Shock Absorber makes some of the best compression bras.
Unfortunately I'm not a huge fan of compression bras (boobs touch and sweat, no thank you).

It is recommended to go up a band size (or two) and keep your cup size in this and I fully agree. When I purchased this (I thought) I was a 34E (I was a 32FF). I definitely could have done with a 36F instead of 36E, but I had no idea my boobs were actually larger and so it happened the way it did.

Funny enough, when I first got it and tried it on, it BARELY fit. I could barely hook it on the ... loosest hooks and the cups were overflowing on top.
Now, unfortunately the band is too loose for me, and I don't think the quadding situation is so bad anymore (as long as I don't scoop and swoop thoroughly).
Now I'm not very active (my job is sedentary and so is my school and they take up 90% of my time awake), but on the occasion I am active I like my boobs to not feel like they're gonna fall out under my band, so this bra is essentially unwearable for me now. I think I would need a 34FF right now.

That being said, while it fit, it was so good. It keeps the girls in place no matter what you do (I did Yoga and rope jumping classes). The straps don't adjust long enough for me, but even so they are very comfortable. And the band doesn't roll or chafe, and is very comfortable.
The inside construction of the cups is very very good and secure. I will say it does feel a little bit bulky, at some places there are at least 3 layers of fabric. But the bra overall is made of very soft fabric that didn't bother me at all anywhere.

It's also very minimalist (in black colourway). I don't like loud colours for sports bras--especially in Yoga classes I find them incredibly distracting.

So overall, I do recommend this bra for lovers of compression bras.
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Updated on Dec 02, 2018 Flag this

I love this sports bra, but it definitely runs incredibly small in the band. I have it in the white color way, and it runs a full 2 sizes small. So more like a 24G than a 28F. The straps are only ¼ of the way adjustable, which is problematic for petites and those who are high set. The band is very solid and un-stretchy and the cups are compression. This bra really is hardcore, and it helps me forget I have breasts when I exercise. It's also really cheap to buy on Amazon or Ebay, so I'd definitely highly recommend it.

https://thepetitecollegiate.wordpress.com/2016/01/09/shock-absorber-4490-hard...

Updated on Jan 09, 2016 Flag this

PetiteCollegiate

3149 reputation

112 bras

My 32E - Syrokan » No-bounce Full-support Racerback Pro High Impac is favorite bra for running but band was starting to feel loose and since they don't carry 30F I decide to by a Shock Absorber. I knew the band ran tight but I was measuring around 28in at the time so and the bra was used so figured it would work. I can fasten the bottom strap but not the top one with out an extender. My rib cage also is wider at the top then it is at the bottom(inverted triangle) so that could be a factor. I still wear it but due to ... the uncomfortable tightness I find myself avoiding it unless I have no other bras. I want to buy another one but I am unsure of what size to get because the cups also feel tight or do the cups feel tight because the bands too tight? The design is very similar the Syrokan but the fabric inside the cups is taller on the shock absorber which could be also be why the cups fit tighter. The material on the band also seems prone to pilling but that only a cosmetic issue.
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Navy/yellow colorway

Updated on Nov 02, 2019 Flag this

I'll admit I purchased this size because it was such a good deal, and about half the price of getting a 30HH on ebay. I got this one for $15 on ebay and that included shipping.

I anticipated that the band would be the biggest fit problem and I thought I could use an extender when it arrived - but I've been continuing to lose weight and the have lost some squish around my ribcage so the band feels awesome and so secure! For most people the issue will be actually getting into this thing! I can fasten the bottom set of hooks behind my back ... but do it more around my waist and then pull the band up - this is the easiest way anyway. And I'm pretty flexible but not flexible enough to fasten the second set of hooks with the straps on - but pulling the straps up over my arms after I fasten the second set of hooks works great.

