Opedix BLADE-Tec 2.0 V-Neck Shirt

Opedix crosses medical technology with sports in this shirt. Compression and tension are featured to improve performance, spinal alignment, and reduce pain.

Opedix has taken the philosophy of Kinetic alignment from their already popular shorts and tights and moved it to the upper body with their Blade-Tech 2.0 shirt.

By employing a variety of panels emanating from the center of the back and fanning outward the shirt both compresses and provides tension to aid in muscular alignment. By providing tension around the rib cage and over the scapula the shirt gently helps ensure better posture.

The moisture-wicking polyester/spandex fabric provides heat and moisture management and is treated for odor control. 

I was offered a sample of the shirt for testing in June and I began using it in the gym and during my many mountain bike training sessions. Sizing is done by measuring your chest and matching the measurement to a sizing chart. My chest measured 41 inches which put me at the break point between small and medium. I chose a medium size hoping that would be the correct for my 5'9", 165-pound frame.

The shirt fit well without making me feel like I was being squeezed too tightly. The Blade-Tech is cut quite long and the hem has a silicone strip that grips the skin to keep it in tension and from riding up. Once in place, I instantly could feel the panels that gently force you upright into a position with better posture. There is also quite a bit of tension around the shoulder, which was the support I was most interested in. Having dealt with a small rotator cuff tear for several years I was very interested in the support the shirt might give.

Initial testing was done in the gym during my cardio workouts where the shirt did a nice job of keeping me in a more upright and aligned position. It was interesting to note how a little compression could improve my posture and would allow me to be more efficient whether on the stair master or treadmill.

During weight training, the shoulder support was helpful during bench and shoulder presses. The panels feel like additional muscles.

The big test was how would the Blade-Tech shirt perform during my mountain bike training sessions which usually last 1 1/2 to 2 hours and have traditionally left me with a sore shoulder. Well after numerous sessions I definitely feel the benefit of both the back panel compression but especially the support around my scapula. What had been painful is now relatively pain-free, the extra compression and tension really help keep my shoulder tear from getting inflamed. 

I have even tested the shirt's usefulness during long sessions on the computer and for me the posture assistance is very noticeable, leaving me feeling much fresher.  

• Color: White
• Sizes: Small to XXLarge based on chest measurement
• Price:$125