CW-X Pro Tight - Men's - 2009 BCS

Yes, i understand compression tights are supposed to be tight. But getting into these is like putting on a sausage casing. For folks above 150lbs, getting dressed may end up being the hardest part of the workout.

Just back from 10 days of skiing in Utah with the cw-x pro and insulated tights. My 75 year old knees never have felt this good after a ski trip. The insulated expert tights are truly warm and seemed as supportive as the pro tights. Two ladies at my yoga group had recommended them to me and I'll never be without them... (the tights as well as the ladies). Congratulations on a great product.

I'm not really a tights kind of guy but I thought these compression tights would help me on long training runs and recovery from ultra races. They definitely delay muscle fatigue and I noticed I recover faster from hard efforts when I wear the CW-X Pros. My only complaint is the distance from crotch to waist is too short so the tights sit more around the hips than the waist. They also have a tendency to slide down during my runs which can be a little annoying. I know the fit is correct because I ordered them based on the manufacture’s sizing chart. Overall the tights are a good piece of gear to add to your collection.

My take on the tights:

Putting on the tights is a process in itself. The opening at the ankle is narrow so it’s a bit of a struggle to get these on. You also want to make sure you have the conditioning web properly aligned with your knees and specific muscle groups. The fit in the leg is snug so it involves some gentle pulling and twisting of the material to get them in place. The final task is to get the tights over your butt and hips to waist level. Whew! They call these compression tights for a reason. Once on, I went from a tenor to a soprano! Even if I don’t run well I may sing better.

I’m not really a tights kind of guy but I thought these compression tights would help me during long training runs and post-race recovery from ultra marathons. They definitely delay muscle fatigue to a degree and I’ve noticed I recover faster from hard efforts when I wear the CW-X Pros. My legs feel less tired and achy the day after my 4-5 hour long runs. My only complaint with these tights is that the distance from the crotch to the waist is too short so the tights sit more around my hips than my waist. They also have a tendency to slide down during my runs especially on steep climbs over step-like rocks. Although not a major shortcoming, it can get a little annoying after hours on the trail. I know the fit is correct because I ordered them based on the manufactures precise sizing chart so this problem could be a function of torso length. I have a long torso but if yours is short this may not be an issue for you. Overall the tights are a good piece of gear to add to your collection.

I love these tights for the looks and the ingenious anatomic design and fit. They make you feel like you care for your body and when being outside for a run it seems people would pick up on that.
I'm actually in early stages of running on a regular base and these tights are a life-savers. I'm still adjusting my body to the strenuous activity of running so finding the optimal balance between pushing my body to a maximum and avoiding excessive strains which would require longer recovery time is crucial.
The CW-X Pro tights are doing an excellent job, while running I feel this kind of smoothness and support in my movements and at the same time feeling almost like 'spring-loaded'. After running I like to keep them on for an extended time, I do notice how the compression helps to reduce muscle soreness. I also happen to actually sleep in them after my activities, it may be just me however I'm always amazed how my legs feel pretty well recovered the next day.

I've got one or two gripes about them since the fit on my body could be optimized:
I'm 6'0", 165lbs and took size M, where I also find myself in their sizing chart. As mentioned, the compression is great and feels just awesome on my legs. However: I've got some longer built legs and when having the conditioning web properly aligned with my knees, the distance between knees and crotch feels too short and the tights 'sag down' while running, leaving some kind of weird-feeling gap between my crotch and the tights. This propagates up to the waist where they eventually slide down to my pelvis bones and are pulling on them. I find myself pulling the hem up regularly which is annoying, and which is defeating the purpose of supporting the lower back. As it has been already mentioned, I too find the distance between crotch and waist too short. When resting or sleeping this is of course no issue :-) however I primarily would want the most perfect fit when being out and active.
Thus, perfect fit for me would be:
- 1 inch longer from the knee down to the ankle
- 1 inch longer from the knee up to the crotch
- 1 inch longer from crotch up to waist.
Having said that, if CW-X had an additional 'tall'-sizing for each of their size, it would be an absolute winner. As a direct comparison, the compression tights by 'SKINS' offer this versatile sizing option, for tall AND for short people. For the anatomic professionalism CW-X offers, it would be just appropriate if they'd offer this kind of wide range of sizing options too.

