Review: Orca 226 Kompress tri-suit
High-performing suit but perhaps one for hairless racers
Kiwi-brand Orca have plenty of heritage in tri, with Chris McCormack, Sebastian Kienle and Non Stanford just three world-beaters to don their wares.
The Kompress sits in the middle of their 2014 tri-suit range, sharing an Italian-made chamois with its loftier siblings but also offering purported compression benefits.
Once slipped-on, the suit instantly felt smooth on the skin and well fitting. We usually prefer leg grippers but the hems of the Kompress were tight enough (but not restrictive) to stop any riding up on the bike.
Touted for long-course racing, the perforated chamois provided plenty of padding for extended sojourns in the saddle but was minimal enough not to prove obstructive on the run.
The mesh panels provided impressive breathability for some sticky summer runs, although the perforations and close-fitting nature saw our bodily hair protrude through the top.
The end result? A visage far closer to Rab C. Nesbitt than we would’ve liked.
For news and reviews of all the latest tri kit, head to our Gear section
Kiwi-brand Orca have plenty of heritage in tri, with Chris McCormack, Sebastian Kienle and Non Stanford just three world-beaters to don their wares.
The Kompress sits in the middle of their 2014 tri-suit range, sharing an Italian-made chamois with its loftier siblings but also offering purported compression benefits.
Once slipped-on, the suit instantly felt smooth on the skin and well fitting. We usually prefer leg grippers but the hems of the Kompress were tight enough (but not restrictive) to stop any riding up on the bike.
Touted for long-course racing, the perforated chamois provided plenty of padding for extended sojourns in the saddle but was minimal enough not to prove obstructive on the run.
The mesh panels provided impressive breathability for some sticky summer runs, although the perforations and close-fitting nature saw our bodily hair protrude through the top.
The end result? A visage far closer to Rab C. Nesbitt than we would’ve liked.
For news and reviews of all the latest tri kit, head to our Gear section
Contact : www.orca.com
Jamie Beach
Former digital editor 
