A few years ago, CW-X introduced the Ventilator Tights and I just couldn’t quite wrap my head around running in the heat and humidity of summer in black tights – no matter what ventilation it claimed to feature. I suppose many others were in the same boat since those tights are no longer in production (at least as I write this), and with the CW-X Stabilyx Ventilator Shorts, I figured these would be more reasonable to try.
As a loyal CW-X user, I knew I’d like the shorts and the way they function to provide extra support, but the question was how much extra ventilation and cooling would they provide over the regular Expert or Pro Shorts. Yes, they would have less support than the Expert or Pro models, but since my tendency was to save those shorts for cooler/more tolerable conditions or for race day, I figured having something that I would use regularly and still have some sort of muscular support (Hips/Core), would be better than regular running shorts.
I made full use of these shorts in my build up to Ironman Mont-Tremblant, and I loved them. It’s the best way to take advantage of the CW-X technology during the summer months.
I ran in every possible toasty conditions that the summer dished out and I felt fine. The ventilation panels located on the quads provided extra cooling, and I did not feel lacking in support even though the Pro and Expert models are supposed to provide more targeted support.
CW-X specs state that “the patented CW-X Support Web™ uses kinetic-taping technology to create an exoskeletal support system for the core, IT band, and hip flexor areas for greater stability and improved performance” so maybe that explains why I experienced no feeling that I these Stabilyx shorts were lacking in any way.
The shorts also offer compression support, UV protection (UPF 40+), a key pocket, a wide waistband panel for added support, an anatomically engineered fit that made chaffing a non issue (I still make use of Body Glide or Udderly Smooth for extra insurance though).
And for an added tip, you can also make use of these shorts as a base layer during the winter months.
Get your pair of CW-X Stabilyx Ventilator Shorts.
Make use of the code 11296 to save a few bucks while you are shopping at Running Free.
