60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?

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60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?
OptionResults
FULL (long sleeve, full legs)12 Votes - [70.59%]
John (No sleeves, full leg)5 Votes - [29.41%]

2008-10-10 2:45 PM

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Member
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Subject: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?

Never needed to do the wetsuit thing so I am using the endless supply of knowledge from the BT army!

 

I am doing the New Orleans HIM 70.3 in April....historically, water temps are between 60-70 degrees so I am looking to invest in a wetsuit.  Just one little problem....which kind?



2008-10-10 2:52 PM
in reply to: #1733813

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Extreme Veteran
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Sault Ste. Marie
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?
well 60 is far from 70...but anything below 18.5 degrees celcius i would wear full..... you can do the conversions, im not sure of them.
2008-10-10 2:54 PM
in reply to: #1733813

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Expert
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Barrington Area, IL
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?
No Brainer - FULL!
2008-10-10 3:07 PM
in reply to: #1733813

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Champion
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the colony texas
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?

since you are asking about both of them I'm thinking you dont' own one right now and will be buying or renting one ??right??

If you are renting just wait until closer to the event and see what the temps are..

Are you looking at buying?? will you be doing a lot of races that you can use a WS.

I have a Sleeveless one but in texas there are only a couple of races that I can use it at, and even then the water isnt' that cold..

2008-10-10 3:24 PM
in reply to: #1733813

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Cycling Guru
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Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?

I'd always say a proper fitting full whenever the suit is allowed, even in warmer temps.  It is not the arms that make it hot in a suit ..... it is the chest area.  The only reason in my opinion to not wear a full suit is if it screws up your stroke.

Which goes back to my first sentence ......... "a proper fitting full" ..........

2008-10-10 3:37 PM
in reply to: #1733813

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Bob
2194
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Binghamton, NY
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?
I'd do the sleeveless right down to 60 degrees. Good fitting or not having material over the shoulders is restrictive. If you're a weak swimmer then the full would probably benefit you more.

2008-10-10 3:57 PM
in reply to: #1733967

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Expert
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Michiana
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?

I'm with Bob on this one.  I have a QR Ultrajohn that has served well in 60-77deg water.  When it gets into the 60's I like to use my Desoto Neoprene Cap.

http://www.trisports.com/de-soto-neoprene-swim-cap.html

Brian.

2008-10-10 4:08 PM
in reply to: #1733928

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Master
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Lake Oswego, OR
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?
Daremo - 2008-10-10 1:24 PM

I'd always say a proper fitting full whenever the suit is allowed, even in warmer temps.  It is not the arms that make it hot in a suit ..... it is the chest area.  The only reason in my opinion to not wear a full suit is if it screws up your stroke.

Which goes back to my first sentence ......... "a proper fitting full" ..........

 X2

2008-10-10 4:09 PM
in reply to: #1733813

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Master
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Tyler, TX
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?

If you normally swim in warmer water (70 degrees plus), buy a sleeveless.  If you normally swim in colder water, buy a sleeved.

 

Brian 

 

2008-10-10 4:12 PM
in reply to: #1733813

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Veteran
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El Segundo, CA
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?

DISCLAIMER: I have never worn a full wetsuit.

That said, I have been very happy using a sleeveless, swimming in water down to the low 60's (but not below). No chafing issues and good range of motion. Added bonus- quicker to remove in T1.

2008-10-10 7:23 PM
in reply to: #1733813

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Regular
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Waltham
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?
I went through this decision recently for myself, needing to buy a wetsuit for a tri in upper 60s water temp.  I was leaning toward john, but ended up going with the full after advice from BTers and trying it on at the tri store.  I am very happy with the decision to go with the full.  I didn't feel it was restricting at all at the shoulders, I was happy to have my arms nice and warm, I felt like the neoprene really helped my arms slice through the water, and I don't think it adds any time in T1 since you can take your arms out and pull the suit down to your waist as you are running to your rack.  That's my 2 cents anyhow.

2008-10-10 9:06 PM
in reply to: #1733813

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Master
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Frisco, Texas
Subject: RE: 60-70 degree water....full wetsuit or john?

Full wetsuit.  It's always faster (for most athletes) than sleevless, speedsuits or no wetsuit.  I wore my full at Longhorn this past weekend.  Water temp was 77.99.  Fastest swim pace I've ever done in a race.  I'm doing NO 70.3 and fully intend to wear my full Zoot Synergy.

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