I currently have an Ironman Stealth wetsuit which I’m about to replace with either a Reaction or Axis. I understand the whole “neutral” vs. “positive” buoyancy characteristics and frankly I could use the positive buoyancy. But I’m wondering if there are any differences between these suits in either shoulder/arm flexibility or thermal comfort.
Does anyone have any experience comparing these two suits?
if you have the cash, spend a few bucks on getting the top of the line wetsuit. you can get pretty much any size of a blue seventy helix on ebay for <250$
I have a Blue Seventy Reaction, but I have not tried the Axis. I have, however, rented a few different types (Xterra and some others) and I definitely like the Reaction the best.
If you’re a swimmer you will probably notice very quickly that any wetsuit limits shoulder and elbow flexibility, forcing more of a windmill stroke than a high elbow catch and bent arm recovery. However, in my opinion, this was less noticable with the Reaction than other wetsuit. I can’t comment on the more expensive suits like the Helix with dedicated fabrics in those locations to increase flexibility. I live in Boston and have done some pretty cold races (Mooseman was in the 50s two years ago and Lobsterman is consistantly in the mid 50s) and have been very comfortable in the Reaction… my head and phalanges are a different story. My wife also has a Reaction and feels similarly on these points.
So anyway, I would recommend the Reaction based on my experience.
x2 Helix
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Only difference I have found is the type of rubber used between the 2. I have all of the suits, Reaction, Helix, and now Axis. As you move up the ladder, there is better rubber used and usually more sections of thinner panels to help with body movements.
The Helix has a lot of flexability. The Axis has thicker rubber around the hips and thighs, but also has a lot of thin sections for flexability. The Reaction is generally thicker rubber all around with a few sections thinner. The rubber is also a little different.
I find the Axis to be the perfect balance of bouyancy and flexability.
Thank you for the reply. Let’s assume for the purposes of this discussion that the Reaction and the Axis are the only options in play and that cost is not an issue.
The Reaction appears to have more extensive arm/shoulder gussets than the Axis which would lead me to believe that it might have greater flexibility. But you seem to be implying that the better materials in the Axis makes up for that, even if the gussets aren’t as extensive. Have you found that the arm flexibility is significantly different between the two? If so, which provides more flexibility? Which provides more warmth?
It might be my stroke and recovery (I have more of a straight arm recovery now versus high elbow recovery), but I find the Axis to have a bit more flexability in the shoulders. I also make sure I grab as much wetsuit material and move it towards my shoulders.
However, I think the reaction is warmer, but it is really dependant on how hard you are swimming and the water temps.
For a TI swimmer with more glide in their stroke that swims over a 35 minute 1.2 mile swim or over a 25 minute 1500 meter Oly, and the swim is in colder waters (60 degrees and below), I would recommend the Reaction.
For a swimmer with less glide and more turn-over that swims around a 30 minute 1.2 mile swim or around 20 minute 1500 meter Oly, and uses less kick (feet/legs drag slightly) I would recommend the Axis.
For a swimmer with less glide and more turn-over that swims under 30 minutes for a 1.2 mile swim or less than a 20 minute 1500 meter Oly, and uses a lot of kick with good body position in the water (no drag) I would recommend the Helix.
I find the Axis to be the perfect balance of bouyancy and flexability.
I have worn all three - Reaction, Helix and Axis. I now wear the Axis.
If I was a great swimmer with great body position I would wear the Helix. The arms are thinner by far and the suit is more flexible overall. The Axis feels more bouyant, especially in the legs and less ‘papery’ in the arms. It puts me in a better position. The Reaction is less flexible in the shoulders but not bad. It is a little more tiring to swim in.
Whether it is worth jumping to high end is dependant on your cash I guess. If it’s going to make a big dent in your pot then the Reaction is fine. If you are happy to pay out money on a wetsuit then the Axis / Helix do feel a chunk nicer to swim in. I really wanted to get the Helix but … went for the suit that suited me the most. I am glad I did.
Awesome feedback. Thank you - just what I was looking for.
Reaction vs Helix -
I have the opportunity to get either.
Which would you go with and why?