10 best triathlon wetsuits

Triathlon wetsuits are specialized wetsuits designed for athletes participating in triathlons and open water swimming events. These wetsuits offer specific features to enhance buoyancy, flexibility, and overall performance in the water. Here's what you need to know about triathlon wetsuits:

  1. Material: Triathlon wetsuits are typically made from high-quality neoprene, a synthetic rubber material. The thickness and composition of the neoprene can vary, but it is chosen for its excellent insulation properties, buoyancy, and flexibility.

  2. Buoyancy Panels: Triathlon wetsuits often have strategically placed buoyancy panels, typically in the chest and leg areas. These panels help the athlete stay afloat, reducing the effort required to maintain proper body position in the water.

  3. Thickness: Triathlon wetsuits come in different thicknesses, usually ranging from 2mm to 5mm. The thickness determines the level of insulation and buoyancy the wetsuit provides. Thicker wetsuits offer more warmth but may reduce flexibility.

  4. Flexibility: Triathletes need a high degree of flexibility in the shoulders and arms to facilitate a full range of motion during the swim portion of the race. Many triathlon wetsuits feature thinner neoprene in these areas for improved flexibility.

  5. Seams: The seams of triathlon wetsuits are typically glued and blind-stitched to prevent water from seeping in. This construction method provides a good balance between flexibility and water resistance.

  6. Zipper Placement: Triathlon wetsuits often have a rear zipper that extends down the back to allow for quick and easy entry and exit during transitions. Some wetsuits have a front zipper for added convenience.

  7. Neck Seal: The neck of a triathlon wetsuit typically features a low-profile, comfortable neck seal to reduce chafing and discomfort during extended swims.

  8. Fit: Achieving a proper fit is crucial for a triathlon wetsuit. It should be snug but not overly tight to allow for freedom of movement. Many wetsuit manufacturers offer sizing charts to help athletes find the right fit.

  9. Legal Requirements: It's important to note that some triathlon events have specific rules regarding wetsuit usage based on water temperature. In colder conditions, wetsuits are generally allowed, while in warmer water, they may be restricted.

  10. Brand Variety: Various brands specialize in triathlon wetsuits, each offering different models with unique features. Athletes often choose a wetsuit based on their specific needs and budget.

Triathlon wetsuits are a crucial piece of equipment for triathletes, especially in races where open water swimming is involved.They provide insulation, buoyancy, and improved hydrodynamics, helping athletes conserve energy and swim more efficiently. Proper care and maintenance of a triathlon wetsuit are essential to ensure it performs optimally over time.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best triathlon wetsuits on the market
  

arena Men’s SAMS Triathlon Wetsuit Full Sleeve Shark Deterrent Neoprene for Open Water Swimming, Ironman and USAT Approved

Arena North America

Based on 5 reviews Check latest price

Product description

SAMS stands for Shark Attack Mitigation System, which was developed in partnership with a team of respected shark researchers, with the aim of reducing the risk of shark attacks. It's based on in-depth research into shark vision, neurology and behavior, which amongst other things analyzes what they can see at certain depths and distances under different light and water conditions. By playing with the colour/contrast and size/shape of the suit's design, the aim is to put off the shark by making the swimmer appear less desirable (or even dangerous) to attack as possible food. The wetsuit also uses carbon technology with all the benefits of the carbon cage, including greater core stability and crucial support when and where it's needed at specific points on the body. Core stability is also taken a step further with the help of the suit's buoyancy, which is evenly-distributed across key areas of the suit - it helps keep the swimmer's body position level in the water.

  • Imported
  • Zipper closure
  • wetsuit also uses carbon technology with all the benefits of the carbon cage
  • including greater core stability and crucial support

User questions & answers

Question: Why does the zipper come upside down? This means you always need someone to help you close it
Answer: Yep. I have it and it works fine
Question: How thick is this suit
Answer: Hello there, Thank your for your letter, This waist belt is made in China and delivered by Amazon. We strictly control the quality, please rest assured to buy. Best regards, Uniquebella
Question: Where is size chart
Answer: Hello there, Thank you for your letter, The length of the belt is adjustable, you can adjust it to fit your length. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Best regards, Uniquebella

Product features

SAMS Technology

SAMS stands for Shark Attack Mitigation System, which was developed in partnership with the University of Western Australia’s Oceans Institute and School of Animal Biology, with the aim of reducing the risk of shark attacks. It’s based on in-depth research into shark vision, neurology and behavior, which amongst other things analyzes what they can see at certain depths and distances under different light and water conditions. By playing with the color/contrast and size/shape of the suit’s design, the aim is to deter the shark by making the swimmer appear less desirable (or even dangerous) to attack as possible food.

