Tried by Vendetta in ocean last week and died of heat. So decided to buy a vector pro john and also a speedtube. Figured I would not over-heat.
Then the weather changes radically. It is going to be 53 degrees race morning. So I have gone from worried about overheating to really needing a wetsuit
But now I would really like to use the vector pro john or speedtube. Really for a silly reason but it is really hard for me to get the full suit off and really hard with my watch on. And I really want to wear my watch.
Curious what people experiences have been from going from full to john wetsuit. I lot slower? Same speed? Faster? I know everyone is different buy like some broad experience.
I wore full in pool last night and did some timings. The john and speedtube come today and plan to give each a try this afternoon.
I was in the outside pool and thought the water was pretty cool but still got really hot in a full suit. I do sweat a lot
If you take everything in life as seriously as you’re taking this wetsuit decision (3 posts!), I can see why you sweat a lot.
Here’s my $0.02…
Assuming it fits, a full suit is going to be faster than either a john or the Speedtube. However, if you really get THAT hot in the full, you could very well give that time back either in the second half of the swim or later in the race.
A Speedtube will be the easiest to get off. It doesn’t come down as far on your legs. So, the openings are bigger. (As long as I take it off immediately after getting out of the water, though, I’ve never had a problem getting any wetsuit off. And, I don’t even use lube. That means, don’t run up to the transition area tomorrow with it still on!)
You can cut a couple of inches off the legs of the full suit (or john) to ease exit. Don’t cut a slit. And, treat the cut edge to prevent unravelling.
I wouldn’t make a habit of using your suit(s) in a chlorinated pool. It will hurt them. Rinse well!
Look for me tomorrow. Silver Cervelo Dual with pink bar tape. Mens 35-39 rack.
BTW, I use a DeSoto 2-piece. It’s very versatile. I can “flip” the bottom of the top without breaking form (much) to let a little water in for cooling -or- not wear the top at all if it’s really too warm.
A Speedtube will be the easiest to get off. It doesn’t come down as far on your legs. So, the openings are bigger. (As long as I take it off immediately after getting out of the water, though, I’ve never had a problem getting any wetsuit off. And, I don’t even use lube. That means, don’t run up to the transition area tomorrow with it still on!)
+1
I always pop my suit off right outside of the water if there is even a moderate distance to T1, and it’s like butter. Wetsuits dry off a lot faster than many people think. I’ve been toying with the idea of taking it off in the water, but I haven’t found the courage to do that yet. Maybe in a small tri…
I do a lot of non-sanctioned races which allow wetsuit regardless of water temperature. I know that my fullsleeve suit is probably a bit faster but I have using sleeveless this summer. I think I get most of the benefit with sleeveless because my biggest issues swimming is a heavy butt and legs along with inflexible ankles. It is mostly about floating my lead ass in the water. My swim times are as good or better than last year but I think my stroke is improving anyway so it’s hard to tell.
I am a pretty intense guy in things I take on. I find incredible enjoyment in it. I like to analyze, over analyze, build spreadsheets, compare data. Something I love about triathlons. Plus the gadgets keep my head into training. So many choices. Love it. I have six boys and I am also really into pinewood derby with the older ones. Will be later with the younger ones Same reasons.
I now have a speedtube (trunks), Vendetta, and vector pro X2 john. Yesterday went to the pool and did two sets of 500 yards with the Vendetta. Today did one set with vector pro and one set with speedtube.
All sets ended up being within 5 seconds of one another. But I found it very, very difficult to keep effort consistent. Plus with almost zero experience swimming with a wetsuit I am also getting faster because I am getting the hang of it.
Will have to decide tomorrow. Look for you the day after tomorrow at the race.
do you know the water temp? it would make sense to swim in whatever you are most comfortable in at this point as long as it is not too cold, if the water temp is in the 50’s or low 60’s then you would want the full without question, if it is mid 60’s or higher then go with john or speedtube if you like them better and don’t worry about the air temp. I am someone who started with a john and then went to a full and now would only use the john if the water was mid 70’s as the full is great once you are used to it…
Yes I realize it is Saturday or today or in a few hours.
I don’t know the water temperature but I would guess in low 70’s to mid 70’s. But a nearby lake that post temps online was 77. Which did surprise me.
I been racing for the past 4 years with a QR sleeveless. I"m currently purchasing a Blue Seventy full suit for races in the Colorado River. Its COLD! (for me). I’m really interested in the difference, we’ll see.
I’m not worried about overheating as I get cold really fast. its more about staying warm and going faster.
