Things to Look for When Buying the Best Mens Triathlon Wetsuits
64Me and My Concerned Dog
Triathlon Wetsuits for Men
Triathlon wetsuits are meant to be snug, yet allow full range of motion, while swimming and running.
When selecting a triathlon wetsuit make sure you take into consideration the general temperature of the triathlon events and races in which you are likely to compete. Sleeveless, full length wetsuits will have the most use. A bib wetsuit and a short and full-sleave top are an excellent choice for most of the USA.
But don't forget, the fit is the most important thing.
Wetsuit Pros and Cons
Pros
| Cons
|
|---|---|
Speed - Due to wetsuits hydrophobic coating, there is less drag in the water
| Slower transition to bike
|
Bouyancy - The more wetsuit, the more bouyancy, generally speaking
| Less freedom of movement
|
Warmth - This can be especially important in colder water
| Can be too hot
|
Less energy expenditure, which means more energy for other parts of the event
| |
Sleaveless offers good range of motion
|
Triathlon Wetsuit Styles
USAT Wetsuit Guidelines
The United States of America Triathlon (USAT) organization guidelines
state that everyone may wear a wetsuit if the water temperature is 78
degrees Fahrenheit or below. You are welcome to wear a wetsuit if the temperature
is 79 degrees to 84 degrees but you won’t be eligible for awards.
Anything 85 degrees or over, no wetsuits are allowed.
If the water is 78 or below, wear a wetsuit, as even a sprint
distance race you will be much faster in a wetsuit. You will also save energy.
However, you will have to deal with taking it off in the first transition, before the biking. Practice taking off the wetsuit in the weeks and days before the even and you will easily make up for the additional time in transition.
The three basic styles:
Short Cut -- Knee length Farmer John. 75 degree +.
Sleeveless -- John, Farmer Jane. Made for 75 degree +.
Full Cut or Full Length -- Coverage from head to toe. Made for 50 degree + water temps.
Benefits of a Full Length Triathlon Wetsuit
- Full benefit of wetsuit-provided floatation
- Can be used in the coldest triathlon temperatures
- More efficiency provided by wetsuit for speed
Full Length Wetsuits
 | This triathlon wetsuit features 4-way stretch neoprene along the arms, shoulders, and underarms which enhances reach and range of motion. This is good because manueverability as you swim, for a more efficient swim stroke and ease of removing during the transition.
Amazon Price: $184.95 List Price: $189.99 |
 | It has glued and sewn seams which increase hydrodynamics and mean the suit will last longer, race after race. Amazon Price: $130.95 List Price: $189.99 |
My Wetsuit
If the temperature and the rules allow it, I will use a wetsuit. It provides more float, glide, and allows for less energy expenditure. I own and use a full length triathlon wetsuit during the early spring and fall, most often.
The downside is that the transition is slower and it can be very hot as you wait for your turn in the water.
Benefits of a Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit
- Sleeveless wetsuits provide a better range of fit options for people
- Complete range of motion for the arms
- Good warmth benefits
- Good floatation
- Easier to take off than a full length triathlon wetsuit
Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuits
 | This wetsuit includes mid-calf leg openings increase kick efficiency and decrease drag, while still giving you warmth. Amazon Price: $120.64 List Price: $149.99 |
Here's a Trick!
Use a strong plastic bag on your hands/feet when sliding your arm or leg into each section. The wetsuit will slide on like a champ!
The Benefits of a "Short John" Triathlon Wetsuit
- The shorty gives you a longer potential range of temperatures in which to compete
- Easy to put on and fast to take off
- Good floatation
- Excellent range of motion
Short John Triathlon Wetsuits
 | Amazon Price: $124.95 List Price: $129.99 |
Here's a Trick!
Use Body Glide to reduce chaffing and ease the removal of your wetsuit during the first transition.
mulberry1 Level 1 Commenter 19 months ago
I suppose they come off pretty fast despite being wet but it does sound like it would eat up a bit of precious time.