RRP: $169
Auckland based brand Orca is known in the triathlon world as
being the brand to have; their wet suits and triathlon kit adorns some of the
sport’s most successful athletes. Orca is also one of the few brands that offer
a range of high end compression garments, including the new “Killa Kompression”
line.
Before you banish the idea of compression garments to the
realms of snake oil and pagan ceremonies as performance enhancers, consider
that compression stockings have been in use in the medical world for over 50
years to help treat poor blood flow in patients. That, and multiple studies
have suggested that not only do they improve performance by measurable amounts
when used correctly, compression garments can also lower the perceived level of
pain and aching post exercise, with increased recovery times reported along
with this. Not just hearsay.
Having tried the Killa Kompression leggings my first
impressions were that they were tight. Second
impressions were that I couldn't bring myself to take them off; not because I
was in love with them and didn't want to, but because I physically couldn't. I
had to enlist a bit of help to free my legs from their elastomer embrace. Third
impression, Orca’s sizing was a little bit off. Try before you buy, folks.
However, once fitted with the proper size the fit was
comfortable but not restricting, with plenty of movement possible and just a
subtle tugging reminder from the garment that it was there. They certainly felt
very springy and energising, although that could have been the caffeine talking.
Any doubts were dispelled, however, once I started using
these leggings after long training rides and races. Note the inclusion of
after, as these leggings will slide down the waist a little if used while
riding, leading to the crotch area catching on the nose of the saddle when
standing. If you want compression whilst riding, one of Orca’s cycle specific,
bibbed, chamois equipped options might be better.
Slipping the leggings on after training created what I can
only describe as a cooling effect to my aching muscles. The fabric might have
something to do with it, as it is moisture wicking, thermo-regulating and SPF
50 to boot. After just over an hour my legs, which had up until then been stiffer
than a fully rigid with the tyres at 70 psi, were actually feeling good.
Feeling normal. Feeling like they were almost up to do another round of the 50
km race I had just completed…
While the rest of my body rebelled against these thoughts
and begged for another slice of post-race cake, this experience with Orca’s
leggings has left me a firm convert to the benefits of compression garments.
You can throw around all the statistics and studies you want, but in the end it
comes down to real world performance and in this the Orca’s certainly deliver.
A top quality product from a local company; perfect for
those looking for that extra edge over the competition.
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