The problem is, this is the largest cup size in this band size, so a 30HH would have been a better choice (and still might not have been large enough in the cups) I have the strangest looking quadboob ever! It's just up so high! I also get some tissue pushed out of the sides by my armpits that simply wont fit into the fabric of the front. I really like how secure the non-stretchy fabric of this bra is, but in a 28 band I probably need a J or JJ and I don't believe any shock absorber bras go above an HH cup. The shock absorber US website has this sizing disclaimer:
"Sizing Disclaimer: Shock Absorber follows UK bra sizing standard. Also note that the cup sizes tend to run large while the band sizes tend to run small. A good rule of thumb is to go up a size for the band and down a size for the cup. Example: If you are a 32DD, in UK sizing, it would be wise to go for a 34D."

I think that disclaimer may be perfectly correct for smaller cup sizes, but in small band/large cup combinations where a tighter band is often preferred to offset as much weight as possible, I would not recommend following their advice. My standard UK size is (I'm pretty sure now! Plus bratabase and various other sizing calculators agree) 30HH, and towards the smaller end of HH I believe, since the weight I've lost and slight decreases in my leaning, vertical and lying breast perimeters this month put me closer to an H - so a 28HH shouldn't be *too* far off, but I definitely need a bit more cup volume. If I had gotten a 32H as suggested, the band would have been way too loose for a sports bra. The cup volume might have been sufficient but what good is a fitting cup if the band isn't secure. So, sizing could be an issue. I read lots of different reports on sizing when I looked at the reviews already up and I don't have a ton to add. I would say if you like a firm band stay with your normal size or even size down. I can say that if you're a 28J, which would be my sister size, you're going to be pretty squashed and wish for more volume. I still like the way this bra fits better than any of my other sports bras though, and I can always hope for some stretch!

Straps could adjust longer, I have a pretty high set bust and they work adjusted to their longest. Thank goodness they're long enough becuse they are sooo soo comfortable, the front portion of the strap is padded and widens to 1.5 inches at the shoulder and the comfort this adds is remarkable. I can feel that the straps are there, but there's no digging, no nerve pain, no headache beginning. They're the most comfortable straps I've tried, probably in large part because I have a band that actually is tight enough to support most of the weight of my breasts, and they aren't too far apart/wide, like so many bra straps seem to be.

This is a compression sports bra. This style is my preference for intense workouts where my chest really gets in the way - even in the Panache sports bras, which use more encapsulation than compression for support. Even in the 30GG - Panache Sport » Non Wired Sports Bra (7341) that is a more compressing bra than the standard panache, I feel bulky and ungainly compared to this. For goodness sake, my overbust measurement is compressed to 37.5 inches! In the no-wire panache it's 40 inches and 42-43 in regular bras. This is the perfect amount of compression for really active stuff where breasts legitimately get in the way of arm movement. I'm going to wear this the next time I split wood, and may order another specifically to wear under my bathing suit when I swim laps. For years I've been using the ridiculously too small size "small" in champion's firmest 'ultra compression' or whatever it's called, for swimming, but I can see this bra being a lot more comfortable since I wouldn't have the issue with boobs sneaking out of the bottom elastic.





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Pink/Purple colorway

Updated on Oct 12, 2016 Flag this

I got this sports bra because I was thinking of getting into running. The Shock Absorber 4490 has good reviews all around, it runs notoriously tight, and lucky me, there was one in my size listed on Bratabase!

[As a side note, it took about a month and a half (!) to actually finally get to me via airmail (!!!); presumably because Malaysia Post accidentally sent it on a joyride around the world first (who knows!) but sender cass_lee28 was extremely polite and apologetic about the whole ordeal. She was just about to refund me in full when the bra finally arrived. Props to her!]

Back to ... the bra. It's tight enough that, although I am technically flexible enough to do up both sets of hooks behind my back by myself, I had to get my S.O. to do it for me today because my arms were way too sore (due to an unrelated adventure on the climbing wall yesterday). Based on the measurements I took, the band currently stretches to 26in, which is tighter than my snug underbust (27) but not break-the-tape tight (25). I consider this perfect for a high impact sports bra. It's tight enough to feel, but not so tight I can't breathe.

