Wetsuit improvements
I bought a tailored wetsuit when I first got into this sport (02/03) which I still use.. It is in good condition - have only been used 2-5 times/year. It is still flexible, has a good fit and only minor tears..
BUT, I was thinking that there could be tree time to be had by buying a new one....Has there been technology advances within wetsuits since 2002, that would make be faster by just swimming in a newer suit?
When I bought the wetsuit, I was a really weak swimmer so the focus was on max bouancy. 
Anyone has any opinions on this? Will it be worth the money...how much time is there (if any) to be had? and what wetsuits should I be looking at? (I'm currently swimmiing IM at around 1:10-1:20)
Any thoughts?
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Comments
I bought a Tyr Hurricane Cat 5 wetsuit prior to IMFL this year and that wetsuit is badass.
Bo,
Well I don't follow wetsuit technology that closely. If you have a suit that fits well ensure that what really counts. I've never heard about a tailored wetsuit so not sure you will get a better fit than that and you might be dissappointed. It's hard to say.
As I understand it there have been some real improvements in the flexibility of the suit especially in the shoulders. I can't make any comments on increases in speed with the new suit vs 2002 I'm sure there would be some. I can't answer if it would be work the cash or not.
Gordon
My opinion...either buy the cheapest top of the line suit you can find, which is usually Xterra as they always are having half off sales. Or get a DeSoto two piece, which IMHO really is a technology improvement which helps speed, comfort and warmth. BTW, I have one of each, Xterra and DeSoto.
Al,
Two years ago I bought a bottom of the line QR on clearance. It was my first year in Triathlon and I did not know if I was going to stick with it. This year I upgraded to a 2XU Mid range model. I don't know if it helped me get faster since I have really been working on my form. But I can tell you this the difference in feel was huge. I used to get into a wrestling match with my first wetsuit trying to get it on and off. The new one goes on and off like butter the rubber is a lot softer. I don't feel as constricted around the middle and the design allows my shoulders to move more freely so my arms don't get tired as quickly. Which means I can go at a faster pace without my arms getting tired.
IIRC correctly, Dan Empfield, who, before he started Slowtwitch.com, was the first to develop and sell triathlon wetsuits through his company Qunitana Roo, studied using ridges on the forearms and found they were indeed slower than smooth arms. He was testing on very fast swimmers.
He summarizes his thoughts on wetsuits here. He knows what he's talking about.
I'm glad to see that I'm not the only one suspecting that most of the 'improvements' in wetsuit technology is more marketing hype than real advances that will make for time savings... The article on ST was good to read..
Just wondering if all the improvements to be had in wetsuits is more about having a good fit rather than having the latest technology.. If so, I see no reason for byuing a new suit...It would be good if a manufacturer published tests showing improvements in time year over year.. if I could see the possibility of a 5 min time saving in the swim, I'd buy a new suit immideately..:-)