2XU Compression Top, Bottom and Long Socks review

Before you read this post, you need to be informed that the following products are sponsored to the author. However, I have been using 2XU (Two Times You) products since 2011 and personally own the following 2XU products:

1. 2XU tri-suit

2. 2XU long compression top

3. 2XU long compression tights

4. 2XU short compression top

5. 2XU compression shorts 

6. 2XU compression sleeveless top

7. 2XU non compression T-shirt

8. 2XU unisex compression calf guard

9. 2XU compression socks

10. 2XU running beanie

The purpose of this review is to 1st share some of the unique features of 2XU products that are responsible for improving/enhancing sports performance (in blue fonts) and 2nd to share my personal experience and reason for continue to use 2XU products (colorful or black fonts)

2XU Compression Shorts:

My most frequently used product from 2XU, I use it for training and I use it for races. Bought the long compression top and bottom when I need to race under low temperature condition in Tokyo Marathon and Hong Kong Marathon. I have used tights before and tights offer nothing more than just tight, but compression shorts are totally different, as it give the right compression around the muscles (in this case, the quads). Of course as one train harder smarter for their run, it is hard to tell if it is because of the compression or the training that helps in reducing the muscles fatigue, I can only share that when I 1st started to run 21K, I suffer muscles numbness and close to cramp around my quads and the condition improved when I started to use 2XU compression shorts. After that, it is also hard for me to tell if it is compression or training that helped to stop the numbness from coming back even in full marathon distance.

Engineered with powerful PWX FLEX fabric to wrap and support the major muscle groups allowing them to fire more efficiently, while reducing muscle vibration, improving alignment and protecting the muscle from damage and fatigue. The 2XU Compression Shorts are suitable to wear alone or under competition uniforms.Standard Compression Shorts:: Made from our 70 Denier PWX FLEX fabric to deliver optimal flexibility and movement.

GARMENT FEATURES

• The PWX FLEX fabric delivers optimum power and flexibility to protect the abductor, glute, quad and hamstring muscles.
• Drawstring waistband for an adjustable, secure fit.
• Internal key pocket for essentials.
• Flatlock seams to reduce chafe for greater comfort.
• Powerful Invista LYCRA® for exceptional fit, support and recovery.
• High filament yarns for dryness – wicks sweat from the skin to the fabric exterior.
• Antibacterial and UPF50+ sun protection.

BENEFITS

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

2XU Compression Top:

I personally have not used this product often enough, simply because I have another sleeveless compression top that I used last year when I pace for 4:30 hrs in SCKLM 2013 and doing Back to Endurance 2013. Even for skinny people like me, on long distance run, every step cause vibration to the meat (not all are muscles..:P) on the torso, for more than 4 hrs of running, it can cause enough vibration that I suffer some aches. With compression top, it greatly reduces the vibrations. Having said that, one must not straight jump into using a compression top for races, it is always better to try it at short training to get used to it, it is not like changing from a shirt to another, u need to adapt to compression around your top and be able to breath comfortably with it. After a few runs, u shall not worry if you are able to breath normally with a compression top. :)

The 2XU Compression Short Sleeve Top is a versatile piece for activities demanding greater postural control and upper body support. Powerful, light weight and designed to provide an unrestricted range of motion. Mesh panels allow greater breathability. Body firming and ideal to wear alone or as a base layer. Perfect running, crossfit, yoga, Pilates or ball sports.1  High power PWX FLEX supports bicep, tricep, forearm, deltoid, pectoral and core stomach muscles.2  Raglan sleeve construction for unrestricted movement.3  Flatlock seams to reduce chafe for greater comfort.4  Powerful Invista LYCRA® for exceptional fit, support and recovery.5  High filament yarns for dryness – wicks sweat from the skin to the fabric exterior. 6  Antibacterial and UPF50+ sun protection. 

2XU Compression Socks:

This product is relatively new, before this is launched, I used to use its compression calf guard, most people might have seen the black series compression calf guard, calf guard is good, a compression long socks is even better. As compression is greatly needed for better blood circulation, compression on the feet is also very important. 1st tested it before Newton Run 2013 and used it for pacer role, works perfectly to reduce calf fatigue. I used it as recovery socks too for long distance race like the recent TMBT 50K ultra trail in Sabah, which allows me to race the next day in 25KM trail run Hasuu Tasu. Result? almost zero calf stiffness throughout the race. :)

Featuring zoned breathability panels for maximum airflow and comfort. Seamless, gradient zoned compression panels for increased blood flow and maximum muscle containment for increased performance and enhanced recovery times.1 PWX compression fabric with enhanced power to support the shin, calf, ankle, Achilles and arch of the foot.2  Graduated fit to promote circulation for muscle performance and faster recovery.3  Linked toe cage and light padding for added comfort.4  Seamless construction for greater comfort.5  High filament yarns for dryness - wicks sweat from the skin to the fabric exterior6 Antibacterial and UPF50+ sun protection

For more info on 2XU products, you may visit http://keypowersports.sg/collections/2xu Special thanks to Key Power Malaysia for sponsoring the products, you may visit its facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/keypowermalaysia or visits the stores located at The Gardens Mall, Paradigm Mall and Sg. Wang Plaza.