I think it’s about time for a new wetsuit. I’ve been swimming in a 2XU Elite for probably 5 years now. Nothing wrong with it but I figure materials and technology have made some progress since then. I remember a fairly objective wetsuit comparison a while back in one of the magazines (I think) where they used 2 different swimmer types and a variety of suits to measure distance per stroke. Anyone know what issue that was specifically? Ideally I’m looking for something with maximum hip/leg buoyancy and shoulder flexibility. Sculpted leg openings for less fight in T1 would be a bonus.
I think this is what you’re looking for: http://triathlon.competitor.com/2013/07/gear-tech/the-2013-triathlon-wetsuit-performance-test_80667
.
Huub 3:5 Tim
.
I think this is what you’re looking for: http://triathlon.competitor.com/...rformance-test_80667
That’s it - thanks!
Huub 3:5 Tim
+1.
I know the main thing in picking out a wetsuit is how it fits. But how do you even to begin deciding which ones to try out?
An easy way is to try some on at a local retailer if possible.
These can give you a baseline, and sometimes you’ll hit the nail on the head the first time around.
There is not a single wetsuit that is perfect for everybody. You’ll find some differences in each brand, and some suits will fit you better than others.
Ultimately, when you find the right suit, you want to have the least amount of resistance in your shoulders. A suit with no extra material anywhere, especially under the arms (try pulling it up more), in the crotch (try pulling it up more), behind the knees, or a pocket in the lower back area.
I’m happy to help you find a suit if you need some assistance.
jake
I know the main thing in picking out a wetsuit is how it fits. But how do you even to begin deciding which ones to try out?
Money - how much do you gave to spend? Entry level or higher?
Usage - what distances and how often?
Swim capability - do you need extra help in getting your feet up?
Swims - where will you be swimming, how much protection do you need?
I know the main thing in picking out a wetsuit is how it fits. But how do you even to begin deciding which ones to try out?
Money - how much do you gave to spend? Entry level or higher?
Usage - what distances and how often?
Swim capability - do you need extra help in getting your feet up?
Swims - where will you be swimming, how much protection do you need?
mid level or maybe higher
Olympic and half this year. Next year add a full
I need all the help I can get with swimming
River and lakes. Protection from what?
Protection - not in ocean so don’t need to worry about Jellies. How cold will the water be? With really cold water you may want 5mm all around, depending upon how warm your body is. Less frigid and lighter suits will do.
Protection - not in ocean so don’t need to worry about Jellies. How cold will the water be? With really cold water you may want 5mm all around, depending upon how warm your body is. Less frigid and lighter suits will do.
Nothing super cold either
what suits are 5mm all around? everyone out there i know is 3 on limbs 5 on core. wish i knew this before winter is ending!
Ok call me tight but I use my surfing wetsuit ( rip curl 3x2 e bomb). Surfing wetsuits are made with super flexible neoprene on the joints as your paddling for hours and they bulk up the non moving parts for warmth. Just what you need for buoyancy and speed if you want to swim…
Triathlon wetsuits are in a different league. They’re made for swimming. Surfing wetsuits are made for keeping you warm and a bit of paddling. If you think surfing wetsuits are flexible check out the high end Yamamoto stuff. It’s too fragile for surfing.
Ok call me tight but I use my surfing wetsuit ( rip curl 3x2 e bomb). Surfing wetsuits are made with super flexible neoprene on the joints as your paddling for hours and they bulk up the non moving parts for warmth. Just what you need for buoyancy and speed if you want to swim…
I’ve always wondered why a surfing wetsuit cost a third the price of a triathlon wetsuit. I know they are different but I don’t see the differences making a surf wetsuit that much cheaper. Surfing wetsuits are built to take more abuse. I got think surfing wetsuits are priced cheaper because surfers are assumed to less affluent.
I’ve been trying to find the tech specs on the neoprene used for high end surfing wetsuits vs tri wetsuits and haven’t had any luck. Thus I call it a subjective assessment.
Have you ever tried a good tri wetsuit? It’s definitely worth a demo if you have a local shop. The fits and materials are more specific to swimming. Flexibility and floatation are strategically placed throughout the design. Important differences aside, I’d bet that some of the price difference is simply a marketing tactic - pay 50% more for 30% more performance.
Ok call me tight but I use my surfing wetsuit ( rip curl 3x2 e bomb). Surfing wetsuits are made with super flexible neoprene on the joints as your paddling for hours and they bulk up the non moving parts for warmth. Just what you need for buoyancy and speed if you want to swim…
The difference between a surfing wetsuit and a swimming wetsuit are fairly easy to explain.
-
While a surfing wetsuit is designed for flexibility while paddling out, it is designed for wide hand entry that may not require a straight over the head reach. Picture yourself paddling out with a 2 foot wide surf board between your arms and how that would differ from the hand entry when you are swimming. We could call it outside hand entry or wide entry on a surf board and swim hand entry. There is more of a difference than you would think just off the cuff.
-
A surfing suit is meant to take a beating. New surf suits are using something call liquid seams. These seams are a liquid rubber and have great strength and durability. It should also lower the cost of manufacturing. These seams while durable, are not quite as flexible, and you wouldn’t want these rubbing over your skin a lot while swimming. A swimming/ triathlon wetsuit is manufactured using several types of adhesives and stitching. The basics are, the pattern is cut, the seams are blind stitched (sewing without going all the way through the material) and glued, and seam taped (not necessarily in that order). Blind stitching gives great strength to a seam, while allowing for flexibility. The adhesives also allow for flexibility without coming apart.
-
As far as the rubber goes, the types of rubbers used may be similar, but they are also fairly different. A surf suit is a neoprene without a coating on it, in most cases. A swimming wetsuit/ Triathlon wetsuit is usually coated with a slick coating to give a lower drag coefficient.
-
While surfing suits have come a long way in terms of technology and flexibility, they aren’t made for the movements you make when you are swimming. It is meant to keep you warm, but not hot, and give you some buoyancy, but not a lot.
-
Swimming wetsuits have seen some advancement on Dan’s original designs. These suits are meant to keep you warm, buoyant, and provide a smoother surface for water to run over (ie less drag).
-
Ease of exit is a place where a swimming/ triathlon wetsuit stands out. A surf suit is not made to come off quickly.
While a surfing wetsuit can certainly work for a triathlon, a swimming wetsuit is a better option.
jake
I’ve been trying to find the tech specs on the neoprene used for high end surfing wetsuits vs tri wetsuits and haven’t had any luck. Thus I call it a subjective assessment.
It’s not subjective. It doesn’t even compare. Flexibility-wise - the tri suits win hands down every single time.
I’ve been surfing my entire life and been through a grip of wetsuits - I wouldn’t consider doing a tri swim in my surfing wetsuit - it just seems like an absurd idea to me.
Try a tri suit. Even the low end ones that aren’t super flexy will stand out as better for swimming vs just about any surfing wetsuit.
Huub 4:4
.