Do the new trisuts make you more buoyant?

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2008-08-25 6:22 PM

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Subject: Do the new trisuts make you more buoyant?

I am planning on entering a couple of non-wetsuit tris and was wondering if it was worth it to buy a new trisuit such as 2XU Elite Tri or the Luis Garneau Tiger Shark Suit. Currently I use two pieces suits (under the wetsuit). What do you think? Do the trisuits add buoyancy? What is the deal with them?

2008-08-25 6:30 PM
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Giver
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Subject: RE: Do the new trisuts make you more buoyant?
2008-08-25 6:37 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Do the new trisuts make you more buoyant?
If they did, they'd be illegal.
2008-08-25 6:51 PM
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2008-08-26 11:07 AM
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Subject: RE: Do the new trisuts make you more buoyant?

Thanks. Just wanted to confirm that they did not offer any "real" or "significant" advatages vs. swimming with a two piece.

2008-08-26 2:39 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Do the new trisuts make you more buoyant?
They do offer real and significant differences - as evidenced by world record swim times falling by several seconds immediately after they came out. But the difference has to do with hydrodynamics and not buoyancy.

2008-08-26 3:07 PM
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Coach
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Subject: RE: Do the new trisuts make you more buoyant?
leo23 - 2008-08-25 6:22 PM

I am planning on entering a couple of non-wetsuit tris and was wondering if it was worth it to buy a new trisuit such as 2XU Elite Tri or the Luis Garneau Tiger Shark Suit. Currently I use two pieces suits (under the wetsuit). What do you think? Do the trisuits add buoyancy? What is the deal with them?

I think what you are talking about aren't trisuits, but those known as 'swimskins' or 'speedsuits' such as the  BlueSeventy .03, LG TigerShark, Zoot Ultraspeed, Xterra Velocity etc. Those are suits designed to reduce drag and make you faster in the water for non-wetsuit swims. They don't offer any bouyancy. Most of these suits use neoprene coating hence they are only intended for swimming as using those as trisuits might be too hot/uncomfortable for an entire event and dont have any padding for the bike.  
2008-08-26 3:11 PM
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Cycling Guru
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Subject: RE: Do the new trisuts make you more buoyant?

As amiine says, it sounds like you are talking about "speedsuits" that either are in place of your tri suit or go over them during the swim portion.  They are legal in non-wetsuit legal swims because there is no buoyancy advantage.  The key as others have mentioned is that they are slightly more hydrodynamic than tri suits with pockets and such.

I have a Desoto Liftfoil that I've used in one tri.  I don't think it gave me any real advantage other than that I did not have to worry about my pockets on my tri suit becoming mini-parachutes.  As evidenced by my time in the water, it certainly didn't make me any faster!!

2008-08-26 11:27 PM
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Veteran
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Subject: RE: Do the new trisuts make you more buoyant?
If they make you more "slippery" you'll probably sink faster!!! LOL
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