Review of 2XU Men's Compression Tights

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I recently did a comparison of recovery type tights. I believe that a big part of it is how the tights fit you, and everyone fits differently, but here are my thoughts.

Skins Men's RY400 – My winner. They provide great compression – snug, but not uncomfortable. They fit very well and are very comfortable, the best of all I've tried. I like that they are thin so if I wear them under my pants, I won't sweat too much. So, thin + good compression + good comfort = my favorite compression tights.

CW-X Men's Perform X Tights – My runner up favorite. They provide good compression and the compression seems to be in the right spots. They fit nicely, though they are a little thick, I would be very happy with this one.

Zoot Sports Men's Ultra 2.0 CRX Tights – I really liked these, they have the best compression and the compression seems to be the best targeted as well – tight where you need it and not tight where you don't (knees). Having said that, they are not the most comfortable to wear walking around under your pants and they are very very thick, almost like medical type tights. I think this would be a big problem in summer. So if the thickness doesn't bother you and you don't really plan to use them under any pants to walk around, I think they are really great for sitting around the house for recovery.

2XU Men's Compression Tights – ok, but a little hard to pull over my feet because of the small foot opening. Nothing spectacular on the compression, but seemed to fit ok and although not my favorite, I believe they would work.

Orca Men's Killa Kompression Tights – I really wanted to like these, because my tri suit is Orca, but they just were not so comfortable, not so great with compression, and really really hard to get on my legs because the foot opening is so small.

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These are easily the best compression tights in the world as far as I'm concerned. But read this: If you buy them don't end up being one of the people that complains about them falling apart in the wash. DON'T WASH THEM IN THE WASHER. Always rinse in cold water after you run to get the sweats and salts and everything off them, and then wash my hand. They will last longer and the logos will not come off this way. Anyone who treats these like a pair of sweatpants needs to learn about material and how to wash certain things. For $100 you HAVE To learn how to care for these. When you do, these will be around for a while. Best quality, awesome looks, amazing compression. 2XU is tops!

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Short Answer: They are nice. They work. I can recommend them. I wore them for my very first half-marathon race and my legs were fine afterwards. I look forward to putting them to the test with a full marathon later in the year.

Longer Answer: This was the first piece of compression gear that I purchased. I bought the tights from a local running store, but had to exchange them for the Medium Tall size, rather than the Medium size. While wearing them post-run (for muscle recovery) I noticed the waist kept creeping down below the iliac crest (hip bones). The sizing guide on the back of the package recommended Medium Tall for someone 6'2" and (200) lbs. (and a size [38] waist), but the running store staffer assured me the Medium size fit him fine, and he was almost my height. (Also, the MT size was not in-stock at the store at that time.) Definitely follow the 2XU USA sizing guide, either at their web-site, or here on Amazon (above).

The X-Form model of the 2XU tights are suitable for active use, and post activity recovery, or both. I wore the tights for recovery after a local 8K (5 mi.) race, and even though I stretched out after the event, and before getting in the car, my legs were still a bit sore, especially a spot on my outer right knee (at the 2-3 o'clock position) which was tight during the run. I read somewhere that muscle vibration during performance events can increase muscle fatigue, so I was hopeful that the tights would help minimize the ache in my knee during and after running. It did. I wore these tights and a long-sleeve 2XU compression shirt during the 2012 San Jose 408K in San Jose, CA, and also during the 2012 Modesto Marathon (I ran the half). I saw other runners during the Modesto Marathon also wearing the 2XU gear. After the marathon I made sure to stretch out my legs and walk around a bit. The only real downside to wearing tights is the compression in the groin, but frankly, while you're running your race, it's not that noticeable because your mind is focused on the event, maintaining your pace, et al. I did make sure to use Body Glide to protect against chafing on my inner thighs and bits. Another reviewer mentioned "exposure" so if you're feeling modest, just wear some lightweight running shorts over these during your event, which is what I did. (I noticed at least one runner in the half-marathon I ran was also wearing the top and tights with his running shoes and socks, and no additional over-garments. I didn't observe any undue exposure on his part. YMMV.) The seams are flat and did not cause me any discomfort during my races.

The half-marathon I ran in these was my first, and after 3.5 hrs. of running and walking in them I am certain they worked as advertised: My legs were not sore following my run. The muscles around my knees were a little bit achy ( a dull ache) for the first two (2) days following my half-marathon effort, but were fine thereafter. And really that's why I bought these in the first place: To help protect my legs during endurance runs. In fact, I am considering wearing these the next time I try hiking Yosemite's Half Dome. The only downside is the hiking pants I wear keep sliding down if I wear these under them (Royal Robbins convertible hiking pants) so maybe I need a t-shirt between the pants and the tights for more traction... I'll let you know.

Garment Care: Another reviewer on Amazon recommended washing the 2XU gear inside out, so the design is on the inside, and then hanging it to dry right side out; otherwise, the design will stick to itself and start tearing off. I agree with that recommendation: I tried it just the other day and everything turned out fine. I think I used the regular setting, but you may want to use the "gentle" cycle, or just wash them in the sink by hand, if you are concerned about damaging the design. In fact, one reason I chose the 2XU brand was for the design: The X pattern makes it look kind of like you're one of the X-Men(tm)! [© Marvel Comics]

Honest reviews on 2XU Men's Compression Tights

Good comrression, has a small pocket and draw string to tighten around waist. Waist size seemed OK, but leg length is a little short.

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I bought these to run in at night as the X provides reflection and my previous pair did not have anything reflective. Obviously black leggings aren't very visible otherwise. I had previously tried just calf compression which were great but these provide support for my knees and thighs as well. My hamstrings are not as tight after a run and my knees feel much much better as well. I am a firm believer in this product and would recommend it to anyone. The 2XU sizing chart is very good indicator of what size you will need.