General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Swimskins Rss Feed  
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2013-03-24 1:24 PM

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Alaska
Subject: Swimskins

Hi there, I'm interested in buying a swimskin, but I'm not exactly clear of their purpose.  Are they for warmer lake swims to replace a wetsuit?  Do you wear it under your wetsuit?  I know they are good for support/stabilization to assist with proper form, but am not sure if it's worth spending the money. 

I see a Torque Elite on sale for $167 (over 100 off) and wanted to jump on it.  However, I live in Alaska, and the water is usually in the mid 60s.  I'm preparing for a 1/2 Ironman in Racine, and the swim is in Lake Michigan with water temps below 78 degrees.  I think I'd handle that temp fine without a wetsuit, but would it be worth losing the buoyancy of the wetsuit?  Any tips?



Edited by davidm724 2013-03-24 1:35 PM


2013-03-24 2:04 PM
in reply to: #4672275

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Subject: RE: Swimskins
I've done Racine twice. I know you're from Alaska so the waters may not be as cold, but depends on which way the wind blows could make Lake Michigan very frigid or just cold (mid to upper 60's). Skip the swim skin and buy a wetsuit. They are more buoyant and you will get much more use out of it. The only distance I may not use a wetsuit would be for is a Sprint, if water is tolerable.
2013-03-24 2:06 PM
in reply to: #4672275

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Subject: RE: Swimskins
Oh btw, Is the sale of the swim skin (TYR Elite) somewhere online? I'm interested and that price is right.

Tom
2013-03-24 2:45 PM
in reply to: #4672275

New user
5

San Diego
Subject: RE: Swimskins

Hey all,

 

Great question!  My name is Liz, and I work for XTERRA Wetsuits.

Swim skins/speedsuits are designed for races/swims that are not wetsuit legal (i.e. the water is too warm to warrant a wetsuit).  They're designed to provide you with better hydrodynamics than swimming in a swim suit or tri gear.  If you can wear a wetsuit, I'd recommend it; wetsuits provide you with more buoyancy and warmth, resulting in a faster swim.

If you need a speedsuit, consider XTERRA's Velocity M speedsuit (http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/store/index.php/products/triathlon-speedsuits/velocity-m-speedsuit).  Use the code VALUELIZ to purchase for $150.

Liz

2013-03-24 2:51 PM
in reply to: #4672275

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Subject: RE: Swimskins
Thanks Liz, just may have to check that out.

Tom
2013-03-24 3:08 PM
in reply to: #4672275

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Subject: RE: Swimskins

Thanks for the feedback!  I found the TYR Torque Elite on sale for 167 on the TYR website. 



2013-03-24 3:12 PM
in reply to: #4672347

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Alaska
Subject: RE: Swimskins
So, I am 6', and will be between 190 (I HOPE!) and 205 during the season.  I am a good swimmer, planning on finishing the 1/2 Ironman swim leg in 28-29 minutes.  Since the speedsuit doesn't really fit my purposes, I will be in the market for a wetsuit.  For a strong (but heavy) swimmer, what sort of wetsuit would you recommend?
2013-03-24 3:17 PM
in reply to: #4672275

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Alaska
Subject: RE: Swimskins
I currently have a full NeoSport wetsuit that retails about $200.  It is the only wetsuit I've ever worn, and it's pretty uncomfortable.  I can't put my arms down, like that kid in A Christmas Story.  It's very buoyant though (could take a nap in the water... that sounds nice).  So, I don't really know what to look for...

Edited by davidm724 2013-03-24 3:23 PM
2013-03-24 3:31 PM
in reply to: #4672347

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Subject: RE: Swimskins
Swim skins are only legal in USAT/WTC (US events) and ARE NOT ITU legal.
2013-03-24 5:02 PM
in reply to: #4672375

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Oklahoma
Subject: RE: Swimskins
davidm724 - 2013-03-24 3:12 PMSo, I am 6', and will be between 190 (I HOPE!) and 205 during the season.  I am a good swimmer, planning on finishing the 1/2 Ironman swim leg in 28-29 minutes.  Since the speedsuit doesn't really fit my purposes, I will be in the market for a wetsuit.  For a strong (but heavy) swimmer, what sort of wetsuit would you recommend?
I have an Xterra Vortex and I really like it. They are very reasonably priced. I'm also planning on doing Racine and I will definitely be wearing a wetsuit.

