MXA TEAM TESTED: VIRUS STAY COOL FORM COMPRESSION V-NECK

WHAT IS IT? The Virus Stay Cool compression V-neck shirt is aimed at keeping muscles warm and less fatigued while keeping the body cool.

WHAT’S IT COST? $58.99 (sleeveless), $63.00 (short sleeve).

CONTACT? www.virusintl.com or (800) 691-3314.

WHAT STANDS OUT? Here’s a list of things that stand out with the Virus Stay Cool Form compression V-neck.

(1) Concept. Compression clothing is nothing new. The idea of wearing tight material to keep muscles warm and loose during exercise and to aid post-workout recovery is old hat. Virus uses a stretch nylon material for the purpose of compression; however, what separates the shirt from others is the use of what Virus calls “Cool Jade.” Incorporating shavings of jade stone into the fabric is said to keep the skin cool and dry. Additionally, Cool Jade shields the body from harmful ultraviolet rays.

(2) X-Form. The upper rear section of the Stay Cool Form V-neck contains a cross pattern of spandex. This design is aimed at pulling the shoulders back in an effort to reduce core fatigue and support back muscles. We felt the X-Form pull our shoulders rearward much more when wearing the short-sleeve shirt as opposed to the sleeveless shirt. Given our choice, we’d pick the short-sleeve shirt.

(3) Cooling. Testers didn’t mind riding with the Virus Stay Cool Form, and once they worked up a sweat and pulled into the pits, they discovered the cooling effects of the Cool Jade. It wasn’t a drastic improvement over the conventional jersey/bare-skin barrier, but it was noticeable. For better results, we placed the Stay Cool Form in an ice chest for 10 minutes before we rode. We also tried soaking the shirt in water, but found that the shirt dried rather quickly. The Virus shirt won’t make a 100-degree summer day feel pleasant, but it’s cooler than a normal compression shirt. Post-ride fatigue was also more manageable. The Virus Stay Cool Form works.   

(4) Sizing. It’s important to make sure that the Virus shirt fits snugly against the body. For proper sizing, order the Stay Cool Form in a size smaller than the T-shirt size you would normally wear. Virus also makes riding shorts and long-sleeve shirts. The theory still applies; go tight or lose out on the benefits of muscle compression.  

(5) Washing. We threw the V-neck in the washing machine on the cold setting with other motocross gear. We even braved the dryer, although we made sure to use a low heat setting. The Virus shirt cleaned up nicely time and again. It’s a wise idea to wash the shirt after every ride, unless you idolize Pig-Pen in “Charlie Brown.”

WHAT’S THE SQUAWK? We wish that the X-Form’s benefits were more noticeable and that it pulled our shoulders back farther.

Either you like wearing compression materials or you don’t. If you do, the Virus Stay Form V-neck is a four-star product. It also keeps your body cool. If you don’t believe in compression technology, then it’s a two-star product.