Opinions on compression gear?

[bluebug32]

Thanks! What brand do you wear? I've noticed a huge difference in price in some instances.

[OakLeaf]

I'm a huge fan of them for recovery, and my drugstore Futuro brand work just fine.

I really like the CW-X tights for longer runs, too, but KiwiStoker is right that the research on compression during activity is equivocal. CW-X incorporates a design that's supposed to be like kinesio taping, so maybe it's that rather than the compression that helps me. Or maybe it's just placebo effect.

[Eden]

I also have CW-X. We got a team deal on them, plus they come in sizes small enough to actually compress me... (Skinz, from their size chart probably would not)

[spindizzy]

I use them after races. Epsom salt bath, ice bath and tights. usually feel pretty good the next day. Start off in bed with them but usually peel them off in the middle of the night..too hot. Currently use 2XU but I've lost some weight so the compression factor is a lot less. I am considering Skins for my next purchase.

The only item I find somewhat distressing is the claim that they help to "flush out toxins"..what exactly does that mean? I can buy improved circulation and faster recovery but the rest...Phooey!

[chicagogal]

I use them after races. Epsom salt bath, ice bath and tights. usually feel pretty good the next day. Start off in bed with them but usually peel them off in the middle of the night..too hot. Currently use 2XU but I've lost some weight so the compression factor is a lot less. I am considering Skins for my next purchase.

The only item I find somewhat distressing is the claim that they help to "flush out toxins"..what exactly does that mean? I can buy improved circulation and faster recovery but the rest...Phooey!

It's the improved circulation that helps "flush out toxins". Improved circulation gets the byproducts of metabolic breakdown (lactic acid, for one) back into circulation so that it can be detoxified by your body.

[surgtech1956]

I'm a fan of the Champion C9 clothing at Target. They sell compression items, usually less than $20. Are all compression clothing the same?

[bluebug32]

I'm not sure how I feel about wearing compression gear during hot summer rides (esp. since most of the soreness I feel is in my quads, hamstrings and glutes; so calf sleeves probably wouldn't cut it.). It sounds like people have good results with it for post-riding. Thanks for the suggestions and keep them coming. I wonder, too, if the most expensive ones are that much better??

[Kiwi Stoker]

We use Skins, but I do find the overlocking does shed threads a bit. I tried a first generation Nike which had no compression action, but I think they have changed the design.

Zoot does compression gear which is super expensive and I have heard people struggle to put it on! I think to be happy wearing it, you need to have some compression but it is relatively easy to put on or you won't wear it.

In regards to the ones with the extra "strapping" make sure it sits on the right place for your body. DH wear an XL for width but finds the strapping was in the wrong places as they also have "height" as a factor. I like Skins because it doesn't have any extra strapping so you the the benefit do matter how tall you are.