The Tri Wetsuit

In a triathlon, viewers are more or less fixated on the game itself, right? They focus more on the ranking of the triathlon (tri) athletes and not on the way they dress. Sure, they may notice that, though fleetingly but what they see is that participants are somewhat dressed alike – in skintight wetsuits known around the water sports circuit as the tri wetsuit.

One may ask, “What makes a tri wetsuit stand out, that it slowly becoming the bathing suit in choice of the tri athletes?” A tri wetsuit can give potential users a speed boost in swimming because of its floatation or drag reduction property.

The triathlon wetsuit generally covers almost all parts of a participant’s body thus providing it with a slicker surface which in turn reduce drag. Plus it can keep the user warm during the competition. This particular ‘feature’ is appreciated especially with tri athletes who played in cold seas.

Because of its popularity, there are different brands to choose from, though do not be fooled by it. A typical triathlon wetsuit bought at a certain price will more or less have the same features as that of a tri wetsuit of a more popular brand bought at the same price range. This is because manufacturers used the same type of neoprene regardless of brand. If you want to have a more flexible, slicker body then you need to pay more.

High-end tri wetsuits are catered to a more serious athlete whose mind is set into competitive mode. If a triathlete is more concern in just finishing the race, then s/he may purchase the lower-cost wetsuit.

There are different features to be looked at before buying tri wetsuit. The first thing to decide at is what type to buy? A full-bodied wetsuit is generally catered during the colder temperature while a sleeveless suit is for warmer temperature. Other questions like price range, warranty and the likes should be carefully thought about before buying a new one.

Once decided, the triathlon wetsuit should fit properly. A tri wetsuit should not limit an athlete’s mobility. It needs to fit the torso – chest, waist etc. – but the most important fit should be from the crotch to the shoulders.

Another is the material layout. Triathlon wetsuits should have differing thicknesses all around the material, with the arms and shoulders having the thinnest and the chest and certain parts of the legs a little bit thicker. It helps in floatation (thicker parts) and flexibility (thinner parts.)

Also a tri wetsuit should have a secure neck and wrist seals. This feature will not water to enter the space between the user and the wetsuit to prevent additional water weight. Another feature is that wet suits having an ease of access. This will also pave way to the next feature to be looked at, the construction. A combination of a glued and stitched tri wetsuit is better than only the glued wetsuit or the stitched wetsuit. Upon quick survey of it, the next question would probably how much?

A typical triathlon wetsuit may be priced from $300 up to a thousand or more, depending on the quality of the suit and the brand itself. Well-known tri wetsuits are pricier than that of newly-emerging ones.

Triathletes should be more concern on the way they play rather than the way their competitors present themselves though, having the perfect tri wetsuit will not hurt.