Stryda - Performance review of the Elite Compressors

     We’ve been lucky here in Melbourne over the past couple of months. The weather has been completely topsy turvy, which has been perfect for performance testing the new STRYDA elite compressors.

     The huge variance in temperature, from 0 C mornings in fog, rain and sleet to 22 C afternoon runs in glorious sunshine has allowed me to wear the STRYDA elite compressors in a range on conditions. I believe that puts me in a position to do a fair and honest performance evaluation.

     So, how do they go? Again I’ like to mention that these Elite Compressor tights were provided to me by STYDRA, and I’ll tell it like it is. While these tights are truly excellent, for my build, there is some areas that are not quite forme.

     I’ll start by going back to the fit and feel, especially thefit component of my initial review. Out of the box they gave me good levels of compression through my quads and hammies, and they felt excellent around my calves. In the real world my scrawny legs may have let this product down. Literally.

    For me there’s nothing better than stepping out of the door into a crisp morning chill. I love it. So, the dense 260 denier thread in the Elite Compressors was instantly put to the test, and it was a big winner. In the cold, these tights really do give you that extra layer of protection from the elements. I’ve taken to rolling pre run to stimulate blood flow and increase muscle warmth so you can get straight into a run. Couple this with the STRYDA compression helping circulate flow right through your legs you step out the door ready to go.

     Early into my run my legs were warm and cosy, allowing me to push the pace. While I was stripping layers from the top, my legs remained a very steady temperature, even when the cold winds picked up and tore through my torso, my legs remain steady in the tights. On the cold morning runs, this was a consistent factor and you can head out in full confidence. At this point I will note that I did feel more of the cold just above my glutes and in the small of my back where my 2XU have a higher waist band. It wasn’t uncomfortable, just a little cooler when my shirt rode up.

     On their debut in the Dandenong’s, it was 3 C and foggy. Yes, we were all taking the mickey about being too cold and we should have stayed home, secretly we were loving the cold start. The course I ran was a downhill start followed by a gruelling climb back to the top. Again my legs were well covered, the STYDRA really do stimulate blood flow to regulate your temperature. On the downhills I did notice, as in some previous runs that they did slip down my thighs a little. The slipping also caused them to bunch behind my knees a little. There is nothing more frustrating than to have to stop and make adjustments to your clothing mid run. This is a problem I have with my Skins A400, which I do relate to my scrawny legs, not the product. Although to be true to my original review, the 2XU Elites don’t have this slip. Perhaps it’s the additional reinforcement they offer through the glutes and hammies. 

The Stryda Elite compressors offer great muscle support on ascents and descents

     On the uphills my calves started to get a little twitchy. I could feel the fibres working against me on the ascent. This is why I wear compression – to maximise blood flow and to provide additional support to the muscle to prevent cramps and injury. This feeling came and went for a while and eventually settled and disappeared. In my mind this was a small victory for the STYRDA Elite Compressors. When you have the confidence in your garments to push on it means big things.

      As I neared the final 2k of the run the rain arrived and I got wet. Perfect, the trail test can tick another box – water resistance. As I slugged it up the hill and the rain fell heavier I was getting wet. My feet were soaking through my socks and my jacket was called for. My legs, they were surprisingly dry. I could see the water hitting the Compressors and running off quite quickly. As I reached the golf course the rain turned to hail and sleet. As my core temp dropped my legs still remained warm and relatively dry. I guess standing around under the trees as I tried to work out the best contours of the 3^rd hole doesn’t allow the water to run off as well. As soon I was up and running again the water began to repel again.

     Back in the car, towel on the seat and 30 minutes later my legs were still warm, and as I stripped off at home they were dry. So, when the weather is cold and wet, you can grab your Elite Compressors and hit the roads and trails with confidence, knowing you will stay warm and dry, as long as you keep moving! When you start to feel that little bit of fatigue, STRYDA have got the compression levels just right. Wearing STYRDA does increase circulatory flow and keeps your muscles oxygen rich so you can finish strong.

     Now, as we head into spring and summer here in Australia, how do they stack up in the heat? My last run was in 22 C heat, a heat wave after winter! With the sun shining I hit the hills on my favourite course. Donning my favourite Under Armour top and the Elite compressors I was soon sweating away. In the warmer weather the STRYDAs didn’t slip as much. Throughout the run my legs felt strong and not too hot. I felt as though they were allowed to sweat and the muscles self-regulate their temperature. For now, they’ll stay in the rotation for my weekend runs. I’ll keep an eye on this as the summer approaches and the temperature rises.

In conclusion:

     Price - I found that the STYRDA Elite Compressors stood up to and met expectations. For price, they beat the Skins A400 range and the 2XU Elite range hands down. They are a great buy.

     Fit and feel – In real world use they were exceptional in the cold weather and will be my go to for my relaxed morning runs. They keep you warm and dry and that can’t be beaten. For now I will keep them for the relaxed run, the slip that I get around my thighs was a little frustrating, but around my calves (a traditional problem area) they are spot on. I want to head into races with full confidence.

     One thing that I would like to add the level of development that STRYDA have put into their products. On the launch day I actually wanted to go ahead and order some of the ladies Compressors, as these fit me the best. In the weeks after the launch, and due to customer feedback on the day they revisited the design to give a higher waist and better fit for the female body shape.

STYRDA advised me of the changes and sent me a final consumer product. This review was based on the men’s range (as it should be!) and for me in the 3% of height and weight category of scrawny, the men’s range just lacked a little around the thighs. As they develop, I’m excited to see what happens with the design and composition of what we wear, not just a new colour for the new season.

     This is what excites me most about STRYDA, their desire to get the perfect product for their customer, and the way they take on board customer feedback and take things to the next level. This is going to give them the edge over the other known brands, and this is why I am proud to a STRYDA ambassador.

    For now, stay fit and enjoy your running!