Triathlon - Wetsuits

I'm wondering the difference between higher and lower-end wetsuits. For instance QR has the Ultrafull (http://www.trisports.com/qr20ulwe.html) at $169.00 and the Hydrofull (http://www.trisports.com/qr20hytrwe.html) at $299.00. I'm assuming the Hydrofull is made with faster material, I'm just wondering how much faster and how important this would be for a beginner like myself. Perhaps someone has experience with these and can let me know the advantages of the higher priced suits. Thanks.

Don't spend less than 200$ if you are going to be in the water for longer than a mile. Comfort, shoulder strain, swim power all are really, really important and nicer suits can really help even your stroke. Let me give you an example: My swim out of a wet suit in a ocean is about 25 min for a 1k, in I'm under 20. Keep looking for bargains, at trisites, and don't settle for a ebay model. Also, that 169.00 one most likely has no variable thickness, it sounds like from the price it's a surf suit. Oh yes, I am also a begiiner-ish guy and am happy with the Orca Sonar.

Also, that 169.00 one most likely has no variable thickness, it sounds like from the price it's a surf suit.

Couple things. These are Quintana Roo suits. They only do tri-wetsuits. Regarding variable thickness, here's what they advertise.

"The Quintana Roo Ultrafull triathlon wetsuit represents a break through in the entry level category. Featuring Yamamoto market leading neoprene technology and QR design, this suit is like no other in its category. Differing thickness of neoprene’s (5mm chest and leg panels, 1.5mm shoulder panels) give full benefit to the triathlete seeking the perfect balance of buoyancy and flexibility."

And the MSRP on these is $219 marked down to $169.

But I'm still trying to understand the difference between the Ultra and Hydro.

Usually the difference is in thickness of the rubber and that's about it. They'll use marketing terms and proprietary technology to increase the gee-whiz factor of the more expensive suit, but it's really about thickness. The more expensive, the thinner the material. If you are a good swimming and swimming long, you'll appreciate the thinner material for a better feel and comfort. If you are a weak swimmer, go thicker as you'll be more buoyant.

I should say this is really only important if you are going long sleeve where benefit of the thinner material is felt. If you go sleeveless, there is no reason to pay more.

I should say this is really only important if you are going long sleeve where benefit of the thinner material is felt. If you go sleeveless, there is no reason to pay more.

Regarding that, I've been leaning toward long sleeve. Is there a benefit to that?

Regarding that, I've been leaning toward long sleeve. Is there a benefit to that?

I'd go long sleeve as you get more buoyancy from it. Some will say they like the feel of the water, but unless you are a really good swimmer, you'll be slower with sleeveless. The only other issue is finding one that fits you well. If you have trouble find a good fit, try the Desoto First Wave or other 2 piece where there is a separate top and bibjohn. By separating the two, you get better arm rotation than most 1 piece suits leading to better comfort.

I have the Ultrafull long sleeve and i HIGHLY reccomend it for the beginner. In the store I saw all the QR models and I really didn't see a huge difference between them, however the more expensive ones were a little thinner. If you are just starting out the Ultrafull will work very well for you, I am FAR faster with it on, its very light and comfortable, and allows me full range of motion without pulling on anything, it does have thinner areas like under my arms and stuff. My 2 friends that do tri's with me have them as well.

My only reccomendation, if you can go somewhere to try it on, you should, they fit VERY tight and form fitting, and it might be tough to gauge which one will fit you perfectly without that.

I am also new to tris but I did a ton of research before I buy anything. I spoke with a number or differerent shops that sell only tri stuff. I talked to a lot of different triathlelets and some are at the elite level.

Here is the deal. All tri wetsuits now are made with differnt thickness in the wetsuits for certain areas legs, core, shoulders and so on. Most will work the same but the higher end suits have a few different extras. Some have channels built into the suit to move water a certain way, some have grippers on the forearms to halp grab more water, some have a different design on the outside of the material so it is more water resitent. I just both a ZX2 suit that was $250.00 and then 25% off cause it was an 08 model and they were getting in the 09 ones (sort of like a car) so I got it for under $250.00. I was speaking with a guy at the swim class and he has the same suit bought last year when they first came out. And he has done 7 different races this year in it and loves it. He has been racing for over 10 years and said it is one of the better suits he has had.

So IMHO try on a bunch of suits when you find one that fits and is in your range buy it. With being a newbi, the suit will help, and you don't need a suit that is 2x or 3x as much just to say it is better.

I have the Ultrafull long sleeve and i HIGHLY reccomend it for the beginner. In the store I saw all the QR models and I really didn't see a huge difference between them, however the more expensive ones were a little thinner. If you are just starting out the Ultrafull will work very well for you, I am FAR faster with it on, its very light and comfortable, and allows me full range of motion without pulling on anything, it does have thinner areas like under my arms and stuff. My 2 friends that do tri's with me have them as well.

My only reccomendation, if you can go somewhere to try it on, you should, they fit VERY tight and form fitting, and it might be tough to gauge which one will fit you perfectly without that.

Appreciated it. Yeah, I would love to try one on, but can't find any local dealers. I'm a diver, though, and pretty much know my size. At worst I'd have to send it back for an exchange.

I am also new to tris but I did a ton of research before I buy anything. I spoke with a number or differerent shops that sell only tri stuff. I talked to a lot of different triathlelets and some are at the elite level.

Here is the deal. All tri wetsuits now are made with differnt thickness in the wetsuits for certain areas legs, core, shoulders and so on. Most will work the same but the higher end suits have a few different extras. Some have channels built into the suit to move water a certain way, some have grippers on the forearms to halp grab more water, some have a different design on the outside of the material so it is more water resitent. I just both a ZX2 suit that was $250.00 and then 25% off cause it was an 08 model and they were getting in the 09 ones (sort of like a car) so I got it for under $250.00. I was speaking with a guy at the swim class and he has the same suit bought last year when they first came out. And he has done 7 different races this year in it and loves it. He has been racing for over 10 years and said it is one of the better suits he has had.

So IMHO try on a bunch of suits when you find one that fits and is in your range buy it. With being a newbi, the suit will help, and you don't need a suit that is 2x or 3x as much just to say it is better.

Thanks, appreciate it.

Appreciated it. Yeah, I would love to try one on, but can't find any local dealers. I'm a diver, though, and pretty much know my size. At worst I'd have to send it back for an exchange.

The size chart on QR's site is actually dead on accurate, I fit the first one I tried which matched me exactly, so that should help. Plus QR offers the most size combinations.

I tried on a bunch of the more expensive suits at my local tri shop. I even used there endless pool and everything felt pretty uncomfortable. They were going to have to bring in a suit for me. I ended up buying an xterra wetsuit and have been thrilled with it. There sizing chart was dead and there customer service was great. They seem to always be running a sale and I got my vortex full suit for about $200 including shipping.

I'm not experienced enough to lend real value to the discussion... but I can always throw my opinion in the ring. I am doing my first tri in tow weeks and recently bought two suits. A quitna roo and an ironman stealth. There was a running shop in town getting rid of these things at $25.oo a piece. They are used but again, Im brand new so I didnt care. I really like both of these suits. I am more comfortable in the sleeveless roo suit but that (i think) is really a matter of experience.

My added piece of advice... whichever suit you buy, go ahead and pick up the little deodorant looking stick "body glide" I personally am a fan.

Good luck!

Mark