Opedix is a company that makes athletic
wear that is scientifically engineered to activate your kinetic chain. What is your kinetic chain you might
ask? It is another term for how your
body moves. Opedix products are made to
promote dynamic alignment and keep everything lined up so your joints function
as they should. By helping keep your
joints in better alignment, you should be able to participate in your favorite
activities better, for a longer amount of time, with less pain. Opedix
calls their products “Kinetic Health Gear.”
Opedix claims that their gear can
help reduce wear and tear on your joints and decrease the rate that your body
fatigues, it also can be used to come back from a joint injury or reduce the
amount of pain that you are in when you run.
They even claim that their products can help you improve your
performance. Opedix didn’t just throw some material
together, they partnered with renowned orthopedic surgeons and biomechanical
scientists to come up with products that would really make a difference.
I tested the Dual-Tec 2.0 ¾
Length Tights in February. They are phenomenal
running tights that really did help me last longer before fatigue set in (click
here for my review). As I stated in
my past review, the claims that Opedix
makes about improving mobility and stability during training, which is not new
in the industry. Many companies claim to
offer huge improvement to performance, but many products don’t stand up to their
claims. I did some research and found
this article from Outside Online called “Debunking
the (Often Phony) Science Behind Performance-Enhancing Apparel.” The author did debunk several companies
claims, but didn’t with Opedix. He appreciated their science explainer page, which I did as
well. It made it easier to understand
the technology.
I was so impressed with the tights that I wanted to test out their Blade-Tec 2.0 V-Neck Shirt. Opedix
realizes that their products aren’t going to be found in the dollar section at
your local store. The Dual-Tec 2.0 ¾
Length Tights cost $225. The Blade-Tec 2.0 Shirt is cheaper at $125 but
if it can delay fatigue, especially in longer distance races, it would be well
worth it.
The Blade-Tec 2.0 Shirt uses Opedix patented Torque Reform
Technology. While both the Torque Reform
Technology and standard compression gear claim to support the muscles and
joints, the mechanism that they use is completely different. Compression technology just squeezes the
muscles to reduce their demand. While
this can be helpful, the Torque Reform Technology does more. It creates a connection system that links how
your joints move relative to each other while still providing the benefits of
compression.
What I really like about the Blade-Tec 2.0 Shirt is that you not only get
the benefits of compression, but the tension that is created can correct
muscular imbalances. This in turn will
improve performance, enhance your posture, and reduce pain. I have worked very hard on my form over the
years and it is decent (not perfect my any means), especially at the beginning
of my runs or races. The problem is that
after I start to get tired, my form starts to deteriorate. My shoulders start to drop and I hunch my
back. The Blade-Tec 2.0 Shirt uses 33 panels to offer
a great fit while creating tension that will help you’re your form good.
Some of the other great features include a V-neck, which is great for
wearing as a recovery shirt under dress clothes. It is longer than some shirts and has a
silicon elastic gripper along the hem to make sure the shirt doesn’t ride up
and remains in the proper positioning.
The material that they use is breathable and moisture wicking (OPX and
TR+) mesh fabric, which will help regulate your body temperature and while
keeping you relatively dry. The OPX base
fabric is made of 80% polyester/20% spandex blend. The TR+ mesh banding fabric is an 82%
Polyester/18% spandex blend. There is an
Anti-odor treatment and the best part is that it’s made in the grand ol’ USA!
Like all Opedix products, the Blade-Tec 2.0 Shirt has a great warrantee, after
all, if you are spending that kind of money, you would want to make sure the
product will last. Opedix stands behind the products that they
make. If you are not completely
satisfied with your product, just return it to Opedix
within 30 days and you will get a replacement or full refund, no questions
asked. You can’t beat that.
I have run several 13+ mile runs in the Blade-Tec 2.0 Shirt and alternated my long
runs, with and without the shirt. That
way I could see the benefits. I could
tell the difference in my form and the efficiency of my running when I had the
shirt on. I was able to run faster with
less effort for a longer period of time with the Blade-Tec 2.0 Shirt. It was a result that was repeated over and
over again. I really like the feel and
look of the shirt and it is comfortable to wear. The material is extremely breathable and dries
quickly, which is great for running in the heat. It
works great on shorter runs too.
Another great benefit is that I have a bad shoulder, most likely
rotator cuff injury, although my doctor thinks I am making it up. The pain is in my right shoulder and tends to
show up after repetitive or restricted movements. On long runs, this can be excruciating. I haven’t had any pain in my shoulder when
using the Blade-Tec 2.0 Shirt but did on the alternating
weeks without the shirt. The tension and
compression of the shirt really helped me out and I can’t wait to test it out
on even longer runs once my marathon training starts next month. Bring on the 20 mile runs!
On a side note, this would also be great for cross training and even
under a bike jersey. I tend to have
lower back pain when I cycle and sometimes my shoulder flares up. This would be another great time to put on
the Blade-Tec 2.0 Shirt.
Pros:
Light weight and breathable
Provides tons of support to aid in joint pain
Improves your form by supporting your muscles
Reduces recovery time
Great guarantee
Cons:
Priced for serious athletes at $125.
Opedix Media Links:
I
was extremely impressed with the materials, construction, and feeling of the Blade-Tec 2.0 V-Neck Shirt. While the price may be too much for many
runners, it would be great for racers and people who have been dealing with injuries,
but still want to run. You can get yours
at the Opedix website. I really felt the difference on my longer runs
when my body typically would get tired.
The Blade-Tec 2.0 Shirt did help me keep my
running form longer and I felt like it reduced the amount of time it took to
recover from those hard runs. If you are
willing to spend the money, it is a product that I would definitely recommend
to you.
Note:
I received this product in exchange for a review. The review is my
personal opinion of the product and I was not required to give a particular
opinion of it. I am not a doctor, so
please use all of the products that I review at your own risk.
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