I am recently getting back into the sport. It seems that now many companies have 3-4 different models of wetsuits ranging from a around $150-200 to $500+. What is the difference between the different models. Are the more expensive ones faster? Any quantifiable metrics.
There is no “faster” wetsuit. Differences are:
- Neck fit (high or low)
- Panel thickness (same thickness all around or some thinner areas)
- Body Fit
- Price
- Logo
All depends on your fit and the way you swim. If you are not a “fast” swimmer and your legs tend to sink and you don’t have a high turn over, then Blueseventy Axis. If you are a pretty good swimmer with good body position and want maximum arm/shoulder freedom, then BlueSeventy Helix. If you are swimming all warm water areas only, then go with a sleeveless blueseventy Axis or Reaction.
This is pretty universal across 2XU, TYR, Zoot, Nineteen…(sorry, not a huge fan of QRoo). I choose BlueSeventy as the Helix works for me. I have tried a lot of suits over the past 3 years, but Blue Seventy neck line is easy for sighting and the arms and shoulders are less restrictive while staying snug.
Don’t go sleeveless, if the water is too warm for a wetsuit it will not be allowed.
Higher end suits will have more bouyancy and be more flexible. The middle range suits are normally very good value (e.g. TYR cat 3.) If money was no option and you dont consider yourself a FOP swimmer look at the Blue Seventy Axis or Orca 3.8 they are designed to help weaker swimmers with heavy legs to get a better body position (Macca uses the 3.8)
I wouldn’t skimp on a wetty, think how much money you spend on the bike, the lack of flexibility in a suit really becomes noticable when you do the longer races.
DeSoto. Go no further. You can get a bibjohn for the bottom, and then get both a long sleeve and a sleeveless top, so you’re getting two wetsuits for the price of 1 1/2. Plus, you can return after 14 days if you don’t like it for a full refund.
http://www.desotosports.com