Triathlon is one of the most popular sports these days as people engage themselves in different workout activities. Most may still prefer the typical games, such as volleyball, basketball, or soccer. As for other people, they shift to triathlon because it’s more challenging yet more exciting.
There are numerous things you need to learn about triathlon. You have to be skillful in three activities, which are swimming, biking, and running. Aside from enhancing these skills, you also need to get the best gears to help you, especially triathlon wetsuits.
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Top 10 Best Triathlon Wetsuits in Review
Triathlon wetsuits have a more significant impact on the performance of the athlete. Every moment matters, which is why it’s crucial to move at optimum comfort. There are numerous brands in the market, yet it’s not easy to look for reliable ones. Here are some of the best triathlon wetsuits to consider:
- Endorphin Sleeveless Quick Triathlon Wetsuit by Synergy
- Vortex Triathlon Wetsuit by XTERRA
- Fusion Fullsleeve Wetsuit by Blueseventy
- Alpha Triathlon Wetsuit by ORCA
- Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit by Fit2Race
- P:2 Propel Wetsuit by 2XU
- Adrenaline Fullsleeve Smoothskin Triathlon Wetsuit by Synergy
- Wave 1 Full Sleeve Wetsuit by Zoot
- Thermal Reaction Triathlon Wetsuit by Blueseventy
- Hurricane Freak Nature Wetsuit by TYR
#1. Endorphin Sleeveless Quick Triathlon Wetsuit by Synergy – Best Overall Triathlon Wetsuit
Specifications
- Material: Silicone, and Hydrodynamic Neoprene
- Type: Sleeveless
- Thickness: 0.20 inches
- Available Color: Black
- Suitable for: Men
The Endorphin Sleeveless Quick Triathlon Wetsuit by Synergy is the best overall triathlon wetsuit because it’s ideal for all levels. It has USAT and Ironman approval because it’s available in different sizes. Furthermore, it features exceptional technology for optimum performance.
This wetsuit comes from a premium-quality of hydrodynamic Neoprene material with a silicone coating. It’s 0.20-inch thick on the core flexibility panel, and 0.12-inch thick on the back and legs. Hence, it provides excellent comfort despite any movement.
Customers love the Endorphin Sleeveless Quick Triathlon Wetsuit because of its flexibility in a full range of movement. It has a 680% flexibility rate. Also, it comes with an anti-corrode zipper inside, which decreases drag while moving over the water. Furthermore, the low neck-style has smooth skin on both sides. Users love it because they hardly feel it on their neck.
The inner lining of this wetsuit provides further comfort to the user. It features triple-stitched seams. Moreover, it comes with a bio align panel for support.
Pros
- Has heat taped joints
- Comes with SCS coating
Cons
- Only available in black color
- Too tight on some users
#2. Vortex Triathlon Wetsuit by XTERRA – Best Full Sleeve-Triathlon Wetsuit for Men
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene
- Type: Full Sleeves
- Thickness: 0.20 inches
- Available Color: Black with
- Suitable for: Men
The Vortex Triathlon Wetsuit by XTERRA is the best full sleeve-triathlon wetsuit because it features optimum buoyancy. It uses high-quality Neoprene material, which is 0.20 inches by thickness. The back-part is 0.12 inches thick, which promotes suppleness on every body movement. Furthermore, the sleeves are 0.6 inches by width, making it more hassle-free to swim.
This wetsuit gives exceptional comfort to users because it’s lightweight, providing further ease to athletes as they move from water to ground. You can assure its sturdiness because of its hydrodynamic. It makes it ideal for marathons and training since it’s multi-purpose.
What customers admire more about the Vortex Triathlon Wetsuit is that it’s USAT and Ironman-approved. It provides desirable warmth, thanks to its double-stitched and triple-glued liner. It uses the X-Flex liner 2.0, which is exceptional when it comes to delivering a smooth feeling.
Another edge of this full sleeve-wetsuit is that it can stretch enough, providing a comfy-fit. It also gives a rapid natural performance as you wear it.
