Southpaw MMA Optic Spats Review

Southpaw MMA Optic Spats Review

Brand

Southpaw MMA is a Dublin based brand, started when a group of training partners realised that the gear everyone around them was wearing consisted of old t-shirts and unsuitable gear. They focus on quality equipment and slick designs, and have a wide range of gym gear available.

About the Item

We’ve previously reviewed Southpaw’s Optic rashguard, and we’ve also been testing out their matching spats. The Optic Spats are available from XS to 3XL. They were part of a selection of products Southpaw sent us to test out.

Visuals

As we covered in our rashguard review Southpaw put an emphasis on visual design and was part of the reason the brand was founded in the first place. These spats match the Optic rashguard’s design, featuring a grey on black tessellated geometric pattern, with ‘Southpaw’ emblazoned on the left leg. The design is simple, moves away from brash designs and colours, and looks understated and classy.

Materials/Craftsmanship

Using the same materials as the rashguard (tested against 17 other variations before deciding on the most comfortable and breathable) these spats are ultra-soft, very comfortable to wear and is perfect for training. The four way stretch to the material makes sure it moves with you and maintains its great fit, no matter if you’re running, rolling or striking.

The craftsmanship also holds up to Southpaws standards, featuring flat seams and a strong elastic waistband.

The same warning on the rashguard applies to the spats however, exposing them to extreme friction (like really hard rolling or contact with velcro) can pull some of the fibres out of the material. They’ll be bringing out a new, extra durable alternative in the future, but for now you need to take it into consideration.

Comfort/use

These spats are brilliantly comfortable and great for training. You can wear them as a base layer under a pair of shorts, or wear them on their own to maximise your freedom of movevment. I’d definitely recommend getting a smaller size than you’d expect, to make sure you get a slim fit.

Again the only imporvement I could suggest is some high grip sections, like the Adairto compression tops do, to help keep the spats in place during training, as I did feel like they slipped down a bit when you moved a lot (like being on your back grappling).

Cost

A pair of Southpaws Optic spats will set you back £45.70. I think this is pretty good value for money. The spats are well made and very comfortable, though understandably if you train all the time, go super hard or are at risk of the spats coming into contact with loads of velcro you may need to think twice.