Wetsuit--Sleeves/No Sleeves

Is there an echo in here?  Sorry, lame double post joke, I know.

Personally I'd go with sleeveless since that's what I've always swam in whenever it was legal.  Plus it'll be a little bit more of a struggle to get the sleeves off in transition, and in a sprint those seconds are precious.  How cold is the water?  Could you go in just a tri suit?

Are you looking to buy a new one? If so, the best suit for you is one that fits you best and serves your purposes. If you live someone warm and water temps will typically be on the warm side, get a sleeveless. If water temps will be cooler on average, then go with sleeves. Sleeves will always be faster, but they may throw off your feel for the water.If you have the cash, it may be worth it to check out De Soto's wet suits, you can buy tops and bottoms separately and basically end up with both. But they are pricey.

My opinion is to go with the sleeveless one.   I also have a swimming background and it's by far my strongest portion of the race.  My swim coach recommeded a sleeveless one - I bought one this past year and I really like it.  I like having my shoulders/arms a little more free.

Depends of course!
Wetsuits are not cheap items so try and plan ahead and make it an investment.  What sort of tri's do you see yourself doing in the future - both length and average water temp?

Me, I always go with long sleeves.  My range of motion with sleeves is fine - I like the extra buoyancy, warmth and even the extra surface area for pulling! But I am a big baby about cold water.  Some people find them restrictive so if you can, try them out or at the very least try them on and mimic the swim motion before buying

http://bbsctri.com/scofield/sprint-distance/
Here is a link to the sprint that I may do it states that the water will be between 69 and 71 degrees.

I am not looking to purchase at the moment just rent, so I would like to get a good opinion about the style to use.

I'm not an expert but I don't think the sleeves are really gonna add that much bouyancy.  The sleeve decision should be made based on water temp.  The general concensus is that a long sleeve suit is faster, but i don't think its a matter of beig more bouyant.  I think it creates less drag.  Secondly if your wearing a suit for warmth then long is the way to go, the heat loss is gonna come from the arm pits. 

Bigger pull, and comfort are kind-of secondary issues.  Some people just flat out don't like sleeves.  I've never heard a strong arguement for a sleevless suits being faster at any distance because of arm freedom. 

Probably not a popular thing to do but my sleeves are cut below the elbow / mid forearm for comfort. 

If fitted correctly, the ones with sleeves shouldn't cause any additional shoulder fatigue. Watch a few videos on how to get a wetsuit on correctly.I would go for the version with sleeves. While not cold, at 69-71 you shouldn't overheat. I've found that I chafe worse in sleeveless versions. Since you are renting and won't have a chance to test out where you need to apply the body-glide, it might be better to go with sleeves. Being a former swimmer though, I suspect that you'll be capable of handling any issues that come with either style of wet suit. But don't forget to apply liberal amounts of body glide to your neck and shoulders/arm pits.

I have never understood the "sleeves or sleeveless depending on temp of water". I doubt it really makes that much of a difference. I also hate the "sleeveless is easier to get off". No it isnt. I also hate the "sleeves restrict my motion". No it wont (not a well fitting suit, anyway).

At the end of the day, its more personal preference than anything else.

My advice is ALWAYS this: Sleeves = faster. Period. Its a race...go with sleeves unless you can absolutely not stand it. Some people just hate the feeling of sleeves. Unless you are one of those people...sleeves all the way. And if its WS legal...wear it.

Actually, this doesn't make sense to me.

If you ask me if you should wear a t-shirt or sweater, I make the suggestion based on the temperature outside.  The colder it is, the more you want the long sleeves...

To the OP:  I would suggest long sleeved, esp since it's a rental.  That's fairly cold and I wished for long sleeves on swims like that.  I wore sleeveless last two years, but did decide to buy a full for this season.

Edited by BikerGrrrl 2010-02-19 1:53 PM

Your analogy is incorrect.

Over a 10 degree temperature spectrum, If you were running outside for 20-30 mins, would it matter if you had a long sleeved shirt on or short sleeved shirt on? Doubt it.

First two OWS swims were with a wetsuit, 56 and 66 degrees.  Used a sleeveless for both.  Arms were cold at first but 50 meters into it I was comfortable.  That being said I ordered a full from XTerra for my HIM.  I keep hearing that full is faster and this slow swimmer needs every bit of speed he can get.   Since you are renting go for the sleeved and if you don't like it (or you felt too warm) then you know to purchase a sleeveless. 

One item, Xterra is selling sleeveless for around $94 only about $30 more than renting I believe. How about buying the XTerra sleeveless? It should be more than enough for your race.  If you don't like the sleeveless than sell it for a little less and buy a sleeved (saving some $$ in the process). 

Edited by GaryRM 2010-02-19 2:46 PM

A sleeveless will be slower in all situations but some people have an easier time cause of FIT issues if the suit fits correct sleeved will be faster for many reasons. Xterra and Desoto have amazing customer service and stand behind their product and are great with getting a suit that fits your swimming style as well as body type!