220Triathlon Edição 334

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78 I I FEBRUARY 2017
TEST
CENTRE
MINI GROUPTEST
RUNTIGHTS
Unless you’re a fan of chilly legs the colour of corned beef, warm run tights are
a must come winter. Helen Webster puts four women’s pairs to the test…
ZOOT
KEEP IT TIGHT
£50.0
Born in Kona and based in San Diego,
it’s no surprise that the marketing
around these Zoot tights is decidedly
American in tone: ‘Perfect for yoga,
running and trips to the store,’ they
tell us. Well, we were testing for
running on some decidedly frosty
winter mornings and with that being
the case, these were a little chilly and
we came back from our sessions with
legs that were a touch red raw... But
being fair, these aren’t marketed for
chilly running, with moisture
management and SPF50 the two key
selling features. The Italian fabric had
loads of stretch but stayed in place
well and was very comfortable, while
the wide waisband was a winner too.
No pockets or reflective features are
included here.
ASICS
LB CALF TIGHT
£75.0
These tights might look understated,
but stick them in front of a set of car
headlamps and they light up brighter
than Blackpool illuminations, thanks
to that swirly all-over reflective
graphic. As well as being a neat
safety option, these tights were also
the comfiest on test with a wide, flat
waistband and drawstring to ensure
the perfect fit. Asics tell us these
tights have compressive benefits to
reduce muscle fatigue and although
it’s always tricky to test such claims
we did find that although they had
enough stretch to make movement
easy, the thicker black panels around
the calves were more compressive.
Yes they’re expensive, but an online
search found 25% off the RRP,
making them much more reasonable.
GORE
SUNLIGHT THERMO PANTS
£74.99
Surely the oddest fit we’ve ever come
across in a pair of run tights, these
are designed to be loose-fitting on
the thighs and then tight on the
calves. Maybe this appeals to more
self-conscious runners, but overall we
found the effect a tad unflattering
and they did feel a bit like pyjama
bottoms. That said though, the fabric
was super-soft and the fit was
comfortable – although we found the
sensation of moving fabric less
pleasant than if it were a tight,
slightly more compressive fit and
despite being billed as ‘thermo’, they
were a little draughty. There’s an
inner pocket in the waistband with
flap to keep small items secure and
reflective seams on the back of the
calves give a (small) nod to visibility.
PEARL IZUMI
W FLY THERMAL TIGHT
£49.99
The cheapest on test (by a penny!),
these thermal numbers are also the
snuggliest, with a soft brushed lining
keeping us cosy on our chilly early
morning sessions. They weren’t the
most breathable on test, but that said
they didn’t hold too much moisture
either, so would still be a decent
choice for longer runs. Fit was good,
with a wide band sitting comfortably
mid-waist and our initial misgivings
about the lack of drawstring was
unfounded, as they stayed in place
admirably. That Barbie-esque pink
and reflective silver colourway won’t
be for everyone but at least gives
some visibility on dark runs. Plus,
they’re the only ones on test with a
decent zipped pocket on the back
that can hold a gel or small phone.
70% 90% 63% 80%
Stretchy, comfy and striking – but for
warmer runs, not the British winter
Superior fit and outstanding reflective
safety qualities make these a winner
Odd fit, nice fabric... We’ll be keeping
these for our rare forays into yoga!
Not the best looking, but toasty warm,
fitted well and included a zipped pocket
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