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Expert Tips- Selecting Wetsuit for your Sport

Wetsuit Planet Sport Specific Pro-tips:

We asked our in-house staff of surfers, kite boarders, windsurfers, scuba divers, wake boarders and watermen what advice they would give somebody when selecting a wetsuit by sport.  Here is what they had to say.  If you still have questions, please consult our Sport specific Wetsuit Temperature Chart and Wetsuit Accessory Temperature Chart or simply call 877-44W-SUIT to chat with one of our in-house wetsuit experts.

Wind sports (kite surfing/windsurfing)
Obviously in wind sports, wind chill is the biggest factor.  However, since most of the time is spent out of the water and riding on the surface and wind sports tend to be physically demanding, generally you can go a little lighter on the rubber than an activity where you are submerged like scuba diving.  This is of course dependent on air temp.  In other words, even if the water is warm, a cold breeze can quickly chill a kiter/windsurfer.  With this in mind, you may want to consider also investing in some additional layering gear like polyolefin shirts, shorts or socks to wear under your wetsuit or drysuit.  Polyolefin layering expands the range of wetsuits and you can wear it alone on warm summer days.

What features to look for in a WindSport Wetsuit:

Mesh Skin Rubber
Wetsuits that utilize mesh skin rubber on the chest and back do not allow for evaporative cooling on your skin because mesh skin rubber holds no water.  (Think of how your skin feels the moment you step out of the shower, that feeling is your skin cooling because the water on it is evaporating). Therefore, wetsuits that utilize mesh skin tend to be better suited for wind sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing. 
Flexibility
If you can afford to, choose a wetsuit that offers flexible superstretch rubber in shoulders, back, and under arms.  These are areas that often fatigue first, so flexibility in these areas is more about function than luxury.  Remember you are holding the kite bar or boom for long periods of time, the last thing you need is resistance.
Performance vs. Price
Surfing and Windsport fullsuits range in price from $69.99-$399.99.  How much performance do you really need? That really depends on your ability and your wallet.  If you have been kiting or windsurfing for many years and can afford it, go with a higher end wetsuit.  You will be much less constrained when boosting a 30 foot air, trying your first handle pass or going vertical on an 8 foot wave.  If you are still learning or don't get to use it that often, you really don't need to purchase a high end wetsuit.  An entry level or mid-range wetsuit will be fine for you and you will save a bit of money which you can use for boots, gloves or layering products.
Seams
This depends on your average water temp.  If you live in a warm climate like Florida, an un-sealed suit with flatlock seams will do the job.  If you ride in cold water, definitely upgrade to sealed (glued and blind-stitched seams) which do not let water pass through them.  Believe us; you will be glad you did.
High end Wetsuit features to look for:
Taped Seams- Taped seams show that the wetsuit was designed for colder water.  If the seams are taped, you can be rest assured the rest of the wetsuit is geared for water under 65 degrees.  Tape can either be cloth, neoprene, or rubber "liquid" tape.
Hollow Fiber- This fleece type material is used mostly on the chest, back, and hoods of higher end wetsuits.  It holds in your body's warmth and reflects it back onto the user.
Poly Liner- This material looks like a light fleece which covers some or the entire inside of some wetsuits.  This material holds in warmth and does not retain moisture.  Very good feature especially for cold water wetsuits.  You can also layer with polyolefin fleece shirts and shorts to achieve a similar effect.
Zippper Style- Wetsuits offer many different types of zippers.  Most higher end suits reduce the size of the zippers (usually called ¾ zippers or mini-zippers.  Because theses suits are made with superstretch neoprene (which allows them to still be easy to get in and out of) you do not need a full length zipper.  With a smaller zipper you get increased flexibility and increased warmth.  Some high end wetsuits offer Zipperless entries.  These are very warm and flexible, but tend to breakdown a little faster due to prolonged pulling and stretching of the material.   The trade off for durability is performance.Zipper Barriers- Many wetsuit manufacturers use a type of zipper backing to reduce the amount of water coming into the wetsuit through the zipper.  Each manufacturer has their own unique name for this feature.  Very good for cold water use.  Though some manufacturers have gone to Waterproof PK G-LOCK zippers which allow no water to pass through them without adding the excess bulk of a barrier.Supersoft Rubber- You can tell supersoft rubber by the way the wetsuit feels to the touch.  Supersoft is extremely light and ultra stretchy rubber.  Plus, it feels very, very soft when you run your hand down the suit.
Water Repellant Neoprene-  Super high end coating that is applied to neoprene to help it shed water like a freshly waxed car.  Pretty cool stuff!  Cuts down on evaporative cooling because water does not stick to the outside of the wetsuit.  Usually only available on high end wetsuits.

