Subject: RE: How much do wetsuit sleeves really help? Originally posted by 3mar
Every time I do a wetsuit legal tri, I get more fed up with my wetsuit. First I had the issues of getting my legs out...cut the bottom 6" off and that is now ok. Then I've had the recurring issue of arm/tricep soreness and general restrictiveness in my arms and shoulders. Also the dang thing is so tight I couldn't get the sleeve off with my watch on. So I chopped a couple inches off the arms and i can now at least get my watch out. But swimming with it in the pool this morning (I have to wear it for about two weeks in the pool before a triathlon, so my shoulders and triceps get used to it) I'm just getting tired of it. Why all this effort? I'm about this close to chopping the arms off completely. I really don't even see much of a difference in my swimming. I did the same set this morning (5 x 100 m) that I did a week ago and my times were maybe 1-2 seconds faster. I was able to hold 1:14/100m last week and this week I was at 1:12-1:13 for each, but my arms hurt the whole time and one of the guys I swim with mentioned that I wasn't extending nearly as much as usual. I think the movement restriction and discomfort are outweighing the extra buoyancy and I just loath the thing. I really do. Will removing the sleeves really make any performance difference in regard to buoyancy? I'm thinking the reduced arm fatigue will make it worth it. Plus, I would love to chop those #($*($*# sleeves off....
Here's my 2 cents on the matter
Sleeves are if anything MINIMALLY faster. Remember your arms are in the water 50% of the time, so theres that.
Most people do not put on their wetsuits correctly or find the correct ones and so their shoulders fatigue quickly. Yeah you might be 1-2 seconds faster, but does your shoulders crapping out keep you out of aero? Does it effect your arm swing in your run? Those are seconds lost back and then some.
Roka has changing how wetsuits are made, they took away the "catch" panels on the arms as they found them to be BS, its up to you to decide if it is BS, or if what they are marketing as BS.
I went sleeveless this year finally and will never wear a sleeved suit again. |