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A review of graduated compression wear

982 bytes added, 13:11, 31 July 2012
Training Tights
These tights are explicitly designed for use while running and training.
=== 2XU Elite Compression Tight (highly recommended) ===
{| class="wikitable" |- valign="top"|[[File:2MECT.JPG|none|thumb|x300px|2XU Elite Compression Tight ]]|[[File:FrankenPants.48.jpg|none|thumb|x300px|These are my 2XU with the pockets from an old pair of [[Race Ready Shorts and Tights|Race Ready Shorts]].]]|}These are my preferred running tights, with a useful level of compression. I've worn these for recovery until my My wife added in some extra pockets in the back from some old Race Ready shorts, which was far harder than we anticipated. The latest version of these tights comes with a key pocket, and a waistband with a fastening cord. Like all graduated compression tights, they do tend to slip down slightly, but the waistband keeps them in place. I find they are far more comfortable than Form Fitting tights and I miss them if I run in my 'ordinary' tights. [http://go.redirectingat.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2F2xu-elite-compression-tight-black-steel~1%3Fzlfid%3D111%26recoName%3Dzap_brand_page 2XU Elite Compression Tight at Zappos], also available as the cheaper [http://go.fellrnr.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2F2xu-compression-tight-black-black~1 'non pro' version], but the Pro is worth the extra.
=== Zoot CompressRx Active Tight (worth considering) ===
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:ZAT.JPG|none|thumb|x300px|Zoot CompressRx Active Tight]]
|[[File:Zoot Knee.JPG|right|thumb|300pxx300px|A close up of the knee area showing the variable weave. You can see that there is less pressure and more room for the kneecap.]]|[[File:Zoot Side Closeup.JPG|right|thumb|300pxx300px|A side view, showing how the variable weave matches up with the kneecap. I’ve highlighted the changes in weave (and therefore pressure) using the blue diamonds.]]|[[File:Zoot Top Closeup.JPG|right|thumb|300pxx300px|The top view, showing that these tights have the extra pressure closer to the kneecap than the CW-X below.]]
|}
These tights offer high levels of compression and use a variable weave to apply the different pressure to specific areas. This variable weave is the most technically advanced of the tights I’ve tried, and they are this is a more effective approach than the extra material used in the CW-X shown below. This targeted compression should help to support and position the kneecap without applying direct pressure, and allow for more freedom of movement. The knee support might help with [[Knee Pain]]. The tights are a little tricky to put on, and the lack of distinct waistband causes them to slip down more than the Saucony. Like the 2XU there They have are no pockets, but there is also no waistband. This means pulling them up periodically, which is a major distractionI miss. While I liked the targeted high compression, the extra tension made them slip down too often to be viable. If Zoot changed the design to include a waistband, I order a pair immediately. These may be worth trying to see if they stay up for you. [http://go.redirectingat.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FZoot-Compressrx-Ultra-Active-Tight%2Fdp%2FB001HBRM0C%2Fref%3Dsr_1_1%3Fs%3Dsporting-goods%26ie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1341316960%26sr%3D1-1%26keywords%3DZoot%2BActive%2BTight Zoot CompressRx Active Tight at amazon.com]
===CW-X Stabilyx Tights===
{| class="wikitable"
|- valign="top"
|[[File:CW-X Stabilyx.jpg|right|thumb|300pxx300px|I like the way the CW-X Stabilxy looks in this color scheme, though they are also available without any contrasting panels or outlining.]]|[[File:StabilyXTights.jpg|right|thumb|300pxx300px|A schematic of where the extra layer of material is positioned.]]|[[File:CW-X Closeup Top.48.jpg|right|thumb|300pxx300px|The CW-X Stabilyx tights showing the support bands going around the kneecap.]]|[[File:CW-X Closeup Side.14.jpg|right|thumb|300pxx300px|A side view, again showing the distance between the support bands and the kneecap.]]
|}
The Stabilyx tights are intended to provide extra pressure along certain lines to help align muscles and bones. This extra pressure comes from a second layer of material, so these tights are quite a bit thicker, less flexible and warmer than other tights like such as the 2XUor Zoot. There is also rather more vertical tension, pulling the tights down at the waistband, which is a little uncomfortable. I was hoping that the tights would provide more knee support than other tights, but as you can see from the pictures, the extra supporting bands are some distance from the kneecap. If you like the idea of variable compression, then I’d suggest the Zoot approach of using different weaves of material is superior to the CW-X approach of adding a second layer. CW-X does have a similar approach in their [http://www.zappos.com/cw-x-revolution-tight-black~1 Revolution] tights, but these are rather expensive and don’t provide as much compression. Like the Zoot, the targeted compression might help with [[Knee Pain]], but I suspect the support webs are too far from the kneecap to make much difference (see pictures). [http://go.redirectingat.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fcw-x-stabilyx-tight-black-rapsberry CW-X at Zappos.com].
===CW-X Ventilator Tights===
{| class="wikitable"
|[[File:Cw-x-ventilator-panels.jpg|none|thumb|300px|The ventilation panels highlighted in light blue.]]
|}
These compression tights have mesh panels to reduce the heat buildup. While this makes them cooler than the standard CW-X Stabilyx, they are still warmer than other tights like the 2XU. If you prefer the CW-X style of support webbing, then these are a better option than the standard tights until the weather gets cold. [http://go.redirectingat.com?id=35454X937677&xs=1&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zappos.com%2Fcw-x-ventilator-tights-black CW-X Ventilator at Zappos.com].
=== Saucony Men's AMP PRO2 Training Tight] (limited availability) ===
[[File:SMAPTT.JPG |none|thumb|x300px|Saucony Men's AMP PRO2 Training Tight]]
The Saucony training tights are higher compression than their recovery version, but less pressure than the Zoot Active, and similar to the 2XU. These are the only compression tights I’ve tried that have an ankle zipper, which is rather nice. I like these tights, but the lack of waist band is remarkably annoying as they tend to slip down while running. These are one of the few compression tights with a pocket, which is zippered and in the small of the back. The biggest problem with these tights is they are hard to find.  
==Recovery Tights==
===2XU Compression Recovery Tight (Highly Recommended)===

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