Elevation Training Mask 2.0 Review

TRAININGMASK Elevation Altitude Training Mask 2.0 Power Review

About the Training Mask

We’ve written previously about the pros and cons of training in an altitude mask – read the article here. The benefits of the mask are debatable. However, it’s advertised to help improve your cardio performance and make your recovery a lot quicker. Regardless of the truth behind it, the mask definitely makes your workout a lot more intense.

Visuals

These masks definitely look unique, you can get three different masks from the website; black, white or ‘Original’ which is black and white, but on the Elevation Training Mask store you can buy tons of different replacement sleeves, all with strongly themed with names hinting somewhat towards their inspiration (including my personal favourite ‘Red Iron’) which means there’s a sleeve to please everyone. I’m very keen on the original three colour choices though, I tested out the ‘Blackout’ options, which is all black. They are available in small, medium and large. The size guides recommend you take some measurements to ensure you get a good fit, although a rough guide based on the wearer’s weight is available, large is 250 to 300 lbs, medium is 150 to 250 lbs and small fits 100 to 145 lbs.

Materials

The Elevation Training Mask is made up of a couple of different parts; the mask and valves and the sleeve. The mask itself is made of silicon, with three plastic one-way valves (two in, one out) and the sleeve of the mask is made of neoprene. This means it’s easy to keep clean, you can wipe it down after every use, but it isn’t machine washable. Overall the materials used are very good quality, I haven’t been able to fault them at all.

Craftsmanship

There’s no two ways about it, this is a very well made product. Everything is put together very well, the mask is presumably precision moulded, and the valves are tightly fitted and you have to work hard to take them out. The neoprene sleeve is tightly stitched, with a strong velcro patch on that fastens round the back of the head. The overall impression is that the mask is very durable, I’ve certainly not noticed any signs of wear and tear during the time I’ve been using it.

Comfort/use

I’m not going to claim that this is a comfortable mask. The point of this isn’t to be comfortable, it’s to make your training more effective, and ramp up your cardio. But in terms of it fitting over your face its great. The mask’s sleeve comes with just a simple velcro fastening at the back of the head, and the straps are cut to keep your ears free. I’ve you’re going to be doing really intense exercise there’s a second strap you can add that goes over the top of your head, which helps hold the mask firmer in place.

The issue I have with the fit of the mask is that these straps work great when you start working out, but when you’re warmed up it gets very warm, and once the mask gets sweaty it slips around your face, with the top strap making it more likely to slide up towards your nose. It’s a small complaint, but it does get irritating when you have to keep moving it back regularly.

If you’re interested in reading more about the experience of wearing an altitude mask such as the Elevation Training Mask, we mentioned it in our article How Beneficial is an Altitude Training Mask?

Cost

The altitude mask retails at £70 each, which you can’t really call cheap. But this is an accessory, not an essential, and if you’ve read up on the research into them and think it’s worth buying then go for it, I’ve found it quite beneficial for my training, even if it’s only giving me a mental edge.

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