Carbon Core Stability

The SAMS wetsuit pairs shark deterrent technology with unique carbon technology for unparalleled core stability. The carbon cage provides crucial support when and where it’s needed at specific points on the body. Core stability is also taken a step further with the help of advanced neoprene and Yamamoto Aerodome fabric for maximum buoyancy. The suit’s buoyancy is evenly-distributed across key areas of the suit, helping keep the swimmer’s body position level in the water.

Regulates Temperature

Long sleeve wetsuits are more buoyant and offer more coverage for maximum temperature regulation while swimming in open water. However, due to additional material and corresponding buoyancy in the arms, this can alter a competitive swimmer's stroke slightly. We recommend practicing to get used to how the long sleeves may alter your stroke before racing in a full sleeve wetsuit.

Multi-Thickness for Perfect Buoyancy and Warmth

All of our wetsuits use a Nylon bonded to Neoprene construction for durability and warmth. The material varies in thickness across different parts of the suit for optimal buoyancy, freedom of movement, and warmth. It is thickest across the torso, hips, and legs to keep your body insulated and buoyant, and thinner through the arms and armpits for maximum freedom of movement.

Thickness:

  • A=3mm
  • B=1.5mm
  • C=Arena Aerodome 4.5mm
  • D=2mm
  • B1=Yamamoto Rubber 1.5mm

blueseventy 2021 Men's Reaction Triathlon Wetsuit - for Open Water Swimming - Ironman & USAT Approved

blueseventy

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • 4-5-4 DESIGN - 4mm chest panels, 5mm neoprene around the core, hips and lower torso to lift the body and reduce drag, and 4mm neoprene legs to get that downhill position
  • VO2 CHEST PANELS - Chest panels split by flexible neoprene for more stretch and easier breathing
  • FLEXIBILITY - Upgraded jersey liner makes this suit as flexible as our Helix, and 1.5mm thin arms provide more flexibility, comfort and speed
  • S-FLEX - thin 2mm side panels improve fit and ease body rotation for a natural stroke
  • QUICK EXIT LEGS - 2mm flexible legs allow quicker transitions

User questions & answers

Question: Hello, sorry for my question, why it is 100 dolars cheeper than others of the same model? Does it has a defect
Answer: Yes, I have the 7 Plus and it fits well.

blueseventy 2021 Women's Sprint Triathlon Wetsuit - for Open Water Swimming - Ironman & USAT Approved

blueseventy

Based on 18 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The upgraded 2019 Blueseventy Sprint has great features at a great price: perfect for beginner and more infrequent triathletes or open-water swimmers. Comfort enhancing features include a low collar, super flexible shoulders & upper chest, and new, thinner arms. Performance features include strategically placed SCS coating for durability and easy-out ankles for speed in T1.

  • SUPER COMPOSITE SKIN (SCS) - SCS coated in the legs and arms to provide a protective barrier against fingernails, wetsuit strippers and other enemies of triathlon wetsuits.
  • SUPER STRETCH - Oversized arm gussets featuring super stretch jersey provide excellent flexibility and visibility.
  • LOWERED COLLAR - Over twenty years of wetsuit design experience has made our traditional zipper an industry standard. Our curved closure flap reduces rear collar height improving comfort and reducing chaffing.
  • BUOYANCY - Built off of a modified version of our popular Fusion suit, the Sprint lifts the lower half of the body in the water improving body position creating less drag and more speed while conserving energy.
  • FLEXIBILITY - No other entry-level wetsuit features thin 1.5mm Yamamoto high-quality neoprene in the arm and arm gussets.

User questions & answers

Question: I am 5' 4 131 would I get a wms or wm
Answer: No, just the same as the outside.
Question: Will this suit keep you warm in cold water
Answer: I don’t know, but it is feather weight. Measured in ounces if I had to guess.
Question: I’m 5’2” and 120 lbs. What size would you suggest
Answer: It’s warm in moderate conditions, with layers. Doesn’t breath, but will keep you dry. I guess... warmer than it would seem to be.
Question: Good to what water temperature
Answer: The material is very thin, so it is susceptible to chaffing from a backpack.

blueseventy 2021 Women's Reaction Triathlon Wetsuit - for Open Water Swimming - Ironman & USAT Approved

blueseventy

Based on 2 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Reaction has been improved with a more flexible upper body and new, flexible lower leg panels for quicker suit removal and comfort. Sharing many features with our flagship Helix Wetsuit, the Reaction continues to be one of the best values in triathlon. Lowest Recommended Temp: 55ºF / 12.5ºC