Pros
- Uses the X-Flex liner 2.0
- Uses Limestone Neoprene material
Cons
- Not ideal on warm weather
- Unwanted folds and wrinkles due to excessive glue
#3. Fusion Fullsleeve Wetsuit by Blueseventy – Comfiest Full Sleeve-Triathlon Wetsuit
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene and Silicone
- Type: Full Sleeves
- Thickness: 0.20 inches and 0.8 inches
- Available Color: Black
- Suitable for: Men
The Fusion Fullsleeve Wetsuit by Blueseventy is the most recommendable wetsuit when it comes to comfort because of its overall structure. It comes from an excellent quality of Neoprene material, with SCS coating. It serves as a barrier over wetsuit strippers, and fingernails as you wear it. Moreover, it features a think neckline, which is 0.6 inches. It makes it more convenient for athletes to breathe.
The wetsuit features a lowered collar with a typical zipper. The curved closing flap decreases rear collar height, which reduces chafing. Also, the honeycomb forearm panels provide extra momentum. Furthermore, the lower part of the leg has a single seam, which promotes a quick-release.
The Fusion Fullsleeve Wetsuit is assured durable, thanks to its quality materials, from top to bottom. It has approvals from USAT, making it more competitive. Also, the coating makes it long-lasting, as it prevents it from damages.
This wetsuit is one of the best options for looking for a wetsuit that can provide maximum speed. Aside from satisfying buoyancy, it’s advisable for athletes because it’s very flexible. Moreover, the single seam feature offers a smooth transition.
Pros
- Thin Neckline
- Has a curved closing flap
Cons
- Uncomfortable zipper
- Too snug for some athletes
#4. Alpha Triathlon Wetsuit by ORCA – Best Full Sleeve-Triathlon Wetsuit for Women
Specifications
- Material: 40 Cell Neoprene and 39 Yamamoto Coating
- Type: Full Sleeves
- Thickness: 0.4 inches and 0.8 inches
- Available Color: Black with blue and pink highlights
- Suitable for: Women
The Alpha Triathlon Wetsuit by ORCA is the best full sleeve-wetsuit for women because of its natural water performance. It comes from a premium-quality of Neoprene material for the collar, which is 0.8 inches thick. Hence, this material with an SCS coating provides optimum coziness to women athletes, which has a positive impact on their performance.
You can guarantee the durability of this wetsuit, regardless of any movement. The Infinity Skin Lining provides supreme flexibility, which is very favorable for athletes. Also, the Yamamoto 39, along with the 40 Neoprene, has Nano Ice coating.
The Alpha Triathlon Wetsuit is a full sleeve-type. However, it doesn’t compromise the comfort you wear because the arm sleeves are 0.4-inch thin. It will let you move freely, especially in swimming. Furthermore, it provides balance to support the legs on every movement.
The wetsuit also provides thermal safety while athletes swim, thanks to its titanium coating. It’s the best fit for a woman’s body, which doesn’t compromise the performance during the competition or training.
Pros
- Lightweight arm sleeves
- Stylish design
Cons
- Doesn’t provide enough warmth
- Challenging to move
#5. Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit by Fit2Race – Most Versatile Triathlon Wetsuit
Specifications
- Material: Nylon and Polyester
- Type: Sleeveless
- Thickness: 0.12 inches and 0.20 inches
- Available Color: Black
- Suitable for: Men and Women
The Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit by Fit2Race is the most versatile because it’s suitable for both men and women. It comes with different sizes. Also, it’s USAT and Ironman-approved. Moreover, it’s sleeveless, which makes it very competitive against other brands.
This wetsuit comes from high-quality nylon and polyester materials, providing maximum comfort despite any weather condition. It features a rubber with 0.20 inches in the legs and front chest parts of the wetsuit, while the back shoulders’ material is 0.12-inch thick. Moreover, the leg panels provide outstanding functionality, which promotes faster transitions.
The Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit is very comfortable thanks to its glued seams and blind stitching. These seams reduce chafing. Also, the lamination process ties the rubber to the primary materials for a friction-free movement. You can expect full comfort as you wear it during training or competitions.
This wetsuit is also famous for its flexibility because of the 0.20-inch thick material on the shoulder-part. Aside from its comfy characteristics, it’s also one of the most affordable triathlon wetsuits that you should consider.
