Compression gear for triathlon

Work got me a set of thermal skins and they do seem to just add a tiny edge, bit like a comfy saddle versus a racing one. The cheap ones like Aldi are great running kit but no compression effect noticed.

Skins are blooming  expensive though. 

I think they work pretty well (even if it's all in me 'ed - I'll take whatever advantage is out there!!), but I thought some of these bits are now banned under ITU rules?  Calf guards in particular as they cover up your race number, or some other reason that I may have just made up...

Have I imagined this?

No you haven't my furry friend

Page 71 ITU Competition Rules 2010

45. Wearing clothes covering arms from shoulder to hand and/or clothing covering legs from knee to toes (in a non wetsuit swim) and on bike and run

-Warning and amend
-If not amended DSQ

Snipped from a long thread on the subject over on th edarkside

http://www.tritalk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=68506&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

The chaps at IMtalk actually had someone in who had done some proper research and her conclusion was a marginal improvement for recovery, but you had to get the correct level/graduation of compression which may prove difficult.

Edit: to remove rogue smiley

AliAird wrote (see)

Rodeo, out of interest do you think the compression top helps?

I can see the logic in leggings or calf socks, but tops?