  • 4-5-4 DESIGN - 4mm chest panels, 5mm neoprene around the core, hips and lower torso to lift the body and reduce drag, and 4mm neoprene legs to get that downhill position
  • VO2 CHEST PANELS - Chest panels split by flexible neoprene for more stretch and easier breathing
  • FLEXIBILITY - Upgraded jersey liner makes this suit as flexible as our Helix, and 1.5mm thin arms provide more flexibility, comfort and speed
  • S-FLEX - thin 2mm side panels improve fit and ease body rotation for a natural stroke
  • QUICK EXIT LEGS - 2mm flexible legs allow quicker transitions

blueseventy 2021 Men's Sprint Triathlon Wetsuit - for Open Water Swimming - Ironman & USAT Approved

blueseventy

Based on 12 reviews Check latest price
  • SUPER COMPOSITE SKIN (SCS) - SCS coated in the legs and arms to provide a protective barrier against fingernails, wetsuit strippers and other enemies of triathlon wetsuits.
  • SUPER STRETCH - Oversized arm gussets featuring super stretch jersey provide excellent flexibility and visibility.
  • LOWERED COLLAR - Over twenty years of wetsuit design experience has made our traditional zipper an industry standard. Our curved closure flap reduces rear collar height improving comfort and reducing chaffing.
  • BUOYANCY - Built off of a modified version of our popular Fusion suit, the Sprint lifts the lower half of the body in the water improving body position creating less drag and more speed while conserving energy.
  • FLEXIBILITY - No other entry-level wetsuit features thin 1.5mm Yamamoto high-quality neoprene in the arm and arm gussets.

User questions & answers

Question: My 14 year old son is 5'11" 140lb, would he be a small tall? He is still growing taller
Answer: No, am 5.8 weighing 180lb but i were the large.
Question: I'm 5'10" tall. I weigh 178 lbs. What would be the recommended size
Answer: My Son is also, 6'" 1' and 220. I bought him a large, it fits perfectly. I would say, an XLarge if you would like it loose.!
Question: I´m 5`11 tall. I weigh 172 lbs. What would be the recommended size
Answer: No, not in my experience. It’s a great jacket.
Question: I am 5’8” tall and weigh a little under 180 lbs. Which size do I want
Answer: It has 3 pockets in all. One on chest and two on the side. It is very nice! Hope that helps

Product features

Key Features

ORCA Openwater Core Hi-Vis Men's Swimming/Triathlon Wetsuit

Orca

Product description

Openwater Core is specifically designed for open water swimming and training. Provides maximum visibility, for safer swimming. Gives you the warmth you need to maintain your ideal body temperature.

  • Openwater Core is specifically designed for open water swimming and training. Provides maximum visibility, for safer swimming. Gives you the warmth you need to maintain your ideal body temperature.
  • YAMAMOTO 39 CELL/YAMAMOTO 38 CELL - Orca uses Yamamoto neoprene in all its products, a durable, lightweight and high-performance material. The construction of the panels and the combination of the various high-quality materials place our wetsuits at the forefront of the sector.
  • ULTIMATE SEAL COLLAR - The combination of laser cutting on the neck and the inverse Velcro reduces friction, preventing any abrasion on the skin.
  • YKK #10 - The YKK #10 zipper is a strong zipper with guaranteed quality. With the YKK seal it is more durable and sturdier than others on the market.
  • INFINITY SKIN - The inner Infinity Skin lining provides the feeling of absolute freedom. Designed based on a high-elasticity nylon that incorporates bamboo fibers, this technology is applied to the lining of our wetsuits to offer you greater flexibility with each stroke

S7 Women's Fullsleeve USAT Approved Triathlon Wetsuit

ORCA

Based on 13 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Orca S7 fullsleeve wetsuit is an alternative to the 3.8 for the Progressive Swimmer. The ORCA S7 wetsuit provides extra buoyancy during the swim, this men’s triathlon wetsuit was designed to elevate the position of the triathlete in the water without compromising elasticity when it comes to swim strokes. The perfect tool to make sure swimming doesn’t slow you down.

