I've used tuck under style cups for a very long time. I like them enough, but now I'm using compression shorts to lessen the chance of muscle pulls. I saw this compression short/"new" cup model the other day: http://store.titleboxing.com/spider-guard-compression-shorts-with-cup.html

It's supposed to be more comfortable. Anyone have experience with it? Is there one you'd recommend?

I'm not familiar with compression shorts. I do see that a cup is made to wear with it, but I can't tell from the photo if this cup "goes underneath," which is like the one I wear for additional protection.

Are compression shorts special for MMA? Do compression shorts cups cover front and under?

I use ShockDoctor core compression shorts and find them perfectly adequate.

http://www.shockdoctor.com/product/core-compression-short-with-bioflex-cup.aspx

I don't have any first-hand knowledge, and we don't keep them in stock, but we've special ordered the Shock Doctor for wholesale customers a few times, and they reorder, so I assume they're happy with them.

They're available from a number of suppliers. Local to you, off the top of my head, GTMA and RevGear.

I'd imagine that most tuck under to varying degrees, but I'm not sure how much. I don't remember what the Shock Doctor looked like, but the pic shows some tuck.

Thanks gentlemen! I went ahead & bought the Spider cup & shorts combo. I should receive it soon. Hopefully, it will be decent. I'll let you know.

I use the shock doctor one as well, and it's a lot more comfortable than the traditional jock strap style ones. I used it for four years of WTF TKD competition, and for a few more years of in-class heavy contact sparring in Karate, and I have had no problems with it.

Cool,

This is going to be my next purchase! Want to get into doing kumite this year, and find the jock strap style guard a bit uncomfortable. Thanks for the advice guys.

I must be weird--I just a jock strap AND compression shorts. My compression shorts don't have a pocket for the cup, so I don't trust them to keep it exactly where I need it on their own, but I also can't trust the jock strap on it's own. Together they keep it right were I need it and keep it tight--I have yet to have a half-in-half-out injury with this setup. I've wondered about the combo shorts like this, though, so hopefully they work out well for you and maybe I'll make the switch one of these days

My spider cup/compression shorts combo is great! The cup is so light & it actually is comfortable, it's like I'm not wearing one (a first with any I've worn in my 28 year MA career).

Wastelander, I know what you mean about that "right fit". I've found this one to be a good one for me. At $35 a pop, I don't know if you want to test it. But if it isn't a "good fit" for you, you could use the shorts without the cup & wear your jock over it.

I must be weird--I just a jock strap AND compression shorts. My compression shorts don't have a pocket for the cup, so I don't trust them to keep it exactly where I need it on their own, but I also can't trust the jock strap on it's own. Together they keep it right were I need it and keep it tight--I have yet to have a half-in-half-out injury with this setup. I've wondered about the combo shorts like this, though, so hopefully they work out well for you and maybe I'll make the switch one of these days

That's exactly what the Shockdoctor cup is, but it's an all in one. I used to do what you do too, but figured it was just plain easier to buy the Shockdoctor version.