If you need a wetsuit to handle or participate in triathlons or for open water swim training, there is no better option, as a triathlon wetsuit will have more features and benefits than a traditional wetsuit.
A triathlon wetsuit manufactured for triathletes features built in triathlon specific body chamois, and highly functional leg and foot zippers. This reduces drag and provides for the best comfort. Other triathlon wetsuits for sprint and Olympic distance triathlons come without these features, making them great for recreational diving.
Do you need to buy the very best wetsuit for triathlons? The answer depends on your type of training and race distance.
A triathlon wetsuit is definitely worth the investment if you plan to train or compete in more than one triathlon per year. Here are the top rated triathlon wetsuits available for purchase.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ORCA Women's Alpha Triathlon Wetsuit | Best Overall |  |
| Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit | Budget Pick |  |
| TYR Hurricane Freak Nature Wetsuit | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. ORCA Women's Alpha Triathlon Wetsuit
Pros:
- Neoprene with a ¾ length front zipper make it a back-heavy suit, easy to get on and off.
- The built in thermal lamination provides a warmer feel.
- The factory-sealed 1/2 zip neck comes with an extra rubber seal below the zipper to prevent water from entering the suit.
Cons:
- It does have long sleeves, ideal for water recovery, but not for swimming.
This suit comes with an open-cell full torso seal and an open-cell 3/4 sleeve seal to give an ideal fit to your arm all the way from your shoulder down to your wrist. It´s made of a high quantity and quality neoprene that won't wear out easily.
It comes with a long zipper that gives a back-heavy feel, making it easy to put on and take off. The body of the suit is made from an anatomically designed, higher-volume torso, to provide you with excellent flotation and a more flattering fit. There's a zipper that runs from top to bottom and starts from the nape line to the lower back.
2. Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit
Pros:
- Cost friendly
- Adjustable
- Less than 6 pounds
Cons:
- Short and thin
- Ineffective zipper
- Low thermal insulation
Black Nebula
Next up on our list of the best triathlon wetsuits is the Synergy triathlon wetsuit. This product comes in black and in sizes ranging from small to XXX-large.
You can get this product for a price that will not break the bank. The cost is actually one of the best things about it, and some other wetsuit might cost you as much as three times as much as this one does.
3. 2XU Mens P:2 Propel Wetsuit
Pros:
- 2XU has chosen to use their graduated 16/18 stitched paneling, which will give you better flexibility due to how the stitching flows over different panels of the suit.
- This suit will never be too cold in colder water as the seam placement creates a natural thermal barrier, always making sure you stay warm. The use of hydrophobic treated zoot fabric will also help you stay dry.
- Critical seams are all reinforced and tape sealed to ensure your comfort and better longevity of the suit.
- This suit comes with two super stretch fabric panels, a neoprene-like panel on the shoulders, and straps are strategically placed to give more flexibility, giving you more movement without losing heat.
- You will also be getting their Corrugated Ultimate Shin guard, which is strategically placed for better durability and flexibility.
- This suit will come with the 2XU Cyber racing booties for maximum warmness and durability.
- Rescue reflector trim is strategically placed on the shoulder and back area to help you keep a low visual signature during those late night training sessions.
Cons:
- This suit comes with an almost 3/4-length front zip but it is a little stiff.
- You will need to make sure you have your gloves with you as this suit does not come with gloves.
4. TYR Hurricane Freak Nature Wetsuit
Lightweight and durable, the TYR Hurricane Freak Nature Wetsuit is your next best investment if you’re a serious triathlete. This award-winning piece creates no drag in water (less resistance) thanks to the Hyperstretch lining that wraps it from shoulders to ankles.
The “Freak” nature of the Hurricane Freak has delivered the best competitive swimwear around. It’s absolutely perfect for triathletes, as it creates no drag while swimming, thus giving you an advantage.
It is available in both Men’s and Women’s versions, and comes with thermal protection up to 4 “ 6mm. Originally, it was designed for both the competitive and recreational swimmer. Moreover, it has two neoprene cuffs at ankles and wrists to give you a tight fit and prevent water from seeping through.
5. blueseventy 2019 Men's Thermal Reaction Triathlon Wetsuit
Pros:
- Wide range of sizes offered, from small to extra-large, so you're more likely to find a good fit
- Includes bluefin seals
- Made to last, as it has a durable outer layer that will not rip or tear
- Has titanium laminated zip
(formerly called "crux")
More:
- Suited for long distance swimmers
- Designed for those who have to wade through the water as it only provides protection against the elements for a short period
- Provides protection from waves, particularly for those who swim in the ocean
- The product has stretch panels that will allow for great flexibility
- Has the ability to stay warm as it is highly insulated
6. Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit
The Adrenaline Fullsleeve Smoothskin Wetsuit for Women is the pinnacle of speed for battle-tested triathletes. This ironwill wetsuit is like adding rocket fuel to your triathlon. The Smoothskin fabric racing suits are designed for open water and ocean athletes. In the water or out of the water the Adrenaline Wetsuit is a proven choice for performance-focused triathletes.
7. XTERRA Men's Vortex Triathlon Wetsuit Full
Pros:
- 5mm in thickness
- Back zipper for those who prefer it
- Lesser material disturbance at the ankle
- Glides quickly
- Rubber stops fading
- Tackle strong winds
- Handle all weather conditions
- Comes with a zipper on the calf
- Breathable
- Two-way YKK zipper is heavy-duty
Cons:
- One-way zipper above the knee
- May feel too tight around the thigh
- Size runs small for adults
- Weight can slow you down
The XTERRA Vortex is a great option for both cold temperate and cold water conditions. The thick neoprene will take the brunt of the cold. Inside the suit you will stay almost warm as if you were in a thick sweater. Out of the water, wearing this wetsuit you will likely never feel the cold.
