I listen to music while I run. It helps distract my mind from focusing on how tired I am, instead I day dream about how bad-ass I *think* I look like....huffing and puffing up that hill.
Here is a list of some of the recent songs I've added to my running play list. Pull it up selector!
1. FITZPLEASURE by Alt-J, (side note, I absolutely LOVE this band. I lurve it).
2. CHANGE YOUR LIFE by Iggy Azalea
3. REVOLUTION by Diplo (feat. Faustix & Imanos and Kai)
4. RIOT RHYTHM by Sleigh Bells
5. TIK TIK BOOM by Britney Spears
Enjoy!!!
Feb 16, 2014
Weekend Update: CW-X PreformX Tights
After my post on Nike's recovery hypertight it kinda got me thinking about compression and recovery and the validity of what's out there in the market right now. Now that I know a little more about what actually happens to my muscles after a work out, (edema... lactic acid build up) I have a different curiosity for what those products are trying to achieve. I hesitate to call this a "trend" in performance wear because it isn't. The idea and science behind compression-wear has been around and those who focus on it do it well. Perhaps it's more fitting to say that the market is expanding into more categories...ish...socks, calf sleeves, sport bras? (mmm That feels like kind of a stretch) but I can say that more and more brands are tag-lining their products as "compression" which I feel is watering down the actual meaning of it.
I just started running again after a few months hiatus... yes I know its cold and yes I did have to walk through icy snow to actually GET to the park, much to the amusement of some sanitation workers, but I'm feeling it right now so I'm going to go for it. I also play soccer most Sundays and that adds up to a lot of running pour le gambes. It doesn't help that I am terrible at stretching properly. Come Monday my muscles are super tight and achy. So I said, you know what... imma treat myself. I didn't want to break the bank and I'm also not planning on training for a marathon anytime soon so I wanted something reasonable but still legit. I did a little research, mostly price driven, stumbled upon CW-X's Preform-X Tights, did a little reading, live the aesthetic, $74.95, SOLD. I bought my tights at Paragon, my favorite sports mecca, but they are widely available online and you can shop around for a more competitive price. I'm impatient and I want it now. When I spoke with the girl at Paragon she kept stressing that the compression tape actually helps to align your body while you run and keep it that way so that your muscles preform how they should, ideally giving you a more powerful and balanced stride while simultaneously reducing muscle fatigue for a faster recovery.
Very simply put, CW-X, (Conditioning Performance Wear) is part of the Wacoal Cooperation. Wacoal Corp., based in Japan, has been one of the leading and most reputable intimate apparel brands in the market for almost 40 years, creating designs based on a throughout understanding of the human body and access to an impressive library of textiles. In 1991 they decided to break into the performance apparel industry using the same dedication and introduced CW-X to the Japanese market. The research team in Kyoto spent many years studying, analyzing, and understanding what happens to muscles and joints during injuries. They then decided to introduce it to the US market and created the Wacoal Sport Science Cooperation based right here in NYC, (yey!). SO, CW-X is a brand under the Wacoal Corp. subsidiary Wacoal Sports Science Cooperation. Yes? Yes. CW-X boasts to be the world's "first truly anatomically-engineered high performance sports apparel" with 50 patents worldwide and serving a wide-range of activities, from running to skiing. Sounds pretty legit to me.
The science behind CW-X is based on kinesiology a.k.a the science of human movement. Remember the kinesio tape that was all over the 2012 Summer Olympics? Well CW-X developed their now patented CW-X Support Web Technology based around kinesiology-taping. So the placement of the compression tape is specifically placed to be most effective on specific muscle groups, problematic joints, and overall provides a supportive exo-skeletal to make sure your body preforms at its best.
So I took them out for a spin last weekend, semi skeptical, semi excited. They have met my expectations and I haven't stopped talking about them since - ask my friends. Yes, I felt a difference in the overall alignment of my stride. Yes, my muscles felt different. Yes, my muscles recovered and felt fresher faster, (I also wore them for 1 hour after my run). I ran more evenly and even longer...like almost 1/2 a mile longer. I am very curious to see how I continue to preform the more I wear them. Fit-wise, I liked that they are high-waisted. Mine went all the way up to my natural waist and they stayed put without my having to tie the drawstring too tight. I bought a size medium. I usually wear a small in running tights but since these are compression tights I assumed to go up a size and boy was I lucky... not only did I NOT try them on, but I also didn't consult the very handy size chart, (height + weight) they provide with their hangtag. Please review the size chart they provide to make sure you buy the correct size. I happen to fit right in the grey area between a small and a medium but I'm happy I went with the medium.