The Drysuit option
In addition, drysuits work very well for colder climates and conditions.  They are more costly to buy initially, but can last several more years than wetsuits and provide incredible warmth.  Drysuits are baggy style water proof suit that remains completely dry.  Neck, wrist and ankle seals prevent any water from entering the suit.  You can layer polyolefin under the drysuit to beef it up in extremely cold water/air.  If your air and water temps are frequently below 50 degrees for most or part of the season, you may want to consider putting a drysuit in your cold water quiver.

Windsport Wetsuit Accessories
Unless you live in a very warm climate like Florida or Hawaii, you will need to most likely need to use neoprene boots or gloves at some point.  Trust us, if you are like us, complete wind junkies, you will want to push your season as long as possible.  This means layering, boots, gloves and even possibly a hood.  We recommend calling us to discuss your specific neoprene accessory needs.  Wetsuit Planet offers a full selection of cold water gear.  We live in New Jersey, so we certainly know a lot about cold water!

If you still have questions, please consult our Sport specific Wetsuit Temperature Chart and Wetsuit Accessory Temperature Chart or simply call 877-44W-SUIT to chat with one of our in-house windsport wetsuit specialists.



Kayaking (surf kayaking & touring/fishing kayaking)

Kayaking is a general term for paddling a kayak.  However, outfitting for kayaking is by no means the same for all types of paddling.  The first question to ask yourself is WHERE you will be kayaking and WHAT TYPE of kayaking you will be doing.   Surf kayaking is much different than touring or fishing kayaking.  Each requires a vastly different approach when it comes to gear.  Here are some tips to help you sort out kayak outfitting. 

Surf Kayaking
Surf kayaking is similar to surfing in terms of wetsuits.  Arm, shoulder and paddle flexibility are the most important factor.  Though the surf kayaker is not fully submerged, there is a tendency get splashed, to flip or get "worked" by the waves at some point in time during the session, so wearing a wetsuit in water under 70 is a good idea.   However, because surf kayaking is an aerobic activity, most people can go slightly thinner on the neoprene and still stay warm. Short johns, springsuits and even fullsuits can be used effectively for surf kayaking depending on water and air temperature. 

What features to look for in a Surf Kayaking Wetsuit:

