Speed Suits

Rich Stanbaugh

Does anyone have any thoughts / insights on Speed Suits? I searched the forum and saw some discussion on the topic, but nothing in 2014.

How much, if any benefit?

How much does brand matter? It seems that BlueSeventy & Tyr have the highest counts at Kona, but EN has huge discount with Xterra

How much impact to T1 time?

Thanks!

Tom Box

I have an Xterra. I practiced in the pool with it. Saved me about 2-3 minutes off my Ironman distance swim. It's much easier to get off than a wetsuit. Might add 10-20 sec in T1.

Mike Roberts

I have the Xterra too. Right about 3 seconds/100yd savings. Easy off in T1, less than 10 seconds. For an Oly and +, no brainer if wetsuits are illegal and you've got the spare cash.

Rich Stanbaugh

Thanks guys. I'm doing IMCoz, so will go with one for sure based on your feedback.
The EN discount on Xterra is pertty sweet - will be hard to pass up!

Bill Manard

I have the Xterra as well. 3-4 sec/100 sounds about right for my time as well, based on Oly distance. Only down side is that I managed to rip the neck the first time I wore it in race conditions, trying to pull it off in T1; probably wouldn't have been an issue if I'd made sure the zipper was down first...

Jonathan Collins

Xterra for me as well (actually have the fabric one and the latex one). I didn't test the fabric one officially, but when I originally bought the latex one, I saw a 2-3 seconds per 100 improvement.

Dave Tallo

Rich, if you need a medium xterra, I can loan you mine-just send me a pm.

Rich Stanbaugh

Thanks Dave, I appreciate that. I got one last week