Pros
- Affordable
- Features blind stitching for exceptional warmth
Cons
- No other colors available
- Small sizing for others
#6. P:2 Propel Wetsuit by 2XU – Most Stylish Triathlon Wetsuit
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene, Silicone, Nylon, and Rubber
- Type: Full Sleeves
- Thickness: 0.20 inches
- Available Color: Black and Dresden Blue or Black and Silver
- Suitable for: Men
The P:2 Propel Wetsuit by 2XU is one of the famous triathlon wetsuits because of its overall style. A lot of customers admire this full sleeve-wetsuit because it gives them a superhero look instead of a meek triathlon athlete. Aside from its look, it’s also available in two designs, wherein you can choose between black and silver or black and Dresden blue.
This triathlon wetsuit comes from an excellent quality of Neoprene material, which assures its durability despite any movement. The whole wetsuit comes with hydrodynamic silicon and SCS coating. Furthermore, these coatings improve water resistance and core buoyancy. Moreover, these make it recommendable when it comes to speed.
Customers love the P:2 Propel Wetsuit because it features a Seam Overlap Technology. You’ll admire it more because it provides 520%-stretch lining. Any athlete will feel comfy on the underarm and shoulder parts with its exceptional flexibility. Moreover, it comes with a detached zip panel.
This wetsuit’s Neoprene material is 0.20 inches by thickness, yet it’s one of the comfiest, thanks to its Intermediate Zone Stretch or IZS panels. Furthermore, it’s easy to clean, which adds convenience to users.
Pros
- Easy to clean
- Very stretchable
Cons
- Beginners may experience slower transitions
- Slow arm mobility
#7. Adrenaline Fullsleeve Smoothskin Triathlon Wetsuit by Synergy – Best Wetsuit for Open Water
Specifications
- Material: Silicone and Hydrodynamic Neoprene
- Type: Full Sleeves
- Thickness: 0.20 inches
- Available Color: Black
- Suitable for: Women
The Adrenaline Fullsleeve Smoothskin Triathlon Wetsuit by Synergy is one of the recommended wetsuits for women because it fits well to most body-sizes. It doesn’t compromise comfort despite its versatility. Also, it’s apt for all levels of activities. Moreover, it has consents from USAT and Ironman.
This triathlon wetsuit features a technology that provides grander performance. It comes from an excellent Hydrodynamic Neoprene material, which has SCS silicone coating, promoting 680% of flexibility. The buoyancy panel measures 0.20 inches thick. The sleeves and shoulders have physical measures of 0.8 inches, while the back and lower leg-parts measure 0.12 inches. Furthermore, it comes with heat taped joints.
What you’ll love about the Adrenaline Fullsleeve Smoothskin Triathlon Wetsuit are its non-corrosive YKK zipper and an internal one. There’s an adjustable Velcro on its closure. Moreover, its Powermax panel provides optimum propulsion.
Customers admire this wetsuit because of its anti-chafing advantage, thanks to its dual smoothskin neck. Also, it has a heel speed-cut feature for a quicker transition. Regardless if you’re competing or doing your training, this wetsuit will undoubtedly satisfy you.
Pros
- 680% flexibility
- Provides exceptional warmth on the body
Cons
- Not ideal for cold water
- Not apt for humid climate
#8. Wave 1 Full Sleeve Wetsuit by Zoot – Best Triathlon Wetsuit in Consistency
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene and Silicone
- Type: Full Sleeves
- Thickness: 0.20 inches
- Available Color: Black or Black and White
- Suitable for: Men
The Wave 1 Full Sleeve Wetsuit by Zoot is one of the suggested wetsuits for triathlon athletes because of its optimum consistency. It’s more favorable in the legs because you’ll feel less exhaustion as you wear this wetsuit during training or competitions. Furthermore, it has approval from USAT.
This triathlon wetsuit comes from a premium-quality of Neoprene material, which assures durability and comfort as you wear it for long hours. It also comes with SCS hydrodynamic coating, which reduces the friction as you move.
The Wave 1 Full Sleeve Wetsuit has AQUAlift flotation panels, which provide effective performance during the swimming-part. The Glideflex style gives the optimum ability for stretching, which is an effect of the Neoprene material.
