Sugoi Piston 200 Tights

It was evident to me when I saw the stock image of the Sugoi Piston 200 tights that they were a garment I really needed. Two things really jumped out at me just from the photo.

1. They would fit. Period. So many tights are long in the rise and end up doubled over to compensate for their length in the crotch. The result is a horrible fit and frustration. The rise measures 20 cm. but fits better than that number indicates.

2. Compression is my new best friend and the Piston Series was offered from my trusted garment friends at Sugoi. I've worn the socks with great success and how could I go wrong with lower body full cover. My instincts were right and these are my must have gear. I've been spreading the word since I first pulled them on. They've been on during a workout, afterwards, on a long plane ride, an equally long bus ride, to bed and for two solid telemarking days. The results were astounding, as my quads, ham-strings, and glutes really benefited from the squeeze.

They are really finely crafted too with flatlock seams, light weight, durability and compression strength.

The claims of compression ring true for me and have helped my with recovery. The company line adds improved muscle stability, and increased movement efficiency.

They feature the usual stuff too, like an interior key pocket and 3M Scotchlite reflective dots.

PRICE $90 CDN.

Sugoi Firewall LT glove

I'm disappointed to see Sugoi has done nothing to improve these gloves for 2011. Mine are from last season and they are the most frustrating gloves I've ever owned, and they are the impetus for this blog.

The palm is slippery, particularly when it gets impregnated with daily grime. If I can't grip my steering wheel, how could I hang on to my ski poles. Further to that the palm synthetic fabric invites the cold, offering winter winds a warm place to come in for a visit.

My hands are unremarkable in size, but I struggled to pull them on.

The cuff had to be heavily doctored to allow my hand to fit past the narrow opening. The was a neoprene webb across the cuff to allow increased movement. I cut that out, it was a hindrance. There was velcro on the cuff too, I cut that off too. It was sewn own in reverse order and the hooks were always sticking on the terry cloth nose wipe on the thumb. The reflective decals on the back of the glove have peeled off, and now the seams are coming apart.

Sadly, with a few improvements the Firewall LT could be a great glove, because they fit so well. They fit.....well, like a glove.

PRICE $40 CDN

Sugoi Hydrolite Jacket

It seems as though fall has been upon us for a long time now, bringing dull skys, liquid sunshine and gloom. Well, if you can still muster the strength to get out of bed and straddle your bike you're gonna need a rain jacket. The Hydrolite has been my companion for the last month or so, and it's been a god-send. Packable, light and weatherproof, it's always tucked into my back pocket whether I'm on the skinnies or the fat tires. It's also a great wind block and the generous under-arm venting allows body heat to escape while your arms are extended to the handle-bars.

I haven't washed it yet, but I'm told on the delicate cycle of the washer will treat you right because after a few muddy rides the jacket has now lost its showroom luster. I'd recommend trying the jacket on to ensure a good fit in the extended position, although the fitted cut of the garment is generous in the sleeves and tail. The smoke colour is often sold out, but it may hide the dirt a bit better.

PRICE: $135 CDN

Sugoi R+R compression sock

Run or watch any race these days and you'll notice the growing number of knee highs.

It's not just a fad folks, the benefits of compression during and after running have been garnering a lot of research. Pull up the trousers of your friend the type 2 diabetic and you'll probably discover their sup. hose.

Compression increases blood flow to the extremities and aids in flushing lactic acid, hence the recovery is expedited.

In my own experience the socks are a great help in this area. Forefoot running can bring about tight calf muscles, and these socks really make a difference. I don't run in them, the padded foot bed particularly in the heel and toe isn't to my liking so they are half of the race and recovery for me.

Sugoi RSR Short

I would have to say these are my running shorts. Not because I adore them, but because they are versatile with slash pockets in back and one inside. Of course running is not something to do with a pocketful of change, but occasionally there is something small that needs to come with. They're available in three colours, blue, black and grey. They are cut long and loose in the leg for the longer tan line and they have a mesh insert. The liner does ride up a bit, but nothing's perfect.

PRICE $45 CDN

Sugoi Braveheart Tuke

As far as endurace hats go, this might the one. The tuke is a fleece lined fino-therm lightweight layer with a generous cut. It's long enough to cover the ears and keep the ear-buds in place, but can be folded over like a beanie when the temperature rises.
This tuke is also great for riding, although not considered windproof, it fits under the helmet without bulk and keeps the noggin warm. Topping it all off, it looks good, so once it's on, it stays there.

PRICE $30 CDN. in 3 colours

Gear Hound Rider

Sugoi Raglan L/S jersey

It's almost easier to describe what this jersey isn't as opposed to what it is. It's not flashy or techy, nor hot off the euro runway.
However it is a garment at the top of the pile and so it's my go-to winter endurance sweater. It's a workhorse and it hasen't let me down when I ride, ski or run. It has elastic cuffs and waist and three generous pockets out back, and the only knock against it is the lack of wind block. But really that's minor because it's hard to pry this jacket off my shoulders. I also am pleased with the longer cut in the frontside waist that doesn't ride up past my navel when I ski or run. This is noticable on some of my other and more expensive jackets.
At this point if you pass a someone on the trail like the guy above with that jersey, it's probably me.

PRICE
ABOUT $150 CDN

Sugoi Midzero leg warmer

I've worn more than a few pairs of leg and arm warmers over the years with limited success.
Recently I got these Sugoi midzero leg warmers, or knees as I call them, and they do what they are supposed to do.
I don't ask much from my gear really, just for results. If my stuff works and I don't notice it, I'm happy. But that smile turns upside down when gear fails the basic tasks.
Sugoi is one of the few companies I've found that use a tape gripper at the top seam to hold the 'knees' in place.
When they are tucked into the shorts they are bomber and never move. Simple task, done simply.
In fact I use them for running, instead of knickers or pants weather permitting, and if find the support around my knee comforting and beneficial.
They are lined with with soft fleece and articulated for ease of movement at the knee.
These 'knees' are a must and I find I wear them more than I ever imagined.
Recomended buy

PRICE
about $40 CDN.

Sugoi Square Leg trunks

I have never been a shorty wearing kinda guy, but I picked up these trunks as my back-ups. Nothing is worse than going to the pool, and realizing your suit is in wash or hanging to dry on the deck chair. So two pairs is really better than one.

These little numbers have won me over. They are super durable, made from what Sugoi calls "Poly swim fabric", and have really stood up on my long term test. They honestly look they just came off the rack. They are still more or less my second pair of trunks, but as my primary pair fade and sag, the Sugoi square leg swim shorts are moving up to take over.

A recommended buy.

FEATURES 

flat seams

three inch inseam

prelaced stretch drawsting and front jock-style liner.

PRICE

about $40 CDN.

dront jock-style stretch liner for ultimate comfort.front jock-style stretch liner for ultimate comfort.