Attention Triathletes-Wetsuit Question

tmcowan

I recently saw a "vest" that is like the top of a wetsuit made by O'Neill. I went on their website and did not see it but saw many other products that and different types of wetsuits. There seem to be many style's and mm options. I'm looking for input from triathletes to what they use and like/don't like about their wetsuits. One of my concerns with a full wetsuit is T1 time getting off. Thanks for your input.

RMinVA

I'll be interested to see what people say about this as I am in the market for one as well. A couple of women I talked to recommended short sleeve suits.

Chenoachem

The triathlons that i have done in the ocean, I have worn a wetsuit. It really increased my swimming endurance by quite a bit. It also me warmer so it was easier to start the bike ride.

The time to get it off was a bit of a drag but the pro's outweighed the cons for transition times. If isn't cold or a short swim(1/2 mile or less), don't bother with a wetsuit.

Mine is a tank and shorts with a long cord to pull to get it off. I can't remember the brand of mine off the top of my head (living in the desert I haven't needed it in a few years).

Good Luck.

RunRideRay

I have both long arm and sleeveless QR wetsuits, and always grab the sleeveless. I am an OK swimmer, not great, about 65s per 100m on a long course, a bit under a minute on short course. Freedom of motion is what I like the most and T1 is easy as pie. I also wear it in any race they let me, for me it's always worth the hassle.

I'll ask another silly question for when the experts come, if that's OK. I want to update race wheels, anyone think tubulars are worth it, or have some splits to prove it? Looking at the Zipp 303's but I've always done clincher for ease of changing tires (and cost of tires too). Any help is GREATLY appreciated!!!! So much to think about.....[actually agonize...haha].

Thanks!!!
Ray

backinthenines

I think it largely depends on how competent a swimmer you are and where you race.

Full wetties are of course ideal for colder climates. I did a half Ironman race in a freezing cold lake in North Wales once, and my God... I would NOT have wanted to be in there without sleeves.... :noway: :noway: :noway:

However, if you're doing Ironman Florida, you're likely to be cooking in a full wettie and may prefer a tank & short legged one.

Other considerations are the amount of buoyancy you want or need. Good swimmers who naturally have great positioning in the water often don't like too much buoyancy as it makes their backs arch and their legs stick out of the water. However, if you usually train with a pullbuoy to keep your legs up, and your natural position in the water after some distance mean that your legs drag, then you might like extra buoyancy.

Fit is the most important thing, especially upper body length. A wettie that's too short up top will restrict shoulder movement and you'll come out of the water stiff as a board!

Never buy a wettie you haven't tried on, so check if you HAVE to order online that the company has a good returns policy.

tmcowan

Thanks for all of your input. I think that I'm leaning towards sleeveless since most of the I'd be doing will be during warmer months where the water should be somewhat warm. Also it sounds like transition would be much easier.