Customers find this wetsuit interesting because it features Optimal Kick Design, which adds velocity as you paddle. Wearing it will give you an edge as you get into the open water. Moreover, its pattern helps in reducing fatigue on the legs.
Pros
- Features AQUAlift Flotation panels
- Features OKD or Optimal Kick Design
Cons
- Too snug for other users
- Limited styles available
#9. Thermal Reaction Triathlon Wetsuit by Blueseventy – Best Triathlon Wetsuit for Cold Water
Specifications
- Material: Neoprene
- Type: Full Sleeves
- Thickness: 0.20 inches and 0.8 inches
- Available Color: Black
- Suitable for: Men
The Thermal Reaction Triathlon Wetsuit by Blueseventy is one of the best triathlon wetsuits that you can check out because it’s ideal for cold water. It can stand down to 9 degrees Celsius or 48 degrees Fahrenheit. It features a zirconium jersey liner, which provides a “wool-like” feeling for exceptional comfort. Furthermore, it also dries fast, which offers outstanding protection.
This triathlon wetsuit comes from an excellent quality of Neoprene material, assures comfort as you wear it on competitions or training. You can also ensure its durability since it’s USAT-approved. Also, it features S-flex to support you further.
The Thermal Reaction Triathlon Wetsuit is famous for its core buoyancy, thanks to its 4-5-4 panel structure. The VO2 chest panels make this wetsuit more flexible, which promotes easy-breathing. Furthermore, the 0.8-inch side panels provide further ease for users when it comes to body rotation.
Users love this wetsuit because it’s comfortable to wear and remove. The YKK zipper technology makes it more convenient to wear. Furthermore, the double-stitched seams provide warmth.
Pros
- Features VO2 chest panels for exceptional stretching
- Exceptional in cold water
Cons
- The zipper system may cause inconvenience sometimes
- No other styles available
#10. Hurricane Freak Nature Wetsuit by TYR – Recommended for Optimum Speed
Specifications
- Material: Yamamoto Neoprene and Silicone
- Type: Full Sleeves
- Thickness: 0.20 inches
- Available Color: Black or Gold and White
- Suitable for: Women
The Hurricane Freak Nature Wetsuit by TYR is accessible to triathlon athletes because it’s the most recommended wetsuits for maximum speed. It features a FON V-GCP forearm technology, which maximizes the power of arms on every stroke. Also, it provides an exceptional fit, enhancing your speed as you swim.
This wetsuit comes from high-quality Neoprene material, which provides exceptional ease to athletes while wearing these for long hours. The stretch-ability of this wetsuit will not disappoint you, thanks to its Hydrodynamic coating. Furthermore, it prevents drag, and it gives optimum buoyancy.
What’s unique about the Hurricane Freak Nature Wetsuit is that it has a speed wrap section on the abdomen, torso, or around the leg. It can provide you a boost as you paddle your way out of the open water. Moreover, you can guarantee its durability with its 0.20-inch thickness.
Pros
- Features a speed wrap panel
- Features FON V-GCP for optimum power
Cons
- Bulky feeling
- Not suitable for cold water-usage
Top Pick – Endorphin Sleeveless Quick Triathlon Wetsuit
The top pick for the best triathlon wetsuit is the Endorphin Sleeveless Quick Triathlon Wetsuit by Synergy. It provides the optimum comfort and sturdiness you need as you wear it during training and competitions. The quality Neoprene material, along with SCS coating, promotes further coziness and buoyancy despite any weather condition.
When it comes to body-warmth, this wetsuit will not disappoint you. It’s convenient to wear and remove with its non-pant leg-advantage. Also, it allows the arms to move without restrictions because of its sleeveless-style. Furthermore, you can count on this brand because it has approvals from Ironman and USAT.
Consider the Endorphin Sleeveless Quick Triathlon Wetsuit if you’re looking for the best triathlon wetsuit that can provide exceptional flexibility and optimum speed. It’s less expensive compared to other brands, yet it doesn’t have compromised quality.
