CW-X Stability Ventilator Short
In early August, I reviewed a pair of CEP Compression triathlon shorts. Generally speaking, I liked them a lot. My biggest "complaint" was actually less of a complaint and more of a disclosure of personal preference - I am a one piece/bib guy when it comes to triathlon and cycling kit, so stand alone shorts on the bike just aren't my bag.
In the last month I've worn them running a dozen times. And every time, the compression and extra support was great during exercise and also helped me recover faster. But running (especially longer runs) with a chamois pad when there was no reason to have one became a bit annoying.
So I went compression shorts shopping yesterday. As you know, this stuff is expensive. The CEP shorts I reviewed will set you back $150, and the prices for the Zoot and 2XU compression stuff isn't too far behind. I was hoping to find something cheaper, so when I walked into at a local running store called A Snails Pace Running, the floor sales person sent me over to a rack full of compression garments from CW-X.
I had never heard of CW-X, but the price was (comparatively) "decent" at $70.00. These shorts are constructed more simply and use a more conventional fabric than the CEP shorts. But when I tried them on, they felt good. And though it's hard to part with $70 for a pair of shorts, I sucked it up and bought them.
When I got home, I put them on and ran 10 miles. The initial verdict is CW-X makes a good compression garment. I enjoyed the same benefits in terms of support and reduced muscle fatigue I was getting from the CEP shorts. And I think they fit slightly better. It's definitely a subtle difference, but the shorts where a little looser in certain places while a little tighter in others that overall delivered more comfort.
I checked out the CW-X website earlier this evening. It turns out that CW-X is owned by Wacoal Corporation in Japan. Wacoal is apparently the biggest manufacturer or intimate apparel in the world. And because of this, Wacoal argues legitimacy for CW-X by pointing out that "(Wacoal) has spent half a century creating clothing born of a deep understanding of the body", and thus they know what they are talking about when it comes to compression garments. Though that's not quite the brand introduction I was expecting, you have to admit it's a fresh approach. And based on my initial experience with their product, zebra striped thongs and performance athletic apparel may have more in common than I realized.
Buy if: You are a value conscious compression junkie that wants results.
Don't buy if: You insist that the marketing campaigns from the companies you support focus on being impossibly tough, sweaty and ripped.
(Disclaimer: I bought this product. I did not receive any encouragement or compensation from CW-X for this review. Aside from some research I did on the CW-X website, the opinions stated here are my own.)
12 comments:
I guess advertising works. I probably heard that ‘Born from Jets’ a thousand times on versus last year.
I like born from thongs better.
Ha ha. Interesting marketing angle. I think a pair of zebra stripped compression shorts would really be a hit down here in Mississippi. Not!
So where's the thong picture?
I am a big fan of CW-X tights. I find them very comfortable to do workouts in and I can also use them as part of recovery(war them under jeans a lot lately) they were actually on the shelf long before all the other guys came up with something as well.
I have a pair of CW-X compression socks which are pretty decent...still looking to find a good pair of compression shorts though.
Might have to put out the cash for these though!
Buying sports equipment and trying them out IMMEDIATELY really is the best :) Glad they worked out for half the price!
I have yet to enter the world of compression clothing, but really want some socks because I've heard so many positive things about them. THanks for the review
I have the shorts and tights. I particularly like the tights. I think I bought the shorts too large.
Yeah, in Asia, I swear all you see Wacoal intimate apparel everywhere you go.
Although it sucks to part with $70 for a pair of shorts, based on your review it seems well worth it. Hopefully they will last a very long time. Think of it as an investment rather than purchase.
very interesting for a company to go from thongs to compression. i'm still on the fence about compression-attire. well, i like my compression socks. haven't gotten shorts/pants/tops yet.
Thanks for the review. I've actually heard great things about CW-X products. My local running store carries a lot of their products, but I've never tried them.
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