One tip: I found out that after washing and wearing them a few times they get softer and even more comfy; they felt kinda stiff in their brand-new condition.

Last but not least, a feature which I find incomprehensible and consider very unprogressive compared to the otherwise anatomic amaze they offer, is the seam around the crotch is still conventionally seamed instead featuring a flat-lock seam. I trust they will change to a flat-lock seam in future versions of CW-X tights.

To sum it up, the CW-X Pro tights are amazing ingenious piece of garment, and when introducing a flat-lock seam and additional sizing choices, it would be a class-leading winner in every aspects.
I would have given them a 5-star rating since I love them, however due to the optimization potential I found it's fair to offer 4 stars, while the one remaining star is for giving CW-X the motivational message that there's still room for reaching the goal "Class-Leading" and "Outstanding".

I use the CW-X 3/4 insulatedd expert tights for skiing, so I figured I'd pick up a pair of these pro tights for trail running this fall and biking.
One thing, order a size smaller then what you wear! I'm a medium, but use a small in the CW-X. My girlfriend had to do the same thing, as she's usually a small, but is an x-small in CW-X.

I'm an avid cyclist and I've just returned to running after a eight year lapse. These are the best tights ever! First of all, they stay in place and don't droop down like saggy draws. Somehow my muscles feel refreshed after I run and with stretching I'm never sore. Great product. I highly recommend them. I'm 5'10" and a medium fits me well both in length and rise.

I love these running tights though I use them when I workout. The support is better than anything else I've tried and the compression is bang-on. The only thing I could wish for is a pouch front as this would make them a bit more comfortable. Never the less, these are great.

CW-X really got it right. Can ski/run/bike/hike with far less energy drain. Legs feel great at the end of the day. Perfect for warmer weather skiing, skiing on the glacier in the summer, and dry land training in the fall. Pick the CW-X insulated tights for colder weather; they work just as well in more extreme conditions.
Order them one size smaller than you usually wear.

I had to return these because they didn't fit me right. After reading other reviews, I wanted to like them. But the size small indicated for me (what I usually wear too) felt baggy in the crotch area. Even when running, they didn't feel right, and I was always wanting to try t hike them up or adjust them. Fit through the legs felt fine, and they seemed to be working as expected, but the rest of the fit was just not right for me.

I purchased the Pro Tights for skiing. I'm 6'1", 180 lbs, and a very agressive off piste skier. Now in my mid-30's, the pangs of a hard day have become more noticeable in the lower back and knees. The Pro Tights are very well made and tailored, and fit like a glove. However, the claims of less muscle fatigue weren't immediately noticed. I did feel good afterward, but I guess there is no quick substitute for pre-season conditioning. I give the termal properties an average grade at best, but I don't know if the manufacturer claims this to be a major attribute. I wore them under North Face Patrol pants with XCR Gore-Tex on a breezy high 30's day on Mammoth Mountain. Bottom line, great fitting pants, but maybe not worth the case. I think I may get similar or possibly better performance from a termal half the cost.

These are the best tights for the money. I also have some Salomon tights and they stink compared to the CW-X pro tights. Also I suggest ordering a size down due to the fact that tights are suppose to be tight, who would have thought?

that's the only tights I own and I see no reasons for looking anywhere else. They are just perfect.

I've only run twice in these in North Texas winter. They felt very breathable, meaning not warm in cold weather. That's fine as they will be good for compression and support come summer. I've never had a pair of tights prior to these, but they feel well-made. They compressed and supported in a comfortable way.

