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!

STRYDA - The compression revolution

     For runners, cyclists and all athletes, when you think about going harder for longer, with less pain on the other side you have to admit that you’ve considered compression. The use of compression garments to aid performance and recovery has grown immensely over the last few years, and two brands dominate the Australian, if not the global market. 2XU and Skins were born in Australia and have been picked up and loved by athletes across the nation and now, worldwide. They’re also loved by mums in school yards all over the place. Over the last 12 months I’ve run in the Skins A400 Full length tight, and more recently have leaned towards my 2XU Elite Compression Tights as my favoured pair. When it comes to the half tights, the Skins A400 have the edge and are my go to.

     Well, it’s time to shake up the market, and STRYDA compression might just be the brand to broaden our horizons. STRYDA are the new boys in town, and yes, they are another Australian designed and tested product. They are also my local supplier, based out of StepWell podiatry in Melbourne. They launched in July and I had the pleasure of attending their V.I.P launch event and was able to try on most of the range. My favourites were the STYRDA Elite Force compressors and working through the winter, the garment I am relying most heavily on.

STRYDA looks brilliant...

     For the last few weekends (and training days in between) I’ve had the privilege of being able to run in the STYDA Force Elite Compressors. So, how do they stack up against the big boys? This initial review product provided by STYRDA is in for a bit of a three way comparison, especially for my Aussie readers who have limited access to good quality products. Now that you’re with me, I'm aiming to fill in the details, so make sure you’ve got a drink at hand and time to take it all in.

     Let’s get to it. In the box, the STRYDA compression range looks brilliant. The box is 100% recyclable and the graphics and pictures make a huge statement. If they were off the self, I’d be drawn to them. Visually they have the first notch on their belt. When my box arrived in the mail, I was hard pressed to actually work out what garment was inside, as neither Mrs Fish or myself were able to find a product description or label on the box. As the range is still in development I’ll forgive them for this one, and they are also only available on line or at StepWell Podiatry in Rosanna, Melbourne. While I loved the look of the box, Mrs Fish is one for keeping her compression clothing away from any buckles, Velcro or corners so we often pop our gear back in the box for storage. *** Since writing this, STYRDA have updated the labelling on their boxes. I'll update with a new pic when I can. 

The other brands have more rounded packaging.

     Both the 2XU and Skins boxes are a softer paper based material that has a premium feel to them. This is where the plastic type materials and sharp corners of the box could be redesigned, as we were both cautious about it catching on other clothes on the shelf. For packaging, I like the Skins A400 boxes for ease of use and storage.

    Now the exciting part, what the STRYDA FORCE Elite compressors are like to wear. Visually, they look fantastic! I love the blue stitching on the side, the Giant S on the thigh and the STRYDA branding (Check out their great snaps on the official site). They look sharp and stylish, without being too out there and ‘look at me’.

Scuse the mirror, they look good!

Stryda Force Elite Compressors

     Stepping into the STRYDA FORCE is easy. Gather them up as for any tight and pull them on. STRYDA have gone with an 82% Nylon 18% Lycra mix for greater compression capability, giving them a lovely strong feel, yet still feeling soft to the touch. The mens range are low waisted, similar to the 2XU range, which I am still getting used to. The STRYDA instantly felt like they were giving good levels of compression to my chicken leg thighs and calves. They are designed to run long down your shins and calves to provide maximum venius return all the way down your leg and through the ankle. I do have short legs and they are a touch long for me. They are also a little more relaxed through the groin and glute areas than my other compression garments.

     When I took them for their first Dandenong Trail Runners run, I got nothing but positive feedback on the design. I love the two tone of the 2XU but the oversized X can be either love or hate. I like it, some don’t. If I had the choice I would go for the ‘Nero’ or black range. My Skins are the charcoal on black, and are essentially very black. The advantage of the 2XU concept stores is that trained staff can give you the right advice, and they will certainly let you know all about the enhanced visibility of their product in low light conditions. This is where the Skins fall behind. I believe The STRYDA Force logo and print are subtle enough to remain discreet but have enough reflection to also stand out on our early morning runs.For ThisFish, it's a second win for STYRDA.

Great in low light

 The Skins have a 74% to 26% mix and feel more like you could put your fingers through them or be susceptible to damage while putting them on or taking off. Of the three, they do feel the nicest in your hands. When I first got them I was excited, as the A400 half tights are the best fitting shorts I have. After a wear or two I found that the Skins just lack the compression needed to a) be compressive and b) actually keep them in place. I feel like I am forever wanting to hitch them up during a run or workout session.

