Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?

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2009-04-22 5:17 PM

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Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
Hello all!

I'll be competing in my first tri on May 31st! It's a sprint and will officially signifying transition from being a couch potato to be...less...of a couch potato! lol

I plan on doing 4-6 tri's this first season. One olympic length...two sprints...maybe another sprint or two...and MAYBE a half IM (we'll see how my endurance improves).

Now...I'm getting a wetsuit for events that allow one. But I need a tri-suit. Which should I get? One issue is that I'll need a mens extra-small. I'm a scrawny guy...5'5, 125 lbs. I'm considering getting the Kiwami Amphibian...but it has no chamois...no pockets...and rear zip. Are those major issues? The other Kiwami suit I like is the Trinamik...again rear zip...no pockets...but it DOES have a small chamois. The Kaiman is their long distance tri suit...pockets galore...front zip...chamois.

Any advice?

Thanks!!!!!!

2009-04-22 5:24 PM
in reply to: #2103648

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?

I am partial to Jaggad stuff right now; great stuff.

You do not need a huge chamios and you do not need a lot of pockets either; 1 or two pockets for a gel or no pockets (carry gels in your hands).

Get the zipper in the front, if you do a oly or longer being able to zip it down some on super hot races is a god send.

2009-04-22 6:11 PM
in reply to: #2103648

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Regular
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Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
I'd say don't go with a full suit unless the race requires a top. Its much easier to keep your body cool on the run.

But I've only ever had Zoot so I cant give too much of a comparison but I like the stuff.
2009-04-22 6:15 PM
in reply to: #2103648

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Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
I personally LOVE the full suit vs the 2 piece. I have a 1 piece and two piece. Don't wear my 2 anymore. I have one pearl izumi. I have 2 Sugoi, Sugoi is SOOO worth the cash!
2009-04-22 7:51 PM
in reply to: #2103648

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Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
How about Orca suits? They have XS small suits that'll fit. Front zip...two pockets...not sure if they have chamois or not but it looks like they do.

I've heard so many good things about Kiwami...but the no front zip sorta stinks if it get really hot, right?
2009-04-23 12:24 AM
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Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
I like both but there are advantages to going with a 2-piece.  If nature calls, you will wish you had a 2-piece. 

2009-04-23 10:35 AM
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The Desert, California
Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?


One thing I have realized is that you don't need to buy this stuff.  You should have tri shorts, but then again you dont really need them.  Do your first tri and then gradually get better items... I did exactly what you are doing and learning as much as I could and reading tons of reviews and then my brother told me, "Don't be one of those guys that gets all the best stuff and sucks."

So I ordered clearance tri shorts and wore a work out shirt (not cotton).  I say save your money and put it towards something that will save you minutes and not seconds, like a new bike.


Sorry to be a reality check, but this sport can be out of control expensive.

I have done two sprints, so from one newb to a another worry more about your fitness. My last race I was passed on the bike by a 62 year old woman, then a 76 year old man and I'm 25.

2009-04-23 10:50 AM
in reply to: #2103748

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Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
bradword - 2009-04-22 6:15 PM I personally LOVE the full suit vs the 2 piece. I have a 1 piece and two piece. Don't wear my 2 anymore. I have one pearl izumi. I have 2 Sugoi, Sugoi is SOOO worth the cash!


I also love the Sugoi - especially the shorts.  Several types of shorts that I've tried before have been too tight on the thighs (the bottom band), not so with Sugoi.

As far as the 1 piece, I'm gonna wait till I get a little thinner before I make that transition.  Smile
2009-04-23 10:54 AM
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Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
Do you really want to look like a wet high school wrestler that badly? Get some trishorts then maybe next year if you actually like doing these things you can go full tri geek. Besides if you are dressed like a first timer people will try to help you or cut you a break. If you show up in a trisuit I will assume you know what is happening and any etiquitte faux paus will be loudly pointed out.  
2009-04-23 11:16 AM
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Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
Look into the Desoto Liftfoil.

It is a great 1-piece suit, very comfortable, sleek for non-wetsuit swims.

Desoto makes great stuff.
2009-04-23 5:22 PM
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Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?

I am a big fan of my Desoto Mantard. Zips in the front and lots of pockets. Then when I wear my compression socks with it, I am smokin hot! 



Edited by docshock1964 2009-04-23 5:24 PM

2009-04-23 6:47 PM
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Davenport, IA
Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?

I bought a kit of TYR tri-shorts and top.  It's served me well so far.  This season I picked up a 2pc Zoot, we'll see how that works, and then there's a good chance I'm joining a tri club that will also have a kit...no idea what theirs is.  I like the 2pc, but I'm also a really odd build (all legs, extra-short torso) so I don't know how well a onsie would look.  But get one with a chamois.

2009-04-23 6:56 PM
in reply to: #2103648

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Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
Anyone tried Orca? There's a one piece Orca I'm looking at...front zip...couple small pockets...and it's like $100 which seems pretty cheap in the world of triathlon!

Edited by slowpoke77 2009-04-23 6:57 PM
2009-04-24 9:06 AM
in reply to: #2103648

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Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
I have a Zoot 1pc that I'll use on occasion. Mostly will just use tri shorts, and vary the top depending on the expected race conditions. Some really good advice given on watching your first year expenses, not that I listened to any of it. Triathlon combines my four favorite sports: Swimming, Biking, Running, and Buying!

2009-04-24 10:30 AM
in reply to: #2106681

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Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
slowpoke77 - 2009-04-23 4:56 PM Anyone tried Orca? There's a one piece Orca I'm looking at...front zip...couple small pockets...and it's like $100 which seems pretty cheap in the world of triathlon!



I have some orca tri shorts that I hate, they look cool and that is the only reason I bought them... I only use them for swimming because the support for the bike sucks and the support on the run sucks too! My boys were taking a beating.

If you are going to buy one I'd say go Desoto, but I still say save your money or buy a trainer or something you can use more than just on race day.
2009-04-24 11:38 AM
in reply to: #2107841

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Ann Arbor, MI
Subject: RE: Newbie needs a tri suit! But which one?
kingape99 - 2009-04-24 11:30 AM
slowpoke77 - 2009-04-23 4:56 PM Anyone tried Orca? There's a one piece Orca I'm looking at...front zip...couple small pockets...and it's like $100 which seems pretty cheap in the world of triathlon!



I have some orca tri shorts that I hate, they look cool and that is the only reason I bought them... I only use them for swimming because the support for the bike sucks and the support on the run sucks too! My boys were taking a beating.

If you are going to buy one I'd say go Desoto, but I still say save your money or buy a trainer or something you can use more than just on race day.


De Soto too big...I'm a 5'5", 125 lbs male. De Soto has XS mens on their sizing chart, but when I tried to order, they told me they don't actually make XS mens gear...and they won't until they start getting some demand for it...

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