RELATED: Extended Review: Huub Pinnacle Wetsuit, Warranty: 2 years Find the Xterra Vector Pro Here, and use code EBOOK at checkout. I use an Xterra Vortex sleeveless as my go-to, but I am intrigued by the new Blueseventy Glide for someone who wants to save some money (click on any blueseventy suit above and just navigate to the Glide option). The Albacore I tried then fitted in my size but showed tears after only a month. The special features of the suit include: Many people who have bought and liked this wetsuit have praised it for being flexible in the arm and shoulder area. Triathletes who have used this wetsuit all rave that it really helps them in the water. If youre still working on your swim stroke, this wetsuit might help you get through the swim faster and even make you a better swimmer. Itll help you get used to the slightly increased work of breathing. How it the wetsuit supposed to feel on your body? Join Outside+ to get Triathlete magazine, access to exclusive content, 1,000s of training plans, and more. 
With the discount, you would really be hard-pressed to find a better wetsuit for the money. The new zipper system is reversed and is smaller. And, the design team aimed for the wetsuit to have the smallest amount of drag possible. What makes an entry level suit, is the price and some limited technologies. While the Zoot Wahine 1 has a wide variety of different panel types for different purposes-like most of the more reputable wetsuits-it also features panels that do not necessarily enhance your performance during the race but instead are meant to provide a more comfortable and secure fit. Try-on: 30-day return, unused. Probably you might need to try a few. Overall, Zone3 made its new wetsuit with more flexibility, buoyancy, and even better comfort than before. Like the majority of sporting events, there is a real need for specialist gear, and triathlons are no exception. If you like the company, even though the wetsuit lets water seep in, you might need a smaller size, or upgrade to a different wetsuit or change brands. Best yet? Check out our explainer on wetsuit buying: What Matters (And What Doesnt) When Buying a Wetsuit. On top of that, it has a zirconium thermal liner to further keep in your body heat. The Maverick II Comp is an excellent choice in wetsuits, something with a little different feel than the others we have been wearing for years different in a good way. ROKA calls the shoulder paneling Arms-Up construction, allowing for very good range-of-motion in the shoulder and arms. Soft lining inside the suit removes any chafing that you might get from rough neoprene or seams. Speaking of seams, we are big fans of how ROKA has paid lots of attention to reinforcing them, as the seam is often the place where a wetsuit begins to show its wear and pull apart over time. A good triathlon wetsuit is one of the key investments most triathletes consider making at some point. You dont have to buy one, but if you are racing in colder water conditions or doing a longer race, a wetsuit can really improve your racing (and training) experience. Swimmers who want a suit that gets the job done without a lot of fanfare. In short, the more you spend on a wetsuit, the more sophistication you will get in a few areas: When it comes to triathlon wetsuits, the various models tend to be more similar than they are different. On top of that, the HydroLite panels provide additional hydrophobic qualities, improving your hydrodynamics. Thanks Im advance This is a nice touch for those races when you find yourself waiting for your wave to start. Ive been doing OWS for a year now and dont have much problem with buoyancy but mid section rotation. De Soto glues its seam and blind stitches them to make the bottoms more durable than the rubber its made with. Testers found that strategically placed panels and unique materials made this one of the most comfortable, flexible, and well-fitting suits they tried. and that is why I am interested in two pieces Suit. This also provides Orca the luxury of appealing to a wide variety of consumers by providing more styles of wetsuits. As a bonus, the short sleeves of the Orca Core can be removed altogether if you like and further increase this wetsuits range of motion. Unlike the standard wetsuits, the Orca RS1 is actually a Swim-Run suit which technically requires different qualities. This might be helpful if you really struggle to keep yourself in a horizontal position. This would be a great option for those who like to swim in open-water year-round. Who They Are Good For: Age group racers who intend to make triathlon a regular hobby, but whose main goal is to finish and have fun, and Sprint racers who want to gradually improve their times. To make transitions easier for newbies, the wetsuit has quick release ankle cuffs to help you get on the bike even faster. De Sotos two-piece wetsuit performs just as well if not better than a traditional one-piece. The Huub Pinnacle is one of the most interesting suits our testers have ever used. Try-on: 14-day return, unused. ROKA might be one of the more recent companies that we reviewed and it definitely had inauspicious origins, but it is still one of the best triathlon swimsuit manufacturers that we saw. Since your shoulders arent connected to your crotch like a one-piece wetsuit, you have more movement in your arms. Who They Are Good For: Someone who intends to only do one triathlon, is on a budget, and doesnt have a rental or borrowing option. Hello, I just read this article. Im quite a strong swimmer and cant decide between the Blueseventy Helix, the ROKA Maverick and the Orca Alpha. That is part of what makes it so surprising that it has captured our editors choice-and did so fairly easily. The TYR design team created this suit with speed wrap paneling to in the legs, chest, and abdomen so its super tight but comfortable on your skin. Find the Xterra Vortex Here, and use code Ebook at checkout. Thanks, Hi Ryan Most triathlon wetsuits are made with outer skins designed to reduce surface resistance. I like Zone3, Roka, Orca top end models. ROKA designed its entry-level suits so that it helps you become more comfortable in the water. Orca said a size up would leak. 