     The 2XU Elites have been my favourites. The additional support provided through the panels in the glutes, hamstrings and calves give me the best compression. For my height, they are also the shortest length of the three. To pick up and hold they feel like a superior product to the Skins. They also have an 80 - 20 Nylon to Lycra mix, which could be what the STRYDA Force are aiming for. 

     At this stage I should mention price. The 2XU Elite tights are the most expensive, at $185 AUD, the Skins A400 tights are $160 and the STRYDA FORCE compressors are $119. For a product that undercuts its competitors by nearly 25% at the minimum, they offer an excellent feel and fit. For me this gives the edge to the STYRDA Elite Force Compressors over the Skins, and a very close second to the much more expensive 2XU Elite tights. Price wise they are offering exceptional value for money

     So, part one of this review is over. A brief summary?

Packaging – The STRYDA packaging looks amazing and is my pick of the 3, but it lacked a product description and the sharp edges have us on edge. The Skins box with its ‘drawer’ is a winner. I'll give them a point each. 

                                         STRYDA 1, Skins 1, 2XU zip.

Styling – Again STRYDA have the design edge. The colours work incredibly well together and catch the eye. They are also safe enough to catch and create reflections for low light conditions. They are my favourite of the three. 

STRYDA 2, Skins 1 2XU zip.

Fit and Feel – The STRYDA Elite Force Compressors feel terrific. They are soft on touch, yet feel strong and well-constructed. They give a nice tight feel through my calves and hamstrings although for my height they run a little long through the lower leg, even if they are designed for maximum coverage. However, the 2XU give that contact feel of a greater level of compression and offer a more precise fit. 

 STYRDA 2, Skins 1, 2XU 1.

Price – STYRDA are the clear winner, offering fabulous value for money at 25% less cost than the Skins and nearly 33% less cost than the 2XU Elite. 

STYRDA 3, Skins 1, 2XU 1.

Part two of the review, the performance test can be found here. 

2014 Salomon Trail Series - Race 1 Studley Park

Standing at the start, race 1 of the #SalomonTrailSeries. I was toeing the line, my heart was pumping. The morning chill kept us in check, the perfect testing ground for my STRYDA compression

The hooter went and we took off. I settled into a quick rhythmic stride and worked my way into the lead pack. What was my pace? Earlier in the week I had made the choice to run ‘nude’ no gps, no foot pod and no heart rate monitor. Pure running, feeling my way with each step.

#bitumenisboring - but you gotta get to the trail!

RUnning quickly, we found our stride and shook off the last of the #bitumenisboring before hitting the gravel path. We were soon to find out that sometimes you have to just trust your own course knowledge...

Don’t always follow the marshals lead, as a dud steer lost the leaders precious seconds they were directed straight on as we took the first left around the ovals. ‘Run fair!’ was the cry, and those that trusted our own navigation slowed the pace and let the pre ‘glitch’ order return. From here though, it was game on.

Legs feeling great, I pushed the pace and played a little game of cat and mouse as we ran past the river along the first of the trails.

wE returned to the road before a quick right hander lead us along a double trail/ well-worn track back upto the swing bridge. At this stage I was feeling great and pushed the pace a little.

Yikes! The sway of the bridge and dodging the foot traffic added to the thrill and sent the heart rate racing. One sharp left and we were onto the real trails – these were the twists and turns that I had signed up for.

Passing one or two more runners, I was feeling the pinch and slowed just enough to keep on the tail of those in front. The pace was slowly building as the finish line drew closer.

As we neared the final switchback, the lead runner seemed to be only a few hundred meters ahead. I had to ask myself, ‘would I be able to reel them in?’ I pushed on, daring to dream a little dream.

A Right onto another variation of the trail and under bridge, you could hear the #SuuntoSprint timers buzzing away. I flicked the switch and made my

move, one final burst.

My cheeky #SalomonSelfie

Kicking into sprint mode I passed two more and powered home, almost coming unstuck on some slippery grass. With the final surge I crossed the line in a 5k PB of 19:04 and in 11^th position. I’d later find out I had the 10^th quickest #SuuntoSprint for the day and come 5th in my age category.

So, time to hit the hills and fine tune things before race two at Lower Plenty. If you're keen to come for a run in the Dandenongs, look me up on Facebook and say hello.

Till next time, The Fish

http://www.stryda.com.au/