    Mesh Skin Rubber
    Wetsuits that utilize mesh skin rubber on the chest and back do not allow for evaporative cooling on your skin because mesh skin rubber holds no water.  (Think of how your skin feels the moment you step out of the shower, that feeling is your skin cooling because the water on it is evaporating). Therefore, wetsuits that utilize mesh skin on the chest and back help keep in your "core warmth" while kayaking in the surf.
Flexibility
If you can afford to, choose a wetsuit that offers flexible superstretch rubber in shoulders, back, and under arms.  These are areas that often fatigue first, especially while paddling, so flexibility in these areas is more about function than luxury.  Remember, when you are paddling hard trying to make it outside the breaking waves, the last thing you need is resistance. 
Performance vs. Price
Kayak surfing fullsuits range in price from $69.99-$399.99.  How much performance do you really need? That really depends on your ability and your wallet.  If you have been  kayak surfing for many years and can afford it, go with a higher end wetsuit.  You will be much less constrained when pulling into the tube or paddling out into your first overhead day.  If you are still learning or don't get to kayak that often, you really don't need to purchase a high end wetsuit.  An entry level or mid-range wetsuit will be fine for you and you will save a bit of money which you can use for boots, gloves or layering products.
Seams
This depends on your average water temp.  If you live in a warm air/water climate like Florida, an un-sealed suit with flatlock seams will do the job.  If you paddle in cold water/air temps, definitely upgrade to sealed (glued and blind-stitched seams) which do not let water pass through them.  Believe us; you will be glad you did.
High end Wetsuit features to look for:
Taped Seams- Taped seams show that the wetsuit was designed for colder water.  If the seams are taped, you can be rest assured the rest of the wetsuit is geared for water under 65 degrees.  Tape can either be cloth, neoprene, or rubber "liquid" tape.
Hollow Fiber- This fleece type material is used mostly on the chest, back, and hoods of higher end wetsuits.  It holds in your body's warmth and reflects it back onto the user.Poly Liner- This material looks like a light fleece which covers some or the entire inside of some wetsuits.  This material holds in warmth and does not retain moisture.  Very good feature especially for cold water wetsuits.  You can also layer with polyolefin fleece shirts and shorts to achieve a similar effect.Zipper Style- Wetsuits offer many different types of zippers.  Most higher end suits reduce the size of the zippers (usually called ¾ zippers or mini-zippers.  Because theses suits are made with superstretch neoprene (which allows them to still be easy to get in and out of) you do not need a full length zipper.  With a smaller zipper you get increased flexibility and increased warmth.  Some high end wetsuits offer Zipperless entries.  These are very warm and flexible, but tend to breakdown a little faster due to prolonged pulling and stretching of the material.   The trade off for durability is performance.Zipper Barriers- Many wetsuit manufacturers use a type of zipper backing to reduce the amount of water coming into the wetsuit through the zipper.  Each manufacturer has their own unique name for this feature.  Very good for cold water use.  Though some manufacturers have gone to Waterproof PK G-LOCK zippers which allow no water to pass through them without adding the excess bulk of a barrier.Supersoft Rubber- You can tell supersoft rubber by the way the wetsuit feels to the touch.  Supersoft is extremely light and ultra stretchy rubber.  Plus, it feels very, very soft when you run your hand down the suit.  Water Repellant Neoprene-  Super high end coating that is applied to neoprene to help it shed water like a freshly waxed car.  Pretty cool stuff!  Cuts down on evaporative cooling because water does not stick to the outside of the wetsuit.  Usually only available on high end wetsuits.
The Drysuit option
Drysuits work very well for colder climates and conditions.  They are more costly to buy initially, but can last several more years than wetsuits and provide incredible warmth.  Drysuits are baggy style water proof suit that remains completely dry.  Neck, wrist and ankle seals prevent any water from entering the suit.  You can layer polyolefin under the drysuit to beef it up in exttremely cold water/air.  If your air and water temps are frequently below 45 degrees for most or part of the season, you may want to consider putting a drysuit in your cold water quiver.
 

Kayak Wetsuit Accessories
Unless you live in a very warm climate like Florida or Hawaii, you will need to most likely need to use neoprene boots or gloves at some point.  Trust us, if you are like us, complete surf junkies, you will want to push your season as long as possible.  This means layering, boots, gloves and even possibly a hood.  We recommend calling us to discuss your specific neoprene accessory needs.  Wetsuit Planet offers a full selection of cold water gear.  We live in Jersey, so we certainly know cold water!

If you still have questions, please consult our Sport specific Wetsuit Temperature Chart and Wetsuit Accessory Temperature Chart or simply call 877-44W-SUIT to chat with one of our in-house surf kayak wetsuit experts.

TOURING AND FISHING KAYAKING WETSUITS

Touring kayaking is usually done in flat, calm water and the kayaker is usually not getting submerged in water during the session.  Some water may get splashed on the user, but generally, it is a dryer activity. And because touring kayaking is an extended aerobic activity, you certainly don't want excess bulk.  This being said, neoprene is not used much for core warmth during touring kayaking because it does not breathe well.  Newer, more breathable spray jackets fabrics like Gore-Tex are much better for staying dry and comfortable during paddling.  However, neoprene boots, gloves and hoods are utilized by touring kayakers, as these areas tend to get more wet and can benefit from the warmth of neoprene wetsuit accessories.  Neoprene gloves, boots, caps, and hoods can be very warm and functional for the warm to cold weather touring kayaker.

What features to look for in a Touring Kayaking Wetsuit:

We do not recommend kayaking on flat water in neoprene.  We recommend purchasing a quality waterproof, breathable spray jacket for colder conditions.  Because touring kayaking is a "more dry experience" neoprene will be very hot and uncomfortable. 

Touring Kayak Wetsuit Accessories
Unless you live in a very warm climate like Florida or Hawaii, you will need to most likely need to use neoprene boots or gloves at some point.  Gloves are useful from prevent blisters
This means layering, boots, gloves and even possibly a hood.  Still have questions?  Call us, we will be happy to suggest products for your climate and specific needs.

The Drysuit option
In addition, drysuits work very well for colder climates and conditions.  They are more costly to buy initially, but can last several more years than wetsuits and provide incredible warmth.  Drysuits are baggy style waterproof suit that remains completely dry.  Neck, wrist and ankle seals prevent any water from entering the suit.  You can layer polyolefin under the drysuit to beef it up in extremely cold water/air.  Plus, higher end drysuit models are breathable and are an excellent alternative to wetsuits for touring kayaking.   If your air and water temps are frequently below 50 degrees for most or part of the season or you paddle more than a few times a month, you may want to consider putting a drysuit in your cold water gear quiver.

