I’m pretty new to triathlons and did a few sprint distances last year. After the horrible polar vortexes that Wisconsin got this winter, I figured I should probably invest in a good wet suit for the upcoming season. Any feedback about good brands or styles that anyone could recommend would be greatly appreciated as I am absolutely clueless on where to start.
Any tips on finding a good fit?
I’m a good pool swimmer, however, I know that lake swimming is much different. Is there an advantage to sleeve or sleeveless?
I just bought a new one recently and started from scratch. Try a few on and see what fits best. You need to determine your budget also. Good luck. I got mine in last week and can’t wait to try it out.
All on line suppliers know they have to have EXCEPTIONAL customer service phone service to get the fit right. If you buy from a store, make sure the salesperson knows what they are talking about with respect to fit. Fit is everything!
I bought an Xterra “better” (on the good-better-best continuum) open shoulder model 4 years ago. Watch for their sales. I use it 1-3 times a year and it is just fine.
If you are a strong swimmer or have broad shoulders, I think you would be happier with open shoulders. I’d expect full sleeve is a bit more difficult to remove in T1 and you would have less feel for the water. I have never read that full sleeve is a bit faster in the water but would expect so.
You will want to use body glide or equivalent.
You certainly CAN use a wetsuit for a sprint race. However, a strong swimmer does NOT NEED one nor benefit much from using one for the shorter swims (e.g. <500 yard), assuming water temp. is not an issue. The 15-45 secs you gain in the water is lost taking the wetsuit off in T1. So, if this is you, you should make the investment for OLY and up distances.
You should expect to pay $200 and up. Be very skeptical on buying used. Practice in it several times, including taking it off quickly, before race day.
All on line suppliers know they have to have EXCEPTIONAL customer service phone service to get the fit right. If you buy from a store, make sure the salesperson knows what they are talking about with respect to fit. Fit is everything!
I bought an Xterra “better” (on the good-better-best continuum) open shoulder model 4 years ago. Watch for their sales. I use it 1-3 times a year and it is just fine.
If you are a strong swimmer or have broad shoulders, I think you would be happier with open shoulders. I’d expect full sleeve is a bit more difficult to remove in T1 and you would have less feel for the water. I have never read that full sleeve is a bit faster in the water but would expect so.
You will want to use body glide or equivalent.
You certainly CAN use a wetsuit for a sprint race. However, a strong swimmer does NOT NEED one nor benefit much from using one for the shorter swims (e.g. <500 yard), assuming water temp. is not an issue. The 15-45 secs you gain in the water is lost taking the wetsuit off in T1. So, if this is you, you should make the investment for OLY and up distances.
You should expect to pay $200 and up. Be very skeptical on buying used. Practice in it several times, including taking it off quickly, before race day.
If it takes you more than 10 seconds to get a wetsuit off, you are doing it wrong.