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"Mike's
approach to coaching really brings out the best in your
performance" Chris, Berkshire |
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Buying
a Triathlon Wetsuit |
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1. Flexibility and buoyancy
All wetsuits are a trade off between flexibility
and buoyancy. The more buoyant the wetsuit, the
less flexible it is. The reverse is also true the
more flexibility you have the less buoyancy there
is. Unfortunately a triathlete needs both buoyancy
and flexibility. At the entry level suit the flexibility
is often gained by making the wetsuit thinner around
the chest panel; 3mm or 4 mm are often used. This
gives you the flexibility you need at the right
price point. An entry level triathlon specific wetsuit
is usually between 100-160 GBP The maximum thickness
that the rules will permit is 5mm. So it would be
illegal to use a 6mm or 7mm diving suit. The higher
the price point the more flexible materials and
more flexible backings are used. This maintains
flexibility while increasing buoyancy. The best
combination is often said to be a 5mm neoprene body
panels and 1.5mm on the arms and 3mm for the lower
legs. This allows maximum buoyancy and flexibility,
to optimize the swimmers stroke. Top of the range
suits are usually between £350.00 and £400.00
2. What is the difference in speed?
The quality of the suit is also related to its speed.
The most supple materials and most buoyant neoprene's
are also the fastest. Top manufactures now coat
their high end suits with a silicon coating, called
CSC (Super Composite Skin), which helps the suit
to slice through the water. The fastest suit will
also have a "nano" coating which also traps more
air between the slican and the suit and is claimed
to increase buoyancy by about 4% . A top of the
range 2XU V1 wetsuit for example, which also introduces
an industry first, " catch panels on the arms".
is argued to be over 90 seconds faster than a typical
entry level wetsuit.
3. Custom Made or Made to measure
Custom made suits are generally more expensive,
but they should fit correctly. However, with ready
made suits in so many sizes and open water swim
lakes, such as (www.openwaterswim.co.uk), The Quays
in Mytchett, Surrey and the TriSport Coaching endless
pool now available to test out your suit before
buying, it is often easy, quicker and cheaper to
buy an off the peg wetsuit, test it out and be confident
of the fit. Never buy a suit without wearing it
first and if possible try and swim in it before
purchasing. 2XU, Blue Seventy and Orca for example
offer between 10 and 15 different sizes per style,
which fit most body types. If your body shape is
out side of the norm, made to measure such as Snugg
wetsuits may be your only option
4. Semi-custom
You can customize many off the peg wetsuits. Check
to see if the seems on the arms and legs are taped
or not. If they are taped, it will mean that, the
suit is designed to have arms and legs shortened;
typically by up to 6 inches. This is a useful feature
that most triathletes are not aware of. It is a
feature offered on all of the 2XU westuits
5. Men's and Women's Sizes
You should not buy a unisex wetsuit, due to our
different body shapes. Always look for male and
female specific sizes. Some companies only offer
4 sizes to cover all the range for both men and
women. This will mean that you will most likely
end up with an ill fitting wetsuit.
6. Test out the wetsuit in Open water before
buying
If possible you should test out the wetsuit before
purchase. In a shop when you are sweaty and sticky
you will be temped to buy a suit that is too big.
Buying a wetsuit that is too big is possibly the
biggest mistake made by beginners.
7. What should the right size feel Like?
Ensure that it is a snug fit. The arms below the
elbow should be particularly tight, also the neck
should be well fitted. If there's a gap the suit
will soon fill up with water, which is very irritating
when you are swimming.
8. Floating Zips
This is a relatively new technology, but if the
zip is bonded in place and not stitched it will
allow much more flexibility.
9. Warrantee
Wetsuits are expensive, so check out the warrantees.
One year is the minimum you should aim for, the
best companies offer 2 years.
10. Finally, lubrication!
Some people suffer from chaffing around the neck,
which can be quite painful. This is another good
reason to try out your suit before buying. Products
such Bodyglide are very good to prevent this rubbing.
It is recommended not you use petroleum jelly based
products such as Vaseline as they damage the neoprene
Why not go beyond the article and have us train
you 1-to-1 to meet and exceed your running and triathlon
goals - contact us.
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