Skins A200 Men's Compression Long Tights - High Performance Workout & Recovery Leggings for Running, Gym & Sports Training - Moisture Wicking & Muscle Support Activewear

My level of fitness: slightly above averageI played soccer my whole life, ran some half marathons, hiked a couple mountains, and box at a local gym. I workout so I can feel good and look as good as I can while balancing work, a girlfriend, and a very needy Australian Shepherd. If you have parents and relatives like mine, they will let me know very quickly and bluntly if I'm gaining weight or on the other spectrum looking "real good".I don't know the science behind the material or if this really reduces fatigue. I'm not an elite athlete and I believe that all the really expensive gear is made for someone to beat their personal PRs by .0001 seconds. What I do believe is that these tights make me feel like I can run forever and conquer anything while looking pretty snazzy. I saw Bob Harper wearing these on "Biggest Loser" and he looked pretty mean doing his crossfit workouts. I incorporated these to my daily runs since I'm training for a full marathon and while I box at the gym. They look and feel great. The material is real nice and the fit is perfect. Sometimes I feel like over time the pants need a good hike, but that once on a 2hr long distance run.If you are thinking of getting these tights because you will punch harder, run faster, jump higher, you may be disappointed in the results. Hard work and time will do those things.If you want to look good, feel good, and get the good ol placebo effect, these are your tights. They are not very good at blocking cold, but I'm a Californian living in Colorado and may be more sensitive to temperature than the people here.At first I was a little concerned. According to the Skins size chart, I'm at the top of end of "M" size (at 6'1" and 185 lbs), but thought to myself "these are compression tights, so I guess they're going to feel... well,... 'compressed" anyway." Then I tried them on...You know those long, skinny balloons that you can tie into animal shapes? That sprang to mind as I finally got the tights over my feet and onto my ankles. "Dear heavens," I thought, "there's no way these are going to make it past my knees!" And I have kind of chicken legs -- can't blame it on bulging calves or anything like that. After tugging and pulling for what seemed like half an hour (but probably more like about 3 minutes), I did manage to get them up to my knees, developing in the process a new-found empathy for women's fashions.Then I started to get "really* concerned about the twig-and-berries area. After what felt like another hour of twisting and grabbing, I managed to have the tights on in something resembling the correct way. And yes, I was certainly feeling the compression! I dared not bend my legs, in case the crease behind my knee cut off circulation to the rest of my limbs. I felt like my legs would snap back straight anyway.But...then I went on my run, and all was well. The crown jewels were not unduly distressed, there was a significant improvement in how my legs felt during the run, and the tights did their job perfectly.I do have a pair of Sub Sports tights that I run in as well. They're much easier to get on, and have a higher rise in the crotch--these Skins are cut with the waist fairly low--and the Sub Sports generally feel more comfortable. But the Skins tights are the first piece of compression attire that I actually felt gave some significant compression benefit. I'll go through the routine to get them on again because I was so impressed with the result.This is my first pair of compression tights. I am 6', 185 lbs with a 32 inch inseam and a 33 inch waist and I bought the medium. They go on relatively easily, although they take a bit more effort than regular running tights. They feel like they are about 1 inch too long in the inseam - they bunch up a little on my ankles, even with the top adjusted "snugly". That being said, I should add that the tight are comfortable and not too tight around the crotch area.I wore them in a race under warmup pants (40 degrees outside) and I ended up running a PR on a tough course. It could have been a few things, however, I am sure these tights played a role. I felt great during the race even on a long uphill when I would have expected to feel more fatigue in my legs. I also think these helped aid recovery. I wore compression socks after the race, but didn't wear full tights and even my quads felt better than normal after a hard run.For me, they aren't thermal in any way, so I had to wear something over top of them for warmth on a cold morning.Based on my first real trial under hard conditions, I am a fan. I will come back and update my review after a number of runs and over time to see how they hold up.Recommended size, specified at body height / weight ratio :( this is the original size recommendation of the company SKINS)Size S (Small ) Body Height : 5'3" to 5'11" Body Weight : 126 lb to 159 lbsBody Height : 5'11" to 6'1" Body Weight : 132 lb to 159 lbsSize M (Medium) Body Height : 5'3" to 6'5" Body Weight : 161 lb to 187 lbsBody Height : 6'1" to 6'7" Body Weight : 165 lb to 205 lbsSize L (Large) Body Height : 5'3" to 6'1" Body Weight : 187 lb to 216 lbsBody Height : 6'1" to 6'7" Body Weight : 203 lb to 234 lbsSize XL (XLarge) Body Height : 5'3" to 6'1" Body Weight : 225 lb to 258 lbsBody Height : 6'1" to 6'7" Body Weight : 236 lb to 269 lbsThe Australian Sportswear manufacturer SKINS is without question, one of the leader in compression garment. I run for many years with these compression tights and am completely convinced of quality and functionality. About the meaning and purpose of compression garment, I would like here not comment, but I personally have had a good experience. I recommend everyone give it a try.My experience with the A200 Tights are following. The tights are year-round wear. They are wind resistant and dry very quickly after exercise. Rain is not a problem, your body remains warm.The only complaint is the waistband for me. It could be wider and more comfortable. If you tuck in a shirt, it (the waistband) slips down constantly. As for fit, SKINS A400 are to be preferred.The fabric of the A200 is slightly thicker than that of the A400 tights, thus it is more difficult to put it on.The A400 is better and my recommendation therefore THREE stars.Excellent running compression tights. They work - period!Best piece of gear I run in aside from my trainers. These help me run better as they reduce muscle fatigue, recover quicker as a result and I use a spare pair to wear or sleep in after a hard session or event.Wouldn't be without them. Happy with durability, and wash only in detergent as fabric conditioner will wreck breathability properties of the material.These are perfect if you train and run an average of up to 10 hours a week.If you're totally into your running, A400's might be a good look but are twice the price.Personally I'm doing off-road routes and half-marathons and these are perfect for me for performance, ease of use, durability & price!No brainer. Better than my A400 shorts I got years ago.Lastly, check the size chart on the Skins website and use it to the letter!I am a novice runner training for the London Marathon as I have a charity place. Up until now I have been wearing some old joggers that I had lying around but with the wet and windy weather these were far from ideal. After reading the reviews I decided to give these a try and after just 1 run I am 100% a convert. Supremely comfortable, they stay exactly where they should be. 3 mile run personal best including the fastest 1 mile I have run even though the wind was howling. No aches at all in my muscles and when I landed unevenly you could fell the compression on these stopping my muscles from pulling and my knee from twisting. Fantastic, buy them!Per previous feedback - the quality and shaping - and so compression effectiveness, is so much better than cheaper options that I have used in the past, and the quality is so much better it will outlast 3 or 4 of them. Cheap ones start fraying after a few washes. Comfortable too - though like others I would prefer the feel of a slightly wider waist band even thought there is no slippage as it is.Been a while since i last had to purchase a pair as i own 2. I have noticed however the cut this time round is different, for example the waist band is considerable smaller on these versions than their Original versions & i'm left wondering if this is due to monetary cuts for profit purposes at the expense of their customers. They still do what i want 100% but i think they have insulted my intelligence for the sake of a quick profit margin.