Am I just unlucky or do orca have issues which their stitching and gluing? Depends on the wetsuit Personally, I prefer my roka sleeveless to my sleeved suit Not because of breathing, but because of a decreased rate of shoulder fatigue. Do you know where Huub wetsuits stands, I was planning to buy the Huub Acara but this company never seems to be in top 10 rated suits. With the right practice, youll be able to slip out of the suit when youre in T1. The easy-out ankles are a nice touch, with the back of the ankle/calf made out of a different and stretchy material that makes for a little easier final step of getting the wetsuit off. Other manufacturers often cut-out the achilles area of the neoprene and leave it angled, but the stretch material is something we like. We are also big fans of the oversized arm gussets which reduce the constricted feeling in the chest and armpits, and absolutely love the red accent on the back for visibility. This visibility is most important when doing solo or small-group training swims in open water. XTERRA made its wetsuit using only one type of neoprene to increase the lifespan of your wetsuit. Thanks so much! The main difference between the 2 types of water suits is that a swimskin is not really designed to provide much, if any insulation, that being the case, it should not altogether be surprising that the swimskin is primarily used in triathlons for races where the water is warmer than 77 degrees Fahrenheit. And of course, the Blueseventy Helix comes with super composite skin to repel the water away from you. Instead, this wetsuit features Italian woven fabrics that provide the perfect balance of compression and flexibility. Other entry-level brands might not last as long as TYR so you can even keep it after you upgrade as a back-up suit. If you want to improve your overall triathlon times then purchasing a specialist triathlon wetsuit is good to start, your swimming times will improve and will have a positive effect on the two other stages. For instance, this is one of the few wetsuits that we saw which features a single shoulder panel. Restricting range of motion in the shoulders will cause an undesired stroke alteration and lower muscle output.Restricting the torso or throat areas reduces breathing capacity also resulting in lower muscle output. With moderate flexibility and buoyancy, the true strength behind this premium suit lies in the totally novel core-retention system that uses horizontal strips in the liner of the abdomen and large inflexible neoprene strips running from above the hips to below the knee. Im all new to this. Summary: Getting into the entry level triathlon wetsuit market from one of the major wetsuit manufacturers will provide you with a suit that can hold up to many races, provide the insulation you need in cold water, and provide the basic range of motion for a comfortable swim. With this price range, you can expect a durable wetsuit material and strong seams, and addition to some in-demand features such as a easier pull zipper and more comfort on pressure points on your neck, wrists, and ankles. Not only will the seams be stronger, but they should be made in a way that will lessen the level of rubbing and chafing on your skin (although not nearly to the comfort level of the higher-end suits on this list). Head position is imperative as it controls your body shape in the water; good head position will result in good body position thus improving swimming form. Though panels are a continued theme on this list, the Blueseventy Helix goes above and beyond, making sure to provide specialized panels for virtually every part of the wetsuit. Continuing on, the TYR Hurricane also offers some of the best buoyancy we saw and accomplishes this by providing aerodome panels in 360-degrees around the wetsuit to help you maintain a proper swimming position. So Im a bit fed up with HUUB and now looking for a durable suit for daily use in waters of 12-15 degrees Celsius, speed is no issue because Im not competing whereas comfort and durability counts a lot! Their return policies and customer support are a well documented disaster. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. To finish the wetsuit, the design team coated it with Super Composite Skin (SCS) to improve durability and speed in the water. ROKA uses different types of Yamamoto neoprene throughout the suit so you have the best core-temperature and comfort along with speed in the water. Love your blog and appreciate the feedback and your in depth reviews. The wetsuit was tested using the MAD system (Measurement of Active Drag) which tests how much drag the suit creates. Instead, this company was founded over 3 decades ago in Kona, Hawaii-the home of the original Ironman Triathlon World Championships. Ive seen a lot of wetsuits in my life. Finally, this wetsuit features ribbed knees panels to improve flexibility and eliminate bunching. 
Although it might not have many features, this is a strong, base wetsuit to help you as you start to navigate and learn the ins and outs of the sport. The different neoprene thickness gives you support and flexibility where you need it the most. While maintaining body heat, enhancing buoyancy and reducing surface friction are critical, it is as important for triathlon wetsuits to be flexible and fit comfortably. If you are on the fence about this or a higher-end wetsuit, we always recommend going up to the mid-level. After a few races and swims, you will be thankful for the better range-of-motion and paneling. ROKAs entry-level wetsuit is already priced at the higher-end of the price range, so the next step up in their lineup will be a couple hundred more. Be careful when you are putting a higher-end wetsuit on, watch your fingernails, and make sure you store it in a place away from any sharp objects. It doesnt take much to cause a rip but if you do, they are easy to fix. Finally, XTERRA lined the inside of the suit with its X-FLEX LINER to help your T1 transition go smoother and faster. The wetsuits reverse zipper makes it easier when you emerge from the water. And, provides great buoyancy without getting in the way of your stroke. Wearing a triathlon wetsuit eliminates your head from the equation meaning your body is kept at the optimal position. Try-on: 30-day return, unused. Of all the brands on our list, none of them are as well-respected, well-represented, or storied as TYR. Ask a Gear Guru: Whats The Best Wetsuit for Beginners? Higher end models have higher grade neoprene and construction. It has high-quality materials and is constructed nicely and has a great price. While advertised as a wetsuit for the progressive swimmer, we actually think this is an excellent wetsuit for anyone who feels their swim is not their strong leg of the race, and who might find themselves losing proper form when faced with a windy day on the open water. If its a good fit, you might need someone to help you zip-up the suit. A few seconds can be the difference between performing your best and breaking your personal record. Less common designs are Short Johns (short sleeves and short legs) and two-piece versions for which the top and bottom are separate pieces. While technically Blueseventy makes products for both genders, it makes a particular point to cater to female consumers. Happy New Year! I returned my wetsuit in perfect conditions and packed the way they ask to do it and they would not return me my money back saying it was broken when they received it. May/June 2022. I am on a tri relay team. Just my thoughts. For instance, this wetsuit comes with a side, outer pocket. It uses thicker 