If you still have questions, please consult our Sport specific Wetsuit Temperature Chart and Wetsuit Accessory Temperature Chart or simply call 877-44W-SUIT to chat with one of our in-house kayak outfitter experts.


Surfing wetsuits

There are several factors that are very important when selecting a wetsuit for surfing.  The most important factor is flexibility.  You must be able to paddle without shoulder, back, underarm and upper arm resistance or you will quickly get tired and cold.  All surfing specific wetsuits feature "paddle panels" to alleviate fatigue in this area.  Another important factor is seam construction.  Warm water wetsuits can let water in through the seams and you will continue to stay warm.  In colder water (under 55 degrees); seams should be fully sealed so cold water is not seeping through the seams and onto your exposed skin.  The third factor is wetsuit thickness.  Air temperature plays a crucial part in selecting a good thickness for surfing.  If the water is warm, but the air temp is still cold, you will find you get colder much faster.

What to look for in a surfing specific wetsuit:

Flexibility
If you can afford the extra money, look for a wetsuit that features at least some superstretch neoprene panels in the shoulders, arms and back.  This will provide much less resistance during paddling and as a result, will allow you to surf longer without getting tired.  Even if you are on a tight budget, most manufacturers offer an entry-level wetsuit that offers enough superstretch rubber in the suit to make it great for surfing. 

Performance vs. Price
Surfing fullsuits range in price from $69.99-$399.99.  How much performance do you really need? That really depends on your ability and your wallet.  If you have been surfing for many years and can afford it, go with a higher end wetsuit.  You will be much less constrained when busting an air or pulling into the tube.  If you are still learning or don't get to surf that often, you really don't need to purchase a high end wetsuit.  An entry level or mid-range wetsuit will be fine for you and you will save a bit of money which you can use for boots, gloves or layering products.

Seams
Flatlock (Unsealed) seams are best for warm water wetsuits and warm water climates, such as Florida.  You will be more than comfortable with Flatlock seams in any water temp over 65 degrees.  In water temp under 65 degrees we highly recommend (Sealed) Glued and Blind-stitched seams.  These seams will not allow water to enter the wetsuit through the seams, so you will not feel the trickle of cold water during your session.  In water under 45 degrees, we recommend may buying a suit with Glued, blind-stitched and taped seams to guarenntee no water will enter the suit through the seams.

Wetsuit Thickness
What is the average water and air temperature where you surf?  If you live in an area where you need a wetsuit year round, you may need to purchase more than one wetsuit, especially if the water temp fluctuates.  If you live in an area where you need a wetsuit only in winter, you may be able to purchase one wetsuit for the season. 

If you still have questions, please consult our Sport specific Wetsuit Temperature Chart and Wetsuit Accessory Temperature Chart or simply call 877-44W-SUIT to chat with one of our in-house surf wetsuit specialists.

High end Surfing Wetsuit features to look for:

Taped Seams- Taped seams show that the wetsuit was designed for colder water.  If the seams are taped, you can be rest assured the rest of the wetsuit is geared for water under 65 degrees.  Tape can either be cloth, neoprene, or rubber "liquid" tape.Hollow Fiber- This fleece type material is used mostly on the chest, back, and hoods of higher end wetsuits.  It holds in your body's warmth and reflects it back onto the user.Poly Liner- This material looks like a light fleece which covers some or the entire inside of some wetsuits.  This material holds in warmth and does not retain moisture.  Very good feature especially for cold water wetsuits.  You can also layer with polyolefin fleece shirts and shorts to achieve a similar effect.Zippper Style- Wetsuits offer many different types of zippers.  Most higher end suits reduce the size of the zippers (usually called ¾ zippers or mini-zippers.  Because theses suits are made with superstretch neoprene (which allows them to still be easy to get in and out of) you do not need a full length zipper.  With a smaller zipper you get increased flexibility and increased warmth.  Some high end wetsuits offer Zipperless entries.  These are very warm and flexible, but tend to breakdown a little faster due to prolonged pulling and stretching of the material.   The trade off for durability is performance.Zipper Barriers- Many wetsuit manufacturers use a type of zipper backing to reduce the amount of water coming into the wetsuit through the zipper.  Each manufacturer has their own unique name for this feature.  Very good for cold water use.  Though some manufacturers have gone to Waterproof PK G-LOCK zippers which allow no water to pass through them without adding the excess bulk of a barrier.Supersoft Rubber- You can tell supersoft rubber by the way the wetsuit feels to the touch.  Supersoft is extremely light and ultra stretchy rubber.  Plus, it feels very, very soft when you run your hand down the suit.  Water Repellant Neoprene-  Super high end coating that is applied to neoprene to help it shed water like a freshly waxed car.  Pretty cool stuff!  Cuts down on evaporative cooling because water does not stick to the outside of the wetsuit.  Usually only available on high end wetsuits.Scuba Wetsuits

