Speaking of panels, this wetsuit has a fair number of impressive ones as well. For instance, this is one of the few wetsuits that we saw which features a single shoulder panel. This is important because it provides the wearer a more stable fit as well as a greater range of motion considering it does not have seams. The neoprene is highly flexible, requiring 35-45% less force by the swimmer to maintain their stroke.

For those who are going to be competing in warmer waters where triathlons do not allow true wetsuits, we recommend either the ROKA for women or the TYR Torque Pro for men. Aside from the fact that these two wetsuits are reasonably priced, they are not even true wetsuits. Instead, these two products are swimskins which is a rule regulated requirement for triathlons run in warmer waters. De Soto sells the top and bottoms separately so you’ll be sure to find the right fit no matter what. While the Zoot Wahine 1 has a wide variety of different panel types for different purposes-like most of the more reputable wetsuits-it also features panels that do not necessarily enhance your performance during the race but instead are meant to provide a more comfortable and secure fit. Specifically, this is one of the few wetsuits we reviewed which actually includes panels that are ergonomically designed to allow the Zoot Wahine 1 to fit a woman the way it should without overly compressing the chest. That said, it also features AQUAlift panels to increase your buoyancy, so you will consistently remain at the proper level. Speed The main difference between the 2 types of water suits is that a swimskin is not really designed to provide much, if any insulation, that being the case, it should not altogether be surprising that the swimskin is primarily used in triathlons for races where the water is warmer than 77 degrees Fahrenheit.Rest of world charges may apply to destinations like Madagascar, Japan, USA, Falkland Islands, etc… Everyone loved the bursts of colour beneath the arms and thought the design was extremely flattering. Look to one of our other options, like this Decathlon number, if you’re heading out in cold conditions, but if you just want some extra protection for your summertime swims or water sports sessions, this is your guy.

Of all the companies on our list, few have the pedigree and storied history of Zoot-though it is not necessarily the most popular brand. Instead, this company was founded over 3 decades ago in Kona, Hawaii-the home of the original Ironman Triathlon World Championships. As a company founded by a woman, this brand pays special attention to a woman’s needs and ensures the fit is better than most. Panels For slow movements and wider strokes, 45% less force is required than in conventional neoprene. SCS coating also helps reduce friction and water resistance, improving hydrodynamics and increasing speed. Though panels are a continued theme on this list, the Blueseventy Helix goes above and beyond, making sure to provide specialized panels for virtually every part of the wetsuit. For instance, this wetsuit comes with Yamamoto aerodome panels to increase your buoyancy and make sure that your swimming form remains proper for faster speed and to conserve energy. Keeping in line with the company’s philosophy, the Blueseventy Helix also comes with body-fit panels to make sure that the wetsuit is comfortable. This entry-level suit has extra buoyancy to its already buoyant AQUAlift technology for those who really struggle with the swim.The bottoms have the perfect amount of buoyancy to help keep your body in a horizontal position. And, they even let you have your natural hip rotation during swimming. For those close to the sport, it might actually seem a bit odd that we would include the Blueseventy Thermal Reaction wetsuit on our list of the best men’s wetsuits considering the company makes it a particular point to focus on providing women wetsuits that meet their specific needs. Of course, Blueseventy is an all-around great brand, so it should not come as that much of a surprise. Insulation The wetsuit performs up to its hype. Many triathletes, even the ones who are good swimmers, say that the wetsuit actually helps them in the water. They say that the wetsuit is working with them and helps them complete the swim faster. The wetsuit should feel very snug on land and once you get in the water, it loosens up. If it’s a good fit, you might need someone to help you zip-up the suit. If you have a good stroke, this wetsuit will enhance it even more and help you glide in the water. The extra buoyancy will help you from getting tired during a long swim practice or race.

Ideal for those new to triathlon, the additional buoyancy of this wetsuit aids stability and boosts confidence in the water. While a swimskin may not have the insulation of a wetsuit, it should still feature all of the other qualities like body compression, a tight fit, water tightness, and excellent flexibility. It is also worth noting that a swimskin is generally less expensive than a wetsuit-though the highest-end models do not differ too much in terms of cost. Swimskin (Speedsuit) – The second type of water suit is the swimskin which is actually fairly similar to a traditional wetsuit.

Features

One of the notable differences between the XTERRA Volt and many of the other wetsuits we reviewed is the panel construction. Specifically, the XTERRA Volt does not feature nearly the same level of panel customization as many of the other products we saw. That said, the XTERRA Volt does offer numerous layers to provide similar results. The wetsuit bottoms have enough buoyancy to float your hips without compromising your natural hip rotation and stroke. I recommend this product to beginner triathletes. It gives you the most for your money and with the added buoyancy, you can learn to swim better. Most veteran triathletes say if you practice with this suit, you’ll learn the feel of a proper swim position. Most triathlon wetsuits are made with outer skins designed to reduce surface resistance. Triathlon wetsuit outer skins have a silicon type surface which is slippery in the water and improves gliding once again helping you preserve energy for the latter stages of the race. The quality of this outer skin is another key differentiator between high end suits and economical ones. Improves Swimming Technique De Soto’s two-piece wetsuit performs just as well if not better than a “traditional” one-piece. Since the top and bottoms are separate, you’re almost guaranteed to find the right fit between the two of them.

The material requires 72% less force to stretch than any other conventional neoprene making for easy changing. Bamboo fibers in the inner lining provide flexibility with each stroke, in addition to reducing odor and preventing the growth of bacteria. Constructed using a Power-fit compressive lining, along with Orca's high-end Yamamoto 40 technology, provides a perfect fit in the torso area, ensuring that water will not flow through the wetsuit. Nano Ice SCS coating improves hydrodynamics, reducing water resistance and allowing the open water swimmer to reach top speed with each stroke. A great suit for all levels of swimming! I recommend this wetsuit if you like Roka and want a wetsuit that specializes in cold water swimming. It has several sizes so that it can accommodate any-sized triathlete. IMPORTANT UPDATE - At The Wetsuit Centre we always want to maintain the highest level of customer satisfaction. Yamamoto is one of the main materials of the wetsuit, which makes it the most stretchable wetsuit available. While maintaining body heat, enhancing buoyancy and reducing surface friction are critical, it is as important for triathlon wetsuits to be flexible and fit comfortably.ROKA uses the best neoprene in the market called Yamamoto, which is limestone based. This type of neoprene has more stretch, retains its original shape easily, and has the optimal insulation to weight ration. Scotland & NI - We cannot provide next day delivery for some areas of Scotland And Northern Ireland, our courier service will instead offer a 2 day service, please inquire to find out more about your postcode. However, because some of the material is thinner and made from swimsuit material, it lets in more water. This is the compromise when you buy a mid-level suit that is easy to get off. You’ll have to decide if this will bother you on the swim.