Just bought my first pair and wasn't sure the fit is correct. I am 5' 9 and 170. My inseam is only a 28. The knee fits too low, should I try shrinking them or exchanging for a small. The thigh area is not tight either, it's actually only difficult to remove my calf from the tight, no where else is it as tight. Please advise thanks!

Tights are comfortable, well put together and quite supportive. They provide good stability for the knees, but didn't help much with my tight IT band.

I'm 5'11", 185lbs. I tried both the large and medium - the medium was definitely the better fit.

During a 50k trail race the seam in the crotch of my pro tights rubbed me raw. I pulled them down a bit like a little thug and that helped, but I really didn't want to be busting the sag across the finish line. CW-X get rid of the seam in the croth and you have something.

These tights are fantastic. I wore them last year for ~35 days on the slopes. They don't show any signs of wear yet. They are the perfect weight, not to warm, and they do wonders keeping the sweat away from your body while skinning. I have taken to wearing them while hiking now as well and my legs are much less sore at the end of a long day.

My only complaint, which I feel is fairly significant, is that the waist will not stay in place. I can constantly feel the pants falling down. There should be some type of elastic in the waistband that would help them stay up. As a result I have to pull the drawcord very tight which makes it extremely difficult to go to the bathroom as I always have either hiking pants or ski pants on top.

I have been wearing CW-X tights for years, some times more often than I should, the pro tights have that extra layer of material between the legs that say the expert tights don't have. in the winter I wear them under other pants and they tend to chafe through just below the crotch on both legs so you have a nice set of tights with a couple small holse in the wrong places. the pro tights resist this wear.by the way I use to wear full length tights only but found the CW-X shorts do a nice job also.
they could use more colors not much just more contrast.

Very comfortable and good for temps down to a few below freezing. For very cold days, do well with another pair of non-compressive tights over top.

I have been wearing the CW-X Pro tights for skiing and they really have been great for my knees. On cold and windy days, however, they do not provide much insulation. Sometimes I wear a 3/4 layer over them, but then I feel like a stuffed sausage.

I have Pro and Insulator and I'm very happy with both.

Like others, I am not a tights kind of guy. Plus, well, I come from a tropical country so there is little need for insulation. However, the CW-X tights are great for support. I am 45 and I try to race in a 10k at least once in two months and my knees are starting to show signs of age but the CW-X have been excellent for training. Surprisingly they also wick out sweat very efficiently and the heat have not been a problem especially for long runs. I recommend these for serious runners even in tropical countries

I bought these for skiing after reading lots of reviews and lots of less-than-scientific marketing literature.

Putting these on felt like it took about 10% of my weight off my knees. That made a big difference after a day on unforgiving icy crud snow.

If you are going skiing with these, consider the insulated version. I think the uninsulated are meant for running, since they are very effective at transferring heat away from your body. Not always a good thing when you are sitting on a lift with frigid winds tearing across the mountain.

You may have to burn the waist tie ends. Mine frayed after a single washing. I have not had the "riding down" problem that some people have mentioned. They could have put a fly in, though.

Bottom line, I hated paying for them, but I'm glad I have them.

These CW-X tights are awesome! I've been running for many years. Never have I come across a product that performs so well. At the end of my run I had more energy and less fatigue. The only issue I have with them is they are a bit expensive.

I was right on the top end of a small and the beginning of a
Medium. I have gone with the small and they are great. I use them
Mostly for after a race. They provide faster recovery and subdue
Alot of the soreness days after the race. They are just a bit
Tighter then the medium. Mike

These are great tights. They definitely give me support in the knee area. They provide a little resistance that takes a little getting used to, but something I forgot about after a 1/2 mile. I can't say if they improved recovery, but they certainly didn't make it worse. You can feel the difference in insulation between these tights versus the Insulator ones (I own the Stabilyx Insulator tights as well, which keep you a good bit warmer). I would recommend these tights.

