Hi, I have an open water triathlon next weekend and it may be that wetsuit gloves are an option due to the water temperature. My question is, do you think the gloves will aid or impede my swim time?
Have not used these, but logic and experience with other hand swim aids would say that they will slow down your stroke rate (very slightly) and increase your overall speed in the water (also very slightly). All other things being equal, of course.
Try to use webbed gloves if possible !
I saw these at the surf shop the other day:
http://www.realwatersports.com/...nTVpzdkf-BoCDgbw_wcB
They claimed they’re as warm as 2mm gloves. I tried them on and the fit and dexterity were awesome. I don’t think they would slow you down much at all!
I tried out gloves and came to the conclusion that they were not helping. However the coldest water I was every using them (training) in was low 60s in early spring.
One thing that I did not like about the gloves was when I needed to do something like adjust goggles. Hopefully that doesn’t happen to you if you are worried about swim speed though.
How cold of water are you expecting? I swam in 55 f today using a sleeved wetsuit, the only thing cold for me was my face, this from a guy that wears gloves running anything 45 degrees or colder.