Dare I ask, why would you wear anything else? I like to people-watch while I run. I like to see what and how people are wearing and all I kept thinking was "these are helping my body preform better not only during my immediate movement but hypothetically also protect the longevity of my muscles - why isn't everyone wearing these?" At this moment I kinda don't want to wear anything else. This weekend I picked up the thermal version of the tights, the Insulator Perfx Tight but I decided not to run due to the weather because I have my limits, but I can't wait! I should mention that post-run, when I was heading home I did get a little chilly so I would advise not to wear them in 30F weather - get the thermal ones. But what I really have my eyes on is their Revolution Tights. Although they don't list them under "recovery" on their site that is what I would wear them for since the compression construction is lighter and covers more area, and they have starts all over them. It's on my xmas list Santa.
Very simply put, CW-X, (Conditioning Performance Wear) is part of the Wacoal Cooperation. Wacoal Corp., based in Japan, has been one of the leading and most reputable intimate apparel brands in the market for almost 40 years, creating designs based on a throughout understanding of the human body and access to an impressive library of textiles. In 1991 they decided to break into the performance apparel industry using the same dedication and introduced CW-X to the Japanese market. The research team in Kyoto spent many years studying, analyzing, and understanding what happens to muscles and joints during injuries. They then decided to introduce it to the US market and created the Wacoal Sport Science Cooperation based right here in NYC, (yey!). SO, CW-X is a brand under the Wacoal Corp. subsidiary Wacoal Sports Science Cooperation. Yes? Yes. CW-X boasts to be the world's "first truly anatomically-engineered high performance sports apparel" with 50 patents worldwide and serving a wide-range of activities, from running to skiing. Sounds pretty legit to me.
The science behind CW-X is based on kinesiology a.k.a the science of human movement. Remember the kinesio tape that was all over the 2012 Summer Olympics? Well CW-X developed their now patented CW-X Support Web Technology based around kinesiology-taping. So the placement of the compression tape is specifically placed to be most effective on specific muscle groups, problematic joints, and overall provides a supportive exo-skeletal to make sure your body preforms at its best.
So I took them out for a spin last weekend, semi skeptical, semi excited. They have met my expectations and I haven't stopped talking about them since - ask my friends. Yes, I felt a difference in the overall alignment of my stride. Yes, my muscles felt different. Yes, my muscles recovered and felt fresher faster, (I also wore them for 1 hour after my run). I ran more evenly and even longer...like almost 1/2 a mile longer. I am very curious to see how I continue to preform the more I wear them. Fit-wise, I liked that they are high-waisted. Mine went all the way up to my natural waist and they stayed put without my having to tie the drawstring too tight. I bought a size medium. I usually wear a small in running tights but since these are compression tights I assumed to go up a size and boy was I lucky... not only did I NOT try them on, but I also didn't consult the very handy size chart, (height + weight) they provide with their hangtag. Please review the size chart they provide to make sure you buy the correct size. I happen to fit right in the grey area between a small and a medium but I'm happy I went with the medium.
Dare I ask, why would you wear anything else? I like to people-watch while I run. I like to see what and how people are wearing and all I kept thinking was "these are helping my body preform better not only during my immediate movement but hypothetically also protect the longevity of my muscles - why isn't everyone wearing these?" At this moment I kinda don't want to wear anything else. This weekend I picked up the thermal version of the tights, the Insulator Perfx Tight but I decided not to run due to the weather because I have my limits, but I can't wait! I should mention that post-run, when I was heading home I did get a little chilly so I would advise not to wear them in 30F weather - get the thermal ones. But what I really have my eyes on is their Revolution Tights. Although they don't list them under "recovery" on their site that is what I would wear them for since the compression construction is lighter and covers more area, and they have starts all over them. It's on my xmas list Santa.
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| Behold the beauty of this graphic. |
Jan 26, 2014
Keep it Tight
I've been working on two posts recently and they are taking a little longer then I thought so in the meantime I figured I'd do a little quickie post:
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| From left to right: Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Soccer), Jon Jones (Martial Arts), Lebron James (Basketball), Colin Kaepernick (Football), Matt Kempt (Baseball) |
Nike has recently started to create buzz over their Combat Recovery HyperTight, one of their first "post-game" products. After dominating the "in-game" performance market they are starting to focus on keeping athletes fresh and ready for the next game.
