Compression calf sleeves - share the knowledge please?

Thanks Irish,

Appreciate the comments, I am thinking of sleeves to race in and socks to recover.  I like the write ups on the 2XU sleeves.

It's down to those, Salomon and Zensah I think.

Skip the 2XU ones (IHMO).  The compression is minimal (unless you count the uncomfortable rubber gripper to hold them up).

CEP sleeves and socks are way better.  Along with 2Xu and CEP, I also have used Zensah compression socks, and while good for recovery, have a hard time keeping them up while running.  Zero problems with the CEP (wife and I both have them).

I normally use my compression stuff post hard/long run only.  I do occasionally throw them on for a run when it is cold and my tights are dirty.  I haven't found they do much while running (they don't hurt either), but I find them very useful for recovery (especially during IM/Marathon training).

Out of curiosity, and because I obviously have thin legs according to all the sizing charts :-), I was concerned about this.  I was going to size down and try them, did you buy to the size chart or size down on the 2XU?  it says to size down for more compression, but if you say the top band was already uncomfortable I assume it would be worse.

going to check out the CEP ones now.  thanks for the tip.

I bought the "correct" size for my calf. While I think the compression would have been better with a size lower, the rubber band at the top would have probably caused my leg to fall off.  

The CEP ones have never moved an inch (they are actually hard to move once you get them on).  The Zensah socks i have, constantly pull down when very active (but stay for the most part while just walkiing around).  I use them as dress socks at work the day after a tough workout and find I do have to pull them up 1-2x a day after sitting at a desk all day

After reading your first post, that was my concern.  Checked out the site for the CEP products, may get a set to try out.

thanks again!

$35 and free shipping here --> http://www.runningwarehouse.com/descpage-CEPMCCS.html

Thereare also 10% discounts out there but you have to look hard. 

I have 3 pairs.  2 are ZOOT and 1 is 2XU. 

The 2XU ones aren't a compressive (tight) as the Zoot ones.  I wear the 2XU ones on lower mileage ones.  The bands don't bother me at all. 

I LOVE LOVE love the ZOOT ones as they feel very tight on my calves.  I did have a problem that occurred twice with them though.  They would rip about 1/4 of the way down (looking towards my feet) from left to right after about 2 months of using them.  I called Zoot both times and asked them if this was normal.  They had great customer service and said it was not normal for them to fall apart.  I wash them gentle cycle and air them dry and put them on really gingerly.  About the only thing I/we could think of was that they had a snag or something that caused the material to rip.  Anyway...both times they replaced them through my local retailer for free.  I have the proper size as well.

The biggest problem I have now is figuring out which way to put them on.  Lettering in front or back? 

Hope that helps a little.  Oh, my wife has CEP compression sox and loves them.  For what that's worth.

Have been using CEP compression sleeves and they work fine for recovery and the run. Wore them during IMOO. They stayed up and I am sure helped me during the marathon and the bike.

I wear them at night for recovery or during the day after long runs.

Use Desoto Compression socks just for recovery. Like to run in different socks

Thanks everyone, a pretty good show for the CEP sleeves, will order some today and give them a shot.

also think I'll go with the recovery sock from them.

thanks again!

+1 on CEP calf sleeves.

I own a couple pairs of them and also some 2XU ones and I definitely prefer the CEP ones. I feel that they offer better compression and help my legs feel fresher while I run.

Another CEP fan-

http://www.trisports.com/cep-mens-all-sports-compression-sleeve.html

These are my favorite...