Product Review: 2XU PWX Thermal Compression Tights

Are you one of those people that run in shorts even in the depths of Winter? Yeah me too......until now! I always used to come back with bright red legs from the freezing temps let alone the windchills.  This Winter I have been testing out the PWX (Power, Weight, Flex) Thermal Compression Tights from 2XU including during the recent Polar Vortex, which means in single digits temps and windchills way below freezing. The PWX range uses superior medical-grade compression, giving you flexible, lightweight, performance-enhancing clothing. 

We all know that compression garments work on the basis of allowing for faster recovery, due to stabilising the muscles (less movement=less fatigue) and increasing circulation (transporting deoxygenated blood and lactic acid away from working muscles faster). Specifically the benefits are:

• Greater oxygenation of blood for faster recovery
• Reduced fatigue through less muscle oscillation
• Reduced muscle soreness
• Reduced long-term overuse injuries
• Faster muscle warm up pre-exercise
• Greater power output
• Heightened proprioception – awareness of limb placement for agility

They are all performance boosters and why not take advantage of any boost we can get? Thanks to its superior performance, the compression range for 2XU has become their best selling products. Importantly, however, these tights look good and to be honest as men we need help to look good in tights. For women, if you run, these should be a part of your wardrobe!

 

Let's be honest, we need help looking good in tights!

The thermal pieces use brushed PWX flex fabric which gives a soft, fleecy feel on the inside, without feeling heavy. I found them particularly comfortable when I put them on, but how did they fare during exercise?

The restriction is minimal: the leggings have a barely-there feel that means you may have to trust them....they keep you warm! Far from being thicker and heavy, the thermal tights stand out compared to other brands' models in that full range of movement can still remain unrestricted. Great temperature regulation means that even if the sun comes out, you'll still be comfortable thanks to the high breathability factor.

The tights provide all benefits of compression, with all important warmth, and are perfect for running in cold conditions. I also have non-thermal PWX compression tights which are great down to about 40 degrees, after that the fleece-lining becomes your friend.

Now that I have made the switch to these tights in the Winter, I won't be running in shorts very often. Save the bravado for something else, your legs will appreciate the warmth and importantly your muscles will be able to perform and recover better.  At $129 they are a worthwhile investment that are built with quality to last a long time.

These come highly recommended and are available at Parvilla Cycle & Multisport

Review by Parvilla Elite Tri Team Member Iain Banks