What's special about Triathlon Wetsuits?

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2009-05-14 6:56 PM

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Subject: What's special about Triathlon Wetsuits?
I am new to triathlons. Just now training to do my first in Aug. It's a sprint that includes an open water swim. My question is about wetsuits. I am a former scuba diver. I have a full wetsuit that I used to dive in warm water. It is a 3mm/2mm suit (3mm torso/2mm arms/legs).

I have heard people say that you don't want to use "SCUBA" suits for a triathlon. I would agree to that if it was a thick 7mm cold water suit. However, most of the triathlon suits I have seen are 4mm/3mm or 3mm/2mm.

Any reason I shouldn't use this wetsuit I already have to train and race?

Thanks!

2009-05-14 7:04 PM
in reply to: #2151871

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Subject: RE: What's special about Triathlon Wetsuits?
There is usually less padding (or no padding) in the shoulders so that your arms have a larger range of motion.
2009-05-14 7:05 PM
in reply to: #2151871

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Subject: RE: What's special about Triathlon Wetsuits?
Fellow diver here.

The material is different.  Take a look at tri wetsuits, they are shiny on the outside, for hydrodynamics. 

The fit is different.  Tri wetsuit fits much MUCH tighter than a scuba/surf suit, and has a little more flexibility in the shoulders.  Also, you don't want any material bunched up under your arms/between your legs.

Can you use it in a pinch?  yes.  Is it ideal?  no.
2009-05-14 9:39 PM
in reply to: #2151871

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Subject: RE: What's special about Triathlon Wetsuits?
Thanks for the replies guys. I may end up using it for my first one until I can get an actual triathlon suit. However, it is good to know the difference.

2009-05-14 11:01 PM
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Subject: RE: What's special about Triathlon Wetsuits?
Also a tri wetsuit has a lot more buoyancy.
2009-05-15 12:31 AM
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Subject: RE: What's special about Triathlon Wetsuits?
vrocco - 2009-05-14 7:39 PM Thanks for the replies guys. I may end up using it for my first one until I can get an actual triathlon suit. However, it is good to know the difference.


You'll be fine using it.  DOn't sweat it 

More buoyant?  I don't notice that, but perhaps 

2009-05-15 2:45 AM
in reply to: #2152076

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Subject: RE: What's special about Triathlon Wetsuits?
vrocco - 2009-05-14 10:39 PM

Thanks for the replies guys. I may end up using it for my first one until I can get an actual triathlon suit. However, it is good to know the difference.



Do a practice swim in your diving wetsuit and then rent a tri wetsuit for the race. You'll see/feel the difference. It's in the ability to move.
I've got a couple diving wetsuits in the closet and a swimming wetsuit for tris. They're not even in the same league.
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