Disclaimer: I received a pair of 2XU Hyoptik Mid Rise Thermal 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!
Last year I had the opportunity to test out a different pair of 2XU tights, the MCS Elite which I reviewed here. And this year 2XU asked the Pros to review their Hyoptik Thermal Tights. I chose to try the Mid Rise style because it’s not super cold here in San Diego.
What are Hyoptik Mid Rise Thermal Tights?
From the 2XU website:
- HYOPTIK reflective logos for visibility
- Compression support for greater protection to abductor, glute, quad, hamstring and calf muscles
- Graduated compression for improved blood circulation
- Comfort power wide waistband with powermesh for smooth streamlined fit
- Flatlock seams to reduce chafe
- High filament yarns for dryness – moisture wicking
- Antibacterial and UPF50+ sun protection
I wore these tights several times and did not notice any thermal properties, in fact, I actually felt almost more cold when I wore them in colder (for us) temps, oops. I was really disappointed and a bit frustrated because all the other Pros were loving their tights and kept expressing how warm they were. I realized, after the fact, in reading the description on both the mid-rise and the full length tight that the mid-rise style does not give any indication that it should be used to keep you warm, which is probably one of the reasons why I didn’t have the same experience as the other pros. They are however geared towards visibility and running in the dark.
Comfort – I have to say that I loved the waistband on these tights – soooo comfortable. This is exactly the waistband I wanted on the MCS Elite Tight. The material is a little thicker and feels really silky. They were really comfortable.
Length – A little shorter than I was expecting. I was expecting a mid/upper calf crop and these stop right under the knee – I am 5’8 so maybe they were just a little shorter on me.
Fit – Again I selected a medium and they fit perfectly.
Compression – Definitely a tight fit, but not the same compression feeling as the MCS Elite, and there were no additional compression panels inside.
Reflective – I didn’t really wear these in the dark except once and it was in downtown so it wasn’t dark, dark so I honestly can’t say if they are reflective or not, but the reflective X’s are in very large & noticeable areas.
While I don’t think that these tights lived up their “Thermal” title they are extremely comfortable and probably a better fit for the spring/fall when it’s a little chilly but not super cold days.
Want to see what other pros thought of their full length tights? Check them out here.
Angie Amy Jeremy Frank Mark Cass Jessica Sarah Chadd Sarah Erin Jen
