wetsuit - long sleeve vs short

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2007-06-11 2:55 PM

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Subject: wetsuit - long sleeve vs short
i finally have the money to buy my wetsuit this weekend but cant decide long sleeve or sleeveless. Beside the obvious, water temp. what are some pros and cons? i am a novice swimmer so i hear the long sleeve would be to my advantage but is it much different than a sleeveless when it comes to buoyancy?


2007-06-11 3:04 PM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit - long sleeve vs short
I am also a novice swimmer but bought a full wetsuit mainly because the cost was not much more than a sleeveless and I heard they are faster.  I don't think they help much with bouyancy though since your arms don't really help you float.  Water temp is definately an issue when deciding.  With my full suit I have only used it a few times and definately get fatiqued in the shoulders quicker but I am much faster so it evens out.
2007-06-11 3:25 PM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit - long sleeve vs short
I have one of each (sleeveless and sleeved) and like the sleeveless better because it's more comfy, though I think I'm faster in the sleeved one for whatever reason.
2007-06-11 3:43 PM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit - long sleeve vs short
Well a rep from QR said this that is there is a reason pros always wear with full sleaved wetsuits.

I was going to go sleaveless but it really is faster and causes you to have a lower rate than without sleaves and that is the main issue. not sure how full sleaves handles in warmer water since I justs got mine but it should be interesting to see.

2007-06-11 4:01 PM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit - long sleeve vs short
I have a Promotion full sleeved suit and I really like it. I chose the full because:

1) I really hate being cold and cold water is something we have a lot of in Wisconsin.
2) Full suits are faster. From what I understand, it's not because they provide extra buoyancy but because the sleeve increases the diameter of your forearm, allowing you to pull through more water on each stroke. This is the same reason you try to keep your elbow high in your stroke-- to maximize your "paddle".
3) It wasn't much more expensive.

Also, I've noticed that after swimming in it a few times, shoulder fatigue really hasn't been an issue for me.
2007-06-11 4:15 PM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit - long sleeve vs short

I ended up with a sleeveless.  The person at the store suggested that the more inexpensive full-sleeved suits weren't built as well in the arm areas as the  fancy ones.  So, since I was looking for a budget friendly suit, I decided not to get sleeves.  But, if you can afford a nicer suit then go for the sleeves.

2007-06-11 4:48 PM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit - long sleeve vs short

From another perspective the sleeveless is alot easier to get in and out of = faster transition maybe save the time you would have gained in the swim.either way it makes the swim easier so unless the 30 seconds to min on a sprint =/- is going to make the difference go with either one. IMHO 

2007-06-12 9:24 PM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit - long sleeve vs short
mr2tony - 2007-06-11 3:25 PM

I have one of each (sleeveless and sleeved) and like the sleeveless better because it's more comfy, though I think I'm faster in the sleeved one for whatever reason.



X2. Go sleeveless
2007-06-12 9:45 PM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit - long sleeve vs short
I have both and would agree with the shoulder fatigue comes quicker in the full but I do find I am faster in the full though also. As far as taking longer to get out of I don't think that at all. If you are running to transistion I feel I can get out of either just as fast.
2007-06-13 7:03 AM
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Subject: RE: wetsuit - long sleeve vs short

I don't have a wetsuit, but have been doing a little research trying to decide if I want one or not.  I came across a little video clip at www.wetsuitrental.com that talks about sleeveless vs full.  FWIW.

http://www.wetsuitrental.com/cms/index.php?page=videos

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