What To Look For
Like the sport that they are designed for, triathlon wetsuits have three main purposes: they aid in flotation, they keep swimmers warm, and they reduce water drag. Triathlon wetsuits have to do all three while allowing swimmers a full range of motion as well. The top-rated wetsuits like 2XU's C:1 Comp are praised for the combination of performance and durability. When shopping for a triathlon wetsuit, look for suits that feature thicker insulation in the hips and chest to help with flotation and thinner insulation around the shoulders and knees to avoid impeding movement.
Common Pitfalls
While wetsuits are designed to keep swimmers warm, not all races requires maximal insulation from the cold. Buy a suit that can adjust to swim in warmer environments as well as cold ones. Also, make sure that the site from which you purchase your wetsuit has a good return/exchange policy in the event that your wetsuit doesn't fit well.
Where To Buy
Trisports.com offers a huge selection of wetsuits arranged by brand and price, plus a page for shoppers looking for discounts. Amazon.com also features triathlon wetsuits, allowing shoppers to search by brand, price and user rating.
Cost
Triathlon wetsuits can vary in price depending on length and model, but they generally cost around $300-$400, with some suits reaching into the $600-plus range. Some sites offer short-sleeved wetsuit for around $100, but you can expect to spend around $200 to $300 for a full-length wetsuit, unless you can find a deeply discounted suit.
Comparison Shopping
Full-length wetsuits are more buoyant and ideal for cold-water swimming, but they can lead to overheating in warm water. Shortcut suits, which can be short-sleeved or sleeveless and can come with full legs or legs that end at the knees, can be more ideal in warm water, as they allow body heat to escape allow a wider range of motion. Shortcut suits are also easier to change out of, making for shorter transition times.
Accessories
Some people find that their wetsuits tend to chafe, regardless of how well they fit. Lubricants such as Body Glide combat chafing when applied to common hotspots on the body such as the armpits, neck and ankles.
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