speedsuits

I have been using a ZOOT speedsuit for 2 seasons now. At the least, it likely has better hydrodynamics than a normal tri suit. However, it also has to be removed, so I suppose the longer the swim, the greater the potential benefit. I do think they add just a smidge of bouyancy.

I tried on a 2xu one piece tri suit that was supposed to be geared toward the swim. I went with a different kind though. Now that I have done a couple tris, I am thinking the 2xu one would have made me overheat on the run. I don't see how your sweat could evaporate under the rubbery parts of the suit. Anyone have one of these?

you could get the DeSoto Liftfoil Speedsuit, that doubles as a tri suit. i've used it for two triathlons this year and like it alot. you don't have to take it off after the swim and it dries very quickly.

i can't really tell if it makes me faster, since i'm a slow swimmer.

Edited by tri_d00d 2009-06-11 8:38 AM

The gains from speedsuits are so small they really only outweigh the additional transition time in longer events like a full or half IM. You'll loose time in a sprint and you would be lucky to break even on an oly.

Personally, I think swim lessons are more effective but just don't have the cool factor.

why do you hate speedsuits...and America?

While I appreciate the viewpoint, you do not quantity anything.  for some, saving 30 seconds for the cost of $200 speedsuit is not wrth it.  for others, they'd spend $400 to save that.

are you assuming it takes 30 seconds to get out of the speedsuit?

to me, anything over 10 seconds saved in an olympic even is worth it.  i've seen people miss the podium for less.

now, if is 100% cool factor, and I am negative time, I'm with ya!

Wetsuits save most people 10 to 12 seconds per hundred meters, speed suits save one to two seconds per hundred. In a sprint they are a net loss due to transition, an oly it may help or it may not depending on how fast you can transition, even then, you are probably looking at a single digit gain. The math only becomes significantly favorable for longer distances.

I wear mine any time I can't wear my wetsuit.  I feel it gives me a faster swim split and I have had my best swims when I wear it.

If it takes you longer than literally 5 seconds to take off your speed suit or 20 seconds for your wetsuit, you're doing it wrong.  Plain and simple.  When I get to my bike the skin suit practically falls off because I have been taking it off as I run there. 

So yes, it's an advantage.  Wether it's worth the cash is up to you.

Well, that's because you are so damn skinny!

Edited by bryancd 2009-06-11 9:39 AM

I have a 2XU Elite Trisuit like this.

http://www.all3sports.com/product_info.php?pName=2xu-mens-elite-tri...

Since all but one of my past 7 TRIs have not been wesuit legal, I got one and have used it for all of my triathlons and most of my OWS training as well. I also used it for some bike and runs in training to check it out before I raced wearing iit. It works great just as described in the add. No issues with sweat evaporation since it is a silcone impregnated fiber not rubber coated. No overheating issues.

I feel slightly faster in the water with it but have not done any actual timing. It is not as good as a wetsuit, but I feel it helps. It is comfortable to wear for both the bike and run so I use it for all my Tris and is my only Trisuit I own.

I'm working on that by celebrating National Donut Month every day.