VIRUS Men’s Energy Series Recovery and Endurance Bioceramic Posture Support X-Form Short Sleeve Compression Top (Au7x) Review
Brand
VIRUS Performance are a brand who focus on sports clothing with the aim of helping improve performance amongst athletes. They particularly excel when it comes to compression wear, with it being a huge focus of theirs, but also produce a range of items. As well as designing clothing for weightlifters, fitness enthusiasts, competitive motorcyclists and more, they also focus on MMA, with martial artists Cub Swanson, Daniel Strauss, Ian McCall and Dan Hardy amongst their team and ambassadors.
About the item
This compression top is part of VIRUS’ compression clothing collection, also utilising a couple of other technologies, including Bioceramic™ Fabric and what they call ‘X-form’ design. The X-form design reinforces the back muscles, promoting good posture while in motion. While I had no particular posture issues, it worked out the same price as the regular compression top, so I figured I’d give it a shot.
They are available in either black or white, and long sleeve versions are also available. Sizes range from XS to XXL – sizing is key in order to get the most from the recovery benefits gained from compression, but VIRUS offer a complete size guide on their website to make it a bit easier.
Aesthetics
Unlike rashguards, compression clothing usually doesn’t focus on fancy designs, and these are a prime example. They do use VIRUS’s style and visuals pretty nicely though, highlighting the logos and stitching on one side in gold.
The VIRUS logo sits on the front and back just below the neck, as well as on the right shoulder. Above the right hip are the words ‘VIRUS // PERFORMANCE’ and above the left hip there are some graphics printed on showing off the features of the shorts, printed in gold.
The X across the back also adds to the visuals. I hadn’t even started my first training session wearing it before someone commented on it looking like something from the X-Men.
Materials and Craftsmanship
VIRUS have done a great job on the craftsmanship on this, everything is double stitched, and so far it’s been through some pretty tough training sessions – including sparring – without showing any signs of wear. The mateials for these is Bioceramic™ Fabric. VIRUS explain on their website that this basically means the fabric emits Far-Infared into the skin. For the average person like me, this means basically nothing, but I did a little digging to find out if this was a real thing or just a marketing ploy, and it seems that this is actually legitimate and has been proven to improve blood circulation and energy levels, as well as being used in some cases as a treatment method for Arthritis and similar conditions.
Whether or not wearing this for an hour or two during a training session will have any real effect, I can’t say, but the material is comfortable and well-fitting enough either way.
Comfort/use
Compression clothing is always tight, but the first time I put this on it felt a bit different. I quickly realised it was because of the X form strips across the back. They don’t prevent any of your movement, but rather act as a natural flex when you’re relaxing, to improve your posture. It’s a little odd at first, but once you’re used to it it’s actually pretty comfortable.
The short sleeve design works great when you like to keep your arms free. I don’t like wearing long sleeves with boxing gloves on for example. Compression tops are also great for a few reasons, such as the fact they don’t get in the way as much as a looser T-shirt whilst sparring, and that the moisture wicking technology means it doesn’t get horrible and soaked in sweat.
One drawback I’ve found is that the hem of the top does tend to roll up a little, which isn’t the easiest thing to sort out whilst training. The simple solution of tucking it into your shorts solves the problem easily enough though.
Cost
The standard retail price seems to be around $65 which is pretty steep for compression clothing, however the health and especially posture benefits are great added features especially if you plan on wearing this as a base layer for longer periods of time, or even outside of training. If you don’t want these features though, there are cheaper alternatives available from VIRUS or even other brands.
Looking to buy these?
Pros/Cons
+ Very durable
+ Doesn’t reduce movement
+ Various health and posture benefits
– V-Neck might not appeal to everyone
– Can roll up during training
– Price is a little steep
