Hey all,
I plan on the Rattlesnake this year and maybe another lake swim somewhere ( CO spgs, Windsor ) - do you guys recommend a sleeveless or a full wetsuit?
I couldn't feel myself moving when wearing sleeves (weirdness) and feel much better in the sleeveless affair. The buoyancy for your legs is still there and I don't swim in ice water so I think the suit I have is great. Btw, I got it on clearance at Bicycle Village. Parker Tri Club members also get 20% off everything there.
It probably comes down to personal preference. If you get cold easily it may be worth going with a full sleeve. Aurora Res (where the Rattlsnake is held) tends to be pretty cold although by the end of August it was bearable last year. I have a full and have not yet wished I had a sleeveless, but then again I'm a bit of a wuss when it comes to cold water.
I say go with the full. Last year, it was raining and so cold that it was warmer standing in the water than on the shore. That being said there were times last year when I wanted a sleeveless. I don't think it was ever so warm that the full was uncomfortable though.