Some Benefits of Wearing Wetsuits
When it comes to water activities, wetsuits will come in handy, especially if you’re competing in triathlons. If you’re wondering why you need to wear one, here are some of the advantages you need to consider:
Assures Safety
Regardless if you’re a newbie or a pro in triathlon, wetsuits will provide you safety, especially in swimming open water. It gives optimum buoyancy, which can help you float in the water.
Provides Warmth
Wetsuits might have 0.20-inch or 0.12-inch thickness, yet these can provide exceptional warmth to the body, especially if you’re swimming in cold water. Some triathlon competitions might let you experience cold open water, which is why you should pick a suitable wetsuit that can manage cold water.
Prevents the Drag
Most triathlon wetsuits use hydrodynamic materials, which makes these very durable. This advantage doesn’t provide warmth to the body. On the other hand, it prevents the drag as you swim in the open water.
Enhances the Speed
Aside from providing safety and warmth, triathlon wetsuits can enhance your speed. Some wetsuits have features that will give ease to the arms for faster-paddling.
Move Easily
With triathlon wetsuit, you can move with ease because the garment is very flexible. It’s one of the primary advantages of wearing wetsuits. You can move freely, knowing that this sport will require vast movements from swimming to running.
There are some of the good points in wearing a wetsuit, especially in triathlon. You need to invest money in finding the best triathlon wetsuit. Every movement is crucial in this sport, which is why wetsuits have a significant impact on an athlete’s performance.
Handy Tips in Maintaining Triathlon Wetsuits
Keeping a wetsuit clean is crucial because it can cause bacteria to build-up without following the proper procedures. You don’t just rinse and hang wetsuits when it comes to cleaning these. There are also other points to consider when it comes to taking care of these.
- Never leave your triathlon wetsuits inside your car’s trunk, especially when it’s outside and under the sun. Putting your wetsuit inside the vehicle is not a good practice because heat can compromise its material. Also, it’s prone to folds and wrinkles.
- Always use a hanger on your wetsuits as you store these inside your closet. Look for a full rack, so it doesn’t leave indents on the wetsuit’s shoulder. Also, make sure the drawer is not too small or short for the wetsuit.
- Never use hot water in cleaning wetsuits that use a Neoprene material. It can ruin its flexibility. Take your wetsuit off before enduring a warm bath to make sure you don’t ruin the content.
- Never use a washing machine to laundry wetsuits, especially in the dryer. Don’t leave it in the laundry basket. Clean it by yourself instead since it’s not too difficult to clean these.
- If you are to clean your wetsuit, make it quick. After cleaning, rinse it and dry it immediately as well. Freshwater will help you remove the dirt with ease. However, consider whether you need to use salt or not. It can compromise the quality of a Neoprene material.
- Never iron your wetsuits if you don’t want it to melt. It’s never safe to roll it. Hence, hanging it on tall closets will prevent folds and wrinkles.
- Never use bleach to clean the wetsuit or potent powders. If you want to use soap, there are mild ones that are suitable for triathlon wetsuits.
- In drying wetsuits, make sure to dry it inside out. If you don’t want a stinky wetsuit on your next game, you should let both sides dry.
Cleaning wetsuits is tedious, yet if you’re a triathlon athlete, you’ll frequently clean it. It’s not hassling to clean these. However, you’ll need to find suitable storage since you can’t fold these. Nonetheless, having a clean wetsuit will keep you away from bacteria and undesirable odors.
Getting the Best Triathlon Wetsuits – Buyers Guide
Since wetsuits are one of the most significant gears that every triathlon athlete should consider, you have to wear the comfiest wetsuit so you can perform well during competitions or training. If you want to get the best, suitable wetsuit, here’s a buyer’s guide to consider.
Wetsuit Material
The primary thing to consider before buying wetsuits is the used material. Comfort starts with fabric materials, and there are different types of wetsuits. These are Neoprene, Lycra, Polyester, and Nylon.
Neoprene
Most wetsuits use this material because of its performance. You’ll find three types of neoprene materials, such as the following:
- Laminated Neoprene – This type is the most affordable. It’s stretchy, yet it’s not too expansive, unlike insulated types. These come from a rubber material, which comes along with polyester or nylon. Furthermore, it’s mostly for durability than flexibility.
