After listening to a few friends praise the CW-X tights they’ve been wearing I decided to see what they were all about. Oh, bummer, no freebie here. I actually had to purchase these with my own hard-earned cash. If there are any manufacturers out there looking for product testers feel free to contact me. I love free gear! From CW-X Conditioning Wear’s Website:
The CW-X Pro Tights
unite the major joints of the leg to offer optimum muscular support for activities with linear movement, such as running and Nordic skiing. The patented Support Web(TM) brings the hips, knees and ankles into proper alignment, reducing impact and load to the legs. The Support Web also creates a suspension system for the hamstrings and quadriceps, reducing workload in both the pull and push phase of the running motion. Combined with targeted variable compression to increase circulation and reduce fatigue, your muscles don’t have to work as hard over time and your legs will feel fresher.Extensive studies show that wearing CW-X tights results in 26% less energy expenditure than running in regular tights and 36% less energy than running in shorts. CW-X’s patented Support Web brings the hips, knees and ankles into proper alignment, reducing impact and load to the legs. The Support Web™ also provides a suspension system for the hamstrings and quadriceps, reducing workload in both the pull and push phase of the running motion. With more efficient strides, your muscles don’t have to work as hard over time and your legs will feel fresher.
My take on the tights:
Putting on the tights is a process in itself. The opening at the ankle is narrow so it’s a bit of a struggle to get these on. You also want to make sure you have the conditioning web properly aligned with your knees and specific muscle groups. The fit in the leg is snug so it involves some gentle pulling and twisting of the material to get them in place. The final task is to get the tights over your butt and hips to waist level. Whew! They call these compression tights for a reason. Once on, I went from a tenor to a soprano! Even if I don’t run well I may sing better.
I’m not really a tights kind of guy but I thought these compression tights would help me during long training runs and post-race recovery from ultra marathons. They definitely delay muscle fatigue to a degree and I’ve noticed I recover faster from hard efforts when I wear the CW-X Pros. My legs feel less tired and achy the day after my 4-5 hour long runs. My only complaint with these tights is that the distance from the crotch to the waist is too short so the tights sit more around my hips than my waist. They also have a tendency to slide down during my runs especially on steep climbs over step-like rocks. Although not a major shortcoming, it can get a little annoying after hours on the trail. I know the fit is correct because I ordered them based on the manufactures precise sizing chart so this problem could be a function of torso length. I have a long torso but if yours is short this may not be an issue for you. Overall the tights are a good piece of gear to add to your collection. The best pricing I have found recently is on Backcountry.com for $97 with free shipping.
I've never used the tights but I have a pair of the shorts. I really like them. I mainly bought them for longer runs and the tighter material would cause no chaffing, but the added benefits of the muscle support seem to help.
ReplyDeleteWow, for $97 I'd expect a back rub too!
ReplyDeleteMaybe I haven't purchased tights in a while...
I like my CW-X but right now my runs are rather short so I cannot really tell if this stuff is working. Mine stay put especially when I get a bit sweaty. I agree though that putting them on gets a bit of getting used to.
ReplyDeleteSteve, the price tag made it a painful purchase for me. At least they are working out so far.
ReplyDeleteI have the same tights and love them. I've had them for a few months now, and they are holding up very well. I think they are a good investment. I rarely get sore with these. Also, I think they keep a hamstring issues I had last year at bay. Yes, they do slide down, which is annoying (though it helps when I lift them up from the ankles as opposed to from the knees). Interestingly, for me the part from the seam to the waist is too long, and I have to roll it once.
ReplyDeleteNice legs, by the way!
ReplyDelete"Once on, I went from a tenor to a soprano! Even if I don’t run well I may sing better."
ReplyDeleteDan, I read this from my office this afternoon and was literally belly laughing! HA! Bagged once again at work for slacking. :-p.
May have to check them out because my legs still fatigue after a while, especially on the hills and need all the help I can get.
Kim, I hear that. If they shut down my internet access, I'd have to look for a new job!
ReplyDeleteDan,
ReplyDeleteI also have a pair of compression pants....I don't really like wearing them (mine slide down too) but I do keep fresher legs when I use them. If only they made a spray on type that wouldn't move because the fit would be perfect....perhaps then I would temped to wear them more. I only paid $79.00 for mine but I can't remember where I bought them.