5mm high-end neoprene through the core and hips for flotation and optimal body position in the water, with thin flexible neoprene around the shoulders and arms. And, it allows you to have a more natural hip rotation and helps you have an efficient stroke in every phase of it. Check them out. They enable greater flexibility for improved dexterity and speed of movement. Do not buy anything from Xterra. The shoulder flexibility on the Vector Pro is outstanding, allowing you to swim with your completely natural swim stroke instead of fighting the neoprene. We love the low-profile neckline, which lays nice and flush and adds to the comfort. Some necklines tend to want to crawl up and around as you move in the wetsuit, this one stays put and set for the entire swim. For 2020, the Vector does not come in a sleeveless option, but the high-end Vengeance does. Neoprene is a rubbery material, but unlike rubber the neoprene used in wetsuits is open cell. That means that the wetsuit actually gets saturated with water, but not in a heavy or dense way. Of course, if you decide to do this please buy the other appropriate gear to keep yourself safe. This type of neoprene has more stretch, retains its original shape easily, and has the optimal insulation to weight ration. A specifically designed open water swimming wetsuit will improve the speed of which you transition between stages compared to diving or surf-specific wetsuits. As such, we ranked the Zone3 Vanquish our best all-around value mens triathlon wetsuit. To this end, the Zone3 Vanquish has added numerous features all designed to help increase your speed. Specifically, Zone3 is fairly good about offering its consumers top-tier features at mid-tier products. When it comes to swimskins, there are a number of qualities that differentiate it from traditional wetsuits, but one of the ultimate goals is to provide a faster swim speed-faster than even your standard wetsuits provide. The wetsuit is an all-around reliable suit you can use for training, racing, or just practicing your transitions. Others just want something durable thatll last a long time. Sometimes the only thing more challenging than swimming is trying to decipher what the best triathlon wetsuit is for you. Please advise i buy HUUB archimdes 4 but i return it back after 2 swim, cuz it discomfort for me and too much buoyancy and wound my neck, now I am interesting in Orca RS1 two picese top and bottom to be more flexible, or Orca Alpha Wetsuit 2021. which one i should go for it. If you cant zip up your own suit in training, but the zip system saves you a few seconds if that in transition is that really a great feature? The other features of the wetsuit include: The wetsuit performs up to its hype. We love the Blueseventy Sprint. It is an excellent wetsuit from a reliable maker for a reasonable price in the mid to high $200s.We have been fans of the Sprint ever since it came out several years. Hi Lucy, Of course, the Zoot Wahine 1 is not yet finished as it also provides optimal kick design legs that allow you to get more out of each kick as well as keep them in their proper position while kicking. As such, it should come as little surprise that this topped our list as the best womens all-around value triathlon wetsuit. Orca has been a staple of the triathlon wetsuit scene for many years, and at the midrange you can choose from the reliable Sonar or the 3.8. We included the 3.8 in this list because it is an excellent mid-range wetsuit that is really designed for those who might want a little extra buoyancy or stability in the water. Given the the open water swim is typically the one thing newer triathletes (and even more experienced ones) are most worried about, we like that this option is available. Which one do you think is the best buy? We have an active and supportive community of everyday athletes and experts in Team Triathlete who are willing to help. Zone3 has come back with its new Aspire wetsuit just in time for your upcoming triathlon season. For instance, the X-SLICE coating acts much like a super composite skin would allowing the water to roll off of the XTERRA Volt. In the water, the material helps increase your speed without wasting too much energy all in addition to being 43% more buoyant. These also generally happen to be the most expensive type of water suit. Roka Maverick Pro Thermal Best Thermal Wetsuit for Open Water Swimming, 8. Summary: Moving up to the mid level of triathlon wetsuits will provide one main benefit over the entry level: Improved range of motion. Do a long swim in a wetsuit, and one of the first things you will notice is that your shoulders get more sore than when you swim without a wetsuit. This is due to the limited range of motion from the tight rubber and neoprene. We are doing sprint tris throughout the summer. ZOOT even gives its entry-level wetsuit a super composite finishing coat to help you glide through the water and repel any water that might cause drag. Different neoprene thicknesses (3mm chest panels and 5mm core) help keep your body in a horizontal position. That said, it also features AQUAlift panels to increase your buoyancy, so you will consistently remain at the proper level. Yes, Helix is a great choice if its comfortable for you. Now Im struggling to chose between a Roka Maverick Comp II, a Blueseventy Fusion and a TYR Cat 1. Though not exactly cheap, this suits buoyancy profile and relatively light structural support worked best for more experienced swimmers who didnt need positional help, but rather craved flexibility, warmth, and a quick transition. This means that you can easily walk around in your wetsuit before a race. These are made with warmer materials for those who, say, swim in the Northern ocean areas or in very early-or-late season temps. The maximum neoprene thickness allowed in most wetsuit legal sanctioned events is 5mm. Orca is a fairly well-respected brand on our list and also has the advantage of specializing in triathlon equipment, so you can trust that the brand knows what it is doing. The spectacular wetsuit company TYR makes another appearance on our list and sweeps the competition by not only providing the best performing mens triathlon swimsuit that we saw but by also doing the same in a separate category and taking the best triathlon swimskin as well. Note that these premium wetsuits are going to be more sleek and thin, so making sure that they work well with your entire triathlon clothing system is important. This wetsuit is also incredibly durable as it features welded seams which also help reduce your drag. In fact, they have even developed their own Femme Fit designs to ensure that women will feel comfortable in their wetsuits. Im a intermediate swimmer and have just starting doing beach laps early mornings. Also inside, a new silky liner helps with feel next to the skin and help with removal. When it comes to shopping for a wetsuit, the concept works remarkably well. The bottoms main material is 5mm Green Goma #8 Rubber with Super Composite Skin to help keep you buoyant and speedy in the water. 