Essentially the HyperTight is a post-game / post-workout compression tight worn in between down-time or travel that helps reduce the swelling that occurs in the legs allowing for a speedy muscle recovery. I first read about it on Hypebeast then poked around Nike's website where they provided a wonderfully thorough explanation of the tights, and in true Nike fashion, they be some fancy tights.
Designed in Nike's Sport Research Lab, (which I'd like to camp in for a week or so or forever) and in collaboration with Manchester United, the Seattle Seahawks, and other pro-athletes, they have developed the tights around this "graduated compression system" where the compression is tightest at the ankle and reduces as it moves up the leg. Now, I'm very easily impressed by a well-made video and Nike gets me every time, so I can't tell if this a genius game-changer or a basic no-brainer but howevers.... watch it.
The design of the tight is pretty straight forward, it is just a tight after-all, but I like that Nike added the stirrup at the foot to make sure the tight stays where it's supposed to and that the compression grid stays at the intended muscles. It's made of Nike's Dri-Fit fabric so you can count on the tights being comfortable and cooling.
The purpose of the tight is to help with edema, a common post-physical occurrence that happens when fluids accumulate in the system, usually at the hands and legs, mostly at the ankles. Or in layman terms, swelling. The tights help to reduce the swelling by constricting the lower leg where the fluid would usually build up thus allowing for a faster muscle recovery turnaround. I kind of imagine that it takes that fluid and kinda re-distributes it along the leg so it doesn't just collect at ones ankles, (yes, that sounds medical enough for me). What Nike has done is develop this graduated compression grid, or "power grid", which is printed onto the tights - it's that rubbery-looking stuff. The power grid design is wide and more frequent at the ankle then gets thinner and less frequent as it moves up the leg. I have to admit that I'm a little curious about how a printed grid can affect the fabric's tension enough to compress muscle - I would have assumed that the grid would have to be knitted with the fabric. But that is why Nike is Nike, they just do it.
Many of you might not care about this next part, but this is my blog and my educational adventure and you might learn a little-something-something, so deal with it...
More technically put; the compression at the ankle starts at 15-25 mmHg, (the higher the mmHg, the tighter the fit), then reduces by about 60-80% at the calf and then an additional 30-50% reduction at the thigh. WHAT is mmHg you ask? Well it is a super fancy compression measurement known as "milimeter of mercury", (get it because Hg is mercury, science bitch!). And HOW do they measure that pressure? By an even uber-er fancy thing called the Salzmann Testing Apparatus - I kinda giggled over "apparatus", not machine, apparatus, get your facts straight. The Salzmann apparatus measures pressure created on the leg via sensors which are placed between the wearers leg and the tights. You kinda have to admit this is cool - did you know how they measured compression pressure? No? And now you have a fun party fact. (See below for impressive pictures of the said apparatus).
More technically put; the compression at the ankle starts at 15-25 mmHg, (the higher the mmHg, the tighter the fit), then reduces by about 60-80% at the calf and then an additional 30-50% reduction at the thigh. WHAT is mmHg you ask? Well it is a super fancy compression measurement known as "milimeter of mercury", (get it because Hg is mercury, science bitch!). And HOW do they measure that pressure? By an even uber-er fancy thing called the Salzmann Testing Apparatus - I kinda giggled over "apparatus", not machine, apparatus, get your facts straight. The Salzmann apparatus measures pressure created on the leg via sensors which are placed between the wearers leg and the tights. You kinda have to admit this is cool - did you know how they measured compression pressure? No? And now you have a fun party fact. (See below for impressive pictures of the said apparatus).
Where and when can you buy these? Well you'll have to wait until February 3 when they become available online at Nike.com and globally at select retail stores. *Glowing yellow not included*
Jan 12, 2014
Branducation: Lucas Hugh
I love Pinterest. Looovvee Pinterest. I love it for so many reasons but for the sake of relevance... I love it because it has helped me discover brands I wouldn't necessarily have come across. I did a lot of heavy pinning this weekend, behold my treasures...
