The tasc Performance Ventilated Compression Shorts are versatile, comfortable underwear for your most grueling workouts. These really do keep you cool, dry, and comfortable. Having tried numerous different poly-pro, poly, nylon, cotton, and (insert new fabric type here) styles, these are standing head and shoulders above the rest.
tasc Performance Ventilated Compression Shorts – Performance
Straight out of the package, these shorts were comfortable. Many athletic shorts are tight or “snug” right out of the gate. The tasc Performance Ventilated Compression shorts were like wearing nothing at all. I did not feel any seam lines or waist-band tightness. After a 2-hour mountain bike ride (ascent and descent), the shorts also did not ride up at all and provided more support than my actual cycling shorts. That part was the most surprising. I wore a loose-fitting pair of running shorts over them (which would normally be taboo on a cycle) and it was one of the more comfortable rides I’ve had in a while.
I recognize this review sounds very one-sided, but I really am impressed by the feel and performance of these shorts. I have worn them 4 times now and washed them each time (machine wash, tumble dry). My only concern is with the waistband/stitching. Each time I pull them up, I hear small snaps (like tiny rubber bands breaking). I am 175 pounds and 5’10”. I don’t have huge legs or much butt, so I don’t think it is my physique that is the issue. I will update this review after a few more wearings and see if the waistband has held up and if the snapping stops. They will either give out and lose their support or the snaps will stop and they will have just been “growing pains” for a brand new pair of shorts.
My latest test for the tasc Performance Ventilated Compression shorts was a normal workout at the gym. This involved a 10-minute warmup with jumping jacks and a jump rope, normal free-weight work, and a 45-minute ride on the stationary bike. Once again, these shorts performed admirably. The warm-up was met with adequate support and the bike ride involved no “riding-up” like normal cotton under-shorts. The other great part of these shorts, noticeable on all of my tests, was the mesh front section. This area is typically a focus for heat and sweat and the more ventilated section here makes a world of difference. Again, like wearing “nothing at all”, this thinner region made for more air flow, less sweat, and overall better comfort. I have added a close-up of this section so you can see exactly how it appears on the shorts.
Lastly, because of the design and fabric, the Tacs Performance Ventilated Compression Shorts dry very quickly. Colorado provides some dry air to begin with, so the more humid climates may have different effects. After a long workout, these were hung over the back of a desk chair and were dry to the touch in under an hour. They also did not appear to harbor any foul smells, but I will continue to test this and see how well they perform after more use.
tasc Performance Ventilated Compression Shorts – Details
- Compression Fit
- 9” inseam
- MOSOflow™ mesh front and back paneling
- Strategic contrast seams
- 55% Organic Cotton/ 35% Viscose from Bamboo/10% Elastane
Final Thoughts
In general, my active wear/underwear wardrobe has been limited to cotton and poly-pro. I have been hunting for an all-season compression short that is breathable, lightweight, and will dry quickly. The tasc Ventilated Compression shorts are my new favorites. I am looking forward to colder temps arriving so I can test them while backcountry skiing. It is necessary to have shorts that provide support and wick moisture away from the body in those cold temps. I think these shorts will now be a regular part of my workouts, regardless of the season. MSRP: $28. Please see www.tascperformance.com for more information and purchase.