These are real triathletes putting on real wetsuits in real pools and real open-water situationsnot just looking at features from a wetsuit and listing them all in a row. This wetsuit is also coated in super composite skin that allows it to have a ridiculously low drag coefficient of only 0.026. The good news is that our editors have taken the time to research, shop, test, and rate the latest and greatest triathlon wetsuits. Hi, RELATED: Extended Review: Synergy Hybrid EFX3. 1.5mm neoprene on the upper chest and shoulder area of the wetsuit to give your arms more flexibility and comfort. For instance, this wetsuit comes with quick-exit legs that allow you slip out of the wetsuit quickly and easily. This wetsuit also comes with two chest panels that each do something slightly different. Marco. You can be assured that the wetsuit wont feel restrictive even when you begin to feel nervous or anxious. YKK zipper that is small and lightweight to make T1 easier than before. Warranty: 2 years And then it has 5 mm from neck to knee. Im an intermediate swimmer more into the open water swims with a view of getting into triathlon. When you couple this with the super composite skin coating, you have a great combination. You will pay much more for these, and in our opinion they really only benefit a tiny fraction of triathletes. Good luck! I need a great suit. I highly recommend this wetsuit to those who can swim year-round or enjoy swimming in the early summer and late fall months. The wetsuit bottoms have enough buoyancy to float your hips without compromising your natural hip rotation and stroke. Summary: You ever put on a pair of jeans and they just fit perfectly? The high-end wetsuits spare no features when it comes to warmth, comfort and durability, but manage to do it in a package that is sleek and uses the least possible material. I am researching the Blueseventy wetsuits. PROarm proprioception panel, made with ultra-thin hydrophobic stretch fabric to give you stroke feedback and helps correct your stroke while you practice in open water. Of course, theres thinner neoprene across the top and uber flexible neoprene through the arms and shoulders. Any suggestion would be great swimming 2 >3kms now in winter is getting cold. Top-of-the-line Super Composite Skin Yamamoto fabrics to give you the best flexibility throughout the entire wetsuit. It comes down to the construction, material, and what you think of the brand. I recommend this wetsuit to any beginner triathlete who needs more swim practice. Orca is another brand on our list that may not necessarily have quite as storied a history as some of the other companies on our list, but they have still consistently put out excellent quality wetsuits. Up until now I have been a swimmer for fitness but now looking to go OWS, one for freedom away from indoor pools and maybe to train for a triathlon ( knee issues depending), I dont like to feel restricted and will be swimming in UK water temps, Easy to get on (for a performance wetsuit) and with minimal chafing, the Blueseventy Reaction is a mid-level race wetsuit that will work for the majority of triathletes. For many triathletes, the swim is the most challenging leg of the three. FLEXback has 100% broken knit Nylon in its design. Testers appreciated the thin, super-flexible neoprene, which lets the suit take a second-skin fit without being overly tight or restrictive, plus makes quick removal at the swim exit a cinch. Just my experience. The suit puts you in a nearly perfect position so you can focus on your hip rotation and arm movement. Blueseventy and Zone3 produce high-quality neoprene swim socks and gloves. And, if youre trying to be quicker in T1 the quick-exit legs technology makes it easier to get on the bike faster. In terms of drag, it has a 0.021 drag coefficient which is one of the lowest we saw. The wetsuit helps to support your body in a horizontal position. Hi Matt, Even though the wetsuit might be the thinnest on the market, it still keeps you warm with its Titanium layer. Which would you recommend? No. While you are getting the same ROKA technologies for a cheaper price, it might make more sense to just buy a higher-end wetsuit when youre a few years into the sport. For reference, the neoprene follows at 3/4/5 profile, 3 mm thick in the arms, 4mm in the chest, and 5mm in the legs. A nice touch in the ROKA suits are small markers which allow you to know that you have put the wetsuit on correctly, with the right alignment. These wetsuits are very similar, but the Orca S7 would be a better buy. It is actually a bit surprising to find, but the ROKA has arguably the most durable seams out of any product that we reviewed this is especially surprising how reasonably priced it is. On top of that, the seams are then chemically bonded and are reinforced with tape at pivotal junctures. XTERRA is certainly not the most popular or well-known brand on our list, but they are respected-even though they are also one of the youngest companies that we reviewed. XTERRA designed this wetsuit with a limestone based neoprene to maximize its thickness. The side panels are thin and help your hips rotate during the swim. This is because tri suits are designed to be easy to pull off once youre out of the water. For swimmers who want a suit that gives them virtually no shoulder restriction and just feels fast, the Vector should be a serious contender. Youll still get all the support and thermal insulation from this suit as you would from a thicker suit. This lets your lungs breathe more readily and keeps your legs afloat more effortlessly. It gives you the most for your money and with the added buoyancy, you can learn to swim better. The new suit helps you glide through the water with Super Composite Skin (SCS) coating. Also, dont let the first one or two times get you- Because the more you practice and feel comfortable in it, you might see/Feel a difference in the breathing (Similar to when I started swimming, where I felt like I was having my chest cave in when swimming laps in the pool). Thanks Mike. Further Reading:Triathlon Swimskins Buyers Guide. Aside from the fact that this wetsuit does not feature the insulation of a traditional wetsuit, it also has a sleeveless design. For those who dont have issues with their body position, they might be better served by a more flexible or more buoyant suit at this pricepoint, but if you struggle with keeping your midline taut, there is nothing better, and even $850 is money well spent. I recommend this wetsuit to those who want to try new material in the water without compromising performance in races. Once again, the various types of panels on a wetsuit are impressive. He focuses on helping them select appropriate goals and guiding them towards achieving them. This means that the wetsuit was designed with neoprene on the inside and outside. For instance, this wetsuit comes with Yamamoto aerodome panels to increase your buoyancy and make sure that your swimming form remains proper for faster speed and to conserve energy. Beyond the speed factor, another primary aspect that determines a great wetsuit is what kinds of panels it provides. One of the notable differences between the XTERRA Volt and many of the other wetsuits we reviewed is the panel construction.