Shopping for a dive wetsuit or accessores?  Scuba wetsuits can be extremely confusing to shop for because diving is a very different activity than most other "topside" watersports like surfing or kayaking.  Your body loses heat 25 times faster submerged in water than in air. As a result, divers need to wear thicker wetsuits to stay warm.   In addition, divers tend to travel to different locales with different water temperatures that require wetsuit gear that is versatile in many different conditions.  For this reason, many seasoned divers like to have gear that can be layered for additional warmth and versatility.

Fullsuit vs. 2 Piece Combo?
When buying their fist wetsuit, many divers wonder should I purchase a 2-piece combination John and jacket or a one piece fullsuit?  There are obviously pros and cons to both choices. 

2-Piece Combos
A john and jacket combo is a 2-piece wetsuit that can be worn together or apart.  When wearing together, the suits doubles the thickness in the torso area for maximum warmth.  For example: a 5mm Combo John and jacket worn together would provide a diver with 10mm in the core torso area for warmth while still maintaining flexibility in the arms and legs. You can wear the john or jacket alone or together for double the warmth.  It is like having 3 wetsuits in one!  Plus, you can shed the jacket between dives while you are relaxing on the dive boat and still remain warm in the john.  This is a great choice for a diver looking for the ability to layer gear for different dive locales or for a diver looking for maximum warmth.  An added benefit?  Most 2-piece combos are a terrific value. 

Fullsuits
Some divers just simply prefer one piece fullsuits.  Fullsuits have a little less bulk in the torso area and as a result, are usually slightly more flexible.  However, a little core warmth is given up for less bulk and flexibility.  In addition, a fullsuit is targeted to specific temperature range.  You do not have the option to shed off the top or bottom half like a dive combo, so a fullsuit is less versatile.  But if you plan on diving in a specific location or within a certain temperature range most of the time, a fullsuit might be the way to go. 

What to look for in a Dive specific wetsuit:

Flexibility
If you can afford the extra money, look for a wetsuit that features at least some stretch neoprene panels in the shoulders, arms and back.  This makes the wetsuit easier to don.  Even if you are on a tight budget, most manufacturers offer an entry-level wetsuit that offers enough stretch rubber in the suit to make it great for diving. 

Performance vs. Price
Dive full length wetsuits suits range in price from $69.99-$399.99.  How much wetsuit do you really need? That really depends on your needs and your wallet.  If you have been diving for many years and can afford it, go with a more comfortable,  higher end wetsuit.  If you are still training to get your certification or don't get to dive that often, you really don't need to purchase a high end wetsuit.  An entry level or mid-range wetsuit will be fine for you and you will save a bit of money, which you can use for boots, gloves or layering products.

Seams
Flatlock (Unsealed) seams are best for warm water wetsuits and warm water climates, such as tropical diving.  You will be more than comfortable with Flatlock seams in any water temp over 75 degrees.  In water temp under 75 degrees we highly recommend (Sealed) Glued and Blind-stitched seams.  These seams will not allow water to enter the wetsuit through the seams, so you will not feel the trickle of cold water during your dive.

Wetsuit Thickness
What is the average water where you are planning to dive?  If you dive in an area where the water temp changes or you travel to different dive locales, you may need to purchase more than one wetsuit or a 2-Piece combo, especially if the water temp fluctuates. If you still have questions, please consult our Sport specific Wetsuit Temperature Chart and Wetsuit Accessory Temperature Chart or simply call 877-44W-SUIT to chat with one of our in-house dive wetsuit specialists.

