On race day, what are the differences between wearing each, or is it just personal preference?
Which do you prefer?
In a longer race (you define long) it is hard to use the bathroom in a one piece kit.
It’s personal preference for me. I used to use a one piece cuz of the fit, back coverage and nothing flapping in the wind.
Now I just use tight fitting tops and put sunscreen on my back between my shorts and jersey.
I’ve never used one for an IM
jaretj
I use a one-piece if the swim is without wetsuit. I can’t find any testing but theorize that it is faster in the water. Otherwise, a two-piece is more comfortable for me.
Used to prefer 2 piece for the forementioned reasons. Now I am much more fond of one piece, as there’s no gap in the waist for sunburn, no shorts tugging down on the bike as you get aero, feels much faster, and the lack of a waistband really is much more comfortable. I used to have the waist chafe me a bit during long races, where salt makes one more abrasive. Get a Kiwami suit and start enjoying the best.
I have always used a one piece. But one thing to consider is the no bare torso rule and the enforcing. A 2 piece will probably be a little cooler than a 1 piece. I use to take my 1 piece down to my waist but no longer.
Plus the one pieces seem to be going to only rear zippers which I find a pain in the butt. From a previous thread I know others don’t.
I am considering looking at some two piece suits for this summer.
I will miss my existing suit as we have been together for every race. It has never let me down. But it is getting worn and a little thin in spots.
Plus the one pieces seem to be going to only rear zippers which I find a pain in the butt. From a previous thread I know others don’t.
I’m with you on that. I like to be able to zip down the front and let the air come in. I would never wear a 1 piece with a zip in the back.
For front-zip one-piece suits, I think people overplay how hard it is to pull it down to go to the bathroom. It’s fast and simple
In a longer race (you define long) it is hard to use the bathroom in a one piece kit.
I hear this mentioned alot. I’ve been competing in tris for over 20 years with 18 IMs to my record and have never had to do #2 while racing. I never had a problem with wearing a one piece. I do #1 while racing but that’s no problem. Maybe I’ve just been lucky;-)
For longer distance races, I always wear the 2 piece simply so I can use the restroom a bit more easily, also for ventilation purposes. for sprints that are in pools (no wetsuit) I wear just shorts most of the time.
Since when is the no torso rule official?
I have worn both and like the one piece for shorter racing and the two for longer. Personal Preference I guess but it just feels right haha
Week-end before last in New Orleans HIM they repeated the rule over and over again. They indicated you would get, I believe, a red flag if seen with a bare torso. This is the first race, where it was hot, that I did not pull down my top to my waist.
I would have but did not see one other person doing it. Not one. I know there are others on the forum that disagree but I have no problem with bare torso. It is a race who cares. I also don’t think this is an issue for spectators. Geeze! What about the competitors comfort?
I also agree I have never had a problem peeing in a one piece. But if this bare torso rule is going to be enforced I am going to a two piece. Maybe speedo bottoms so they can see something much grosser than my bare torso!
I would say the main reason for a 2 piece for longer races is it will be cooler meaning you should always use a 1 piece for short stuff.
Same as in RR with skin suits for TT and jersey and bib for RR
Decided to look up the rule. For 70.3 Calagary, what came back first from Google, the rule is that can be an instant DQ if you have a bare torso.
A bare torso is considered an offense that could seriously injury the athlete and/or a spectators and therefore can cause a instant DQ on the first offense.
Please someone help me with this. The only thing I can think of is getting a serious sunburn? A really gross looking gut may blind someone and cause them to crash?
Pleeze!
I really don’t like swimming in a two piece. No matter how form fitting, the top just always seems to drag through the water. Was thinking about wearing a speed suit in my first 70.3 but now I just think I am going to go with the one piece for the whole race.
I would say the main reason for a 2 piece for longer races is it will be cooler meaning you should always use a 1 piece for short stuff.
Same as in RR with skin suits for TT and jersey and bib for RR
Strangely enough, your bare skin absorbs more heat from the sun than the material of the suit. Look at the Konami from Kiwami, as it uses special dyes that make the black cooler than the white material. I used to think that opening my top was cooler, but science disproves this.
Body composition.
I look like fatty in a two piece, so I obviously prefer a one piece 
Plus I don’t like the way waistbands feel, especially while aero. Bibs and onesies only for me.
I use 1 piece DeSoto for all of the 5 IMs I have finished.
The lowerback sunburn combined with the lack of waistband(no gi distress) more than make up for the extra 20 seconds in the port-a-potty.