It was once thought that only hard charging alpine and cross-country ski racers would see significant results from wearing tight fitting underwear. However, with the introduction of graduated or modulated compression around targeted muscle groups it was soon realized that recreational skiers can also see longer and stronger days on the slopes.
There are sports medicine recommendations for the amount of 'gradient compression' - formulated as compression levels in 'mmHg' built into the material. Any compression level above 20mmHg should only be medically prescribed. For peace of mind, note that all athletic compression tights here are well within the formula.
Compression tights for skiing enhance blood circulation which prevents blood pooling in the major muscle groups most under stress and force a quicker return of oxygen rich blood to these muscles. The compression also reduces muscle vibration while skiing over uneven terrain thus providing a constant stability to the muscles and taking away that mid-morning and mid-afternoon tightness.
What makes for the difference in compression wear brands is the proprietary method of construction to effect the targeted compression. There are some brands, such as Opedix and CW-X that use a banding technology to pull across or around certain areas, some use a slightly graduated compression built into the material to offer more 'squeeze' on the targeted muscle groups as does 2xu. Zensah employs an articulation in the material at the points of stress and around the knees.
The different methods of construction have a lot to do with how comfortable the compression tights feel. Some skiers, especially those with bad knees, like the banding effect. Others look to a more all around consistent feel and some skiers might get more out of an articulated material. The point here being that, since compression tights are relatively expensive - though well worth the outlay - you should make every effort to find a fit within your comfort range before you buy.
Note that you can get most of the popular brands of compression tights in either a full length - down to the ankles - or in a 3/4 length. The difference, as related to skiing is that the full length models go into the ski boot which isn't very consequential if your ski boot liners are factory liners.
However, if your ski boot liners are molded to tightly fit your foot - as Surefoot and other liner makers now supply - then the hem of the tights could be a problem. I've tried on boots with factory liners while wearing full length compression tights and only found chaffing to be a problem with two brands of boots. Again, this is a personal comfort issue that you should be aware of and should consider when planning to buy full length tights.
Don't throw the baby out with the bath water - if you find the full length Opedix KNEE-Tec Tights most supportive, and it only comes in the full length, give it a good try before rejecting it. The same goes for the Zensah, the CW-X and the 2xu full length models which give the inclusive added support to the whole calf muscle area - try them first. If the full length doesn't affect your comfort, buy them, if it does go for the 3/4 length and compression socks.