CW-X is the best running gear I've ever used. Since getting my first pair in 2002, I wouldn't run without it. Running the 400M at age 67 requires injury free training, CW-X does that for me.

Best running tights I have ever owned. High quality. Good support. A bit expensive, but well worth the money. Bought another pair to have as a backup.

I'm 5'7" and weigh 150 lbs and the small fits well.
These tights are spendy indeed, but I have a real tough time with my legs getting tight in the damp cool air of the PNW regardless of activity when the temps dip below the mid 40's and CW-X really seems to help. Much more than "regular" running tights I've used in the past.
I have been using these as running tights so far and had hoped to use them in place of silk weight capilene for skiing this winter. They may not be warm enough for that. If it is below 50 degrees out and especially if it is windy, I wear my Sporthill 3SP pants over the tights and have had no overheating issues at all. Based on my experiences so far, I would not hesitate to get a pair of insulator tights for the cooler weather.
They really seem to shine in the recovery period after I run. I feel great. Tired but fresh all at the same time.
I haven't had any chaffing issues with mine.
If you feel like dropping the cash, I think they're a good investment. Recommended.

I recently competed in my first 50 ultramarathon. A cold snap moved in a few days before the race so I ordered these pants. I have also in the past had trouble with my knees at mile 18-20. So I bought these pants for double duty, warmth and muscle and joint support. Let's just say they work very well in both areas. I cannot say my legs didn't hurt after running 50 miles (yup, i finished), but they did hurt much less than when i have run regular marathons in shorts. These pants support muscles and joints to minimize movement on impact. The pants are a little spendy, but are they worth it? Absolutely yes!

They are great tights - they do everything they say and more. Comfortable, supportive, etc. I have no complaints, other than the price (I have 2 pair and each time I cringed when I saw my credit card bill).

Rather than that no complaints -

Unbelievable tights. Compression holds and supports great on cold evenings. So good I bought two of them!

Very Nice Tights.
Spent 3 days at 8hrs a day chasing a 14 year old boy who loves the glades in Whistler/Blackcomb. By the way I am 190 lb 5ft 9in relatively fit 51 year old Guy.
I picked up the large size with the advice of the Gear expert and never felt better. The tights are of very good quality and are like having little springs attached to the critical moving parts on your legs and back.
Give these a go if you would like to put bounce back in your step.

Overall 4 star rating. Would maybe suggest going one size larger than expected. I'm only 5'9", and it seems that I am having to pull up on the waistband of the L size more than I would prefer. Otherwise, they feel great on the legs and lower back...and man, they look cool. Nothing like wearing half a superhero costume to make you want to run farther and faster!

Great tight for long distance running. I have worn it for +20km training.

These tights provide good support for the muscles and tendons; 5 miles goes down like 1 or 2. wonderful

These Pro Tights are great! Have been running with them for about four months now, my times have dropped, and my knees don’t hurt like they used to. It feels like you have springs in your legs. These are also the most comfortable pair of tights that I have ever worn. CW-X is well worth the extra price!!!

These tights are great. They provide all types of support and are very comfortable. I hope that there longevity is just as good. What about different color combinations??

Compressed tights delay muscle fatigue and allow runners to expend less effort to reach their usual performance level. The tights have strategically placed bands of fabric that limit excess muscle motion and facilitates blood circulation. During the course of a marathon that could be equal to shaving 6 mins off your time.

These are only the second pair of running tights I've ever owned, so I may not have much to compare to, but the second I put these on and ran, I felt great. Great support of the lower back for a pair of tights. Held up well in the rain, kept my legs dry and warm. Overall, I felt like my legs were able to give me a little extra effort and strength for the long runs. The hype is well deserved!

I like the feel of the support around my knees/calves/hamstrings. I don't like the way they feel around my hips, but it may be that I am just not used to it. Experiment with these before you try them in a marathon.

