definitely compressing, still fit well and look reasonably ok. I also do run in them and don't find them too hot.

Just expensive, but not that much more that skins.

[Lamoose]

brettsrun, on Jul 31 2009, 10:35 PM, said:

Hi Lamoose,
you'll need two pairs, one for the front legs and one for the rear, will struggle to fit a compression top over those antlers though
Sorry needed to humour myself, tough week.

Offers good for all CRs to get the chance to try 2XU for themselves, best way to decide if they are better than the opposition is to try them. Being a newbie, you wont be able to PM, go to my website as per my signature and drop me an email and we can sort it out from there, good luck

Thanks, I'll have a look now and send you an email!

[BraddieGee]

I wear Skins half length tights while running and find them to do a pretty good job, no chafing and I feel very stable when in them.

I'm thinking about trying out 2XU Elite or High Performance full length tights to aid with recovery, just to be a bit different from every one with Skins, because lots of posts seem to be talking them up a fair bit, but I've never tried them before.

[HillsAths1]

The post below is from the Linebreak Discount Extended thread, 40% discount quick delivery by all accounts.

"OK Just to add to the list, I have no relationship with Linebreak, but one of the runners I coach is an up and coming runner/Triathlete(I am trying to wean him away from Tris) has a sponsorship deal with Linebreak and they offer the 40% discount to anyone who would like to take up the offer. It makes the athlete look good as it shows that he is a good athlete to sponsor as he has lots of friend etc.

So if you would like to assist this 16 year old please read below.

"Through my sponsorship, LineBreak have provided me with a special 40% discount to pass on to other members of my sport. To illustrate the saving, a 40% discount on their tights reduces the price from $100rrp to $60. Compare this to some comparable brands at $150 and it’s a very attractive offer.


To take advantage of this substantial saving, visit http://www.shop-linebreak.com.au/ and use the discount code OD06QUM76 to save a bundle. To learn more about LineBreak’s gear, visit http://www.linebreak.com.au/ - Please note this offer ends on 31/10/09."

If you prefer Skins/2XU etc, please consider trying out Linebreak as the price is pretty good, you would also be helping an up and coming athlete.

Plus the offer is now extended out to the end of October"

[OurDogScruff]

I ordered a pair of Linebreak Velocity tights yesterday afternoon and they were here this morning.  

40% off, delivered in less than 24 hours.  

Never had any compression gear before, so have nothing to compare them to.  But I've just put them on my sore legs and they feel superb, so thanks for the discount code HillsAths1.    

Cheers

Edited by OurDogScruff, 09 October 2009 - 12:16 PM.

[TraceyW]

Hi Brett

I am new to the forum and have been reading the various posts on compression tights.  If the offer still stands on the 2XU tights, I would be interested in getting some further information.  My email is tracey_wad@yahoo.com.au.

Cheers
Tracey

[brettsrun]

TraceyW, on Oct 22 2009, 12:59 PM, said:

Hi Brett

I am new to the forum and have been reading the various posts on compression tights.  If the offer still stands on the 2XU tights, I would be interested in getting some further information.  My email is tracey_wad@yahoo.com.au.

Cheers
Tracey

Hi Tracey,
I have been a little quiet lately, due to at least one CR complaining to Admin and not being to happy that I have a real passion for 2XU and the real benifits that they provide to you in all facets, training, racing and recovery. I was making available gear at discounted prices simply because I could and wanted to help other CRs experience the benefits with a little less pain in the hip pocket. Oh, it was considered I was making some money or had a real business connection with 2XU. Couldnt be further from the truth, put simply it usually ends up costing me a small amount by the time I get the gear, package it up and send it off, none the less I am more than happy to help those CRs seeking to experience the best compression gear on the market.
The Full range can usually be available at discounts of 40-45% off, due to the overwhelming popularity there has been some delays with a couple of items, but generally they get to you in about a week.

cheers Brett

[DonBob]

brettsrun, on Oct 22 2009, 07:07 PM, said:

Hi Tracey,
I have been a little quiet lately, due to at least one CR complaining to Admin and not being to happy that I have a real passion for 2XU and the real benifits that they provide to you in all facets, training, racing and recovery. I was making available gear at discounted prices simply because I could and wanted to help other CRs experience the benefits with a little less pain in the hip pocket. Oh, it was considered I was making some money or had a real business connection with 2XU. Couldnt be further from the truth, put simply it usually ends up costing me a small amount by the time I get the gear, package it up and send it off, none the less I am more than happy to help those CRs seeking to experience the best compression gear on the market.
The Full range can usually be available at discounts of 40-45% off, due to the overwhelming popularity there has been some delays with a couple of items, but generally they get to you in about a week.

cheers Brett

Hi Brett,
Thanks heaps for the tights they feel great and were a bargain I wish I had of bought some a long time ago. Highly Recommend.

