what are the best tri shorts out there? what brand do you wear and why?
which do you prefer if you had to choose; TYR or ZOOT?
Desoto Power Tri shorts…I have 4 pairs and wouldn’t train long/race in anything else
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i had power shorts but they’ve gotten very loose on me… (but I’m still in the same size range)
the louis garneau elite tri shorts are tight as hell at the bottom. kinda uncomfortable biking, way too short, and so-so for running. They’re fine as swim shorts though…
I haven’t tried Zoot or DeSoto (DSS doesn’t have leg grippers, and though they just add bulk and aren’t necessary if you get the right size, it’s just my preference to have them), so I really can’t comment on that. But I do like the idea of NOT paying $69 a pop for tri shorts. I don’t get it. Why are the things so DAMN expensive? Oh, I get it. The demographics of the triathlon community says we all make the BIG bucks, so they charge that much because they CAN.
With that said, I’ve gotten some Brooks shorts for $12 at the Brooks outlet store, and they’re okay. Nothing to write home about. The Pearl Izumi’s… Who do they base their sizes off of? Same size in Pearl literally strains the material. Rising Sun makes a really good product (in my mind anyway), and it’s only $42. I wore them in my sprint this past weekend, and they were great – basically didn’t notice them at all. When that happens, you know you’ve got something good. Don’t know about going long in them, you’d have to judge them for yourself.
I think it depends on what you are looking for. I like mine shorter inseams like Desoto, I find shorts with the longer inseams to be not as comfortable. I haven’t tried the racing lines from different makers but many of the shorts labeled as training (like by Craft and Orca) I also find the fabric to thin or too light weight if that makes sense? I have some Voler shorts I like too. I think it really about personal comfort.
Desoto low cut tri short…2 pair, love them and wouldn’t want to race in anything else. Plus the DeSoto shop is about 5 miles from my place!!! So I am bias
-bcreager
I have Zoot and Desoto and DEFINITELY prefer the Desoto.
I agree, the Desoto low cut tri shorts are great (at least for me). A lot of other shorts are simply too high waisted for me.
Good point, that is one thing I had forgot about other shorts I tried, they just ride too damn high
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I have used Pearl Izumi so far this year and been really pleased HOWEVER I bought a pair of OOMPH Kileaua shorts and they are excellent, good padding and comfortable fit
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Desoto for me as well…haven’t tried Zoot or Tyr yet, but have tried a pair of Craft’s and don’t like the grippers. Everyone’s different.
I like Sugoi the best currently. I also like Desoto. Stay far away from Hind. Insport is pretty good too.
For me it is the Craft tri race shorts. The pad is great. The fabric dries very quickly and it does not ride up at all. There are “rubber gaskets” in the legs which prevent this from happening. I am a bit biased since they are my sponsor but these are the greatest shorts!!
I like my Craft race as well. My favorite pair is made by Rip N Hammer. I believe they are out of business. I have two pair that I use sparingly because I am trying to save them.
Craft Tri Race Shorts - hands down the best shorts I’ve ever trained/raced in. They are kind of expensive, but I’ve done many 100+ mi rides in 'em with only a bit of Bag Balm to keep the boys happy. I’ve put in many long runs in them and raced numerous times. They fit like a glove and if I didn’t get such strange looks I’d probably end up wearing 'em much longer than I should after a race - they are that comfy 
I have tried Desoto and Zoot. I easily prefer the Desoto’s. They are a little shorter and definitely hold there size better IMO.
orca
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