I understand that rule no.1 of getting a wetsuit is making sure the fit is right. However my questions relates more to the type of wetsuit is most suitable for me.
Companies such as BlueSeventy and Orca are introducing ‘positive bouyancy’ type suits, with more neoprene in the legs relative to the upper body. The trade-off is the suits are generally less flexible (the reviews on the Axis dont seem particularly positive).
My question is what type of wetsuit would suit me best.
My 1k PB time in the pool (LCM and Open Turns) is 14.50 that number is more like 14.30 right now, this translated into a 29min 2k swim split at the Aus LC Champs in March (when my 1k time was about 30-50s slower). I swim about 4/5s per 100m slower with a pull buoy. Currently I use a TYR Cat 5 Hurricane and I really like it although it is deafinatly a little small, it tugs too hard on my shoulders (downwards) and the chest is too tight.
What type of swimmer does the Tyr Cat 5. best suit is it more in the mould of the Helix, Alpha and Project X.
What type of wetsuit would you recomend, the best feeling most flexible suit mightn’t be the fastest for me.
What are people’s thoughts on Sailfish, 2XU, Blueseventy, Orca and Tyr??
I’m about the same speed as you, but I generally go a bit faster with a pull buoy.
I tried a few high buoyancy suits and found them too restrictive. I’m slightly broader shoulder than the common triathlete with a high stroke count.
I found the blue seventy helix to have the most amount of flexibility in the chest and shoulders. The key is to get the suit on, then get in the water and open the neck to get water in the suit. Then work from the crotch up to work all extra material towards the chest and shoulders.
The size is crucial. I’m 5’9" and 145 to 150 lbs. I’m bigger in the shoulders and arms and neck. I wear a b70 helix in size small-tall. Fits like a glove. Plenty of buoyancy as I tend to use a 1 beat kick.
I’ve got an Orca I have reasonably big thighs that sink in the water and find the higher buoyancy makes a massive difference, to be honest I thought most suits have the high buoyancy where its helped and were thinner where flex was needed ie shoulders in which case the trade off wouldn’t be buoyancy against flex it would be cost against flex&buoyancy?
Check out the DeSoto T1. It’s a 2 piece suit that allows great shoulder movement without restriction. For me, comfort in the swim is very important. I don’t want to expend energy on my stroke recovery. You shouldn’t use more energy than normal to pull your arms from the water to place them back in again. Energy savings on the swim can be used elsewhere in the race. The T1 allows this to happen.