How to Buy a Triathlon Wetsuit
Lauren Collison January 27th, 2016 Posted In: How-To Tags: Triathlon
How to Buy a Triathlon Wetsuit
Want to know how to buy a triathlon wetsuit? It’s important to remember that a triathlon wetsuit is different than the usual wetsuit. Triathletes know that surf and SCUBA diving wetsuits just don’t cut it for competitive swimming.
Triathlon wetsuits are made out of super buoyant neoprene panels that actually help you float in the water. Tri suits also feature a slick skin exterior that allows you to glide through the water without any friction.
These specialized wetsuits are also cut differently to minimize restriction. The legs are cut above the calf, armpits are wider, and necklines are specially designed to provide the ultimate range of motion. Lastly, all triathlon wetsuits are made out of high grade stretch neoprene to ensure a glove like fit. Are you ready to buy a triathlon wetsuit? Let’s get started!
Triathlon wetsuits are available in Full or Long John styles.
Fullsuits are warmer and more buoyant, for water temperatures below 60 degrees (depending on your tolerance for cold). Since there is more rubber in a fullsuit, it floats more. If you’re balanced and higher in the water you’ll swim faster. Additionally, fullsuits let less water in at the seals, which reduces weight and drag.
Long Johns or Janes are sleeveless wetsuits designed for water 60 degrees and up. The main advantage of a long john is increased flexibility and mobility due to the sleeveless design. Long John wetsuits also are easier to remove during the transition to your bike.
You also want to consider buoyancy and inner linings when choosing a triathlon wetsuit!
1- Buoyancy Factor:
This is a snapshot of how the wetsuit floats in the water. Adding more buoyancy to the suit makes your swim easier and more efficient.
Good: Buoyancy panel is located on chest
Better: Panel extends from chest to thighs
Best: Panel covers chest to ankles for maximum buoyancy
2- Inner Lining:
The inner lining -or- jersey of a wetsuit directly impacts the flexibility and stretchiness of a wetsuit. More stretch equals more flexibility.
2 Way Stretch: Super stretch material that is twice as stretchy as standard wetsuit neoprene
4 Way Stretch: Super stretch material that is 4 times as stretchy as standard wetsuit neoprene
6 Way Stretch: Super stretch material that is 6 times as stretchy as standard wetsuit neoprene
Please Be Aware.. These feature packed wetsuits cannot be used for any other sporting activities except swimming. The coated neoprene is delicate and will easily puncture if diving or surfing.
Check out our entire selection of triathlon wetsuits! Want to know more about triathlon wetsuits? Watch the video below!
Hi LoLo / Team,
I am 59 and overweight. I always snorkel on top of the water and never had a wetsuit. I will be going to the Big Island this Feb and according to what I can find water temp is between 73-78 F and thinking I may need one for this trip – not sure of thickness and suit size. What do you recommend? Is a two piece better for my size?
Height 66″
Weight 245 #
Chest 51″
Waist 51″
Hips 47″
Neck 16″
Inseam 28.5″
Thanks,
Al
Hi Al. Thanks for reaching out. For snorkeling in those water temps, I’d suggest a shorty. If you’re looking for something simple but to also get a good fit, this short john in a grizzly large would be great https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/17259-02.html#.Y7R4otXMLcs
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option and only plan to use it for one trip, this could work https://www.wetsuitwearhouse.com/PROD/MS200.html#.Y7R4YdXMLcs Most likely in a 4XL.
Hope this helps. If you have more questions, reach out to our cusotmer service department via email or phone.
Email: service@wetsuitwearhouse.com
Toll-free number: 866-906-7848
Can you advise me? I am 78 years old and find my pool a bit too cold. I would like to purchase a wet suit jacket that is very flexible and easy to swim and do aerobics in. Since swimming helps arthritis, movement is very important. I do not do straight laps, but various exercises worked into a lap. Also – I am overweight so I do not want anything “sexy”.
What do you think?
I’m going to send you a private email, Laura. (:
Hi make sure it has a full zipper they can be hard to get off at your age,you dont want a full suit or a pull over that you may need helping getting on and off,i just checked ebay theres a xxxl camo jacket full zipper,25$bid 15 shipping.looks new.
And you can use as out of water jacket if its super cold.they really hold heat in shockingly so.
Because of how hard they are to remove you might want to start with hood gloves and feet.try searchs like neoprine gloves socks hood.jacket check ebay cheap.also thift stores often have wetsuits for like 20$
Hello,
I read your blog in a quick and non efficient way. I didn’t find the answer I was looking for. I found your views very interesting, points are great too, thank you for your post. It helped me understand a little into what I was looking for. I hope you carry on with your views and different ways of wording your initial subject/subjects. Enjoy reading your book in hot summer days, it’s when you’re most alive in the most ways you can be.
Regards,
Marco
Thanks for the feedback, Marco. What answer were you looking for? I might be able to help…