Disclaimer: I received a pair of the 2XU Elite MCS Compression Run Tights to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
I’ve been very fortunate to receive a lot of really great products through the BibRave Pro ambassador program to test out and review (by the way applications to be a BibRave Pro are open NOW!), but I think I can hands down say that these compression pants are my favorite so far!
Since I began running I’ve always been a fan of compression for recovery. I own a couple of pairs of compression pants and several pairs of compression socks and they are always the first thing I put on after a long run (post shower of course!), so I was really excited to get to test out a new (to me) brand.
I have to admit, when I opened the package and put them the only thing I could think was, “oh my gosh, the waist is SOOOO tight!”
In fact, I actually pulled the drawstring right out (why do compression pants have a drawstring anyways?!? If you need to use the drawstring they’re probably too big!) and tried to stretch out the waistband. I was SO uncomfortable that I actually took them off after about 5 minutes and was pretty sure my “test” period with these was done. My review was going to be, “waist is so darn tight I can’t even wear them!”
But for some reason a week or so later I gave them another shot. The waist was still uncomfortable, but I continued to try to stretch it (the rest of the pants were SO comfortable I had to try!), and eventually I got them to a place where they were tolerable.
And then, I fell in love with them.
These pants came to me at the perfect time. I was finishing up my last few long runs for my fall marathons (yes, 2 of them!) and was really focusing on recovery.
I wore them after all of my long runs…
…for a lot of my shorter runs during the week (I definitely pushed the pace more comfortably running in these!)…
…immediately after the Hartford Marathon…
…and on my flight home from the Marine Corps Marathon!
I even wore them for my 7 mile race this past weekend!
I think it’s safe to say I can not get enough of these pants!
When my legs felt like jello after both my marathons, I’m convinced these pants are what kept me standing. My legs just feel so supported when I have these on, it’s amazing!
The secret to these 2XU compression tights is the anatomical mapping, or Muscle Containment Stamping (MCS) that provides support exactly where runners need it most! That anatomical mapping you see in the picture below, you can actually SEE it right in the compression pants!
From the 2XU website:
- MCS is targeted to quads, abductors, quads and shins for ultimate muscle protection. Anatomical mapping ensures maximum containment and support.
- Rear panels deliver powerful compression to protect the glute, hamstring and calf muscles.
- Graduated compression increases blood circulation for improved and reduced muscle stiffness post exercise.
- Drawstring waistband for an adjustable, secure fit. (Although this part was lost on me, I took it right out!)
- Flatlock seams to reduce chafe for greater comfort. (There are no seams in these pants which made them amazingly comfortable!)
I am so glad I had the opportunity to try these compression pants out and I honestly can not recommend them enough – you can bet Jason and I each have a few things from the 2XU website on our gift list for Christmas!
Live, Run, Grow 
I really hope I can stretch my waistband out enough to love them! They feel so good on my legs. I’ll probably bring them to Disney this weekend.
Those sound awesome, but darn they are expensive!!!