With the discount, you would really be hard-pressed to find a better wetsuit for the money. The new zipper system is reversed and is smaller. And, the design team aimed for the wetsuit to have the smallest amount of drag possible. What makes an entry level suit, is the price and some limited technologies. While the Zoot Wahine 1 has a wide variety of different panel types for different purposes-like most of the more reputable wetsuits-it also features panels that do not necessarily enhance your performance during the race but instead are meant to provide a more comfortable and secure fit. Try-on: 30-day return, unused. Probably you might need to try a few. Overall, Zone3 made its new wetsuit with more flexibility, buoyancy, and even better comfort than before. Like the majority of sporting events, there is a real need for specialist gear, and triathlons are no exception. If you like the company, even though the wetsuit lets water seep in, you might need a smaller size, or upgrade to a different wetsuit or change brands. Best yet? Check out our explainer on wetsuit buying: What Matters (And What Doesnt) When Buying a Wetsuit. On top of that, it has a zirconium thermal liner to further keep in your body heat. The Maverick II Comp is an excellent choice in wetsuits, something with a little different feel than the others we have been wearing for years different in a good way. ROKA calls the shoulder paneling Arms-Up construction, allowing for very good range-of-motion in the shoulder and arms. Soft lining inside the suit removes any chafing that you might get from rough neoprene or seams. Speaking of seams, we are big fans of how ROKA has paid lots of attention to reinforcing them, as the seam is often the place where a wetsuit begins to show its wear and pull apart over time. A good triathlon wetsuit is one of the key investments most triathletes consider making at some point. You dont have to buy one, but if you are racing in colder water conditions or doing a longer race, a wetsuit can really improve your racing (and training) experience. Swimmers who want a suit that gets the job done without a lot of fanfare. In short, the more you spend on a wetsuit, the more sophistication you will get in a few areas: When it comes to triathlon wetsuits, the various models tend to be more similar than they are different. On top of that, the HydroLite panels provide additional hydrophobic qualities, improving your hydrodynamics. Thanks Im advance This is a nice touch for those races when you find yourself waiting for your wave to start. Ive been doing OWS for a year now and dont have much problem with buoyancy but mid section rotation. De Soto glues its seam and blind stitches them to make the bottoms more durable than the rubber its made with. Testers found that strategically placed panels and unique materials made this one of the most comfortable, flexible, and well-fitting suits they tried. and that is why I am interested in two pieces Suit. This also provides Orca the luxury of appealing to a wide variety of consumers by providing more styles of wetsuits. As a bonus, the short sleeves of the Orca Core can be removed altogether if you like and further increase this wetsuits range of motion. Unlike the standard wetsuits, the Orca RS1 is actually a Swim-Run suit which technically requires different qualities. This might be helpful if you really struggle to keep yourself in a horizontal position. This would be a great option for those who like to swim in open-water year-round. Who They Are Good For: Age group racers who intend to make triathlon a regular hobby, but whose main goal is to finish and have fun, and Sprint racers who want to gradually improve their times. To make transitions easier for newbies, the wetsuit has quick release ankle cuffs to help you get on the bike even faster. De Sotos two-piece wetsuit performs just as well if not better than a traditional one-piece. The Huub Pinnacle is one of the most interesting suits our testers have ever used. Try-on: 14-day return, unused. ROKA might be one of the more recent companies that we reviewed and it definitely had inauspicious origins, but it is still one of the best triathlon swimsuit manufacturers that we saw. Since your shoulders arent connected to your crotch like a one-piece wetsuit, you have more movement in your arms. Who They Are Good For: Someone who intends to only do one triathlon, is on a budget, and doesnt have a rental or borrowing option. Hello, I just read this article. Im quite a strong swimmer and cant decide between the Blueseventy Helix, the ROKA Maverick and the Orca Alpha. That is part of what makes it so surprising that it has captured our editors choice-and did so fairly easily. The TYR design team created this suit with speed wrap paneling to in the legs, chest, and abdomen so its super tight but comfortable on your skin. Find the Xterra Vortex Here, and use code Ebook at checkout. Thanks, Hi Ryan Most triathlon wetsuits are made with outer skins designed to reduce surface resistance. I like Zone3, Roka, Orca top end models. ROKA designed its entry-level suits so that it helps you become more comfortable in the water. Orca said a size up would leak. Am I just unlucky or do orca have issues which their stitching and gluing? Depends on the wetsuit Personally, I prefer my roka sleeveless to my sleeved suit Not because of breathing, but because of a decreased rate of shoulder fatigue. Do you know where Huub wetsuits stands, I was planning to buy the Huub Acara but this company never seems to be in top 10 rated suits. With the right practice, youll be able to slip out of the suit when youre in T1. The easy-out ankles are a nice touch, with the back of the ankle/calf made out of a different and stretchy material that makes for a little easier final step of getting the wetsuit off. Other manufacturers often cut-out the achilles area of the neoprene and leave it angled, but the stretch material is something we like. We are also big fans of the oversized arm gussets which reduce the constricted feeling in the chest and armpits, and absolutely love the red accent on the back for visibility. This visibility is most important when doing solo or small-group training swims in open water. XTERRA made its wetsuit using only one type of neoprene to increase the lifespan of your wetsuit. Thanks so much! The main difference between the 2 types of water suits is that