Promaker’s X-Pro tights offer form-fitting gym functionality while giving you access to your smartphone screen. They’re a comfortable option if you’re a true gym junkie.
Promaker X-Pro Tights: On the plus side
You can buy fitness tights from just about anywhere, but what’s meant to make the Promaker X-Pro Tights stand out is the inclusion of a small pocket for your smartphone. This isn’t just a matter of storage, but of operation as well, with a mesh cover that allows for touch control of your device while you’re wearing it.
The sizing recommendation listed on the site are true to size. I’m a size 10 and the small pair provided for review fitted without a problem. They were comfortable to wear for a solid length of time. My testing included several bike rides where the base of the legs did move up slightly but that is easily explained by the nature of the activity. Other physical activities did not cause this problem.
The phone pocket, accessed by a central zipper, is a good size. I tested primarily with an iPhone 4s, but quick checking with a variety of larger phones showed that it should be workable with most phones excluding the larger Galaxy Note style devices. The mesh pocket allows for placing your smartphone on either leg front, with headphone ports on both sides. The headphone connection channel and storage pocket are not a distraction. The phone display is easy to read. Access to home buttons and volume buttons is also good. The headphone storage pockets can also be used to hold a small credit card size object.
While crunching style exercises had the phone more noticeable it was never a hinderance to activity. After a while it was possible to forget the location of the phone entirely.
The tights themselves are a heavy fabric. The thickness also means that outside exercising on a mild winter day is possible in these tights.
Promaker X-Pro Tights: On the minus side
While the touch transfer does work it was slow to respond, which means that if you do leave a phone call late to answer you may find that you miss it. It also means that while the touchscreen works, it’s not going to be suitable for much more than call answering and music playback/control. Anything requiring more touch sensitivity is out of the question.
The placement of the smartphone, irrespective of your choice of leg means that you may have issues actually seeing the screen depending on your choice of activity. I am on the generously proportioned side, which meant I had to shift my (ahem) assets out of the way to see the screen. If you are familiar with your screen layout this may not be an issue.
Promaker X-Pro Tights: Pricing
The Promaker X-Pro Tights sell through Promaker’s web site for $110 in either full tight or shorts form at a lower price.
Promaker X-Pro Tights: Fat Duck Verdict
The Promaker X-Pro Tights are ultimately a very nice pair of gym tights. If you are someone who enjoys working out while listening to your choice of music or who needs to keep your phone with you at all times these are a useful item. Your phone is secure and accessible if needed but not in the way while you get fit.