Triathlon2Win

Triathlon Wetsuit

Here is a quick “5 feature” check list to view before you make your purchase.

Also visit http://www.triathlon-wetsuits.org.uk to view a wide selection of recommended triathlon wetsuits.

1. Triathlon Wetsuit material

Neoprene is the most common triathlon wetsuit material.  Top brands coat their more expensive wetsuits with a silicon coating skin (SCS or SXS) that cuts quicker through water helping with your glide and propulsion through the water.  The “nano” coating on some wetsuits helps trap air between the silicon and the suit to increase buoyancy.   The important part to remember about the material is the thickness.  It should have varied levels of thickness with the shoulder panels and arms thinner than the chest and legs.  The arms and shoulders are thinner to help with extra movement and flexibility, while the thicker material around the chest, torso and upper legs help with stability and floatation.

2. Right size and wetsuit construction

The wetsuit needs to fit snuggly and not allow any water flow.  The wrists, ankles and neck should have a comfortable firm seal.  The wetsuit construction itself should have a mixture of stitching and glue between the panels to increase the life of your wetsuit.  Wearing a wetsuit will generally feel tight and hot when you are out of the water.  Once you enter the water it will start to feel more comfortable.  Choose the correct size by using the height and weight size guides found on most online retail websites.   As a rule of thumb if your body type is tall and thin then be guided more by the height and with short and wide body types go with the weight size guides.

Triathlon wetsuits should have a zipper that draws all the way down the back, so the end is level with your hips.  This makes it easier to put the wetsuit on and ensures an easier transition when taking off your wetsuit from the water exit.  You can also use a water-soluble lubricant around your ankles to make it even easier to take off your wetsuit.

4. Propulsion panels and speed strakes

Top of the line triathlon wetsuits can also offer rubber panels on the bottom side of the forearms.  They act as paddles when swimming.  This helps the pull stroke and creates faster propulsion through the water.  Another new feature for top brand wetsuits include speed strakes along the chest panels and the legs.  The strakes help with hydrodynamic stability.  They also ensures you keep an effective, straight line swim.

If you are buying online, always check that the retailer has a warranty and exchange policy in place.  Buying a wetsuit is an expensive investment, so it’s important to have piece of mind if it is damaged due to manufacturing error.

I hope these 5 features helps with your purchase decision and please remember to view http://www.triathlon-wetsuits.org.uk to view some of the best value and performing wetsuits in the marketing today.

This article is written by Mike Kirkman. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on training tips and creating a winning mindset to achieve your triathlon goals, please visit http://www.triathlon2win.com