Hi, Guys. Just a random thought I had when trying on my wetsuit earlier… has anyone had any problems when wearing a Garmin 910xt and trying to remmove their wetsuit? Since the watch is so bulky, and wetsuits are so tight, has anyone scratched or torn their wetsuit when taking it off?
Thanks, Nick
It is a lot easier to get a wetsuit off over the 910 than the 310. I still take the time to unclasp the watch, pull my arm out of the sleeve and put it back on while running from the water into transition just so I don’t rip my wetsuit or pop the band’s pin.
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Yes, it is a problem for me with the 910xt. I tried it and gave up.
I’ve done this a couple of times racing, without trouble–wetsuit came right off over the watch. But I’m prone to stripping off my wetsuit the second I step out of the swim. It just seems to come off quicker that way, while there’s still a layer of water between neoprene and skin. Might be a factor.
I still take the time to unclasp the watch, pull my arm out of the sleeve and put it back on while running from the water into transition just so I don’t rip my wetsuit or pop the band’s pin.
I’m not afraid to admit that I don’t have enough brain cells or coordination to do this ^^^ when I’m coming out of the water and my “Get this this effin’ wetsuit off me!!!” instincts kick in.
I’ve tried to do it, but I just end up look like an uncoordinated idiot and scaring off nearby children with my colorful choices of self-motivational words & phrases.
Some people claim their wetsuit arm has enough length to comfortably cover a watch, so they can just peel the sleeve right on up-n-over. They must have freakishly short arms.
This issue, combined with the bigger issue of MacGyvering some fix to ensure the watch doesn’t end up at the bottom of the lake/sea/river/etc has led me to no longer wear a watch at all while swimming (race or training).
YMMV, of course.
Cheers, Chris
It is a lot easier to get a wetsuit off over the 910 than the 310. I still take the time to unclasp the watch, pull my arm out of the sleeve and put it back on while running from the water into transition just so I don’t rip my wetsuit or pop the band’s pin.
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On IRON and Half IRON distances I think that taking the watch off before removing wetsuit and putting it back on while entering T1 would be the safest thing… since there is usually a good distance from water exit to T1.
Either putting the watch under the sleeve, or under your swim cap.
Under your swim cap will be more accurate, just don’t forget it’s there.
Under the sleeve works pretty well. I’m 6’3 with equally long arms and wear a suit that is super super tight, and I have enough rubber to cover my watch perfectly.
I am not one that normally swims with a watch at all, and I especially don’t like having the bulkiness of a garmin on my arm during a race. But I wore my 310 at IM Los Cabos under the sleeve and the swim went just fine.
jake
Hi, Guys. Just a random thought I had when trying on my wetsuit earlier… has anyone had any problems when wearing a Garmin 910xt and trying to remmove their wetsuit? Since the watch is so bulky, and wetsuits are so tight, has anyone scratched or torn their wetsuit when taking it off?
Thanks, Nick
I have the quick release wrist band and put the Garmin under my swim cap. Top of the suit comes off, take off the swim cap and snap the Garmin onto my wrist. Works well, more accurate and easier to get the wetsuit off.
I’ve never had any issues. I just use the other hand to slide it over the watch.
Under sleeve works well, until you hit the start button prematurely and have only a few seconds to reset. This simply adds a little bit more pressure to the start.
If you are using the quick release kit DO NOT wear on your wrist without wearing it under your wetsuit sleeve. I tried it and now its at the bottom of the Gulf or Mexico. Whatever route you go (under sleeve or cap) make sure you practice it before your race. Good luck.
I just slap some bodyglide on the top of the watch(I have the 310 so it is bigger). The wetsuit just slides over the top of the watch and also cleans the body glide right off the watch as I rip my arm out of the wetsuit. Easy peezy.
For those that go under the cap… back of the head or top? I would think the pressure would cause a headache. Plus I would be worry about it if it was on the back. Not so much if it was on top.
The only data you would lose from wearing it under the swim cap would be # of strokes
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I wear my 910 on top of sleeve and then just take it off when I get out of water before removing wetsuit
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I have wore my 910 in 3 wetsuit tris and no problems when taking the wetsuit off. It just slips over it, It’s never been an issue.
Rob
For those that go under the cap… back of the head or top? I would think the pressure would cause a headache. Plus I would be worry about it if it was on the back. Not so much if it was on top.
I put a small piece of bubble wrap between the Garmin 310 and the back of my head. Works pretty well with no discomfort.
For those that go under the cap… back of the head or top? I would think the pressure would cause a headache. Plus I would be worry about it if it was on the back. Not so much if it was on top.
Personally, back of the cap. I’ll slide my goggles over top with one strap above the Garmin and one below it. Holds it very securely. No headaches. I also set the watch to lap every 250M and I can hear the beep. Helps me determine how far I’ve gone.
I must try this. Thanks!
Same here using the 310xt. Feel faster with the pointy head!