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Swim Skin Recommendations

Derrek SanksDerrek Sanks
in General Training Discussions

I'm looking for recommendations on a mid-level (read as not top of the line and not cheap) swim skin for IMChoo.  Chances are it will not be wetsuit legal and this will be my first IM without a wetsuit.    Thanks!

Comments

  • johnhayjohnhay

    I have an older Xterra model which I have used and like a lot.  They usually have a bunch of sales, so keep a look out.  Frankly, I have used it more than my wetsuit over the past 2 years.

  • Derrek SanksDerrek Sanks
    Thanks for the feedback, John!
  • John HenaultJohn Henault
    Derrek - We get a fantastic team deal with Xterra. I used their new swimskin (the Valor) last year at Chattanooga and really liked it. Plus, their customer service in getting it to me in time for the race was great (it was a new model released a week before Choo). Given the price and the quality, I'd highly recommend it.
  • Derrek SanksDerrek Sanks
    Thanks John. I'm going to their website now.
  • robin sarnerrobin sarner

    I on the other hand have had bad xterra experience.    terrible customer service.      last two skins ripped early.

    happy with my current cheap Roka skin.

  • Derrek SanksDerrek Sanks
    I didn't like the design/color of the Xterra skin (only had the 2016 Valor) so I went to get the Roka Elite and they're out of stock. With our 25% discount it's hard not to wait on backorders. Thanks for the input.
  • Larry PetersLarry Peters
    Thanks for the helpful info team! @maurice matthews, check this out for swim skin info.

    @Derrek Sanks , have your raced in your Roka Elite? What is the feedback? Thanks!
  • Derrek SanksDerrek Sanks
    @Larry Peters Yes...twice. No issues at all. I wore it over the EN Sleeved Castelli tri top. It's snug but once you hit the water you can't tell it's there. Be sure to get in a couple practice swims with it, just be sure to thoroughly rinse it out after a pool swim.
  • Larry PetersLarry Peters
    Hi @Derrek Sanks , ok, thanks a million! Glad to hear it worked well for you!

    Did you roll up your sleeves or just leave them out on your arms? The Roka Elite is sleeveless, right? Did it feel like the sleeves were dragging much in the water (I'm guessing the answer is no). Thanks!
  • Derrek SanksDerrek Sanks
    @Larry Peters - I left the sleeves out on my arms. Yes, the Elite (2106 version) is sleeveless. I didn't look too odd because the swim skin and EN kit have similar colors. :) I felt zero drag and zero shoulder resistance from the Castelli tri top. I tested this in a pool before my race, but I didn't do any tests to see which set-up was faster in the water.

    At the time I was a BOP swimmer and decided simple was better (less to worry about) and faster in T1 than worrying about chafing, comfort and pulling up/inserting wet arms in a very tight fitting tri top. Now that I'm a MOP swimmer, I'd make the same decision.
  • Derrek SanksDerrek Sanks
    Dang @Larry Peters! Now you have me thinking about getting a sleeved swimskin! LOL.
  • Larry PetersLarry Peters
    Thanks a ton for the info @Derrek Sanks ! Ha! Sorry to plant the seed to spending more $$$. I'd say knowing that you just KQ'd, whatever you are doing is working well ;).

    I found another website that says Lake Michigan temps at Steelhead are around 75 deg, so I may not need one after all. That would be great, because I would much rather swim in a wetsuit.
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