Hey BT, geek me up on swim speed suits, please!

I bought an Xterra Velocity-M speedsuit several years ago when new WTC rules outlawed my Blue Seventy speedsuit.  I used the suits for the Hawaii 70.3 in 2009 and 2011.  I did some testing in the pool with both suits and they definately were measurably faster.  I do not recall the exact amounts but at least a few seconds per 100.  I really didn't see a downside.

The Xterra speedsuit lists for $350 but I think I paid about $150. 

Thanks for asking the question, Matt....I had been wondering the same thing, but then promptly signed up for a wetsuit legal race, with no non-wetsuit races likely till next year.  When I OWS in my tri top, it's like a freaking parachute!

Are there any brands that are better than others?  Some are legal for all races, and some for just some races, right?  Definitely on my list of things to research and purchase (also living in TX).

Roka gets good reviews over on That Other forum.  Any thoughts on them?

I've got the B70 PZ3TX.  I haven't tested it in the pool, but when OWS training in a protected and well marked lagoon, I'm about 2-3 seconds per 100y faster.  

Make sure it fits well.  You want it snug.  I didn't sense any problems with over heating...but most of my swims were in 75-80 degree water.  I like the zipper on the PZ3TX.  It's one of those locking zippers so to remove it, you just flip the tab up, and it self unzipps as you pull the speedsuit off your shoulders.  No cords...you just may need a friend to help you zip up.

I got my used of the ST classifieds for about 150 I think.  Looked to be in almost new condition (seller said used once).  At full retail price, it's a bit harder to justify...but I got it before going to Kona last year.  Even lottery winners have to look the part when you're in Kona right?  At least look fast at the starting line...let them find out you're slow later.

This^^   Kiwami suits have survived the test of time for us.

How do they compare to a speed suit (say one that's WTC legal)?  I almost pulled the trigger on one a couple months ago, but no longer have any non-wetsuit races on the schedule. 

I used the DeSoto LIftfoil as a trisuit for a season. It's pretty well built, seems like it would hold up for a long time. The cut was a little short in height to get the needed snugness though, pulled on my shoulders later in the races. The pad was a bit wide for me too. I don't know if it's as good as others for hotter races as it seemed heavier/thicker. Nice to have for the cooler ones though.

Switched to a Kiwami Amphibian last year and loved it. Incredibly light feeling and holds snug. Cut for an athlete too. No amount of splashing gets the thing wet. I have to get in the water. It is a back zip, but I've actually felt less restricted in this than the several front zip suits. No need to zip up for the finish line photo!   I don't know if it's exactly the same as a swimskin, but it'll be more competitive towards that. I haven't looked into the new Spider yet, but the Konami is supposed to be the long course version, pockets and front zip.

Both DeSoto and Kiwami were very helpful.

Super helpful all - many thanks!

Marc, I'll be curious to hear what the time differences are between the skinz and the DeSoto.

I just read a short piece in Triathlete last night about skinz and time savings.  They claimed a consistent 2s/100 advantage for the skinz (compared the 3s you experience Marc) and 6s/100 for wetties (although I see more like 10s/100 - I know, prolly from bad form).  If the ITU suit is close to a swimskin and comfortable, it would be tougher to go with a swimskin from a time savings standpoint, I'd think (?).  Thoughts on one vs. the other?

Brings another question to mind (which I've asked before to some good natured derision).  For those of us who are more hirsuite (hairsuit?) than others, is the slipperiness of these suits undone somewhat by a set of hairy shoulders and arms (and legs) hanging out in the slipstream?  Having just swum with a sunshirt and shorts (rather than jammers) last week and noticing a big drag difference, I'm wondering if I'll see some speed bump just from wearing something over my "sweater."

The replies from pool fishies to this question in the past have all been that shaving psychs you up for race day but otherwise has no effect.  If that's so, how does an ITU suit make you faster than jammers (assuming minimal compression)?  (and if this question truly is silly, just say so and I'll try to stop asking!)  

Off to do 3k of kick.

Matt

Just to be sure, you're talking about the Liftfoil right?  If so I'd be interested on your thoughts of the 7mm pad.  Maybe the pad lifted you more than you think!

I love the fit and feel of Desoto tri suits but mine are the older models with the thin Fleece pad and wonder if the 7mm pad would be too much.  I need a new suit and have been looking at the Forza and the Riviera suits, god knows I could use all the help I can get for the swim and my next tri (2k swim) most likely won't be wetsuit legal.

If it provides that much of an advantage it should be illegal to use. 

Of course not.