a swimskin is not really designed to provide much, if any insulation, that being the case, it should not altogether be surprising that the swimskin is primarily used in triathlons for races where the water is warmer than 77 degrees Fahrenheit. And of course, the Blueseventy Helix comes with super composite skin to repel the water away from you. Instead, this wetsuit features Italian woven fabrics that provide the perfect balance of compression and flexibility. Other entry-level brands might not last as long as TYR so you can even keep it after you upgrade as a back-up suit. If you want to improve your overall triathlon times then purchasing a specialist triathlon wetsuit is good to start, your swimming times will improve and will have a positive effect on the two other stages. For instance, this is one of the few wetsuits that we saw which features a single shoulder panel. Restricting range of motion in the shoulders will cause an undesired stroke alteration and lower muscle output.Restricting the torso or throat areas reduces breathing capacity also resulting in lower muscle output. With moderate flexibility and buoyancy, the true strength behind this premium suit lies in the totally novel core-retention system that uses horizontal strips in the liner of the abdomen and large inflexible neoprene strips running from above the hips to below the knee. Im all new to this. Summary: Getting into the entry level triathlon wetsuit market from one of the major wetsuit manufacturers will provide you with a suit that can hold up to many races, provide the insulation you need in cold water, and provide the basic range of motion for a comfortable swim. With this price range, you can expect a durable wetsuit material and strong seams, and addition to some in-demand features such as a easier pull zipper and more comfort on pressure points on your neck, wrists, and ankles. Not only will the seams be stronger, but they should be made in a way that will lessen the level of rubbing and chafing on your skin (although not nearly to the comfort level of the higher-end suits on this list). Head position is imperative as it controls your body shape in the water; good head position will result in good body position thus improving swimming form. Though panels are a continued theme on this list, the Blueseventy Helix goes above and beyond, making sure to provide specialized panels for virtually every part of the wetsuit. Continuing on, the TYR Hurricane also offers some of the best buoyancy we saw and accomplishes this by providing aerodome panels in 360-degrees around the wetsuit to help you maintain a proper swimming position. So Im a bit fed up with HUUB and now looking for a durable suit for daily use in waters of 12-15 degrees Celsius, speed is no issue because Im not competing whereas comfort and durability counts a lot! Their return policies and customer support are a well documented disaster. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. To finish the wetsuit, the design team coated it with Super Composite Skin (SCS) to improve durability and speed in the water. ROKA uses different types of Yamamoto neoprene throughout the suit so you have the best core-temperature and comfort along with speed in the water. Love your blog and appreciate the feedback and your in depth reviews. The wetsuit was tested using the MAD system (Measurement of Active Drag) which tests how much drag the suit creates. Instead, this company was founded over 3 decades ago in Kona, Hawaii-the home of the original Ironman Triathlon World Championships. Ive seen a lot of wetsuits in my life. Finally, this wetsuit features ribbed knees panels to improve flexibility and eliminate bunching. Although it might not have many features, this is a strong, base wetsuit to help you as you start to navigate and learn the ins and outs of the sport. The different neoprene thickness gives you support and flexibility where you need it the most. While maintaining body heat, enhancing buoyancy and reducing surface friction are critical, it is as important for triathlon wetsuits to be flexible and fit comfortably. If you are on the fence about this or a higher-end wetsuit, we always recommend going up to the mid-level. After a few races and swims, you will be thankful for the better range-of-motion and paneling. ROKAs entry-level wetsuit is already priced at the higher-end of the price range, so the next step up in their lineup will be a couple hundred more. Be careful when you are putting a higher-end wetsuit on, watch your fingernails, and make sure you store it in a place away from any sharp objects. It doesnt take much to cause a rip but if you do, they are easy to fix. Finally, XTERRA lined the inside of the suit with its X-FLEX LINER to help your T1 transition go smoother and faster. The wetsuits reverse zipper makes it easier when you emerge from the water. And, provides great buoyancy without getting in the way of your stroke. Wearing a triathlon wetsuit eliminates your head from the equation meaning your body is kept at the optimal position. Try-on: 30-day return, unused. Of all the brands on our list, none of them are as well-respected, well-represented, or storied as TYR. Ask a Gear Guru: Whats The Best Wetsuit for Beginners? Higher end models have higher grade neoprene and construction. It has high-quality materials and is constructed nicely and has a great price. While advertised as a wetsuit for the progressive swimmer, we actually think this is an excellent wetsuit for anyone who feels their swim is not their strong leg of the race, and who might find themselves losing proper form when faced with a windy day on the open water. If its a good fit, you might need someone to help you zip-up the suit. A few seconds can be the difference between performing your best and breaking your personal record. Less common designs are Short Johns (short sleeves and short legs) and two-piece versions for which the top and bottom are separate pieces. While technically Blueseventy makes products for both genders, it makes a particular point to cater to female consumers. Happy New Year! I returned my wetsuit in perfect conditions and packed the way they ask to do it and they would not return me my money back saying it was broken when they received it. May/June 2022. I am on a tri relay team. Just my thoughts. For instance, this wetsuit comes with a side, outer pocket. It uses thicker 5mm high-end neoprene through the core and hips for flotation and optimal body position in the water, with thin flexible neoprene around the shoulders and arms. And, it allows you to have a more natural hip rotation and helps you have an efficient stroke in every phase of it. Check them out. They enable greater flexibility for improved dexterity and speed of movement. Do not buy anything from Xterra. The shoulder flexibility on the Vector Pro is outstanding, allowing you to swim with your completely natural swim