Thursday, July 14, 2016

Opedix Blade-Tec 2.0 V-Neck Shirt Review



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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