Best Triathlon wetsuit for beginners
How do you choose the best triathlon wetsuit for beginners? We outline the key features behind the best beginner wetsuits and highlight the best options on the market in 2021
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Best Triathlon Wetsuit for Beginners: Buyer's Guide
If you are new to triathlon then you will probably want to buy a triathlon wetsuit. However, there are many different wetsuits on the market and it can be difficult to figure out which one is right for you. This article will highlight the various options on the market to help you find best triathlon wetsuit for beginners.
Many triathletes come to the sport from a cycling or running background, so it is common for the swim to be their weakest discipline. The right triathlon wetsuit can be a big help for beginners with poor swimming form.
Why Do you need a triathlon wetsuit?
Makes the swim easier and faster
A triathlon wetsuit will help you swim faster and more comfortably during a triathlon. The neoprene in the wetsuit provides buoyancy that makes it easier to maintain good swimming form. This is especially useful for weaker swimmers who struggle to keep their legs high in the water. The wetsuit will also keep you warm so you don’t have to worry about hypothermia.
The race may require wetsuits
You need to wear a wetsuit for safety reasons if the water temperature for your race is below 61F. Wetsuits are generally recommended for any temperatures under 78F. For a full breakdown of the triathlon wetsuit rules check out our guide here.
Better than a normal wetsuit
A triathlon wetsuit has numerous advantages over a regular wetsuit that are important to consider. Firstly, they are more flexible which allows you to swim without feeling restricted. A hydrodynamic coating also helps you to move faster through the water. Furthermore, the cut makes it easy to remove them quickly in transition.
What is the best triathlon wetsuit for beginners?
Fit not too tight
A triathlon wetsuit for beginners should be snug but not too tight. You don’t want to have any excess material, but your arms should be able to move freely. Whilst more experienced swimmers may prefer a very tight fit, a relaxed fit may be more appropriate for beginners.
Variety of thickness
Triathlon wetsuits are designed to have varying levels of thickness in different areas. The best wetsuit for a beginner will have thicker neoprene on the legs and hips to help keep you higher in the water. Additionally, the neoprene on the arms and calves should be thinner to make it easier to remove.
Doesn’t break the bank
If you are new to triathlon then you probably don’t want to spend a fortune on your first wetsuit. You don’t want to have an expensive wetsuit taking up space in your closet if it will never get used.
High-quality to last longer
Similarly, if you want to save money it’s worth investing in a high-quality wetsuit. The cheapest wetsuits are not built very well and can wear out quickly. The best triathlon wetsuit for beginners will still be good enough if you enjoy racing and want to go further in the sport.
Best Triathlon Wetsuit for beginners
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The Athlex Float has all the features you would want in an entry-level wetsuit. Yamamoto 39 neoprene provides excellent buoyancy and flexibility at an affordable price. Buoyancy is the priority for this wetsuit, with 5mm neoprene covering the legs and hips. This thickness also helps to keep you warm if swimming in cooler waters.
The chest and back panels use 3mm neoprene whilst the arms are 2mm to provide more flexibility. The lining of the suit is also highly elastic to improve the flexibility of the suit. This elasticity means you need to apply 35-45% less force to maintain your stroke than regular neoprene. The SCS coating also helps to make the suit move faster through the water.
The P:1 Propel is another great wetsuit for beginners that is packed full of features. The 5mm Yamamoto neoprene on the chest and upper legs provide buoyancy to keep you elevated in the water. Furthermore, the Rollbar in the center reduces buoyancy on the sides of the wetsuit to allow better rotation. This should help you to swim faster and more efficiently.
The P:1 has many of the same features as 2XUs more high-end wetsuits so provides excellent value. These include an SCS coating to reduce drag and an internal stretch liner that improves the comfort of the wetsuit. There is also a two-year warranty so you can be confident in it lasting at least a few seasons.
The Hurricane Cat 1 is TYR’s entry-level triathlon wetsuit and is designed for beginners. 5mm neoprene on the abdomen, chest, and legs provides warmth and buoyancy. 2mm neoprene on the arms and 1.5mm on the underarm give the suit flexibility. It also comes with quick-release ankle cuffs to make it easier to remove.
The Hurricane Cat 1 is not made with Yamamoto neoprene like some of the other wetsuits on this list, but still provides good value for a beginner triathlon wetsuit. It would make a great choice for someone looking for a combination of buoyancy and flexibility.
The Blueseventy Sprint is a wetsuit designed for maximum flexibility. The 1.5mm neoprene on the arms and the stretch jersey material in the arm gussets are the key features behind this flexibility. This gives your arms a full range of motion and prevents the fatigue that you may encounter in a more restrictive wetsuit. A low collar at the back reduces chafing, a problem that many beginner triathletes encounter.
The 3mm chest panel and 4mm leg panels are designed to keep you in a horizontal position and reduce drag. However, this will not provide as much buoyancy as a 5mm wetsuit. For this reason, the Blueseventy Sprint is a better choice for beginners who are more confident in their swimming form.
The Synergy Volution is a great choice for a triathlete who doesn’t want to spend a fortune on their first wetsuit. For just under $200 you will get a high-quality wetsuit that is designed specifically for triathlon. It may not have some of the same features as the wetsuits above, but it is still a vast improvement on a regular surfing wetsuit.
The wetsuit is designed with 3mm neoprene on the chest and upper legs, and 2mm neoprene everywhere else. It won’t provide as much warmth or buoyancy as some other suits, but it should be sufficient for most triathletes. It also comes with some useful features, such as an internal zipper to reduce drag and ankles cut to make it easier to remove. The Synergy Volution is the best wetsuit for someone who wants a good-quality suit for a reasonable price.
Which wetsuit is right for you?
A good triathlon wetsuit will help you to feel more confident on race day. An open-water swim can be one of the most daunting aspects of a triathlon, so investing in a high-quality wetsuit can reduce anxiety about this. The best triathlon wetsuit for beginners is one that will be comfortable and allow you to maintain good form throughout the swim. Hopefully, this article has given you some useful information to help you make an informed decision.
If you have a large budget for your first wetsuit then you may be interested in our other guide to the best triathlon wetsuits. We break down the best wetsuits at various price points. Many high-end wetsuits are designed for beginner swimmers, so are a great option if you have more money to spend.
Want To Learn More?
We have numerous other articles that may be helpful as you continue your triathlon journey. Once you’ve purchased a wetsuit, you will want to take good care of it to make sure it lasts a long time. Check out our guide to triathlon wetsuit care to find out the best way to look after your suit.
If you’re just starting with open-water swimming you may need some other kit as well. Click here to read our buyer’s guides for the best swim buoys and the best triathlon goggles.
Still confused about what you need to wear during the swim in your first triathlon? We have a guide to show you exactly what you should wear under a wetsuit in a triathlon.
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