stroke instead of fighting the neoprene. We love the low-profile neckline, which lays nice and flush and adds to the comfort. Some necklines tend to want to crawl up and around as you move in the wetsuit, this one stays put and set for the entire swim. For 2020, the Vector does not come in a sleeveless option, but the high-end Vengeance does. Neoprene is a rubbery material, but unlike rubber the neoprene used in wetsuits is open cell. That means that the wetsuit actually gets saturated with water, but not in a heavy or dense way. Of course, if you decide to do this please buy the other appropriate gear to keep yourself safe. This type of neoprene has more stretch, retains its original shape easily, and has the optimal insulation to weight ration. A specifically designed open water swimming wetsuit will improve the speed of which you transition between stages compared to diving or surf-specific wetsuits. As such, we ranked the Zone3 Vanquish our best all-around value mens triathlon wetsuit. To this end, the Zone3 Vanquish has added numerous features all designed to help increase your speed. Specifically, Zone3 is fairly good about offering its consumers top-tier features at mid-tier products. When it comes to swimskins, there are a number of qualities that differentiate it from traditional wetsuits, but one of the ultimate goals is to provide a faster swim speed-faster than even your standard wetsuits provide. The wetsuit is an all-around reliable suit you can use for training, racing, or just practicing your transitions. Others just want something durable thatll last a long time. Sometimes the only thing more challenging than swimming is trying to decipher what the best triathlon wetsuit is for you. Please advise i buy HUUB archimdes 4 but i return it back after 2 swim, cuz it discomfort for me and too much buoyancy and wound my neck, now I am interesting in Orca RS1 two picese top and bottom to be more flexible, or Orca Alpha Wetsuit 2021. which one i should go for it. If you cant zip up your own suit in training, but the zip system saves you a few seconds if that in transition is that really a great feature? The other features of the wetsuit include: The wetsuit performs up to its hype. We love the Blueseventy Sprint. It is an excellent wetsuit from a reliable maker for a reasonable price in the mid to high $200s.We have been fans of the Sprint ever since it came out several years. Hi Lucy, Of course, the Zoot Wahine 1 is not yet finished as it also provides optimal kick design legs that allow you to get more out of each kick as well as keep them in their proper position while kicking. As such, it should come as little surprise that this topped our list as the best womens all-around value triathlon wetsuit. Orca has been a staple of the triathlon wetsuit scene for many years, and at the midrange you can choose from the reliable Sonar or the 3.8. We included the 3.8 in this list because it is an excellent mid-range wetsuit that is really designed for those who might want a little extra buoyancy or stability in the water. Given the the open water swim is typically the one thing newer triathletes (and even more experienced ones) are most worried about, we like that this option is available. Which one do you think is the best buy? We have an active and supportive community of everyday athletes and experts in Team Triathlete who are willing to help. Zone3 has come back with its new Aspire wetsuit just in time for your upcoming triathlon season. For instance, the X-SLICE coating acts much like a super composite skin would allowing the water to roll off of the XTERRA Volt. In the water, the material helps increase your speed without wasting too much energy all in addition to being 43% more buoyant. These also generally happen to be the most expensive type of water suit. Roka Maverick Pro Thermal Best Thermal Wetsuit for Open Water Swimming, 8. Summary: Moving up to the mid level of triathlon wetsuits will provide one main benefit over the entry level: Improved range of motion. Do a long swim in a wetsuit, and one of the first things you will notice is that your shoulders get more sore than when you swim without a wetsuit. This is due to the limited range of motion from the tight rubber and neoprene. We are doing sprint tris throughout the summer. ZOOT even gives its entry-level wetsuit a super composite finishing coat to help you glide through the water and repel any water that might cause drag. Different neoprene thicknesses (3mm chest panels and 5mm core) help keep your body in a horizontal position. That said, it also features AQUAlift panels to increase your buoyancy, so you will consistently remain at the proper level. Yes, Helix is a great choice if its comfortable for you. Now Im struggling to chose between a Roka Maverick Comp II, a Blueseventy Fusion and a TYR Cat 1. Though not exactly cheap, this suits buoyancy profile and relatively light structural support worked best for more experienced swimmers who didnt need positional help, but rather craved flexibility, warmth, and a quick transition. This means that you can easily walk around in your wetsuit before a race. These are made with warmer materials for those who, say, swim in the Northern ocean areas or in very early-or-late season temps. The maximum neoprene thickness allowed in most wetsuit legal sanctioned events is 5mm. Orca is a fairly well-respected brand on our list and also has the advantage of specializing in triathlon equipment, so you can trust that the brand knows what it is doing. The spectacular wetsuit company TYR makes another appearance on our list and sweeps the competition by not only providing the best performing mens triathlon swimsuit that we saw but by also doing the same in a separate category and taking the best triathlon swimskin as well. Note that these premium wetsuits are going to be more sleek and thin, so making sure that they work well with your entire triathlon clothing system is important. This wetsuit is also incredibly durable as it features welded seams which also help reduce your drag. In fact, they have even developed their own Femme Fit designs to ensure that women will feel comfortable in their wetsuits. Im a intermediate swimmer and have just starting doing beach laps early mornings. Also inside, a new silky liner helps with feel next to the skin and help with removal. When it comes to shopping for a wetsuit, the concept works remarkably well. The bottoms main material is 5mm Green Goma #8 Rubber with Super Composite Skin to help keep you buoyant and speedy in the water. These are real triathletes putting on real wetsuits in real pools and real open-water situationsnot just looking at features from a wetsuit and listing them all in a row. This wetsuit is also coated in super composite skin that allows it to have a ridiculously low drag coefficient of only 0.026. The good news is that our editors have taken the time to research, shop, test, and rate the latest and greatest triathlon wetsuits. Hi, RELATED: Extended Review: Synergy Hybrid EFX3. 