I just read your editorial on wetsuits.
Couldn’t agree with you more.
For years I used a certain brand sleeveless that I was fairly pleased with.
The fit was decent , I was content.
Then about 2 years ago I was out in LA and a buddy of mine loans me his QR sleeveless from the late 90’s, he thinks 97 was when he got it.
Anyways, once I got it on, I was blown away by the fit,and how consistent the thickness was(plus the fact that it did go all the way down to the ankles) and how pliable the rubber felt.
I didn’t time my OW swim that day,but I felt real slippery in that QR.
It wasn’t until I eventually got back and tried my suit at the time did I realize I had to get one of those QR’s.
It took about 3 months to track one down on eBay,but got close to the same vintage for $ 90 bucks. I hope it lasts a while.
My rusty micrometer shows that its just about 5mm at the ankle.
I don’t have my other suit anymore,so not quite sure what the thickness was,but my issue with the suit was not so much the thickness,but the quality of the rubber and fit.
Thanks for validating my hunch.
Fish
PS:With all the knowledge and experience that you have in this sport- you do realize you can start a multisport company that would flourish.
I can see a real basic product line.
1- KILLER 78-79 degree Tri Bike(with Quik-Release Crank set)
1- Stupid FAST wetsuit
1- Unreal Super Slick Boner Enhancing set of Race Wheels
I have no idea what my problem is, but I am much slower in my wetsuit than without. Like 5 minutes over 1500m. My whole stroke changes, my balance seems thown off, and I am really high in the water. At first I was thinking it was mental, but I just don’t feel right with my wetsuit on. Maybe I am one of those people that would do better with a shorty.
Anyone know the specs on the new Oneill’s triathlon suits. I saw one in our local surf shop and notice that the knee-down materials was quite a bit thicker then the rest of the suit, something Dan mentioned in his article. I wonder if they figured out the same thing Dan did? I think I might email them and ask.
Interesting stuff. I agree with the leg thickness but wish my new T1 First Wave had 2mm vs 3mm arms. Granted it is fast, I am just worried the extra thickness will fatigue my arms in longer races. Dan: what is optimum arm thickness?
I used an old QR Long John for years then moved to T1 Tres vest but the good wetsuit strippers at IM CDA this year ripped it so Emilio was kind enough to cut me a deal on the new First Wave. I have worn it once and was 1st in my AG and 7th overall in the swim at small local race last weekend so I guess it works. My very first time ever using a full sleave suit and I still prefer feel of sleaveless but acknowledge probably slower.
Still trying to figure out trick to getting the zippered top off quickly since zipper is on the bottom. Does anyone have any good tips on grabbing the pull cord from the top?
Now stop pissing about your wetsuit strangling you and just fucking swim. I’m telling you, spend some more time getting used to it and you’ll be flying.
That’s a good question. I can see how more thickness in the legs helps- more flotation, better body position. But I don’t know what the point of a certain degree of thickness in the arms is. Wider paddle?
