5430 wetsuit?

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2009-02-06 7:44 PM

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Firestone, CO
Subject: 5430 wetsuit?

Was looking into a wetsuit for the 5430 Long Course. Can anybody give me some advice as to the style I should get? Shorty/sleeveless/full length? I was looking thru past race pictures and found a mix of all types from no wetsuit to full sleeved. The water temp says it should be 70-73 typically that time of year. What did you use and what would you suggest? 

Thanks, Ace

 

 

2009-02-07 8:27 AM
in reply to: #1950083

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Elite
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Evergreen, CO
Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?

bump

I'm interested in responses to this too -- don't think I've raced in water that warm.  I'll be wearing my full wetsuit unless I can drop a size and have an excuse to get a new one.

2009-02-07 9:44 AM
in reply to: #1950083

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Master
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Highlands Ranch
Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
Thanks for posing this question...I'll be doing my first open water swim at the 5430 in July, and have this on my "need to know" list as well.  I expect there's a fair amount of 'it depends' perspective, but it would also be good to know if there's any physio background re: heat loss etc.
2009-02-07 10:22 AM
in reply to: #1950083

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Expert
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Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?

I volunteered the races last year, I remember everyone in wetsuits for all but the HIM, even then there were lots of shorties.  I personally think that anything below 79F is chilly, I am a wetsuit wearin' woman 'cause I get chilled very easily on land. 

Water sucks away body heat really quickly, I like to remain warm.



Edited by AdaBug 2009-02-07 10:24 AM
2009-02-07 12:20 PM
in reply to: #1950083

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Master
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Breckenridge, CO
Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
I'm very glad I bought the two-piece from De Soto because at the 5430 Long (and Longhorn 70.3) I did not wear the top so I still got flotation for my legs but my arms were free. And I was perfectly comfortable temperature-wise. De Soto has an easy fit guide and allows you to return it for another size if it doesn't fit correctly when you get it.

IMO, in water over 70 most people don't need a full wetsuit so you could just buy the bottoms and be fine. In water near the high temp limit, I'd prefer to wear no wetsuit but I'd be at a disadvantage so I'll always wear my bottoms if the race is wetsuit legal.

I wore only my bottoms at La Jolla Cove in 60 degree water in December and was a little chilly But unless the air temp was cold I'd still race w/only bottoms in 60 degree water in order to have free arms.

Edited by breckview 2009-02-07 12:31 PM
2009-02-07 12:42 PM
in reply to: #1950083

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Colorado Springs
Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
I raced it last year in a 2 piece DeSoto Speedtube and vest. It was honestly the perfect suit for the temp. I will caution that if you're are only going to own one wetsuit you should probably go with full sleeves. It's mostly personal tolerance, but my 2 piece I'd only wear above 65 degrees. Trust me I learned my lesson at IMAZ. I also have a full sleeve Zoot Zenith that I reserve for below those temps. The Zoot is also a faster suit. I wore both suits at the pool with a HR monitor and at the same effort, the Zoot was almost 20 seconds faster over 1000 meters.


2009-02-07 12:53 PM
in reply to: #1950523

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Colorado Springs
Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?

breckview - 2009-02-07 11:20 AM  IMO, in water over 70 most people don't need a full wetsuit so you could just buy the bottoms and be fine. In water near the high temp limit, I'd prefer to wear no wetsuit but I'd be at a disadvantage so I'll always wear my bottoms if the race is wetsuit legal.

Steve forgot to mention that he was born with webbed feet and hands, can swim a half iron  all fly, and once kicked Aquaman in the junk. But seriously the dude can swim!

2009-02-07 1:00 PM
in reply to: #1950083

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Colorado
Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
I also have a DeSoto two piece.  I wore only the bottoms for the Boulder Peak in July last year and that felt perfect (although I'd wear a tighter fitting tri suit with it next time for less drag up top!).  I think I'll do the same for the Long Course--or go with no wetsuit.  73/74 seems to be right where I'm most comfortable without a wetsuit.
2009-02-07 5:32 PM
in reply to: #1950555

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Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?