1.5mm neoprene on the upper chest and shoulder area of the wetsuit to give your arms more flexibility and comfort. For instance, this wetsuit comes with quick-exit legs that allow you slip out of the wetsuit quickly and easily. This wetsuit also comes with two chest panels that each do something slightly different. Marco. You can be assured that the wetsuit wont feel restrictive even when you begin to feel nervous or anxious. YKK zipper that is small and lightweight to make T1 easier than before. Warranty: 2 years And then it has 5 mm from neck to knee. Im an intermediate swimmer more into the open water swims with a view of getting into triathlon. When you couple this with the super composite skin coating, you have a great combination. You will pay much more for these, and in our opinion they really only benefit a tiny fraction of triathletes. Good luck! I need a great suit. I highly recommend this wetsuit to those who can swim year-round or enjoy swimming in the early summer and late fall months. The wetsuit bottoms have enough buoyancy to float your hips without compromising your natural hip rotation and stroke. Summary: You ever put on a pair of jeans and they just fit perfectly? The high-end wetsuits spare no features when it comes to warmth, comfort and durability, but manage to do it in a package that is sleek and uses the least possible material. I am researching the Blueseventy wetsuits. PROarm proprioception panel, made with ultra-thin hydrophobic stretch fabric to give you stroke feedback and helps correct your stroke while you practice in open water. Of course, theres thinner neoprene across the top and uber flexible neoprene through the arms and shoulders. Any suggestion would be great swimming 2 >3kms now in winter is getting cold. Top-of-the-line Super Composite Skin Yamamoto fabrics to give you the best flexibility throughout the entire wetsuit. It comes down to the construction, material, and what you think of the brand. I recommend this wetsuit to any beginner triathlete who needs more swim practice. Orca is another brand on our list that may not necessarily have quite as storied a history as some of the other companies on our list, but they have still consistently put out excellent quality wetsuits. Up until now I have been a swimmer for fitness but now looking to go OWS, one for freedom away from indoor pools and maybe to train for a triathlon ( knee issues depending), I dont like to feel restricted and will be swimming in UK water temps, Easy to get on (for a performance wetsuit) and with minimal chafing, the Blueseventy Reaction is a mid-level race wetsuit that will work for the majority of triathletes. For many triathletes, the swim is the most challenging leg of the three. FLEXback has 100% broken knit Nylon in its design. Testers appreciated the thin, super-flexible neoprene, which lets the suit take a second-skin fit without being overly tight or restrictive, plus makes quick removal at the swim exit a cinch. Just my experience. The suit puts you in a nearly perfect position so you can focus on your hip rotation and arm movement. Blueseventy and Zone3 produce high-quality neoprene swim socks and gloves. And, if youre trying to be quicker in T1 the quick-exit legs technology makes it easier to get on the bike faster. In terms of drag, it has a 0.021 drag coefficient which is one of the lowest we saw. The wetsuit helps to support your body in a horizontal position. Hi Matt, Even though the wetsuit might be the thinnest on the market, it still keeps you warm with its Titanium layer. Which would you recommend? No. While you are getting the same ROKA technologies for a cheaper price, it might make more sense to just buy a higher-end wetsuit when youre a few years into the sport. For reference, the neoprene follows at 3/4/5 profile, 3 mm thick in the arms, 4mm in the chest, and 5mm in the legs. A nice touch in the ROKA suits are small markers which allow you to know that you have put the wetsuit on correctly, with the right alignment. These wetsuits are very similar, but the Orca S7 would be a better buy. It is actually a bit surprising to find, but the ROKA has arguably the most durable seams out of any product that we reviewed this is especially surprising how reasonably priced it is. On top of that, the seams are then chemically bonded and are reinforced with tape at pivotal junctures. XTERRA is certainly not the most popular or well-known brand on our list, but they are respected-even though they are also one of the youngest companies that we reviewed. XTERRA designed this wetsuit with a limestone based neoprene to maximize its thickness. The side panels are thin and help your hips rotate during the swim. This is because tri suits are designed to be easy to pull off once youre out of the water. For swimmers who want a suit that gives them virtually no shoulder restriction and just feels fast, the Vector should be a serious contender. Youll still get all the support and thermal insulation from this suit as you would from a thicker suit. This lets your lungs breathe more readily and keeps your legs afloat more effortlessly. It gives you the most for your money and with the added buoyancy, you can learn to swim better. The new suit helps you glide through the water with Super Composite Skin (SCS) coating. Also, dont let the first one or two times get you- Because the more you practice and feel comfortable in it, you might see/Feel a difference in the breathing (Similar to when I started swimming, where I felt like I was having my chest cave in when swimming laps in the pool). Thanks Mike. Further Reading:Triathlon Swimskins Buyers Guide. Aside from the fact that this wetsuit does not feature the insulation of a traditional wetsuit, it also has a sleeveless design. For those who dont have issues with their body position, they might be better served by a more flexible or more buoyant suit at this pricepoint, but if you struggle with keeping your midline taut, there is nothing better, and even $850 is money well spent. I recommend this wetsuit to those who want to try new material in the water without compromising performance in races. Once again, the various types of panels on a wetsuit are impressive. He focuses on helping them select appropriate goals and guiding them towards achieving them. This means that the wetsuit was designed with neoprene on the inside and outside. For instance, this wetsuit comes with Yamamoto aerodome panels to increase your buoyancy and make sure that your swimming form remains proper for faster speed and to conserve energy. Beyond the speed factor, another primary aspect that determines a great wetsuit is what kinds of panels it provides. One of the notable differences between the XTERRA Volt and many of the other wetsuits we reviewed is the panel construction.