The bra pretty much holds itself up by the band, so there's very little pressure on my shoulders. The straps are quite wide too, so it wouldn't be a huge issue either way. I found the straps to fit me just fine on the shortest setting, though as some others have mentioned, there's not much to adjust.

The cups are also fairly tight, in a compressing way, not a "too small" way. They come up high enough that even with my tall roots, I felt like absolutely everything was contained. I found it easiest to scoop and swoop BEFORE closing the upper set of hooks because ain't no way my hand is fitting in the cups after closing it all the way. Once it's on, there is zero chance of boob movement. Seriously. None whatsoever. I ran in it and didn't notice any bouncing or discomfort or anything. I pretty much forgot I have boobs. As far as performance goes, 10/10, extremely impressed; I may buy more of these.

With regards to appearance, I'm not a fan of that pink/orange combo, but who cares, it works better than literally every other sports bra I've ever tried, including the 28DD Panache Sport (underwired, moulded) and the 28D Freya Active (underwired, non-moulded) and definitely much better than everything that doesn't have hooks at the back. I don't think it's even possible for me to pull this bra over my head without undoing it first.

The cups do have another layer of fabric on the inside (lining?) which seems slightly tighter than the outside layer. This results in the *slightest* bit of wrinkling on the outside of the cups just along the seams, though I definitely do not have any room to spare on the inside. It doesn't bother me at all because it's entirely an aesthetic issue and I don't intend to wear the bra on its own.

I would absolutely recommend this bra if you need 100% boob immobilization.
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This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Mar 08, 2016 Flag this

This is a very comfortable bra! even though it doesn't make a very nice profile, I like it for days when I prefer my boobs beeing pushed against my chest. Sometimes I just like them beeing hold very tight https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_mrgreen.gif" alt=":D" />

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Feb 21, 2016 Flag this

I'm a runner and this bra is a life-saver. Although it's now too small and I'd have to go up a cupsize or two, it used to fit me perfectly and give amazing support (still gives plenty).
The band is very tight, slightly uncomfortably sometimes, but I'm convinced this is necessary for heavy sports. It just makes it difficult to breathe very deeply sometimes, but you'll get used to it.

This is the sports bra to get. If you have an 'unusual' size, be sure to check out ebay, I got mine incredibly cheap, new with tags.

I would also like to comment that the colours available are very stylish and if you're bold, you don't need a top over this bra. I have mine in peach.

Updated on Feb 20, 2012 Flag this

I've worn this bra for a few runs now. I ordered it in my "typical" 28FF - some 30 bands will fit me and some 28 bands will fit me. I figured a sports bra should be on the tight side, so I went for the 28. The lower hook is extremely tight. I haven't yet decided if I think it's "too" tight or if it's just "extremely" tight. The higher band-hooks aren't too tight, but I'm showing just a bit of boob squished at the top. The straps for this bra, however, have a very narrow adjustment range. I cannot get them as short as I would ... like. I'm 5'5 and high waisted, so I need straps that will adjust quite short.

I have not yet experienced any stretching with this bra. I wash it in the shower with me after each run.

This bra does contain movement extremely well. My breasts are not completely stationary as I run, but movement is minimized, and is certainly in a reasonable range. I can jump, twist, turn, and move confident that my breasts will be contained and movement restricted to a reasonable (and comfortable) amount. As my breast tissue is quite malleable, I'm accepting of some movement.

I love the looks of this bra. Mine is the purple/navy combination, and purple is my favorite color. The front of the bra is certainly nice enough to be worn as an outer layer (as Bravissimo mentions in their description), but the back is both sheer and bra-like. I wear it without an additional top in the Texas summer anyway, but my mother disapproves (as I'm sure others would). Take a close look at the back shots available before you buy, if this is a concern for you. I'll try to get some shots of it up, but it seems most of the vendors have a back shot in at least one color available.

