The claim “…patented Opedix Technology to enhance core stability while alleviating hip and back pain during training, rehab and everyday pursuits. …, the CORE-Tec™ short mimics the gluteus-medius muscle to align the pelvic region, promoting a neutral pelvis—giving you the ability to perform at your highest level and improving the way you move.”
Other claims seems to be that Opedix Kinetic gear can help people with the following:
- Reduce wear and tear on joints
- Recover from injury
- Increase endurance, decrease rate of fatigue
- Get relief from every day pain
- Improve performance
- Achieve long-term health benefits
INITIAL IMPRESSIONS
Opedix has a nice sizing chart to ensure a great fit. They suggest sizing up if you have larger than average quadriceps and are between sizes. See sizing chart below.
The sizing chart worked perfect for me – waist (29”) and weight (149 pounds), Men’s Small.
They are form fitting, as they should be, to allow the “Opedix Technology” to work.
The waistband is approximately one inch taller than normal waistbands allowing the support of the lower abdominals and lower back. It has a drawcord, but no available pockets. The leg openings have a silicon grip for a more secure fit.
The shorts have an incredible 27 panel construction made of a combination of stretch and non-stretch material which helps to “mimic the gluteus-medius muscle to align the pelvic region, promoting a neutral pelvis.” I’m not sure about the claim, but the shorts feel like compression shorts that fit nicely around the gluteus-medius, as well as, the gluteus region.
MULTI-SPORT TESTING
I tested the Opedix Core-Tec Shorts while running, cycling and swimming.
On runs, they felt like compression shorts that placed the right compression in specific areas such as the glutes, lower back and lower abdominal. I was initially worried about the 27 panel construction regarding potential chafing. No chafing whatsoever. During high rates of perspiration, the shorts did wick a lot of moisture, but tended to retain the moisture and felt heavy at times. The short are thicker than most tights/compression shorts I have worn. On the longer runs, I wished for some pockets to carry more running essentials.
During cycling, I really appreciated the lower back support on the longer rides. Although not designed for cycling with the thicker padding, I found the shorts to be very comfortable on training rides up to 50 miles.
In the pool, the shorts worked fine. They are not specifically designed for swimming, but I found them comfortable in the pool for cross-training purposes. As mentioned above, the thicker material tends to retain moisture which at times make the shorts feel heavy.
Tech Specs
- Material – Main: 90% Supplex & 10% Lycra; Panels: 100% Polyester
- Fit – Fitted
- Number of Pockets – 0
- Inseam – approximately 7 inches
- Weight – 6.0 oz. (Men’s Small)
- Made in – USA
CONCLUSION
The Opedix Core-Tec Shorts are a great pair of all around compression shorts suitable for running, cycling, and swimming. I was wanting more storage to store running essentials on the longer training runs. The retail price is a bit high, but Opedix does claim that it gives “you the ability to perform at your highest level and improving the way you move.” I don’t know about the claims, but I found the shorts to be great for running and multi-sport activities.
