Sleeveless or full wetsuit?

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2009-07-30 8:09 AM

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Subject: Sleeveless or full wetsuit?
I'm planning on buying my first wetsuit to use in the Redman Full Distance (my first Iron distance) in Oklahoma City in September.  Water temperature is historically close to the cutoff temperature, so warmth is probably not a factor.  The swim is my weak leg, so my question is how much extra help will a full sleeve wetsuit give me and do you think it is worth the trade off in body temperature in this warmer water?

2009-07-30 10:46 AM
in reply to: #2316781

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Master
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Falls Church, VA
Subject: RE: Sleeveless or full wetsuit?

my personal feeling is, if you are going to get a wetsuit, get full and get the most out of it.

2009-07-30 3:32 PM
in reply to: #2316781

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Regular
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or full wetsuit?
What about checking your local stores for a rental. Good chance to 'try before you buy'.
I wore a sleeveless 'farmer john' style for the first time in Lawrence KS, where the water was slighty cooler. It worked well but i rented it for 50$ for the month. Used it a few times. Also they deduct the 50 from the cost of a new one should I choose to buy a one.
2009-07-30 3:50 PM
in reply to: #2316781

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Master
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or full wetsuit?

Everyone on BT seems to recommend sleeves, but I'd recommend sleeveless for Redman.  I did a HIM in Lubbock in water that was near the temp cutoff in my sleeveless and I'm very glad I didn't have sleeves.  In fact, I thought it was too hot for a sleeveless....  If you're near 78 degrees for an hour+ of swimming, I'd go sleeveless or no wetsuit at all.

Brian

 

 

2009-07-30 5:15 PM
in reply to: #2316781

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Portland, OR
Subject: RE: Sleeveless or full wetsuit?

Just for reference, I tested a full suit today at lunch and the temp was getting close to my limit.  The water was around 75 degrees with the air temp 85-90 degrees.  It didn't feel too bad when I was swimming but the minute I stopped I could feel the sweat start pouring.  I could have done it but don't think it would have been real comfortable over that distance.  A sleeveless would have been great for today but most of the year the water temps here are closer to 60-65 degrees.

  Also, if you're on the fence, you might want to check out a Desoto 2 piece.  I couldn't get it to fit me but I really like the idea.  You could get a sleeveless top for your race and a full top for other races if you wanted.  Just a thought.

2009-07-30 6:01 PM
in reply to: #2316781

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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or full wetsuit?
I am a strong swimmer, I only tried one full sleeve wetsuit and i hated it.  Immediately returned it for a sleeveless and i am far happier.  Still not crazy about swimming in a wetsuit in general but my shoulders are far happier in the sleeveless.  

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