Technical Compression Wear : 2XU Review

Bought a 2XU Elite men compression wear yesterday from Choi and it cost me RM370. it was pretty ok considering the AUD - RM conversion is hovering at RM3/AUD at the moment.

What is compression wear and what do it do? Here are an excerpt from the website which looked and sounded more like a marketing ploy, rather than putting quantitative measures as a benchmark

- IMPROVED RECOVERY. Therapeutic rated fabric provides greater pressure and recovery benefit by helping the pumping action of the cardiovascular system; removing blood lactate from exercising muscles leading to faster muscle repair.

- IMPROVED CIRCULATION. Faster warm up and enhanced overall circulation. Graduated compression of the limbs actively encourages and increases venous return to the heart and lymph to the lymph nodes.

- REDUCED FATIGUE. During exercise, your muscles are exposed to forces that cause vibration. This major cause of muscle fatigue, known as muscle oscillation, can be reduced by wearing compression garments. This lead to improve muscle endurance, strength and power.

- HEIGHTENED AGILITY. Heightened proprioception increases senses and awareness for enhanced stability and agility. Proprioception can also help with improved technique as you remain aware of your body's positioning, improving the balance control system and muscle coordination.

- REDUCED DAMAGE. 2XU Compression features muscle containment properties which reduce muscle damage during exercise and minimise swelling post-exercise. Additional benefits include significant reduction of exercised-induced conditions such as Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS)


The only way to substaintiate the claim is by using it myself.

The tights took me a full 5 minutes and sweat (after shower somemore) to put on. And it felt snug and great. Don't worry, my family jewels were alright, it wasn't "compressed" there, can breathe.

The 50/70 denier construction did give varying effect of compression from the ankle up to the tummy.

It was supposed to be that way to ensure blood circulates back to the heart (legs, being the lowest in the body) and remove toxin (in this case, i guess it is lactic acid) off the muscle to keep it fresh.

The snugginess sort of ensured the muscle were held in place to minimise vibration (think of it you have a man-boobs and it bounces...brushing against the t-shirt materials and your teats starts to chaff and bleed)

I am already using the 2XU calf guard. It worked wonder especially pre-long ride and post long ride.

While i cease to have cramps on the calves unlike what happened in Powerman 08 and 09 (where i was literally seeing the calves muscle contracting even while relaxing), my quads and hamstrings were sore the next day.

I was desperately looking for something to help me with IM. Being not talented and not

I slept with the compression tights and woke up with NO SORENESS.

I know that is no placebo effect or physcological stuff.

More so that yesterday, after work, i saw Heckler by the road with his Monster 4X4 along Pencala Link and helped him pushed up the bloody slope (himself, myself and another friend of his) for it to roll down to start (Ran out of fuel and battery dead!).

This morning, i felt great, no soreness.

21km later in the evening, anyone?