Edited by EKH 2013-03-24 5:05 PM
2013-03-24 8:35 PM
in reply to: #4672375

New user
5

San Diego
Subject: RE: Swimskins

David,

Check out our Vortex Fullsuit (http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/store/index.php/products/triathlon-wetsuits/vortex-fullsuit-wetsuit).  It's a great "entry-level" suit; however, it provides more flexibility and buoyancy than most other suits in the same category.  With the code VALUELIZ, it's $170!

 

Also, check out our suit comparison guide (http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/index.php/wetsuits-101/wetsuit-speedsuit-comparison/) for additional information about the differences between all of our suits!


Feel free to write me personally at [email protected] as well!

-Liz



2013-03-25 12:23 PM
in reply to: #4672275

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Subject: RE: Swimskins
Thanks everybody!  I'm considering sleeveless for mobility (I have pretty big arms) and so I can keep my watch on.  My watch always gets caught in my other wetsuit, so I have to take it on/off.  Any opinions on sleeveless suits?

Edited by davidm724 2013-03-25 12:31 PM
2013-03-25 2:00 PM
in reply to: #4673511


2

Subject: RE: Swimskins

davidm724 - 2013-03-25 10:23 AM Thanks everybody!  I'm considering sleeveless for mobility (I have pretty big arms) and so I can keep my watch on.  My watch always gets caught in my other wetsuit, so I have to take it on/off.  Any opinions on sleeveless suits?

Hey David!

My name is Austin, and I work at XTERRA Wetsuits.

Depending on your experience and what you plan to be doing in the future, I would take a look at two suits we offer here at XTERRA.

The first, being the Vortex, which is our most popular wetsuit, namely because of the incredible price point when using a discount code, and the great quality. (VALUEAUSTIN will give you a huge discount). You can check it out here:  http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/store/index.php/products/triathlon-wetsuits/vortex-sleeveless-wetsuit

Another great option is our brand new Vendetta Sleeveless which uses a higher quality Neoprene, and has x-air cell pockets all throughout the torso (looks similar to a golf ball).  This suit floats better, and moves the water much faster.  It's an incredibly fast suit.  Also, the sleeveless is on sale right now for $350! You can read more about it here: http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/store/index.php/products/triathlon-wetsuits/vendetta-sleeveless-wetsuit

You can also email me if you have any other questions at [email protected]

 

2013-03-25 3:53 PM
in reply to: #4672275

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Olathe, Kansas
Subject: RE: Swimskins
You do not need a skin. Save money, you will benefit from extra swim or two a week. For Racine you will likely need wetsuit due to water temp being on the colder side, not extreme but more comfy in a wetsuit and no overheating either.So train more and save money.
2017-02-02 1:41 AM
in reply to: xterraliz


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Subject: RE: Swimskins
Originally posted by xterraliz

Hey all,

 

Great question!  My name is Liz, and I work for XTERRA Wetsuits.

Swim skins/speedsuits are designed for races/swims that are not wetsuit legal (i.e. the water is too warm to warrant a wetsuit).  They're designed to provide you with better hydrodynamics than swimming in a swim suit or tri gear.  If you can wear a wetsuit, I'd recommend it; wetsuits provide you with more buoyancy and warmth, resulting in a faster swim.

If you need a speedsuit, consider XTERRA's Velocity M speedsuit (http://www.xterrawetsuits.com/store/index.php/products/triathlon-speedsuits/velocity-m-speedsuit).  Use the code VALUELIZ to purchase for $150.

Liz




Hi can I get a new code please??
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