The mark down for Comfort is for the straps not being short enough. Even with that, I'd likely buy again (may pick up a lighter blue/teal one, or wait for more colors to be released).
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Updated on Jul 04, 2011 Flag this

I returned this to the bra store, since this was much too tight for my ribs. That's why if you get a sports bra, go up a band size https://d28qt14g3opchh.cloudfront.net/smileys/icon_razz.gif" alt=":P" />

QUALITY:
Excellent quality, I'm already a pretty big fan of Shock Absorber sports bras and nothing felt bad about this one. Sturdy elastic seams, elastic fabric, strong mesh, wide band.

COMFORT:
This was much, much too tight to wear, so it was not very comfortable at all. If I unhooked the bottom set of hooks and only hooked the ones between the shoulders, it was wearable, but wasn't providing the desired comfort or support. It hurt my chest to wear on the loosest hooks and breathing felt restricted.

DESIGN:
I already love the Active Multi's hook design and overall structure, but I got this one because it was pink. And it was a really nice pink color! Salmon pink/Berry pink is nice, and I really enjoyed the contrast between the light pink bra and dark pink seams.

Picante Pink colorway

This bra is not owned any more

Updated on Nov 24, 2020 Flag this

What I wish I had known: if you've decided to try a Shock Absorber Active Multi Sports bra my advice is to make sure it is the current model -S4490, rather than the older B4490.

I first purchased the 28HH - Shock Absorber » Active Multi Sports (4490) which is the s4490. I was overall very pleased with the appearance and support of the bra, but had some pretty extreme quadding over the top of the front portion. I wanted to try a larger cup volume and since the band was fairly tight in the 28 and HH is the largest volume Shock ... Absorber makes (in fact, some of their bras, like the Shock Absorber Ultimate Run Bra (S5044) only go up to G cups, which is sad - I really wanted to try that bra, it looks so secure! I suppose it is difficult to make an immobilizing bra like that in greater than G cup, so the same design probably doesn't work in larger cup sizes, but still, I wish it did!) To return to my point, I needed to try a 30HH to increase the available volume and ordered this from ebay knowing it was the older model; I just didn't think it would make a difference since the design is the same.

Luckily, you're reading this review and can be prevented from making the same mistaken assumption. The two bras are not the same at all. The fabric of the B4490 is stretchier and thinner, particularly the two layers that make up the main "cup" portion of this bra. As a result, visually it's less appealing (in the white at least) because you can see the lumpiness of the inner sling/encapsulation U-shaped layer of fabric. More importantly, the bra is less firmly compressing and even though it was fastened securely, when running I had to hold my chest to halt the bounce. Though the s4490 I have is a size smaller, I don't think that alone would make it that much more secure - especially because it doesn't really contain all my tissue as well as this bra does.
For me, going up a cup size in this bra doesn't really fix the quadding problem, and the increase in band length reduces support enough to make it WAY not worth the slight reduction in quadding. I think the bra design doesn't really allow for as much upper fullness as I have regardless of the size, and since the scaling adds a little fabric everywhere, the front portion gets a little wider and a touch taller, but doesn't actually provide room for more tissue. It's more like there's just more fabric so the same amount of tissue can be spread out more, the seams don't adjust to make more space, at least not enough for me. Also, due to the stretchiness of this bra, it didn't feel as supportive and at the end of the very active day I had wearing it (running, splitting and stacking wood, hiking in the woods, plus a bunch of housework) I had the same kind of headache from the pressure on my neck that I used to get all the time before I started wearing bras that really fit. Even after I got bras I *thought* fit a couple years ago, I didn't really understand how to measure and probably had some letter-phobia, so the Panache Sport and Shock Absorber I purchased then were both 34 bands. Those bras were much better than anything I'd had up to that point, but I still had those headaches almost every day. Now that I've tried 28 bands, wearing bras is a whole different experience. For anyone with nerve issues or neck problems or constant headaches who also has heavy breasts - it's impossible to overemphasize how much a sufficiently tight band can really change how you feel. I know some women can't tolerate a snug or tight band, but for me that tightness is very, very worth it.
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White colorway

Updated on Nov 12, 2016 Flag this