Lucas Hugh, a women's luxury athletic brand based out of London is creating athletic wear for the woman who does not want to compromise on performance or style. Director Anjhe Mules started the brand in July 2010 with a background in swimwear, (which is very evident - some of my favorite pieces are her swim pieces). Their philosophy strongly emphasizes the idea behind "art and science", marrying sports technology with sophisticated, high-fashion attitude. Often they also collaborate with artists and photographers, bringing a more runway look to each piece. Their A/W 2013 collection was inspired by the Rover Curiosity Mission; sci-fi silhouettes and ulta-modern. However there were a lot of pieces I would wear - and I tend to on the conservative/function scale of active fashion. I always get a little hesitant when I hear luxury+sci-fi silhouettes+performance wear all in the same sentence. LH does a very nice job of it! I see the inspiration but I also respect the functionality of each piece. Well done you. And for an extra fancy trivia fact: you can see Lucas Hugh in action, literally, in the most previous Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie.
LH has all the makings of a luxury performance brand. I always take the "about" descriptions with a grain of salt but so far so good LH. Producing in one of Europe's most technologically advanced factories gives them a huge advantage AND, (which I think is pretty cool) it also happens to be the research laboratory for Olympic swimwear development. Their fabrics are treated as one would expect from a performance activewear band; breathable, UV-protected, antimicrobial, moisture wicking. They mostly work with a tight-weave polyamide-lycra mix which gives each piece a mild compression fit which in turn assists with blood flow and muscle strain, okay makes sense... but apparently, "seamsealed technology" is a common feature in their design/construction. I say "apparently" because when I think of seamsealed I think of extreme weather and extreme performance garments - think winter wetsuits that need to protect the wearer from -30 degree water or snowboarding jackets, but workout leggings? I actually think its great and it makes sense. Seamsealed technology not only protects the wearer but the fabric as well and increases the longevity of the garment. For a luxury performance wear clothing line that lets me know that the clothing they are producing is supposed to last and has purpose - it's an investment. It also helps against chafing which is something I did not know but I can totally appreciate.
I have to give them credit, they are really stepping up and delivery on what their brand is about.
This was definitely a pleasant little discovery and I honestly look forward to seeing their continued success and evolution.
I encourage you to check them out! : http://www.lucashugh.com/
Lucas Hugh, a women's luxury athletic brand based out of London is creating athletic wear for the woman who does not want to compromise on performance or style. Director Anjhe Mules started the brand in July 2010 with a background in swimwear, (which is very evident - some of my favorite pieces are her swim pieces). Their philosophy strongly emphasizes the idea behind "art and science", marrying sports technology with sophisticated, high-fashion attitude. Often they also collaborate with artists and photographers, bringing a more runway look to each piece. Their A/W 2013 collection was inspired by the Rover Curiosity Mission; sci-fi silhouettes and ulta-modern. However there were a lot of pieces I would wear - and I tend to on the conservative/function scale of active fashion. I always get a little hesitant when I hear luxury+sci-fi silhouettes+performance wear all in the same sentence. LH does a very nice job of it! I see the inspiration but I also respect the functionality of each piece. Well done you. And for an extra fancy trivia fact: you can see Lucas Hugh in action, literally, in the most previous Hunger Games: Catching Fire movie.
LH has all the makings of a luxury performance brand. I always take the "about" descriptions with a grain of salt but so far so good LH. Producing in one of Europe's most technologically advanced factories gives them a huge advantage AND, (which I think is pretty cool) it also happens to be the research laboratory for Olympic swimwear development. Their fabrics are treated as one would expect from a performance activewear band; breathable, UV-protected, antimicrobial, moisture wicking. They mostly work with a tight-weave polyamide-lycra mix which gives each piece a mild compression fit which in turn assists with blood flow and muscle strain, okay makes sense... but apparently, "seamsealed technology" is a common feature in their design/construction. I say "apparently" because when I think of seamsealed I think of extreme weather and extreme performance garments - think winter wetsuits that need to protect the wearer from -30 degree water or snowboarding jackets, but workout leggings? I actually think its great and it makes sense. Seamsealed technology not only protects the wearer but the fabric as well and increases the longevity of the garment. For a luxury performance wear clothing line that lets me know that the clothing they are producing is supposed to last and has purpose - it's an investment. It also helps against chafing which is something I did not know but I can totally appreciate.
I have to give them credit, they are really stepping up and delivery on what their brand is about.
This was definitely a pleasant little discovery and I honestly look forward to seeing their continued success and evolution.