I think at that temperature, you could get away with either the sleeveless or a full.  What you wear likely depends on how comfortable you are in a full suit.  I know several people who cannot wear them and can't stand the restriction in the shoulders.  I, on the other hand, appreciate every effort of buoyancy I can get!   

 

2009-02-07 9:55 PM
in reply to: #1950083

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Master
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Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
I only have a full so that's what I used.  I hate, hate, hate cold water but even I found the full to be a bit warm - if you have a choice I would go with a sleeveless for this race.
2009-02-08 5:35 AM
in reply to: #1950083

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Extreme Veteran
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Firestone, CO
Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
Never thought about just pants. That option sounds good or I may go with the sleeveless if I can find a good deal on one. I like it a bit cooler and the less restriction on my arms the better.


2009-02-08 12:40 PM
in reply to: #1951068

Regular
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Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
I wore a full suit last year, and was fine. I had also just moved from Texas, so all of the water up here felt COLD.
2009-02-08 7:10 PM
in reply to: #1950083

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Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
I'm also interested if anyone's seen any data on this.  I thought I'd seen reports concluding that the buoyancy benefit of the suit outweighs the negatives, implying that even if you have the option of wearing just bottoms, it's best to take the top as well.  But I can't cite the study...
2009-02-10 10:42 PM
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Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
I used a full sleeve wetsuit last year in the 5430 LC. I only have one wetsuit. Now that I think about it, I think I got a bit warm out there towards the end of the swim. I think I might try a sleeveless this year. If you are comfy in a full suit, it won't be a problem.
2009-02-13 4:42 PM
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Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?

Hey Ace,

Speaking from a real beginners standpoint- it really depends on what triathlons you plan on doing in the future besides. You really want to get the biggest bang for your buck and like KiloDave said- A full wetsuite with long sleeves is the fastest. Hell a full wetsuite pratically swims for you!

 There are also speed suites that are great for warm temp swimming that are good as well. But as a new purchase and something you'll get a lot of use of for years to come a full suite is the way to go! It's a big purchase that isn't cheap, but you'll be thankfull for it for many seasons to come!

2009-02-14 2:15 PM
in reply to: #1950083

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Expert
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Denver
Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
If you're new to the sport, get a full sleeve suit and be done with it. If you end up loving the sport and feel the need to buy a sleeveless at a later time, then do just that. I have a full sleeve and a sleeveless and I'll tell you that I've raced in water that was on the too cold side considerably more than I've swum in water that's on the too warm side. Every now and then I'll do training swims in the sleeveless, but if the water temp at the race allows wetsuits, I always wear full sleeves. I could be wrong on this, but I'd suspect that you'd rarely see a pro in a sleeveless wetsuit if they're allowed the option of wearing a wetsuit. Either way, good luck with your races!

2009-02-14 9:51 PM
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Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
I did the long course last year (my first season) with a full suit (I raced all season in a full suit in boulder area races).  After much consideration, I decided that the literature around the benefits of buoyance and reduced resistance far outweighed the temp concerns.  Honestly if temp is really and issue...reach up and tug on the neck and plenty of cooling water will rush into your suit and cool you just fine.  Another consideration is that I only wanted to purchase one suit...so a full suit worked for me.
2009-02-17 1:17 PM
in reply to: #1950083

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Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?
I have never tried a sleevless but I strongly dislike the arm restriction that a full comes with. This year I am trying a sleeveless if I can get my hands on one to borrow before I buy.
2009-02-17 2:26 PM
in reply to: #1966569

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Westminster, CO
Subject: RE: 5430 wetsuit?

cayrip - 2009-02-17 12:17 PM I have never tried a sleevless but I strongly dislike the arm restriction that a full comes with. This year I am trying a sleeveless if I can get my hands on one to borrow before I buy.

you shouldn't be that uncomfortable in a full suit.  Perhaps its a poor fit or try spending a bit more time hiking the suit up (careful of the crotch area) and pull the sleeves up a bit....

however, I did rent a sleveless from Fleet Feett for my first HIM.  ...something to consider

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