I really think you have to make that decision yourself based on your body type and personal heat tolerance. I'm lean, but the water temp has to be below 70 before I'll wear a full suit or I'll overheat in an IM. I have buds who feel more comfortable in a full suit even into the mid 70s. I agree the best approach is to take both a full top and a vest for your T1 and try them both out during the mornings before the race. If I remember correctly, the water temp at IMW last year was in the low 70s. Good luck!

Me too, and I'm amazed at how warm a full is. Mid september can be very cool as well. The lake temps should beging to fall as the nights get cool. I'm not sure where you live, but we have not had any warm weather around here this year. There is no indication that we will warm up any time soon. Things can change, but if summer doens't break soon, thermal caps will be in order.

In my last Oly the temp was listed as 76-77. I didn't know what swimming in the bottom alone would be like, so I used my full top. I decided to concentrate on a smoooth long stroke and not overheat. I could have been a little faster, but not too much (but possibly overheated.) But I felt so fresh coming out of the water. I was ready to hit the bike. It forced me to think differently. (Of course I knocked my glasses off of my bike seat and had to scrounge around trying to find them. Oh! well.)

PS, I'm gonna get the sleeveless TRES anyway.

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Dick

Take everything I say with a grain of salt. I know nothing.