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SKINS A200 VS A400
With the newly released SKINS A200 Compression Wear range now available we're getting a few enquiries as to what the differences are between the A200 Range and the SKINS A400 Active range.Here's a brief rundown of the key Differences of SKINS A200 vs SKINS A400:
The A200 range has just be introduced to replace the Original SKINS Sport and Skins She ranges.
The A200 range has a few small updates of these products with some improvements made to the fit and style of them and a few changes to the fabric to improve the compression effect over certain areas. The A400 range still remains their top of the line range and the main differences between them are:
• A400 has Dynamic compression offering greater compression benefits and better compression when under active use. The A200 range stills offers improved circulation benefits however the compression is not as high and the end effect is not as beneficial as the A400 range. The A400 range is currently the only Compression range available to offer Dynamic Gradient compression. Skins are the pioneers of Dynamic compression and this has allowed them to test the compression of the garment under dynamic or active conditions. Traditionally all compression wear has only been tested under static non active conditions and so the compression levels are unknown whilst the garment is actually being worn for activity. See Below for more detail on this
• The A400 range offers better fit based on 3D Body scan research, and larger size range than the A200 with 3 leg lengths for men available in the A400 range, as well as 2 different types of Body shapes (A and H sizing) for women.
• A400 range has 5 different fabrics including the Memory MX panels which allows great movement while maintaining compression, compared to just 3 fabrics used in the A200 range.
• The A400 Shorts and Tights range has a much more comfortable and flexible waistband composed of Memory MX fabric, the Mens A200 has a more basic elasticised waistband as used on the original SPORT range. An internal draw cord has been added to the women’s waistbands on the long tights, ¾ tights and shorts to help keep them in place.
• The A400 range has more subtle branding, while the A200 is more bold and designed to let people know that you are wearing SKINS.
• A400 also has PU bonded hems to make them more comfortable and should be more resistant to coming apart, and also have Stretch airflow mesh in certain panels to aid body temperature management.
WHAT TO CHOOSE
If you strictly want to use your SKINS for Training or activity purposes the A400 range will offer the most benefit. Due to the high compression the A400 Active long tights and tops aren't particular comfortable to wear for long duration if just sitting around in them so not the best for travel or recovery/post exercise.If you just want to use your SKINS after sport or training solely for recovery purposes, and also for travel, the Skins RY400 Recovery range would be the best for travel and recovery and post exercise use, however not really suitable for use during activity.
If you want to wear your SKINS for dual purposes - during activity as well as for travel and post activity then the A200 range would be more suitable.
SKINS Pioneers Research into Dynamic Compression Pressure Measurement
8/16/2010
In 2008, whilst researching compression garments and effects on the human body in motion, SKINS discovered a short coming with the existing compression measuring devices. All commercially available devices were designed to take only static compression measurements in clinical situations. As such, they were incapable of measuring pressure levels on the skin whilst the body is in motion and while muscles are under load in real training settings. They were also only able to measure pressure at one point on the body, at one point in time.SKINS approached the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia to evaluate an existing CSIRO wearable device for sensing low pressures. The device was adapted to measure dynamic compression at various locations on the body (e.g. calf, thigh) and transmit data in real time allowing timely assessment of personal performance.
The "Wearable Dynamic Pressure Monitoring Device (WDPMD)" was evaluated by SKINS over the past two years. The results of a study into the accuracy and precision of the WDPMD have been published and presented at the 8th Conference of the International Sports Engineering Association (ISEA), held in Vienna. The published findings illustrate that the WDPMD is comparable to existing compression measurement devices and is suitable for measuring changes in pressure dynamically between a subject and SKINS compression garments during various sporting activities. (McLaren et al, Procedia Engineering, 2 (2010) 3041-3046). Other advantages with this device are its memory, communication, power capacity and portability.
SKINS is the first and only gradient compression apparel company to use the WDPMD device to carry out research in order to understand the differences in the variability between pressure patterns when the body is static and when it is actively in motion. This has enabled SKINS to evaluate pressure pattern variability in their 400 Series product lines.
By fine tuning garments so precisely to athletes' needs while in motion, SKINS 400 Series dynamic gradient compression products provide more accurate compression to improve sports performance and physiological impact, as well as ensuring a more comfortable fit. This represents a revolutionary step forward in the history of sports compression wear.
The sports compression industry is rapidly evolving and SKINS' commitment to pushing the boundaries through scientific research ensures that the company remains at the forefront of gradient compression innovation.
Shop the full Skins Compression Range HERE >>>