Cheers
Donbob

[Digger]

I have been experimenting over the last 3 years and found;

1-They are great for recovery

2-Great for Long Haul Jet flights

3-Great to aid in Injury time

4-Crap to race in, and I am amazed at how many runners race in them.

My experience in a Marathon(Long Legs) was that being 'compression tights', by design, they constricted the circulation to my lags, and brought on cramps earlier than I had ever experienced.

In the BRT run, I wore short leg ones, and had the same cramping sensation.

I am also amazed that some people wear them to keep warm, where mine do not appear to give and thermal insulation.

What are other peoples thoughts/experiences.

[DontStop]

Similar story here. I feel they help a bit for recovery, but provide no benefits on the run. Also, I suspect any thermal properties they give are purely psychological (not having to step out the door with bare legs probably makes people feel more comfortable on a cold morning).

And I'll believe that story about them increasing your speed by "up to 3%" when elite athletes start racing in them and immediately shave minutes off their marathon pbs, and 30-40 seconds off their 10k times. Just think, all Haile has to do is run his next marathon in skins, and he'll crank out a 2.01. With all due respect to people who feel they benefit from them in races, that's just bullshit.

[aDrain]

BUT - shorter (but not too short) ones are really good for stopping chafing of the thighs (without wanting this to go off topic discussing the merits of body glide, etc)


Edit: typo

Edited by aDrain, 23 October 2009 - 10:43 AM.

[Ding]

Agree with Digger & others...

I use my 2XU Elites for;
(1) Recovery.  Every time after any run >10km or any shorter but high intensity workouts.  They work!!
(2) Flights.  Any time I hop on a plane, long or short haul. They are fine to wear under jeans or a suit.
(3) I don't race in them.
(4) Have trained in them a few times - I don't notice any difference but I don't get hot in them.  They don't help on cold mornings either!!

I have tried other brands, but my 2XU have kept their compression over time.

The only things I would like is a pocket in the small of my back for house key, money, GU, etc
Maybe the new versions have this...?

[Danny]

Hi Folks,

Similar experience here - I use 2XU and found them to be very effective for recovery.

Cheers,

Danny

[chops]

Hi everybody, I am after some advice. I've just bought some (long) compression shorts and wondered what difference I am supposed to feel,during and after a run, besides compression. Thanks, any help.

Edited by chops, 28 October 2009 - 09:27 AM.

[aDrain]

Hi Chops,

You're going to get a mixed reaction to your question. I wear the long skins shorts if going for a long run primarily to avoid chafing of the thighs. Not really convinced if there are any real compression benefits for the thighs (but happy to be convinced).

I do like long legged compressors (currently got some CW-X which I very much like) for recovery, or if cold (yeah I know, could be all in the mind), or if I feel like looking like Batman.

[RobHall]

I must be the biggest placebo junkie on the face of the earth, with practically no natural ability, all my big gains have been through the support of various trial and error of different items of clothing and suppliments etc.  

Some have no gains and some show instant smack in your face results.  Elite athletes night not need them but they probably know how to look after themselves properly.  My run times and recovery have dramatically improved with the use of compression socks amongst other things.  Maybe I am just a bit better conditioned but I just couldn't train as hard without this sort of stuff. As far as the compression shorts go, my hammies haven't cramped since I started using them and I have been attempting to bash myself up on some real biggies that used to cause me trouble.

[Davo83]

I agree with aDrain.
I use them in training and races from 100m - 5km,  primarily to prevent chafing.
The "snugness" also gives me a bit more confidence in that i can put in 100%, not 90% because im worried about tearing my hammy.
Im tempted to buy some for my troublesome calves as it seems more conveniant then alternate ice/hot baths for recovery.

cheers

Dave

[RobHall]

have a look at the 2xu compression socks thread to see what Sigotaka(?) had to say.  He thought they were a load of crap until he used them and negative split the GC marathon.

[brettsrun]

RobHall, on Oct 28 2009, 08:51 PM, said:

have a look at the 2xu compression socks thread to see what Sigotaka(?) had to say.  He thought they were a load of crap until he used them and negative split the GC marathon.

And Rob, you know where to get some bargains if your choice is to go 2XU  
Hate to see people spending more than they need to to acheive great results
Should I say it ? IF you want great results from compresion socks guards or tights at great discounts
Drop me a PM 40+ % off

[chops]

brettsrun, on Oct 28 2009, 11:06 PM, said:

And Rob, you know where to get some bargains if your choice is to go 2XU  
Hate to see people spending more than they need to to acheive great results
Should I say it ? IF you want great results from compresion socks guards or tights at great discounts
Drop me a PM 40+ % off

I didn't want to use any brand names, but you have forced me into it. I bought Linebreak, and got a 40% discount with a code from Didge's post.