If you are in the market for a wetsuit, it’s great to have a few choices. This also increases the range in prices you can pay. Choosing this wetsuit may not be the cheapest option but it’s a high quality product.
8. Zoot Wave 1 Wetsuit
Pros:
- Low price
- Good material
- Liked in the reviews
You can order this suit in one size only and it comes specifically for men, which means that it will fit you best only if you are a male with a build that resembles a man. The model number for this one is Z432W. It is 81 cm long, at the longest point. It is also 26 cm wide at the widest point that is on the bum. If you want to know the measurement in US sizes, it will be a medium. The weight is 1.1 pounds for any size.
This wetsuit is made of compression. It is equipped especially to increase your muscles’ endurance and strength on the swim, bike and the run. You might notice because of the material used that it is likely to get a tear before it even wears out from use. The material is inherently sticky against water and parts of your body. This will inevitably result in you wearing out your wetsuit before it wears out from the use on its own.
9. Blueseventy Fusion Full Wetsuit
Pros:
- Waterproof, suitable for paddling or swimming
- Has a cool design
- Great for improving your performance in races and training
- Very minimalistic
- Compatible with most goggles and earplugs
If you want to improve your performance in races and training, then the Blueseventy Fusion Full Wetsuit might be the right choice for you. This model is made from Blueseventy’s highest performance, durable, and eco-friendly fabrics and is very compatible.
It can fit very nicely under a wetsuit jacket or vest, but it’s also fine on its own. The Blueseventy Fusion Full Wetsuit comes with a lifetime warranty from the manufacturer, which means that you can return it for repair or replacement any time.
10. Fit2Race Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit
Pros:
- The legs have a drawstring to adjust the length of the suit
- It is made of durable material
- The neoprene and zipper are both high-quality
- It is convenient to wear
- It is ecologically friendly
Cons:
- A little bulky
- It has some sizing issues which can be solved by going a size down
- Poor customer service
Fit2race gave this wetsuit a technical body contouring and lined it inside and out for warmth and comfort with an added extra wide zipper placement for ease of entry and exit reducing back strain. This suit is recommended for the moderate triathlete or anyone who wants to maximize their time/effort on the water without worry of a wetsuit.
The suit is made of super-strong nylon neoprene that will last the test of time and is strategically double sealed to aid in keeping the warmth in and the water out. The anatomical design will have you swimming away in no time without any restriction. The watertight nylon-velcro power strap at the left leg will secure your leg in place and velcro at the neck will secure your head in place is lined with rubber to grip your suit and keep it from moving around when in the water.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best triathlon wetsuit?
The top 2 triathlon wetsuits on our list are the Synergy Apogee XTE Full Suit and the Synergy Kili Wetsuit. Both of these wetsuits are excellent because they can be used in all 3 types of competitive distance swims in triathlons and provide the highest level of warmth, which translates to better performance. Both of these wetsuits are made with a combination of Sympatex and X-Glide, which keeps the wearer warm while providing excellent flexibility and mobility in the water. Overall, both of these wetsuits are great and they both highly rated by their users. The Synergy Full Suit wetsuit is a little more expensive, but its prices is worth its quality.
Are DHB wetsuits good?
DHB is one of the best wetsuit brands for triathletes. It has a range of options and designs which will be of interest to every type of triathlete. Some of the key features of DHB wetsuits include:
Thermal built in – DHB wetsuits have thermal linings which can improve insulation as well as maintain body temperature. The entire torso of the wetsuit is placed in such a way that it retains heat.
Superior hydrodynamics – the suit provides enhanced speed and mobility.
Designed with shorter sleeves – This feature is ideal for spring and fall.
Full suit, knee to ankle – made using high quality neoprene and with high tensile strength.
6/4 mm seams – Seams are securely stitched adding to the durability of the wetsuit.
Does chlorine damage neoprene?
Studies have shown that washing a wetsuit in a washing machine with cold water on a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent will not harm the suit. Using bleach or chlorine bleach will break down the neoprene in the wetsuit and cause it to deteriorate. Wetsuits should be rinsed thoroughly under cold water to remove any detergent residue and hang them outside to dry in the fresh air where they are less likely to be damaged by UV rays.
What thickness are triathlon wetsuits?
Wetsuit thickness…is it important?
Which triathlon wetsuit thickness is the best?
Do you need a triathlon wetsuit?
If you're about to participate in a triathlon, save yourself time, trouble and most of all money by purchasing the best triathlon wetsuit you can afford. Invest in a high-quality triathlon wetsuit and it can pay for itself in no time in the water.
Wetsuits have taken a huge leap forward in recent years in both comfort and performance and are now almost mandatory for swim training in cold water.
The most important thing to consider when choosing the best triathlon wetsuit for your race is the thickness of the suit.
Conclusion
When you diversify your wetsuit options, you diversify your performance gains. If you want to keep your training current and one-upping your competition, then it is crucial that you evaluate all the top triathlon wetsuits. If you’re an endurance athlete who spends a lot of time in the water, you know the importance of having the right gear for the job.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| ORCA Women's Alpha Triathlon Wetsuit | Best Overall | |
| Synergy Triathlon Wetsuit | Budget Pick | |
| TYR Hurricane Freak Nature Wetsuit | Upgrade Pick | |