I am not to worried about the speed aspects of these suits. I am more worried about the the comfort, and how long they will last. Has anyone tried both of these suits, and if you have what were the noticeable differences. Are there any other suits that are in the price range($109-$140) of the endurance tri suit that I should also check out.
None of these will last long. good quality swim specific coating only last 6-7 races. the suit is civered with a silicon coating aftar couple of swims this will be reduced and if you use it like a regulat suit you’d notice significant wear. These are very elite thin materials. if you are looking for long term swim only option look into swim skins over your regular tri clothes.
Had the SE for over a year now; still in good shape. Worn it many times for training on the bike and quiet a few times in races and for swims. Extreme comfort but not much shami. I have the original SE with the zip in the back. What I like best is the way it secures itself to your leg - a very cool type of elastic that isn’t nearly as restrictive as others.
FWIW, I’m still racing on my (Comp they called it last year) Endurance suit from last year. This year the pad is a little thicker and smoother but I never had a problem with the other pad. I’ve raced 3 halves, 1 101, 2 ironman, and a few sprints in it so far, and it’s still going. I actually crashed in the suit, had a few stiches put in and am still racing in it. I used the Super Elite (only one model last year) for not wetsuit races but prefered the more generous cut of the Comp suit for long course. This year the Super Elite Endurance is cut like the the model I’m used to racing in and would probably use that one if I was doing mostly non-wetsuit swims. For both suits this year compared to last year, the materials are similar save the pad.
I am not too worried about the swim aspect of it, because all of my races are wet suit swims, so the silicone coating woulden’t really affect it. How long would these suits last minus the swim aspect?
I still have my first edition super elite. In general good but the material is a lot delicate than regular tri material on Super elite.
Out of curiosity, why would you want the super elite suit if you are going to be wearing it under a wetsuit. Why not just get the endurance suit and save the extra cash vs. the super elite.
I agree with two of the above on different points. I have a Super Elite and Elite suit. They are both fast and will make a difference in a non-wetsuit swim. I have not tried the Blue Seventy suit or the Xterra, but I believe the 2XU suits are like a hybrid of these and a normal tri suit.
Like swimmykins said, it will not last long in like new condition. This is a race only suit. Sure, try it out in a workout before you race in it, but that’s about it. My elite suit started to pill up where my race belt was rubbing after two races. Tonight, I was laying out my Super Elite for a race in the morning and lightly caught the fabric with a rough finger nail and it started a small pull(I don’t know any other word to describe this.) They feel really good to wear,and are fast but are extremely delicate.
Also, if you’re going to have only wetsuit swims, you should at least look at other options. You’re kind of putting the horse in the cart by wearing this type of suit under a wetsuit.
I’ve got both and both have highs and lows but in general they are two of the best suits I’ve ever worn.
Super Elite is awesome in terms of freedom of movement, cut and pure efficiency. Not the most durable material but holds up decently well as long as you don’t snag or crash in it. Legs could be a bit more supportive/compressive in my opinion and the back zip while nice in a way is also a pain in a way as I sure wish i had a bit more ventilation or a way to loosen the fit on the top on a hot run.
Super Elite Endurance is in my opinon a better all around suit especially if like you say you’re doing a wetsuit swim. The additional mesh is a LOT cooler and the front zip is awesome for the run. I found the legs to be a bit more restrictive at the top of my pedal stroke for some reason but properly adjusted (pulled the gripper up a touch higher before hand) they fit just fine. No other gripes and I love this suit. This suit also has their endurance pad which is a LOT nicer and more padded than the fleece pad in the short course Super Elite. Honestly I usually love simple fleece pads but the molded pad in this suit is very nice.
Make sure to hand wash and hang dry. Make sure to zip up the suit after the race (endurance model) or you get a really weird tanline on your chest.
I have the LG Shark Power suit and it’s very comfortable.