I encourage you to check them out! : http://www.lucashugh.com/
Dec 29, 2013
Accio Zipper
A few weeks ago Under Armour debuted their MagZip Jacket, (the line isn't available until 2014 so calm yo' tits ya'll) with its "revolutionary" magnetic zipper feature. I'll be honest, it's pretty cool. Right now, in the performance activewear industry, the focus has been fabrics - moisture wicking, antimicrobial... but there hasn't been a lot of "practical" innovations. Although this isn't a reinvention of the wheel I think it's a preview of what's to come. Adding or integrating technology into performance garments has been an on-going trend. Perhaps the magnetic zipper is the first example of how we can enhance the more mundane, overlooked aspects of garments.
Essentially MagZip is a strong magnet + a re-engineered zipper clasp which automatically guides the two ends of the zippers together which then allows you to zip up the jacket one handed. *MAGIC* I encourage you to read more articles on this for the comments alone, they are pretty highlarious but they also bring up interesting points; is it safe for people with pacemakers and more importantly, is UA going to share the knowledge...
Although the zipper is patented and licensed by Under Armour the idea actually came from engineer Scott Peters. Peters originally designed the zipper to help those who suffer from a lack of fine motor control and coordination dress themselves with more ease and worked through about 25 prototypes before getting it right. I hope it still gets put to its original purpose. Yes it's neat, and yes when its available for purchase it's going to sell out but I hope Under Armour shares the wealth. I don't know, it would be too bad if UA having the patent meant exclusivity to the activewear world - this could do a huge amount of good for who Peters had in mind.
Do I think this is going to be an explosive trend? No. Am I going to try it on and zip that thing up repeatedly, with one hand, like a boss? Yes.
Dec 3, 2013
A Time to Reflekt
This is kinda old news so bear with me, (I'm still getting used to this blogging-thing). A few weeks back we were doing trend research for Fall 2014 and few things caught me eye but one in particular was reflective-wear / details. It's nothing new but there are some cool things happening. I think when people hear "reflective" they think work wear vests and other, more industrial clothing but there are a few brands that are working towards making some pretty cool pieces. 3M is the reflective manufacturer of choice and it's pretty exciting to see it seeping into the fashion world.
Ice Cold is one brand to check out.
Founder and designer Michael Cherman started the brand with socks. They're actually kinda cool for socks. You're supposed to stretch them out and crack the 3M reflective dots before you use them... "that's how you know they're fresh". I like that idea, it's like glow sticks - little mini raves on your feet.
Apparently Cherman suffered one-too-many accidents on the busy streets of NYC which inspired him the develop the socks. They're geared for cyclists and runners and offer function with style. Since then they have expanded their product line to t-shirts, hats and collaborated with other brands, such as Wish, (check out their anorak).
Check them out here: http://www.icecoldny.com/
ISAORA.
ISAORA #GetReflective from ISAORA on Vimeo.
The more I read about this brand the more I'm crushing on them. I'm really digging what they do, especially their philosophy. I like to hear that a brand practices what it preaches and the team at ISAORA seems to do just that. I'll have to do a separate brand-feature post about them because there is way too much to say. The brand's focus is to bring aesthetics to high performance fabrics and make clothes for the urban consumer. Back in December 2012, (throwback...aanndd not really available for purchase) they debuted their reflective jacket and vest. The cool thing though is that they garment dyed the reflective fabric - which I, frankly, didn't think was possible. It's described as 3M-like Italian fabric so it must have some natural-fibers in it to be able to take the over-dye, not to mention it looks pretty freakin' cool. True to their word it delivers on its functionality.
Check them out here: http://www.isaora.com/
The piece-de-resistance though is brought to you by Stone Island. One of my all-time favorite menswear brands. For an established brand they never get too comfortable and are always putting out the coolest and innovative stuff. Science Bitch! Stone Island delivers consistently. Please make womenswear, thank you sincerely, Lazy Cat.
Their take on the reflective trend puts them in a different league. Back in 2010-ish they introduced the idea of "liquid reflective technology" which is a reflective solution made of thousands of glass microspheres. Each garment is individually sprayed with the solution and then baked dry, (the baking process is similar that used for car bodywork) which also happens to make the garment water and wind resistant. Each garment was individually treated. Then they really capitalized on the idea and rolled with it. It seems like every season they release a new piece using "liquid reflective technology".
In 2012 they released more jackets in different silhouettes. Then, THEN for their 30th anniversary they released their fully reflective KNIT jacket. Ok, lets break this down for impact. Prior, they were spraying and coating their garments which gave them this sort of spotty, imperfect look. Pff next! Let's just make the 'effing YARN reflective. So they took the same microsphere idea but instead of spraying the surface they created microsphere micro-tape and melted it to polyester yarns and then knitted the damn thing together. The actual jacket is simple and clean as it should be, letting the technology be the focus. It looks so cool and the debut video just seals the deal, (check it out below). You keep doing you SI.
