Just got the word from France today - two new suits: one is a swim-specific suit (aka speedsuit) - The Torpedo, the other is a hybrid, similar to the 2XU super-elite, combining speedsuit material with the material they use on the Amphibian and dubbed “The Kameleon.”
I’m hoping to get my hands on some to test soon.
Check them out here: http://www.kiwami.co.uk/news.asp
(Yes, I am sponsored by Kiwami, as if the “sponsors: kiwami” indication was not enough.)
That stuff looks pretty cool. Question; I’m a bit confused about “swim skins, speed suits, etc.” Would you wear it for an entire race or would you wear your race suit under it? That leads me to a couple of other questions, if you wear it over your race gear isn’t that pretty much like a wet suit? If you race in it, is it really hot on the bike and run? I’m thinking it would be because of the neoprene. Just guessing.
The Kameleon is meant to be worn for the whole race. I tend to think it’s probably not ideal for really hot weather, as these suits never are as breathable as something less swim-oriented.
The speedsuits (or swimskins or whatever, like the BlueSeventy PointZero3, and now, Kiwami’s Torpedo) are meant to be worn only in the swim. Personally, I think they are less effective being worn over something, and I’d see them as most useful for a race where you can change after the swim (like an Ironman). They would also be a good way to improve your hydrodynamics if you tend to race in a suit with a lot of pockets.
Personally, I think that “hydrodynamics” tends to be much less important with these suits than the compression. Most of what I read says that the Speedo LZR suits are so much faster because of the compression they offer, and less because of their “slipperiness” through the water. Especially with a suit like the Kameleon, I’m interested to compare it’s feel in terms of compression to my regular race suit. I tend to think the swim speed gains are generally best case scenario with a little bit of psyschological advantage thrown in. But compression, that would be of interest to me.
I feel the Kiwami gear is far superior to anything out there now. The material is just so much better and the quality stands out. Pretty easy to see it’s made in Europe, as there is much more attention to quality and details. Beautiful gear, and I hope to have some soon!
Thanks for the info. I need a new tri-suit so I’m just looking at all the options.
I think it is important to get full reviews on all gear from both genders. I offer my services as reviewer of the pre/post collection for women.
On a serious note, I’ve been impressed with the looks and clearly they have thought through their women’s collection. Thanks for the heads up on the new stuff.
so which is better for sprint/itu races? the kameleon or still the amphibian 08?
and which is also beter? the torpedo or .03?
Volunteer for hot weather testing (one degree north here…)
.
I can offer the women’s view: I love their stuff. I raced in their Amphib all year and loved it - VERY light - amazingly so and had no issues all year. I only raced short course this year but this suit was great. The only suit that comes close to this one that I have liked is the 2XU. Otherwise, Kiwami is the way to go!
Hi all,
Thanks for all those great comments … I’m waiting myself as well to get my hands on those news models … Helene and Craig are doing such a great job in their lab … it must be the inspiration coming from the beautiful Pyrenees …
Here is Olivier Mouyau, Kiwami rep for Canada.
Guys, feel free to find the “Kiwami Triathlon” group on Facebook and add your own pictures and comments about Kiwami !!!
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=23446961303
Olivier Mouyau
Euro Multisports Distribution
www.kiwamitriathlon.com
www.sablewateroptics.com
kiwamicanada@live.com
+1 613 262 4581
Looks like the Kiwami Kameleon has few competition in this field.
I just saw the Orca RS1, and looks pretty cool.
The 2XU Elite Race does not use neopren.
Does anybody tried the Kameleon and comment it ?
Thanks