High end Wetsuit features to look for:
  • Taped Seams- Taped seams show that the wetsuit was designed for colder water.  If the seams are taped, you can be rest assured the rest of the wetsuit is geared for water under 65 degrees.  Tape can either be cloth, neoprene, or rubber "liquid" tape.
  • Hollow Fiber- This fleece type material is used mostly on the chest, back, and hoods of higher end wetsuits.  It holds in your body's warmth and reflects it back onto the user.
  • Poly Liner- This material looks like a light fleece which covers some or the entire inside of some wetsuits.  This material holds in warmth and does not retain moisture. You can also layer with polyolefin shirts and shorts to achieve the same end result.
  • Zipper Barriers- Many wetsuit manufacturers use a type of zipper backing to reduce the amount of water coming into the wetsuit through the zipper.  Each manufacturer has their own unique name for this feature.  Very good for cold water use.  Though some manufacturers have gone to Waterproof PK G-LOCK zippers which allow no water to pass through them without adding the excess bulk of a barrier.
  • Supersoft Rubber- You can tell supersoft rubber by the way the wetsuit feels to the touch.  Supersoft is extremely light and ultra stretchy rubber.  Plus, it feels very, very soft when you run your hand down the suit. 
Triathlon Wetsuits

Triathlon wetsuits are their own unique animal in the wetsuit realm.  These wetsuits are specifically designed for swimming and cutting through the water with the least amount of resistance.  Triathlon wetsuits are made of 5mm super buoyant, super slick neoprene (more air blown into the rubber during the manufacturing process) on the entire front length of the wetsuit.  This boosts the swimmer "up" on the surface of the water and allows them to more effectively plane across the water and as a result, increases the swimmers performance. 

What makes a Triathlon wetsuit special?

  • 5/3 "Boost" Factor: Most Triathlon wetsuits are 5/3mm wetsuits.  Meaning the front is 5mm and the back is 3mm.  Neoprene is inherently buoyant, so the thicker the neoprene, the more it floats.  5mm is used in the font of the suit to "boost" the swimmer up high in the water so there is less resistence and less drag.  The 3mm is used on the back and back of the legs for more flexibility when actively swimming.
  • Speedskin Rubber: Every triathlon wetsuit is made from some variation of "speedskin" rubber.  This is specially designed superstretch, super smooth and slick rubber that glides through the water with the least amount of drag possible.
  • Triathlon Specific Cut:  Triathlon wetsuits are patterned differently than regular wetsuits.  They are cut for maximum shoulder rotation while swimming, which means large arm openings in tank top styles.  Fullsuits feature superstretch rubber around the arms and shoulders for resistence free swimming.  All triathlon wetsuits also end mid-calf in length, so the athlete can quickly exit the wetsuit in the transition area. 
  • Triathlon Wetsuit Suit Styles: Triathlon wetsuits come in 3 different styles.
  1. Tri Fullsuit- This style is made for colder water swims (Below 60).  This wetsuit is very buoyant due to the volume of rubber in the wetsuit.  These wetsuits tend to be very fast because no water is able to enter the wetsuit through the arm openings, thereby decreasing drag.  It is more difficult to take off in the transition area, however, it is a much warmer wetsuit.
  2. Tri John - The john style wetsuit is the best selling triathlon style wetsuit (probably due to most triathlon events being held in warmer conditions).  This suit is less warm than a fullsuit, however, the benefit is increased arm flexibilty due to the sleeveless design.  Also, these wetsuits are extremely fast to shed in the transition area.
  3. Short John: The Short John style wetsuit is basically the same as the long john, but it is cut above the knee.  Perfect for warmer water applications or for pool training, the short john is extremely fast to exit in the transition area.

Performance vs. Price
Triathlon wetsuits suits range in price from $99.99-$500.00.  How much wetsuit do you really need? That really depends on your ability and your wallet.  If you have been competing for many years and can afford it, go with a higher end wetsuit.  If you are still training for your first event or don't get to enter events that often, you really don't need to purchase a high-end wetsuit.  An entry level or mid-range wetsuit will be fine for you and you will save a bit of money, which you can use for purchasing a tri bike or running gear.  Even entry level triathlon wetsuits are very good and very fast swim enhancers.

Special Note:  Triathlon wetsuits are very specialized equipment.  They are built for speed not for durability.  As a result, it is important to state that these wetsuits will not hold up to the rigors of surfing, diving, jetskiing, or kitesurfing.
Please take this into consideration when purchasing your new triathlon wetsuit.

If you still have questions, please consult our Sport specific Wetsuit Temperature Chart and Wetsuit Accessory Temperature Chart or simply call 877-44W-SUIT to chat with one of our in-house triathlon wetsuit specialists. 



 



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