Check them out here: http://www.stoneisland.com/
Ice Cold is one brand to check out.
Founder and designer Michael Cherman started the brand with socks. They're actually kinda cool for socks. You're supposed to stretch them out and crack the 3M reflective dots before you use them... "that's how you know they're fresh". I like that idea, it's like glow sticks - little mini raves on your feet.
Apparently Cherman suffered one-too-many accidents on the busy streets of NYC which inspired him the develop the socks. They're geared for cyclists and runners and offer function with style. Since then they have expanded their product line to t-shirts, hats and collaborated with other brands, such as Wish, (check out their anorak).
Check them out here: http://www.icecoldny.com/
ISAORA.
ISAORA #GetReflective from ISAORA on Vimeo.
The more I read about this brand the more I'm crushing on them. I'm really digging what they do, especially their philosophy. I like to hear that a brand practices what it preaches and the team at ISAORA seems to do just that. I'll have to do a separate brand-feature post about them because there is way too much to say. The brand's focus is to bring aesthetics to high performance fabrics and make clothes for the urban consumer. Back in December 2012, (throwback...aanndd not really available for purchase) they debuted their reflective jacket and vest. The cool thing though is that they garment dyed the reflective fabric - which I, frankly, didn't think was possible. It's described as 3M-like Italian fabric so it must have some natural-fibers in it to be able to take the over-dye, not to mention it looks pretty freakin' cool. True to their word it delivers on its functionality.
Check them out here: http://www.isaora.com/
The piece-de-resistance though is brought to you by Stone Island. One of my all-time favorite menswear brands. For an established brand they never get too comfortable and are always putting out the coolest and innovative stuff. Science Bitch! Stone Island delivers consistently. Please make womenswear, thank you sincerely, Lazy Cat.
Their take on the reflective trend puts them in a different league. Back in 2010-ish they introduced the idea of "liquid reflective technology" which is a reflective solution made of thousands of glass microspheres. Each garment is individually sprayed with the solution and then baked dry, (the baking process is similar that used for car bodywork) which also happens to make the garment water and wind resistant. Each garment was individually treated. Then they really capitalized on the idea and rolled with it. It seems like every season they release a new piece using "liquid reflective technology".
In 2012 they released more jackets in different silhouettes. Then, THEN for their 30th anniversary they released their fully reflective KNIT jacket. Ok, lets break this down for impact. Prior, they were spraying and coating their garments which gave them this sort of spotty, imperfect look. Pff next! Let's just make the 'effing YARN reflective. So they took the same microsphere idea but instead of spraying the surface they created microsphere micro-tape and melted it to polyester yarns and then knitted the damn thing together. The actual jacket is simple and clean as it should be, letting the technology be the focus. It looks so cool and the debut video just seals the deal, (check it out below). You keep doing you SI.
Check them out here: http://www.stoneisland.com/
Nov 23, 2013
I love the smell of neoprene in the morning
Here's a little taste of what this post is about:
Weeeelll after 10 mins. I got it off. Apparently one is not supposed to wear their wetsuit around their apartment and show it off to their brother via FaceTime. Thanks YouTube. And yes, I did have to look it up... I have no shame.
SO. As the water temp. continues to drop down into the comfortable 50s, my 3/2mm body glove wetsuit no longer cuts it. I spoke to a few local surfers about what to get and the general suggestion was a 5/4mm with an attached hood. Unfortunately at this moment budget is a little more important then quality, (which makes me cringe to say) however I am pretty happy with what I was able to find. I love the look of Hurley, Roxy has these great feminine touches and great seam lines but an Xcel suit is what I really want. I tend to love the tech-y, practical, no-nonsense stuff and Xcel kinda does it for me. But this is not about any of the afore mentioned. I found an awesomely priced Billabong "Synergy" 5/4 full hooded suit via evo.com; 5/4mm (check)... attached hood (check)... right price (check). Delivery!!!
First, I love that Evo included little goodies. That was a great first impression, plus I'm a sucker for free shiz and stickers. I recently received my booties form wetsuit warehouse and totally expected to be as spoiled and nada, (Evo didn't have my booties, in case you're wondering).
