I have been testing Zone3 RX3 Medical Grade Compression Tights and a Zone3 Soft Touch Technical Long-sleeve Top. I have worn them while running. I have size small.
Zone 3 RX3 Medical Grade Compression Tights
The Zone3 RX3 Medical Grade Compression Tights have been developed over the last four years. The brand claims: “Regular testing and feedback sessions have enabled us to release what we think are some of the most comfortable and effective tights on the market.”
Zone3 state: “A combination of X-PWR and Revolution Energy fabric from Italy is used to support the hip and knee while increasing blood flow to the calves, hamstrings, quads and glutes.
“A heat bonded PU tape is used on the lower leg and positioned to support the soleus and help reduce one of the most common forms of calf pain.
“Once you put these tights on you will feel the difference, whether training, racing or using for post-workout recovery.”
Features include:
- Validated graduated compression to “increase blood circulation and improve recovery”
- Carefully constructed hip and knee panels to provide optimum muscle support
- PU tape support on soleus calf muscle to reduce muscle vibrations
- Bonded ankle hem making the tights easier to get on and for improved comfort
- Breathable and wicking fabric with built in UPF 50 sun protection and antibacterial properties
- Mid-rise 7cm waistband and drawstring cord
- Black out fabric so they do not appear see-through when you bend over
- Flatlock stitching
- Heat taped back pocket
- Hidden inner pocket
- Designed to offer coverage and confidence
- 360-degree reflective logos for visibility in low light conditions
- Male and female designs.
- £75.
On test: Zone 3 RX3 Medical Grade Compression Tights
Compression products are said to to increase blood circulation, reduce lactic acid build up and improve recovery times. I’s a difficult thing to test because you can never replicate the same workout.
However, I do think that it is helpful to have well-fitting and supportive running tights. I am fairly sure the compression helps with aiding muscle endurance by reducing fatigue. I most like to use compression tights after a challenging run or work out.
I am not sure what “Medical Grade” really means but I presume it’s high strength!
If it feels like a bit of a fight to get into the tights, you can be fairly sure they are the right size. I have the size small and they went on with the right amount of difficulty!
The fit is neat and thankfully there is an option to rollover the top of the waistband. I am not ken on waistbands sitting high up my waist and I really appreciate this feature. I can’t access the zip pocket when the waistband is folded over though but I could fit in a car key and then turn over the waistband. (I couldn’t find the secret inner pocket.)
Overall the fit is snug and comfortable. It feels like the muscles (and fat!) are well packed in and supported. There is still a reasonable freedom of movement and, actually, it feels as though the muscles are given a bit of spring thanks to the fabric.
One area that feels a bit tight on me is the back of the knees. I have long legs so it could be that the tights are a bit tight around that area because of the length. However, when I ran in them this did not bother me so it is more noticeable when I bend my legs to a right angle.
I like running in the tights because of the overall-support. I had a couple of great runs in them and that must mean they are doing something to help my legs and muscles, unless it was coincidence and I was simply running well.
I am not sure I noticed “reduce calf muscle vibration”. Perhaps this is not something you do notice but you can simply know it is happening. It’s a strange thing that I had never thought of before!
The feel of the fabric is nice. It’s sort of cool-feel on the skin and the fabric looks to be good quality. For £75 these seem like good quality and reasonably priced compression tights, compared to other brands.
There are plenty of reflective details all around the tights, too, which means they are good for night running.
There are three choices or colour/design.
Zone3 Zip Soft touch technical long-sleeve top
The long-sleeve t-shirt has been designed for active or casual use.
Features include:
- Lightweight soft-touch fabric material for comfort and breathability
- Laser cut ventilation holes on back for further breathability
- Thumb hole loops to ensure sleeves are kept in position and to reduce wind-chill
- Heat bonded collar for a clean and sturdy finish without exposed stitching.
- Quarter length zip with rubberised zip pull for easy use.
- Reflective heat-taping and logo prints for 360-degree visibility during low light levels.
- Male and female designs.
- £40.
- See Zone3.
On test: Zone3 Zip Soft touch technical long-sleeve top
The fit and fabric are lovely. The fabric feels soft to the touch and cool on the skin. It is not too tight, not too baggy. In fact, it is a perfect fit for me. (I have the small and I am a standard UK10).
I like the length of the top and the sleeves work well with my long arms. I can even use the thumb loops which is a rarity for someone with my length of arms.
The short zip at the neck and coral zip colouring is a nice addition to the top.
I have worn this Zone3 top a lot and it does not get too smelly. It also washes well and keeps its shape.
The fabric and ventilation allow for good breathability and when I seat it seems to dry quickly, so I do not end up chilly after exercise.
I can’t find much not to like about the top and I am tempted to buy another, especially at £40.