Sunday, November 1, 2015

2xu elite mcs compression tights: review

Disclaimer: I received the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review, find, and write race reviews!



I gush about being a BibRave Pro all the time. Being involved with the running community is amazing, and having the opportunity to try products I might not have heard about or been able to test is fantastic.


Elite MCS Compression Gear 

Same goes for being given the opportunity to test the 2XU (two times you) Elite MCS Compression Tights – I was super excited to get the email that I was chosen to give them a shot. I'm a fan of compression, but have only ever tried calf sleeves and a pair of capris (which were ok, but I didn't love them). 

When they arrived in the mail, I immediately ripped open the package to try them on. They felt great on my legs, but a bit tight around the hips/waistband. It was a bit uncomfortable at first, but I had used the size chart on the website to choose my size, and I knew I had chosen correctly. I wasn't even close to being one size or another, I was in the middle of the one size I had chosen. After two wears, I found that it no longer bothered me or felt too tight. I think it just needed that initial wear and stretch. (The size chart has you choose your size by your height and weight. I'd say it's true to size.)



I was very happy that they were a full length pant, rather than a capri. I personally prefer the whole leg to be covered and in recovery mode with my compression tights. That's just my personal preference. I just think it works better for me.


Post-Chicago Half Marathon and an extra 5 miles
means recovery on the couch with my
Elite MCS Compression Tights

We were still having summer weather here in Chicago, and all the races I did involved shorts (capris for one race). This meant I didn't have an opportunity to test the pants for running. You know me, I heat up quickly when running, so unless it's below 40s, I'm in shorts or capris. 

For recovery, though – these pants are AMAZING. While training for the Chicago Marathon, I put them on after every long run (post-shower, of course). I would wake up after a tough 19 miles with the ability to walk no problem. I couldn't say that prior to using these tights post-long runs. 

Some of you know that I had a rough Chicago Marathon. I got sick and had hip problems starting around the halfway mark that continued until I finished. I was certain that on Monday, I would barely be able to get out of bed. After the race, I showered and put on the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights to go meet other Pros/friends for food and celebratory drinks. I felt instant relief on the entire lower half of my body. I was able to hang out with my pals with little discomfort in my legs/hips. 


I'm on the right wearing my 2XU Elite MCS Compression Tights
at Goose Island Taproom post-Chicago Marathon.

And what happened when I woke up Monday? My legs weren't sore AT ALL. The bottom of my foot, where a gigantic blister resided and refused to stay drained lived, on the other hand, made walking difficult, but if that didn't exist, it would have been as if I hadn't done 26.2 miles the day before. I seriously think of them as my magic compression tights. 

I also witnessed my friend and fellow Pro Angie put these tights on post-50k trail race (ECSWI), wear them for bed, and wake up feeling refreshed and with little leg pain. 


Laura after completing the ECSWI Half
Marathon and Angie day after ECSWI 50k -
Sporting their Elite MCS Compression Tights.
Photo cred: Angie

They are extremely comfortable. I could wear them all day every day... and sometimes do.

All of this makes me swear by these pants. Of course the weather is perfect for wearing them to run in, but I've been sick since right after the marathon and haven't been able to run at all. I can honestly say, that the moment I'm back at running and it's in the lower-temps for my liking, I'll be wearing these pants ALL. THE. TIME. I'm also adding more 2XU products to my Christmas Wish List. And I'll be buying myself a thermal pair for those super cold days using the discount code.


At the Chicago Monster Dash race.

I even wore them yesterday to pick up my swag from the Monster Dash, where it was cold and rainy (obviously I opted out of racing) - and they kept me warm and dry.

I know there's a lot of science involved, and though I might not understand all of it, I think it's worthy of mentioning.

MCS stands for muscle containment stamping, which traces over key muscles, tendons, and fascia groups for more targeted effective compression power. These tights provide support specifically for use during explosive or rapid-movement activity. They also offer superior performance for recovery, with greater protection against blood pooling post-activity.

BENEFITS OF COMPRESSION:


X PERFORMANCE:
• wear prior to training to facilitate a faster and more effective warm-up
• use during intermittent high-intensity exercise to assist with activities such as repeated sprinting and jumping
• faster recovery from all-out maximum strength and power efforts
• wicks sweat away from the skin 
• reduces fatigue and risk of long-term overuse injuries by reducing muscle oscillation
• provides antibacterial and UPF 50+ sun protection





FROM THE TECH LAB:
• raised elastic on the inside lining is anatomically mapper over key muscle, tendon, and fascia groups for more precise compression and muscle containment
• a powerful combination of 70-denier fabric and heavier 105-denier fabric allows full range of motion in tandem with strong muscle support
• made on 8-way stretch machines, which eliminate any bagginess in areas such as the knees or crotch
• highest grade Invest Lycra® in a 360˚ circular knit to produce graduated compression for increased blood circulation




I seriously suggest you look into getting yourself a pair of these Elite MCS Compression Tights. And if tights aren't your thing, perhaps the shorts or Calf Guard might be more up your alley. Use code BIBRAVE20 for 20% off your shopping cart. This code has no limit on usage, so maybe after your first purchase you also decide you need one of everything else, you can use the code again. I'll need to get some shorts and calf guards for next spring and winter... 

Jeremy loves his tights!

2XU will be sponsoring #BibChat on Tuesday, November 3 at 8pm CT. Join us for what's sure to be an exciting chat and meet some new runner friends. Follow 2XU on their social media (links below), and check out their YouTube page - so many cool videos on there.

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1 comment:

  1. I have a pair of 2XU compression socks that I really like. I have never tried the tights though. I currently have a pair of another brand of compression tights and honestly I don't feel any difference with them. Maybe I need to try this kind out.

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