For the price, this suit is a great value and hits on all its key features and is pretty true to its reviews. The moisture-wicking jersey "furnace" lining at the front and back chest and at the top of the hood is no joke. It's designed to reduce wind shock and keep those organs warm and that it does. The suit is not truly seam-sealed but instead the it is bonded, blindstitched with stress-points reinforcements at the chest, elbows, and knees. This is one of the details that makes it cost-effective but it totally doesn't take away from the performance of the suit at all. I have a feeling that perhaps the longevity of the seams won't be as long as a truly seam sealed suit. The hood was super weird the first time but now it's comfortable and oh so effective. Regardless of how many times I wipe out my hair stays about 40% dry, which is still impressive. I haven't figured out how to fix my hair so it doesn't feel like I'm being strangled, but baby steps. The fit is pretty great too, I'm 5'6" and about 130 and the 8 fits great. It took two wears for it to adjust to my body and now it fits seamlessly. My biggest gripe would be the sleeves. That is the number one concern of fellow wearers as well. The bottom opening has a partial binding which keeps the opening tight and reduces the water from seeping in but at the sleeve opening there's no finish and water is constantly getting in, (without gloves). It's not problematic because it doesn't really get too far into the suit, it's just annoying. I don't understand why they couldn't add the same seam finish as with the hem. It's a tiny detail but it would make a huge difference. I can't imagine that it would make a huge difference in the price and I would definitely pay a little extra for that detail.
Yes I would recommend it, absolutely. I still have my eye on an Xcel suit but for the meantime I am very satisfied. Che-che-check it out.
See below for the link to evo:
http://www.evo.com/wetsuits/billabong-synergy-5/4-chest-zip-hooded-wetsuit-womens.aspx#image=74893/343892/billabong-synergy-5-4-chest-zip-hooded-wetsuit-women-s-black-front.jpg
SO. As the water temp. continues to drop down into the comfortable 50s, my 3/2mm body glove wetsuit no longer cuts it. I spoke to a few local surfers about what to get and the general suggestion was a 5/4mm with an attached hood. Unfortunately at this moment budget is a little more important then quality, (which makes me cringe to say) however I am pretty happy with what I was able to find. I love the look of Hurley, Roxy has these great feminine touches and great seam lines but an Xcel suit is what I really want. I tend to love the tech-y, practical, no-nonsense stuff and Xcel kinda does it for me. But this is not about any of the afore mentioned. I found an awesomely priced Billabong "Synergy" 5/4 full hooded suit via evo.com; 5/4mm (check)... attached hood (check)... right price (check). Delivery!!!
For the price, this suit is a great value and hits on all its key features and is pretty true to its reviews. The moisture-wicking jersey "furnace" lining at the front and back chest and at the top of the hood is no joke. It's designed to reduce wind shock and keep those organs warm and that it does. The suit is not truly seam-sealed but instead the it is bonded, blindstitched with stress-points reinforcements at the chest, elbows, and knees. This is one of the details that makes it cost-effective but it totally doesn't take away from the performance of the suit at all. I have a feeling that perhaps the longevity of the seams won't be as long as a truly seam sealed suit. The hood was super weird the first time but now it's comfortable and oh so effective. Regardless of how many times I wipe out my hair stays about 40% dry, which is still impressive. I haven't figured out how to fix my hair so it doesn't feel like I'm being strangled, but baby steps. The fit is pretty great too, I'm 5'6" and about 130 and the 8 fits great. It took two wears for it to adjust to my body and now it fits seamlessly. My biggest gripe would be the sleeves. That is the number one concern of fellow wearers as well. The bottom opening has a partial binding which keeps the opening tight and reduces the water from seeping in but at the sleeve opening there's no finish and water is constantly getting in, (without gloves). It's not problematic because it doesn't really get too far into the suit, it's just annoying. I don't understand why they couldn't add the same seam finish as with the hem. It's a tiny detail but it would make a huge difference. I can't imagine that it would make a huge difference in the price and I would definitely pay a little extra for that detail.
Yes I would recommend it, absolutely. I still have my eye on an Xcel suit but for the meantime I am very satisfied. Che-che-check it out.
See below for the link to evo:
http://www.evo.com/wetsuits/billabong-synergy-5/4-chest-zip-hooded-wetsuit-womens.aspx#image=74893/343892/billabong-synergy-5-4-chest-zip-hooded-wetsuit-women-s-black-front.jpg
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