[southy]

I don't believe they are performance enhancing at all, but I do race in them on cold days because they help keep me warm and they feel good on my legs. I am going to be buying & wearing tights anyway, so I might as well go ahead and buy good compression tights. I train in them in the cooler months to a) keep my legs warm and help prevent injury, also good for settling down those annoying little niggles at times. As to recovery -  not sure but I wear them after longer or harder races anyway, especially if I have a long drive home.
I also find them excellent for long flights - under my jeans. They really do help reduce the amt of swelling I use to get in my lower legs and ankles and help my legs feel better when I get there.
I don't buy normal tights anymore, only compression tights and compression shorts. I find the compression shorts useful for training & racing in warmer conditions as well. Mainly they remind me to use my glutes more.

[Didge]

From my own experience, they definitely help with recovery. But I also wear them when running -  shorter ones in summer and longer ones in winter as they definitely hold all my jiggly bits tighter.

[brettsrun]

chops, on Oct 29 2009, 05:46 PM, said:

I didn't want to use any brand names, but you have forced me into it. I bought Linebreak, and got a 40% discount with a code from Didge's post.

forced you to?, is your arm twisred so far behind your back you needed too

yep well aware of the didge linebreak sell
if it works for you thats fantastic, anything I put here is about trying to help people with what I can help with
cheers

Edited by brettsrun, 30 October 2009 - 09:00 AM.

[Didge]

brettsrun, on Oct 30 2009, 08:55 AM, said:

yep well aware of the didge linebreak sell

I wasn't trying to 'sell' anything - I was only sharing with others, just as you do.

[redbackrun]

i don't care what brand i wear as long as it stops the chafe.

[stephkp]

A few years ago I bought both Skins and Asics. The Asics were a lot cheaper and felt a lot more supportive -- genuine compression! I still prefer to pull on the Asics now.

[limathy]

Where can we find these asics tights?

I've got a pair of skins which i love, just concerned over the durability.
Tried the Slazenger bioslyx, for about 30dollars arent bad, but well not quite up to the task of competing with the Skins, but well worth the money.

I am interested in trying out the 2XU's though Brett, my email is limathy@gmail.com.

Edited by limathy, 10 November 2009 - 05:38 PM.

[MarkH]

brettsrun, on Jul 22 2009, 05:20 PM, said:

The hispters for the women are popular with the samller rear ends, if you have a little bigger read and belly these are not very popular and some women buy the mens and they fit just fine, remember they are compression and they stretch around all the curves

There are multiple models available in the 2XU range.
It is importnat to understand what modelk someone refers to when they say they are hot running in them.
The vast majority of people I speak to or supply compression gear to dont have "hot" problems.
There are a couple of thermal models, high performance and elite.
You wont go past 2XU for Compression to aid in fatigue minimisation and recovery, check the other threads and there is plenty there to make you own decision from. If you decide you want to try 2XU let me know, can introduce you to them at a discounted price.

there is always the cheap option but you do get what you pay for..

cheers brett

Hi Brett. I'm very interested in taking you up on your offer on the 2XU. A mate of mine recently got some and swears by them.

Mark

[brettsrun]

limathy, on Nov 5 2009, 02:49 AM, said:

Where can we find these asics tights?

I've got a pair of skins which i love, just concerned over the durability.
Tried the Slazenger bioslyx, for about 30dollars arent bad, but well not quite up to the task of competing with the Skins, but well worth the money.

I am interested in trying out the 2XU's though Brett, my email is limathy@gmail.com.

Hi limathy,
havent been that vigilant with threads recently, I hope you sorted out your needs with some compression gear,
Looks like the gear you mention is in a different catorgory altogether based on price range, I dont know that product at all.
if still looking for some great stuff 2XU feel free to drop me an email - brett@brettsrunforcanteen.org
Discounts of around 40% still available

Mark, drop me an email and let me know what you are after
cheers and happy running

[Fuks]

brettsrun, on Jan 2 2010, 11:22 AM, said:

Hi limathy,
havent been that vigilant with threads recently, I hope you sorted out your needs with some compression gear,
Looks like the gear you mention is in a different catorgory altogether based on price range, I dont know that product at all.
if still looking for some great stuff 2XU feel free to drop me an email - brett@brettsrunforcanteen.org
Discounts of around 40% still available

Mark, drop me an email and let me know what you are after
cheers and happy running

Hello Brett,

I've already sent you an e-mail (that I'm interested in calf guards from 2XU) and not sure if you've received it. My e-mail: fuksm2000@yahoo.co.uk

Many thanks,
Fuks