Raced in an older Kiwami (ITU style) this weekend and loved it.
Trying to decide between the Spider (WS1 or LD) and the Amphibian Rio.
I’m racing IM CHATT this year but am not opposed to the zipper being in the rear. But I worry about no pockets with the WS1 and Amphibian.
Any thoughts or suggestions???
THANKS!
I’ve raced in an Amphibian - up to a half, a Konami - several fulls, and a Spider WS1 - several fulls.
I have had no problems with them in any combination. I don’t find the lack of a pocket to be a big deal - generally I at most carry a flask with me - and I generally just shove it down by my moobs and pull it out as needed.
For a full, I think I would actually prefer the no pad style of the Amphibian vs. the pad in the Konami/Spider - but I think that has a lot to do with me and my ass/saddle interface problems than the pad itself.
Send Andre an email. He has the new spider long distance suits in now, and they have 2 pockets on each side and acovered rear one. Front zip. All 3 suits are awesome, as I’ve used them all. I’m sure he’d be most helpful....contact@kiwamitri.com
Its interesting. I am more likely to want to carry gels in a sprint/Oly (perhaps for use, perhaps just having them there just in case) than I am for a 70.3 or 140.6 where I know I can afford to take the time to grab some at aid stations and use what they have rather than feeling like I need to carry. So, I don’t love the idea that only the “longer distance” suits have pockets. But, having said that, I just had the Spider LD sent to me and it looks/feels like most other suits. And, it actually have 4 pockets on the sides which is a bit of overkill in my opinion when you consider the back pocket as well. But, otherwise, there is nothing bulky about the suit that makes it a longer suit that couldn’t be used to both short and long distance. I haven’t tried other Kiwami products but that chamois is quite small (slightly smaller than De Soto Riviera). Spider LD is expensive but realllly nice.
bamaE-
I have raced in Kiwami kits for the last 5 years and have nothing but great things to say.
I raced in the Spider LD last year and am racing in it this year as well. It has a great selection of pocket choices which work out well. They also added a piece of fabric on the inside of the kit to protect your chest from the zipper, wasn’t previously an issue for me, but it is a nice addition to prevent any possibly chaffing in that area. Overall I don’t think you can go wrong with either the Spider or Amphibian, it is really up to you. If you look down in the signature block, you will find something that will help you out as well 
Just spoke to Andre on this very matter. Major difference is compression and Spyder has a pad vs 008.
What did you decide?
Tony5-
What kind of feedback are you looking for? Happy to help if BamaE doesn’t write back.
I’m trying to figure out which one to get as well. My primary use will be for HIM and one Full IM. I’m not worried about the number of pockets but more concerned about comfort both on the bike and the run. So far it looks like both are great but no one has specifically said why they would like one over the other and why. That’s what I’m looking for. Any help/replies would be great to read. ~ Thanks
Lol. Same boat. They are out of my size spider so choice was made for me.
Thanks Tony. That may be the same decision for me. Now to figure out my size…
The Spider comes in long distance and short, and blue and black as far as I know. Biggest differences are front vs rear zip and pockets or not, with LD suit having front zip, pockets, and short rear zip, no pockets and ab compression. Having used both suits as well as Amphibian, you can’t go wrong, but I slightly prefer Spider and it’s stronger compression. If I were you, I’d have Andre send 2 or even 3 sizes, as you may fit in a smaller or larger size they could have in stock. I heard Jordan fit in a small! Try both and send the rest back. Love my KiWAMi!
Just ordered one of the on sale Amphibian Prima’s. With your 10% I only paid $169 including shipping. Thanks!
Is the only difference between the RIO LD suits and the SPIDER LD, the compression fabric?
Have you had any issues with the white fabric turning yellow/brown when swimming in less than pristine OW?
Have never had problems with the white turning yellow or brown. I previously had the Konami which is a dominant white kit and not issues with that.
Rio LD vs Spider, I believe that is the only difference you will notice is the compression in the legs. I am currently testing a prototype Rio mid sleeve LD, you can see it here (https://twitter.com/BW_Tri/status/610111222529282049).
I am pretty biased since I am sponsored by Kiwami, but I have never had a problem with any of their kits, and I think I have worn all of them for at least 30 mins Primarily I have raced in the Konami, Spider and Amphibian though, with the Rio LD being the most recent addition.
Let me know if you have any other questions.
I’m trying to figure out which one to get as well. My primary use will be for HIM and one Full IM. I’m not worried about the number of pockets but more concerned about comfort both on the bike and the run. So far it looks like both are great but no one has specifically said why they would like one over the other and why. That’s what I’m looking for. Any help/replies would be great to read. ~ Thanks
The Rio LD or the Spider would be a great choice, both are great kits!
A couple of things as I have been talking to Andre on this. The on,y difference between the rio and spider wc is compression and the 008 doesn’t have a pad. Andre is expecting sizes in a week as a FYI. I had the 008 and liked it but like compression which made me curious on the spider.
And if you haven’t dealt with Kiwami or Andre before, he and the company really are A1.
Just to throw another option out there, have you checked out the Zerod iSuit? If you’re looking for a full suit specifically for long distance, it’s a great option - pockets on the side and back, 1/4 front zip and nice open fabric on the sides for ventilation. It also has a super soft iron distance pad with a nice gel insert for a little extra bike comfort.
I use the Amphibian Prima. Can only say good thing about it, used it for sprint, Olympics and 70.3
I like the back pockets - I carry salt tabs usually on the run, just in case and a pack of Clif bloks as safety. I also carry gels, but these are on my race belt.
I am however considering going in a two piece for 70.3/140.6. I usually don’t have to go to the potty during sprint/Oly, but I find it a pain to remove the one piece to go to the potty in the longer events. However, the zipper in the back might make it easier to remove than in the front (you can kinda bend your shoulders inward and slide the shoulder straps, whereas it’s not as smooth if the zip is in front).
edit I’m a dumbass. I use the Kaiman Prima (zipper in front), not the Amphibian Prima (zipper in back) which was my original choice, but I changed my mind when ordering…
There are more seams on the Spider. In my experience, that led me to choose the Amphibian for racing last year. I had raced in the Amphibian for many years ('08 - '10), and I knew I loved it. And the latest version - the Rio - is fantastic. And I like the Spider. It’s a nice suit. But it’s more “complicated.” And the additional seams mean there is more of a chance that something might rub.
The Amphibian is PERFECT, in my opinion. The Spider is very good, but I think it is not for everyone.