- Insulated Neoprene – This type has the highest demand in the market because it’s very flexible. It’s lightweight as well, which makes the material very comfortable. On the other hand, it’s costly than laminated ones.
- Skin Neoprene – This type doesn’t have the same characteristics of laminated and insulated ones. It focuses more on providing an exceptional swimming performance. Furthermore, this material is stretchier that laminated, yet it’s not close to the insulated one’s level.
Lycra
Lycra, along with spandex, is the most common wetsuit materials before the rise of Neoprene. It provides excellent stretch-ability, yet it’s not expensive. It gives a proper fitting to athletes, which is favorable as they swim. Some wetsuits use this material, even though Neoprene is becoming trendier.
Polyester
Polyester has minor differences against nylon, and it’s next to Neoprene’s demand-level. It utilizes laminated fabrics for sturdiness, as well as water resistance. Moreover, it functions as an insulator, which adds ease as athletes wear or remove it.
Nylon
Nylon typically comes with Spandex or Polyester. Some prefer this material because it’s more durable than polyester. However, it’s not ideal for water-level repellency. Hence, this material is typically the interior lining, instead of the exterior.
Zipper Panels
Zippers are also crucial when it comes to triathlon wetsuits. Sometimes, these can discomfort when bulky. On the other hand, it provides further ease to users as they remove or wear the wetsuit. There are also different types, such as breakaway, floating, or reverse zippers.
Wetsuit Types
Determining what the comfiest wetsuit type is for you is vital when it comes to triathlon. There are two types, such as the sleeveless and the full sleeve. Some athletes move freely with sleeveless wetsuits. Some want complete protection from the heat and water, so they choose full sleeves over sleeveless. The best type is subjective, which is why you should explore both to see which is comfier.
Thickness
The thickness of the wetsuit material is the primary concern of most athletes because it can enhance or affect comfort and performance as they wear it on competitions. There are various measures, such as 0.6 inches, 0.12 inches, 0.15 inches, or 0.20 inches for thickness. Thickness means having a better in buoyancy.
Paneling
Paneling has something to do with the wetsuit’s breathability. It can also provide an exceptional transition. Some of these panels are on the chest, shoulders, and thighs. As you look for wetsuits from various brands, check whether these have panel features.
Range of Motion
Considering the range of motion will support you in obtaining an excellent swimming position. Some wetsuit brands highlight their field of action for the shoulders and the hips.
Triathlon wetsuits may look meek, yet there are some necessary points you need to consider before buying blindly. It’s not always about the look. If you’re finding the suitable wetsuit for you, this buyer’s guide will help you in deciding which one to choose.
Conclusion
Triathlon athletes don’t focus on buying the most competitive bike. They focus more on looking for the comfiest wetsuit they can find for training and competition. There are numerous brands on the internet these days, which makes it more challenging to look for a trustworthy one. Check these reviews to know more about each brand’s edge if you’re struggling to find the best triathlon wetsuit. Moreover, the buyer’s guide will help you further.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How should I store my triathlon wetsuit?
A: Folding these should never be an option. You should hang these instead in your closet after you rinse it properly.
Q: Is it fine to wear wetsuits that have over 0.20-inch thickness?
A: The ideal thickness for triathlon wetsuits must not go beyond 0.20 inches, especially when it’s 21 degrees outside. You can choose from 0.6 inches, 0.8 inches, 0.16 inches, or 0.20 inches, but you should exceed the recommended thickness.
Q: How to preserve my triathlon wetsuit?
A: Lose the panels with zippers entirely. Then, dry it before hanging it in your closet. Remember not to fold it, or else, you’ll end up with unwanted folds.
Q: Can athletes wear undergarments inside the wetsuit?
A: For women, the sports bra is essential. On the other hand, it’s optional. As for men, there’s no need as well, yet they have the option to wear anything they want inside the wetsuit.
Luke Morris is an avid athlete and the driving force behind Surfhungry, a vibrant online platform dedicated to sharing the joy and passion of surfing and water sports with enthusiasts around the world. With a deep-rooted love for the ocean and a lifelong commitment to riding waves, Luke’s journey as a surfer has inspired him to create a community where like-minded individuals can come together to celebrate their shared passion.
