So I had the pleasure this season of suiting myself up in a couple of new pairs of CW-X Pro running tights, and I have to say – where have these been all my running life! Since my sponsorship with Running Free, these running tights have always stood out to me. I never bought them as I couldn’t really get past the pattern on them – I don’t consider myself a stylish or trendy person, but the patterns available were very vibrant lines and I’m not really one to draw attention to myself when I run. After reading up on CW-X and better understanding the support webbing system they’re known for, I went and purchased a few pairs (of different sizes) to try out regardless of their appearance.
CW-X Pro Tights
The first pair I’ll speak a little bit about is the full length pair I purchased early this year when we were still being blasted by late January snowfall. I picked the pro full length tights up because I was seeking something a little bit more suited for running in the colder climate than the multiple pairs of wind pants that I had been using. I’m not going to lie, my first run in these tights felt a bit “off”. I was trying to get used to the compression these things had to offer, it felt weird having so much support in and around the knee. At the end of the run though, I must say I felt really good… almost capable of continuing… almost! Another thing to mention is how warm these tights keep your legs. I often suffer from knee ache after running for any length of time in colder climate, but I must say it was certainly reduced after I wore these.
A quick wash and a few days later I was out for a second run in these tights, and have to say I felt a little more accustomed to the tightness of these pants. For anyone who hasn’t tried these leggings out, it’s almost as though the tightness or compression doesn’t allow your knees to go past a certain point during the kick part of your running stride. Although uncomfortable at first, the more I ran in these the better I felt. The Pro Tights give support to different areas of the legs, the IT bands, Glute muscles and calves in particular. It didn’t take very long for me to fall in love with these tights, and it’s truly the first time I’ve really experienced the science of compression as well for assisting with recovery. I have to say if I need to reinvest in another full length tight, it will take a lot for me to cough up the money to buy anything but the CW-X brand.They are a truly magnificent product that can be used for skiing, cycling or running.
CW-X Pro Shorts
After enjoying the tights for the cooler months, it was time to move onto the warmer climate. I was fortunate enough to win a CW-X credit in the Running Free lottery so I picked up a pair of the CW-X Pro shorts. These shorts have all the compression and support in the upper leg as the Pro Tights do (thigh, hamstring etc.) which is nice, and they also stay snug in the waistband without rubbing (a problem I’ve had in the past with shorts). The CW-X Pro running shorts are longer than the usual running short ending just above the knee giving you a weird tan if you plan on wearing any other shorts for running. I pretty well abused my pair this season by using them for mountain biking, cycling, swimming, running… er, you get the idea. They’ve held up with minimal wear, and have yet to lose an ounce of their elasticity. After a season of wearing these shorts I went and purchased a pair of ¾ length tights which I’ll have to write about later as I’ve only had one run in them to date.
If you’re looking for a great all round pair of running shorts, pants, compression sock or tights in general, look no further – hit your local Running Free store and check out the variety of CWX gear available.
For more information and sizing, see http://www.cw-x.com/
Or shop for CW-X online at www.runningfree.com
Great review, Mark. At what fitness level do you feel that you really get your money’s worth with these two products? After a partial groin tear, I’ve not participated in any physical activity without a pair of compression shorts on for the past 5 years.
Also, what material are these made out of? How does it compare to the material of other compression pants/shorts that you’ve used in the past?
You’ve left me with so many questions!
Very interesting, I didn’t think tights could make that much of a difference! You have me tempted to try them now, my knees bother me a fair bit most times I run. These just might be worth a try … once I get over the price 😉