On paper a full sleeve suit is always faster. More neoprene= more buoyancy+slicker scs coating= lower drag coefficient.
But honestly you could swim the exact same swim in both suits, with the same effort and chances are you won't find which is faster.
Feel to some is very important. You get that without sleeves. You also get an unrestricted shoulder. With that comes colder arms and possibly more under arm or neck chaffing due to the movement of the suit.
Warmth and less drag is more important to others. You get that with sleeves. Technically speaking this will always be a faster suit. In a drafting situation the extra buoyancy may help you slow and length your stroke while lowering your drag and making you more streamline in the draft.
What fits you the best and feels comfortable to you will be the fastest suit for you. I say it in that order as fit is the #1 issue with a swimming wetsuit. You try a wetsuit on dry, and it should fit borderline uncomfortable while not restricting breathing or range of motion. When you get it wet it will loosen up. Obvious stuff.
What suit do you prefer? Have you found a sleeveless suit that fits you perfectly and tried it in the water? Does it feel better with your shoulders free? Have you found a full sleeve suit that fits perfectly and tried it in the water? Does it feel faster?
Don't change up something that has been working for you because of 62 degree water. You have to get your face, hands, and feet wet. Chances are that your arms will warm up seeing as how you are moving those more than anything else.
All this being said, I don't think there will ever be a consensus one way or another without a lot of testing. Fit, feel, range of motion, flexibility, drag, water conditions, your strength as a swimmer... Just a few things that may effect your which is faster on that given day.
jake
Get outside!
But honestly you could swim the exact same swim in both suits, with the same effort and chances are you won't find which is faster.
Feel to some is very important. You get that without sleeves. You also get an unrestricted shoulder. With that comes colder arms and possibly more under arm or neck chaffing due to the movement of the suit.
Warmth and less drag is more important to others. You get that with sleeves. Technically speaking this will always be a faster suit. In a drafting situation the extra buoyancy may help you slow and length your stroke while lowering your drag and making you more streamline in the draft.
What fits you the best and feels comfortable to you will be the fastest suit for you. I say it in that order as fit is the #1 issue with a swimming wetsuit. You try a wetsuit on dry, and it should fit borderline uncomfortable while not restricting breathing or range of motion. When you get it wet it will loosen up. Obvious stuff.
What suit do you prefer? Have you found a sleeveless suit that fits you perfectly and tried it in the water? Does it feel better with your shoulders free? Have you found a full sleeve suit that fits perfectly and tried it in the water? Does it feel faster?
Don't change up something that has been working for you because of 62 degree water. You have to get your face, hands, and feet wet. Chances are that your arms will warm up seeing as how you are moving those more than anything else.
All this being said, I don't think there will ever be a consensus one way or another without a lot of testing. Fit, feel, range of motion, flexibility, drag, water conditions, your strength as a swimmer... Just a few things that may effect your which is faster on that given day.
jake
Get outside!