Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

2011-11-16 9:51 AM

Veteran

317

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Subject: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

All...Just curious about what type of wetsuits you all have, if any. I know that we are mostly reduced to pool swims but for those that occasionally participate in open water swims, do you go sleeveless, full suit or no wetsuit at all?

Back in the 90's i had a sleeveless because I didn't like the shoulder restrictions that most suits had, however these suits have come a long way since then.

Thanks

2011-11-16 10:03 AM

in reply to: #3904087

Master

2538

Albuquerque

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

I have a full suit, never tried a sleeveless. My build is one that made me question a full suit, since I have wide shoulders and expected some restriction or discomfort. I haven't had either.

Xterra Vortex is the one I have, can't beat the pricing with the discounts they have. I'd bet I'd be even MORE comfortable in a top of the line one.

2011-11-16 10:37 AM

in reply to: #3904106

Veteran

317

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

Thanks Steve. Do you think it's tougher to get a full suit off?

2011-11-16 10:47 AM

in reply to: #3904087

Expert

1111

Albuquerque, NM

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

Mark,

I have a full sleeve wetsuit...
I have only done Cochiti practice swims, Alcatraz swims, and Soma in it.... it worked fine for all of those.
With that being said, I could have probably done the same with a sleeveless wetsuit and been fine too.

I'm a lot of help, huh?

2011-11-16 12:00 PM

in reply to: #3904191

Veteran

317

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

"I'm a lot of help, huh"

No sh&^

2011-11-16 12:03 PM

in reply to: #3904087

Veteran

317

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

When i wore one in the 90's i was younger and tougher then. Now I'm less tolerant of the cold and obviously a full suit would keep me warmer. That being said I like the mobility and freedom a sleeveless provides.

Is your suit tough to take off in a hurry Jay?

2011-11-16 12:48 PM

in reply to: #3904087

Subject: ...

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trinity

2011-11-16 1:42 PM

in reply to: #3904087

Veteran

420

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

I own a full also and there have been times when I was glad I had it instead of a sleeveless. 2 years ago a spring tri @ Buffalo Springs had a water temp of 58 degrees IIRC.

2011-11-16 2:22 PM

in reply to: #3904174

Master

2538

Albuquerque

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

Bonafide505 - 2011-11-16 9:37 AM Thanks Steve. Do you think it's tougher to get a full suit off?

I don't think it matters, but I've only had one race in it (ElephantMan). They had wet suit strippers and were super fast. Heck, the long trudge up the boat ramp took WAY more time than getting the suit off ever would.

But then again, my times don't matter one bit I'm slow.

2011-11-16 2:24 PM

in reply to: #3904376

Master

2538

Albuquerque

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

himclyde - 2011-11-16 11:48 AM

It depends on your swimming ability. Full wetsuits are the great equalizer between an athlete whose swim is not their strength and one whose swim is their strength.

I don't know that I fully agree with that. A full vs sleeveless will both support your legs the same amount, which is what *I* think matter most for marginal swimmers. I think a sleeveless suit would give me the same advantage as a full, but I chose a full based on price (deal) and I figure if I'm wearing it, it's due to being cold and I'd rather have the full coverage for warmth if that's the case.

2011-11-16 2:46 PM

in reply to: #3904319

Expert

1111

Albuquerque, NM

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

Bonafide505 - 2011-11-16 11:03 AM
Is your suit tough to take off in a hurry Jay?

Personally, I think it's a PITA to put on and take off. I think it would take some practice for me to remove it quickly. I know it can be done - I've seen it on YouTube :-) I have never worn it in any tri, other than Soma - and there were wetsuit strippers there that got it off for me in a hurry.

2011-11-16 2:53 PM

in reply to: #3904544

Veteran

317

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

I am planning on at least 1-2 Oly distance races next year and maybe a HIM. Additionally, the water temp this year at the Ft Sumner race was 72, or as I like to call it, butt cold.

Gotta have something for next year.

2011-11-16 2:56 PM

in reply to: #3904514

Expert

1111

Albuquerque, NM

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

abqtj - 2011-11-16 1:24 PM

himclyde - 2011-11-16 11:48 AM

It depends on your swimming ability. Full wetsuits are the great equalizer between an athlete whose swim is not their strength and one whose swim is their strength.

I'd tend to agree with Steve on this... the swimming advantage of a full vs sleeveless would be marginal, at best.

Water temps... Soma was 74 and I didn't heat up. Although, I did pull my collar out right before the gun to get a fresh batch of cool water in my suit before I started. Alcatraz was 58 last time I swam it... and I'm pretty sure I am entering the suit-less division next year.

Mark - you are more than welcome to take my wetsuit for a test run if you'd like...

2011-11-16 2:58 PM

in reply to: #3904550

Expert

1111

Albuquerque, NM

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

Bonafide505 - 2011-11-16 1:53 PM
72, or as I like to call it, butt cold.

Gotta have something for next year.

LOL. 72 is NOT cold!
Decision made... get sleeves!!

2011-11-16 2:59 PM

in reply to: #3904514

Subject: ...

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2011-11-16 3:24 PM

in reply to: #3904550

Master

2538

Albuquerque

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

Bonafide505 - 2011-11-16 1:53 PM

I am planning on at least 1-2 Oly distance races next year and maybe a HIM. Additionally, the water temp this year at the Ft Sumner race was 72, or as I like to call it, butt cold.

Gotta have something for next year.

72 is cold?!?!

You're in BIG trouble, then

2011-11-16 3:37 PM

in reply to: #3904087

Expert

1111

Albuquerque, NM

Subject: RE: Wetsuits- Full or sleeveless?

himclyde,

You link doesn't work (auto edit?). But, I think I found the page (d*o*b*k*a*n*i*z*e) you were referencing.

It's an interesting study no doubt - but, it's a sample of two and the variability of the two swimmers in sleeveless wetsuits was pretty high. I do believe sleeves are faster... just not that much (more on the order of Duane's performance and less like Curt's in the article you linked).

At my level, FOMOP or BOFOP, the decision would mostly boil down to personal comfort.