Best Triathlon Wetsuit for Beginners in 2019 – Reviews & Buyer’s Guide

by David Wright | Last updated March 7th, 2019

People who take part in a triathlon are fully aware of how important it is to rely on the right clothing to maximize their performance. There are plenty of shoes, wetsuits, shorts, swim caps, and many other accessories to impulse triathletes through the waters and the road. Among them, the wetsuit is one of the most important things, because it handles the most adverse conditions into the water.

If you are just starting your triathlon practice, it is a good idea to find the best triathlon wetsuit for beginners to start evaluating which are the models and features that better impulse you through the competition.

Searching for a triathlon wetsuit requires that you get to know your body and what fits better to it. We’ve selected 5 of the best triathlon wetsuits for beginners that can help you find the right option to start your practice while taking advantage of the best conditions. One of them, the Fit2Race Sockeye Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit stood out as the best overall. Why? First of all, this model is unisex.

Secondly, it covers the whole body and is sleeveless. With this design, you keep full flexibility in the arms while protecting your legs with leg panels that ease fast transitions. Despite its simplicity, it is Ironman approved and is extremely comfortable.

If you keep reading, you will find other models you may use to compare and decide.

Top Triathlon Wetsuits for Beginners – our list:

1. Fit2Race Sockeye Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit – Best Overall

This model is not only suitable for beginners but for all levels too. It is manufactured with 3 mm rubber thickness in the back shoulders and 5mm in the front chest and legs which guarantees maximum performance. The leg panels ease the transition, and the blind stitching avoids chafing.

The technology to manufacture it provides a lamination process that combines rubber, nylon, and polyester to offer a friction-free movement. With this model, it is possible to achieve fast swimming and win competitions.

Pros and Cons

2. Xterra Lava Pants – The Most Innovative Pants/Shorts

This model is an innovative approach that offers maximum comfort and flexibility. It is manufactured with 5mm of neoprene in both sides of the pants which allows optimal body position. It fits perfectly well for men and women.

The suit easily keeps in its place with a stitched waistband and the special X-max seam seal technology offers long-lasting waterproof seams. These pants simulate the lift of a full body wetsuit but with a more natural feeling. It is perfect to speed up the transition as it is easy to change into and out of.

Pros and Cons

3. Dehai Shorty Sleeves – The Most Versatile

This is a 3mm wetsuit with short sleeves and manufactured in Neoprene (90%) and Lycra (150%). This combination of materials provides high stretch and easy recovery. It is suitable for triathlon and also perfect for wearing all day long.

You can also use it for all water sports like Paddleboarding, scuba diving, sailing and lake activities. It offers UPF 50+ sun protection, and its firewall panels protect against the cold. With the long zipper, it is easy to put in and take it off, and transitions are very easy.

Pros and Cons

4. Xterra Men’s Volt – The Best for Men

A wetsuit specifically designed to match men’s shape and needs. Its 3/2 mm neoprene manufacture makes it equally ideal for beginners and advanced triathletes. It withstands hours of training and you still can use it for racing.

It keeps you warm and dry because the suit includes a triple layer of glue and double-blind stitching. It provides excellent buoyancy and reduces the drag to keep you really fast in the water.

Pros and Cons

5. NeoSport Women’s Jane – The Best for Women

This is a wetsuit specifically designed to cover women needs. It is manufactured in the lightest neoprene available in the market. It offers numerous advantages such as soft and comfortable fit.

NeoSport Women’s Jane includes 5mm neoprene on the chest panel and 3mm neoprene on the back panel. It also has an adjustable collar that offers precise fit and less water entry. The arm zone is made with nylon laminated and soft Lycra, and along with the liberal arms enhance the efficiency and speed of the swim.

Pros and Cons

Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Best Triathlon Wetsuit for Beginners

When you start your way to becoming a triathlete, your attention is mostly aimed to try to improve your capacity. Technical details appear later, and this is when you start wondering how to improve your performance.  At this point, you can take a look at all the elements that influence on the results of any race.

Clothing is one of them. However, when you are a beginner, your experience and capacity are still in development. Therefore, your gear must reflect this stage. Otherwise, all the elements might become a burden.

When you select among the best triathlon wetsuit for beginners, it is important to consider your lack of experience without putting aside your initial needs.

Comfort

One of the most important things when choosing any wetsuit for a triathlon is the comfort. Triathlons are very demanding races that require a lot of effort during a significant amount of times. To have such comfort while swimming it is crucial that the wetsuit fits perfectly well.

Besides the fit, the design is also essential. Sleeveless wetsuits and pants are ideal to start your practice as they allow you to keep natural flexibility while improving your capacities.

Speed and flexibility

As your practice advance, it is common that you want to improve your speed. After all, it is the only way to win a triathlon. A wetsuit can help you improve your speed if it has a design that allows you to move freely in the water.

As you are a beginner, you need maximum flexibility until you control the technical aspects.

Budget

Fortunately, there is a wide range of prices for wetsuits. What you really need to consider is the level of interest that you have in becoming a triathlete. If you think you will persist, perhaps it would be better to invest a little more.

But, if you are still unsure, a less expensive option will be a better choice.

Triathlon Swimming Tips For Beginners

Conclusion

If you are beginning your triathlon practice, you should not underestimate the importance of having a good wetsuit. Although it might seem something fancy, its benefits for improving speed and performance are significant. When selecting your wetsuit, keep in mind the unique features of your body.

Also, don’t forget that you are just a beginner and pick something that eases your practice without too many complications.

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