wetsuit

The main benefit is it floats your legs so you are more horizontal in the water and closer to the surface,  which makes you more stream line.  You also don't need to kick as hard to stay horizontal.  If you are an experienced swimmer then it might not be as much of an advantage in a short race because it will add to your T1 time to take it off.

Quite simply it change my swim from a chore to a delight. I feel like a sea ottar out there in one. It does wonders for your confidence.

 I'd use one in 85 degree water of they'd let me.

X2   ..definitely swim in it before you race.   ..if you're thinking of buying one, make sure you try a few of them on (they all seem to fit differently).  The tight/breathing sensation does go away with time.  Make sure you get "body glide" (body/anti-chafing lube).  In the end, it really helps you float and swim. 

Check out this wetsuit review video from a first time wetsuit wearer: http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=1519  

Good video for general wetsuit info...

 Best of luck!  -mike

The fit of a surf suit can tire you becuase of tightness around the shoulders. Try it out, I've seen some people do just fine in one. Ditto on the extra water floating around inside.

I did a 2.8km swim in a 2mm Quicksilver summer suit (short arms and legs). Got through it fine (a bit tired maybe) so didn't think about it. Did a 1/2 IM with it - got me through fine.

BlueSeventy were having a clearance sale here in NZ so I went to try on an entry level suit and somehow got talked up to the top model. Luckily it was 50% off because OH MY GOD it felt so good. Tight yes but very streamlined. Raising my arms in the shop it felt like they were spring loaded. Can't wait to try it out in the water.

So yes, just about any old wetsuit will do, but I reckon one that's made for swimming will make the thing a whole lot more fun and a whole lot easier.

Gerrard 

See blondniks post a few up.  I have this same suit you are asking about and had the same exact experince with it as he did.  It was ok, but I was really tired in the shoulders and said this isnt supposed to be like this.  the water comming in the back felt like I was swimming w/ and anchor or parachute.  Short swims are ok, or paddling on a board, but no swim benefit other than my core was warm. 

So I'm renting a full suit to see the difference for  myself (probably from F2R, longer rental period and good reviews from fellow clydes).  I will still use the BG suit I have for when I body surf and wakeboard in the cold Atlantic and mountain waters of Cape Cod, NH and Maine, but not for a tri. 

If cost is not a factor, then look specifically at the tri-suites for the best buoyancy and swim factors:

- orca (expensive, but I hear these are awesome) - http://www.orca.com/
- pro-motion suit: http://www.wetsuit.com/web/men_sizing.cfm
- fit2race : http://www.f2r.com

..in most cases the size chart only goes up to 6'-6" ..but also, I believe the wet suit leg is supposed to come somewhere between your ankle and knee (mid-calf) - so you may have some flexibility in the height.. try to find something that will fit your chest size.

- best of luck, Mike

..PS - worst case, call the company and explain your measurements - they may have insight as to which suit would fit..  -cheers.