Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???

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2010-04-29 10:29 AM

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Subject: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
I am looking to compete in my first half ironman this summer, i need to get a wetsuit for it. I have been reading alot about sleeveless and long sleeved wetsuits, can someone give me some experienced advice on this? I don't know which one to get. Also, if someone has a wetsuit that they are trying to get rid of, let me know that too. I am 6' 1.5" and weigh 173 lbs. Thanks!!

2010-04-29 10:38 AM
in reply to: #2825414

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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
If you're going to wear a wetsuit wear a full sleeved one.

There are plenty of opinions, that's one I agree with.

If it fits right, you won't realize you're wearing it.
2010-04-29 10:47 AM
in reply to: #2825456

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Master
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
You will read a lot of things. 

Generally accepted consensus is that a full sleeve is faster, as long as it fits properly of course.

I've gone through a couple of full sleeve suits but couldn't get it to fit right and my shoulders paid the price so switched.
I'm going to try again to see if I can get a good fit this year.

Also, some people just like the feel of having free arms enough to sacrifice the time gained on performance of full sleeves....similar to bike position...at a certain point comfort outweighs performance.

Basically, try a bunch on if you can.  Otherwise you are rolling the dice....
my 2 cents


Edited by acumenjay 2010-04-29 10:47 AM
2010-04-29 11:15 AM
in reply to: #2825414

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
My $.02..

I went with the full sleeve at first. As a former HS swimmer, I actually didn't like how heavy my arms felt and how restricted my movements felt (the key there is how I felt - - many do not share this opinion).

Last year, I got a sleeveless and loved how it felt.

Now I have 2 tri wetsuits. I'll wear the sleeveless most of the time and the full sleeve if the water is colder. (I wore the full with no issues at IMAZ last year).



My recommendation - - try renting/borrowing both first and see which one feels right to you.
2010-04-29 11:19 AM
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
Full sleeve.

Do a search on this site, and you will see many threads about this topic that include the various reasons that most of us prefer full sleeve.
2010-04-29 6:36 PM
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
x2 on Fitzy comments. As an ex-swimmer I also didn't like the weight of the sleeves on a full suit and I also found that if the water temp was over about 65 I got really hot.   I have used my sleeveless down to 56 and have not had an issue. However I am a pretty good swimmer and, as such,  am not usually out there that long..If you are not a "big" swimmer I would recommend going with a tri specific full sleeve suit.


2010-04-29 7:12 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
If I could only have one, it would be a full sleeve.

What's the general water temps you'll be swimming in?
2010-04-29 9:49 PM
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
Find a full sleeve that fits properly and you'll be happy.  Sleeveless has a higher chance of getting water down the sides and into the suit but if you have a full sleeve that fits right you won't even notice a thing.
2010-04-29 10:13 PM
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
rbuike - 2010-04-29 9:49 PM

Find a full sleeve that fits properly and you'll be happy.  Sleeveless has a higher chance of getting water down the sides and into the suit but if you have a full sleeve that fits right you won't even notice a thing.


But, isn't the whole concept to let a little water get into the suit? Hence, the name "wetsuit"...we don't swim in triathlons in drysuits...

2010-04-30 5:03 AM
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
Kevin_MS - 2010-04-29 11:13 PM
rbuike - 2010-04-29 9:49 PM Find a full sleeve that fits properly and you'll be happy.  Sleeveless has a higher chance of getting water down the sides and into the suit but if you have a full sleeve that fits right you won't even notice a thing.
But, isn't the whole concept to let a little water get into the suit? Hence, the name "wetsuit"...we don't swim in triathlons in drysuits...


No.  Water is going to get through it regardless, because they are more like a sponge than a plastic bag.  That's why it's a wet suit.  It should fit snug enough that it doesn't balloon out causing drag.
2010-04-30 6:20 AM
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
I'm  a pretty good swimmer - and I love my sleeveless wetsuit.  I like feeling the water on my arms and being less restricted in my movements.  I live in Massachusetts and swim in the ocean and it can get chilly, but once I start swimming I'm always fine.

The one exception - if there are a lot of stinging jellyfish -eeeew!

2010-04-30 9:13 AM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
If you live in the Southern US I'd go sleeveless.  Most of the time the water is relatively warm and you'll have a number of races where you can't use one at all.

Otherwise, most people recommend sleeves.  I, on the other hand, like having no restricion on my shoulders and go sleeveless.  I seldom swim in water below 60ºF, though.

Brian 

2010-05-01 7:49 AM
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Regular
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
I started off using a full sleeve many years ago and didn't like very much since it felt too restrictive and have used a sleeveless ever since. Since then I realized that I was using the wrong size and type of full sleeve suit that works for me. I have since bought a De Soto 2 piece and love it. You can buy different size tops and bottoms to fit your body type. Good luck on your 1/2 IM.
2010-05-01 7:56 AM
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Expert
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
I have both. I only wear my full sleeved. Water temps up here in the midwest tend to be cold.
2010-05-01 7:57 AM
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2010-05-01 7:18 PM
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
Well, I just used my sleeveless wetsuit for the first time (first time for any wetsuit at that) and I love it!  BUT, I do agree that it tends to let extra water in around the arms and it slowed me down a bit.  BUT again, I was in a pool and I only got the extra water when I did flip turns and kicked off the wall, there was no problem while I was just cruising.  So, I don't think it should be a problem in an OWS except for maybe when you first jump in...not sure though, haven't tried yet.

2010-05-01 7:29 PM
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???

As long as your full sleeved wetsuit fits, it will be faster than a sleeveless.  The trick is getting the right wetsuit (you'll need to try them on and if you can find a place that will let you swim in it even better) and then taking the time to put it on properly.  Most people that complain about a full sleeved wetsuit are either wearing it incorrectly or have an ill fitting suit.

I'm a decent swimmer (low 23 in OW for 1500m/22:30ish in a pool) and have no problem transitioning to a wetsuit.  I would recommend spending some time swimming with it prior to your race (preferably in open water) at race efforts so you get used to swimming in the wetsuit as well as putting it on and taking it off.

Shane

2010-05-01 8:24 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
Hello

I live in SC and will only race down in the southeast.



Picture from todays race.  TryCharleston Sprint

Kevin

Edited by b2673ad 2010-05-01 8:26 PM
2010-05-01 9:16 PM
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Subject: RE: Sleeveless or sleeved wetsuit???
DanielG - 2010-04-29 11:38 AM If you're going to wear a wetsuit wear a full sleeved one. There are plenty of opinions, that's one I agree with. If it fits right, you won't realize you're wearing it.


My thoughts were that my arms never get cold so go with the sleeveless.  In hindsight, I wish I would have purchased a full because I take it water under the armpits and woooo.. that area is sensitive to the cold.  Laughing
2010-05-02 4:19 PM
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