  • The Yamamoto Corporation is the world’s main supplier of high performance neoprene. Its seal represents quality, technology and innovation.
  • Yamamoto 39cell is an extremely flexible neoprene which supports an uninhibited natural swimming motion. 39cell extends to a 513% elongation rate, meaning this material is sure to move with you. Added benefits of zero water absorption and zero weight variation can mean only one thing: more speed. A fine balance between buoyancy and flexibility, 39cell is a durable material which will stand the test of time and distance, representing the best neoprene available in it’s class.
  • Super Composite Skin (SCS) has become the benchmark for coating the smoothskin neoprene used in triathlon wetsuits, to reduce friction and increase speed through the water. Orca uses Yamamoto Corporation’s latest Nano SCS for an even lower drag co-efficient, ensuring the fastest swim possible. The underwater co-efficient of dynamic friction of the Nano SCS is 0.026 in comparison to 4.0 of regular neoprene. Less friction = more speed!
  • The HydroLite panels help the wetsuit come off easier, for faster transitions. This technology, combined with the SCS coating, helps the water slide off your wetsuit, without permeating it, considerably improving your hydrodynamics.
  • The inner Infinity Skin lining provides the feeling of absolute freedom. Designed based on a high-elasticity nylon that incorporates bamboo fibres, this technology is applied to the lining of our wetsuits to offer you greater flexibility with each stroke. This cloth maintains body heat longer, reduces body odor and the appearance of bacteria in your wetsuit. It is also made from natural eco-friendly materials to prevent the appearance of skin irritation and care for the environment.

User questions & answers

Question: What is the difference between the S7 and
Answer: The S7 is their entry level suit for maximum buoyancy, a great suit helping correct body position in the water. It is a great wetsuit with high quality rubber for a great price. The 3.8 is like it's big brother, a similar suit when it comes to providing maximum buoyancy, as well as tremendous flexibility. There are areas on the 3.8 with increased Aerodome areas for extra lift, as well as an upgraded liner for easier removal of the wetsuit. It uses higher quality Yamamoto rubber for more flexibility in key areas like the shoulders and underarm gussets. If you'd like more insight on the various benefits between the two or wondering about sizing, I'd be happy to chat with you more.

ORCA RS1 Openwater Men's Sleeveless USAT Approved Triathlon Wetsuit

ORCA

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Openwater RS1 Sleeveless is the perfect combination of buoyancy and flexibility, providing the thermal insulation you need without compromising your natural position in the water. The sleeveless version of an Orca wetsuit.

  • The SCS coating on the neoprene reduces friction and helps to increase speed. Its micro-cellular structure repels water and creates less restriction when moving forward
  • The lining in the neck area reduces friction and the likelihood of chafing. The material is soft to the touch and better for contact with the skin
  • BUOYANCY AND FLEXIBILITY designed to provide the necessary thermal insulation and extra buoyancy, without altering your natural position in the water.
  • FLEXIBILITY by using 2-mm Yamamoto panels, with 39-cell SCS lining on the forearms, shoulders and arms, combined with a flexible liner, maintain mobility and improve flexibility
  • SPEED Yamamoto's Hydrolite 39-cell Panels, placed in the lower legs, make transitions faster if you want to use the RS1 Openwater Sleeveless to compete in a triathlon. Removing this wetsuit is now easier than ever

blueseventy 2021 Men's Thermal Reaction Triathlon Wetsuit - for Cold Open Water Swimming - Ironman & USAT Approved

blueseventy

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price
  • MADE FOR COLD WATER - THERMAL REACTION is rated down to 48°F / 9°C while a standard full suit for swimming is typically good to 54°F / 12°C.
  • THERMAL LINER - Upgraded zirconium jersey liner has a "wool like" feel and dries fast, providing better protection from the cold
  • CORE BUOYANCY - 4-5-4 panel design centralizing core buoyancy to raise the position of the hips in relation to the rest of the body.
  • V02 CHEST PANELS - Chest panels split by flexible neoprene for more stretch and easier breathing
  • S-FLEX - thin 2mm side panels improve fit and ease body rotation for a natural stroke

ORCA RS1 Openwater Women's Sleeveless USAT Approved Triathlon Wetsuit

ORCA

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The Openwater RS1 Sleeveless is the perfect combination of buoyancy and flexibility, providing the thermal insulation you need without compromising your natural position in the water. The sleeveless version of an Orca wetsuit.

  • The SCS coating on the neoprene reduces friction and helps to increase speed. Its micro-cellular structure repels water and creates less restriction when moving forward
  • The lining in the neck area reduces friction and the likelihood of chafing. The material is soft to the touch and better for contact with the skin
  • BUOYANCY AND FLEXIBILITY designed to provide the necessary thermal insulation and extra buoyancy, without altering your natural position in the water.
  • FLEXIBILITY by using 2-mm Yamamoto panels, with 39-cell SCS lining on the forearms, shoulders and arms, combined with a flexible liner, maintain mobility and improve flexibility
  • SPEED Yamamoto's Hydrolite 39-cell Panels, placed in the lower legs, make transitions faster if you want to use the RS1 Openwater Sleeveless to compete in a triathlon. Removing this wetsuit is now easier than ever

User questions & answers

Question: What year is this
Answer: Yes it does.

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