It’s a great product that worked for me. I wore them on my weekly 30M trail run
(Altitude gain 4000 feet). One minor thing that I found, I felt a little strain on my lower back (much more than when I wore normal tights).

We used the tights for skiing. They were warm and comfortable. It's hard to tell if they increased performance a great deal or not. I think we need more time to decide. They are definitely well-made.

I haven't been in extreme cold with them yet but have snowshoed four times, and they are very supportive. Being a new mommy I need all the support I can get!

Let me begin by stating that I'm not a tights kinda guy. I use them only out of utility such as keeping warm. These tights, however, are different. They provide support for the large muscle groups in the legs and actually make me feel less fatigued after a long run. They are perfect weight for runs in the 40-30F and should also be great for x-country skiing. Although pricey, I think the quality is great and they should last a long time. Highly recommended.

Pros: I have weak knees, and these are the great replacement for knee braces for skiing, biking and weight lifting.

Cons: Expensive and they look like a super hero costume!

These tights certainly do provide support for your knees, both in terms of the anatomical webbing that provides muscle support and because they are pretty tight giving overall support to the legs. I have two pairs and do all my runs in them, whatever the weather.

Love the tights! Excellent support for hamstrings and knees. Do a great job wicking away sweat and definitely decrease recovery time. I'll be getting another pair!

The CWX Pro tights are great except for the tag they put right on top of your bottom! I have been ordering tights CWX since they first came out and it is like haveing a PT tape you before you go out on your practice/race runs. Next time CWX R & D dept. please think about screen printing the tag.(no you can not cut it out...the tag that is)
Your Best Friend Ever, Itchy

When the folks at CWX said they performed years of detailed anatomical research to provide a superior product.....well, let's just say that for a pair of "exercise tights" that seemed a little extreme.

Somewhat skeptical and not a "spandex kind-a-guy", I still wanted to give these a try, so I ordered the CWX-Pro model to coordinate with some of my hiking shorts and trail running shoes. I will definitely say that after four hiking outings of 12-14 miles each, including healthy vertical gains the San Gabriel and White Mountains in CA and the Sangre de Cristo Range in NM, these tights really work wonders to keep you feeling like you have done less than half that amount of work!

I can now go to work on Monday mornings after a strenuous weekend of hiking and climbing and actually walk normally in through the front door, something that I caught a lot of flack over in the past two years! I have ordered two additional pairs of the standard CWX pattern based on my level of personal improvement with the first pair, and will most likely order the shorts models for next summer.

Thanks, CWX, for developing a truly superior product!

Great product. I wore them on my last long training run for the Marathon two weeks ago (24 miles) and they were great. Perfect for the fall marathon season when the mornings are cool. If the weather is not too hot I'll wear them in the Marine Corp Marathon next week.

I just got these last week, and I must say- I feel a huge benefit when I use these on my trail runs. I wear the tights underneath my sweats since they are a little flashy, but they are not hot at all. On the contrary, they keep my skin a lot drier and cooler. I have a bad lower back and pelvis that typically aches after excise. With the added compression and support to my lower back and hips, I don't get as tired and ache as much when I'm done.
I will use these for all my activities, even in the winter when I go skiing. I bet these will really help.

I really like my CWX tights. I bought them to wear in a cold weather marathon about a month ago, and have worn them a few times since. I can't say they helped me run any faster than running without tights, but I probably ran faster than if I were wearing conventional tights. My only gripe is that CWX has fairly precise sizing recommendations that I didn't know when I bought my pair, and as a consequence, bought a large when I should have bought a medium. I didn't have time before my race to return them. So, the tights are fine, but I'm not sure that I get the benefit of their design.

I have tried sizes medium, small and large in Cw-X tights. The mediums fit well but wanted to pull down in the crotch. I thought they might be too big, so I ordered small. those stayed in place but made my feet turn blue from lack of circulation because they were so tight. I finally settled on size large, which are long enough and fit well overall. It turns out I just needed longer ones.