Sleeved Wetsuit vs. Sleeveless
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235 days
scottbland247 posted 20 weeks ago.
the main benefit of a sleeved suit is that you can insert into the arms bouncy pads that are in the shape of huge biceps. A little extra float and lot of extra confidence baby.....the only triathlete with 36" guns will get all the attention
It is better to hurt from doing something than from doing nothing...
First Triathlon (400m/20k/2.75mile) 1:39.15 including 33 minutes in the water
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215 days
jsk85 posted 20 weeks ago.
Seeing as how I've never raced in a wetsuit before, I'm by no means an expert. I've only done 2 1/2 iron events and for most anything shorter, the speed gains would be negated by how long it would take me to get it off, plus I'm cheap. However, I have been looking into them recently for next season since I'm starting to build from olympic distance focus to IM over the next couple years.
Sleeved wetsuits are harder to remove, so you'd lose some time in the transition area. However, they are a little warmer, yes.
Most importantly though, they are faster...whereas wetsuits are made of material more "slippery" through the water than skin, the forearm portion of the sleeve usually has a higher friction zone that allows your forearm to basically grab the water. Now, obviously you can't grab water literally, but the higher friction allows for more propulsion than with your arm alone. So, for 1/2 IM on up I'd say a sleeved wetsuit is a definate advantage. It may be an advantage in olys too since the swim is relatively close to 70.3 swim, but I just haven't talked myself into putting the money toward it yet.
I'm not sure of the buoyancy effect, but would imagine it's a slight gain with sleeves. Anyone feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of this info.
My blog: http://jsktri.blogspot.com
447
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TryScott posted 20 weeks ago.
I've never used a wetsuit with sleeves.
1. body temperature - I've never heard that the arms are a body part where a lot of body heat escapes. I've done 2 triathlons that my feet and hands were cold during the bike, and neither time did I wish I had sleeves on my wetsuit.
2. bouyancy - You definately want your legs to be near the top of the water, so that your body is horizontal. My coach tells me to push my chest down farther, so the my hips and legs come up higher. As for your arms... I'm not sure that's the important place to have your bouyancy. If I wanted to float in the water to take a nap, I'd put a wetsuit on my toes and fingers if possible for bouyancy :)
3. speed - What JSK85 said makes sense. I never thought about it.
3329
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1308 days
RV posted 20 weeks ago.
Wetsuits are not hard to remove - and not much time required to do so.
You strip the wetsuit down to the waist running to T1. So no time loss there at all.
Then pull it down and step out at T1. This is a few seconds - maybe an issue if doing a sprint and contending for the podium, but not really an issue for anything longer - as you are picking up potentially minutes in time on the swim.
Having Body Glide on the lower arms and legs helps the removal process as well.
Full sleeved wetsuits are warmer. But also depends if that is necessary based on how long you will be in the water - Big time difference between doing a sprint and and Oly.
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
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stewarba posted 20 weeks ago.
I think this is one of those age old arguments. You have proponents for and against sleeves. However, I have never read anything (other than personal opinion) that would suggest that if you are investing in a wetsuit that you don't go ahead and get a wetsuit with sleeves because there is some added bouyancy and warmth associated with them. The biggest argument against sleeves is the restriction in arm movement, but the counter against says that with modern suits this isn't much of a factor (I personally can't compare the two). If you already have a functional wetuit without sleeves, it probably isn't worth the expense. If you are worried about the water temps and getting cold, you may want to invest in a neoprine swim cap.
Goals in writing are dreams with deadlines – Brian Tracy
2008 Sprint Tri A race goals
S: 500m in 10:00 – FS Stroke only
B: 22mph avg over course
R: 5K <= 25:00
Place top 50% for my age group
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176 days
WanaBSpeedy posted 20 weeks ago.
Thanks everyone. I believe I'll just stay with the sleeveless then. Lastly, and I did forget to ask this....do sleeveless suits allow more water inside due to the lack of sleeves and openings along your side? i would assume so, but i am no expert and dont know if this is all that important.
825
Member
1384 days
catwood posted 20 weeks ago.
Yes they do let water in the arm holes. Full suits will always be faster.
I currently have a 2XU Comp Sleeveless suit. I am wondering since I am entering some early spring events (= colder water) if the sleeveless will make a huge difference in 3 ways: 1. body temperature, 2. bouyancy and mostly 3. speed. Any ideas? IF a full sleeve suit will make a large difference (we're talking for HIM and IM's), any recommendations/deals you know of? THANKS!