swim bag: wetsuits
Aqua Sphere Phantom
aquasphereswim.com – $650
Buttery softness, comfort and extra features endeared this suit to the testers. They were comfortable on the coldest days. A Velcro girdle inside held the suit tightly against the body, preventing air
or water pockets. It also offered some lower back support—helpful when sighting in choppy waters. The neck was silky soft and the shoulders were among the most comfortable of all the suits.
Range of motion was excellent—like swimming without a wetsuit. Tight rubber gaskets at the
wrists kept water out, which was great in colder water, but made the suit a little harder to don and
doff. Other features that made the swim to bike transition easier were the top-down zipper, stretchy
fabric panel near the ankles to make stepping out of it faster and a longer zipper.
Manufacturers and distributors provided samples for this review of products available in the market.
O
pen water swimming is growing at
an explosive rate. Wetsuits will be
an important factor as more and more
swimmers hit the high seas. For novice open
water swimmers or triathletes, or anyone
who enjoys swimming in cold water without
feeling cold, a wetsuit can open the door to
new experiences.
During December and January, water
temperatures in the Gulf of Mexico near
Sarasota, Fla., ranged from 68 degrees
F down to 51F on the coldest day. Quite
shallow, the Gulf is more susceptible to
climate changes than deeper bodies of
water—especially at the shoreline. Water
temperature can easily vary by 10 degrees
within a day. Our testers had the opportunity
to try a variety of wetsuits designed
specifically for swimmers and triathletes.
All of the wetsuits performed well—we did
not find a single suit that we would not
recommend depending on options desired,
water temperature and budget.
As with anything else that is worn on
the body, the fit is key. Some of the suits
fit different body types better than others.
Although the different features may appeal to
one person more than another, these are all
high-quality products and they give options
for those who want to enjoy open water
swimming without the restrictions of English
Channel rules and who don’t mind being
relegated to a separate division at open
water swims.
And a separate division is important
in races, since wetsuits offer a huge
competitive advantage. For those of you
who like your pull-buoys in practice,
imagine that kind of buoyancy for your
whole body, not just your legs. When
wearing a wetsuit, your body rides high on
top of the water—which is disconcerting at
first if you are not used to it—but quickly
becomes comfortable and fast. And as with
the tech suits—somewhat addictive.
Visit our YouTube channel at youtube.com/
user/usmastersswimming to view our
wetsuit testing video.
Most of the models we tested also had
either fabric forearm panels that helped
swimmers feel the catch or thicker material
there that helped to stiffen the wrists for
more power. Strategically placed panels of
differing thicknesses all over the suits aided
in body position and rotation. Articulated
shoulders ensured that arm movement was
not hampered—probably the most important
difference between swimming wetsuits and
those used for surfing or SCUBA diving.
As more than one tester put it, “these suits
practically swim for you.”
During our first weekend of testing all
the testers, who are used to swimming
without wetsuits, struggled a little with the
shoulders—several mentioned how the arms
TYR Hurricane Cat 5
tyr.com – $625
This suit was one of the warmest and most comfortable suits tested—and one of the
best looking. The iridescent maroon panels and white sleeve lettering were striking
and visible. The Hurricane was deceptively easy to don and doff, and when fitted
properly, it conformed to the testers like a second skin and provided great range of
motion. Thicker neoprene extends from the torso through the length of the legs, giving warmth and buoyancy—testers rode high and fast on top of the water.
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Test Suit:
Men’s small (5’3” to 5’9”;
138 to 166 lb)
Men’s large (5’10” to
6’03”; 175 to 199 lb)
Women’s X-large (5’07” to
6’0”; 175 to 199 lb)
Testers:
One female at 5’08”/135 lb;
one male at 5’10”/155 lb
One male at 6’00”/195 lb;
one male at 6’01”/182 lb
One female at 5’08”/163 lb;
one male at 5’10”/210 lb
Fitting Notes: The men’s small was too small for the 5’10”/155 lb male tester, but it was
perfect for the 5’08”/135 lb female with an athletic build. The women’s X-large was too big for
the 5’08”/163 lb female tester, but fit several of the male testers who were outside the weight
range. (15 sizes available)
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felt heavy, the neck felt tight, etc. Virtually
all of these complaints disappeared shortly
as testers got used to wearing the suits and
as the suits loosened up a bit after the first
few wearings. Some sort of lubricant, such
as SBR’s Trislide or Body Glide, was critical.
Even the softest, most comfortable suits
chafed around the neck on longer swims.
Since sizing is critical when deciding on
a wetsuit, each review includes the size suit
we tested and the manufacturer’s sizing
information, along with the sizes of the actual
testers and some notes about the fit. Our most
important recommendation is to contact the
fitting experts at the manufacturers to ensure
that build, torso length, bust size and other
physical characteristics besides height and
weight are taken into account. Also—look for
our notes about warmth and consider water
temperature where you swim—you don’t want
a suit that is too cold or too warm.
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Test Suit:
Universal medium–long (5’10” to 6’03”;
165 to 198 lb)
Universal extra-small (4’11” to 5’05”; 121 to 139 lb)
Testers:
One male at 6’02”/175 lb; one male at 5’10”/155 lb;
one female at 5’05”/135 lb
One female at 5’01”/110 lb
Fitting Notes: The female tester of the medium-long is well under the sizing specs with her height and weight,
but she has a longer than average torso and was able to wear the suit comfortably. The female tester for the
extra-small was under the weight specs and the suit fit quite well. The universal fit of the Phantom appears to
allow for a wide range of sizes, but it appears to run on the small side. (seven sizes available)
Aqua Sphere Pursuit
aquasphereswim.com – $200
A more economical model from Aqua Sphere, the Pursuit performed well in testing. Although not as warm as the Phantom, it was comfortable in the low 60s. Testers who had
also tried the Phantom missed the girdle that kept that suit snug at the lower back, and
one tester noted that some air got trapped in the lower back area. Shoulder rotation was
not quite as free as with the Phantom and other higher-priced suits, but thinner panels
on the torso allowed for stretch, and most testers were able to swim 2 miles without
shoulder strain. Panels at the forearms and ankles made donning and doffing easier;
however, one tester noted that these thinner panels allowed a little water in. Testers liked
the basic features of this suit and the reasonable price.
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Test Suit:
Men’s medium-long
(5’10” to 6’03”; 165 to 198 lb)
Women’s medium
(5’05” to 5’09”; 110 to 150 lb)
Testers:
One male at 6’02”/175 lb;
one male at 5’10”/155 lb
One female at 5’05”/135 lb;
one female at 5’08”/135 lb
Fitting Notes: The two female testers of the women’s medium were of different body
types, one being taller with a short torso and longer legs, the other shorter and having a
longer torso and shorter legs. Their weight is the same. The suit fit more comfortably on the
shorter-torso female, even though her shoulders were broader and she was closer to the top
of the fit range—which made torso length critical in fitting this suit. (11 sizes available)
Aqua Sphere Pursuit Sleeveless
aquasphereswim.com – $170
Testers enjoyed this suit when the water was in the mid 60s and above—anything
colder and they wanted sleeves. Like the sleeved version, this model had stretchy
panels at the ankles that made getting in and out of the suit easier. The arm openings
were snug, but not constricting, and shoulder and arm rotation was not hampered for
any of the testers, who ranged in height from 5’10” to 6’02”. Testers felt that this was
an excellent choice for warmer waters. This suit also got high marks for the sporty
zebra striping at the arm openings.
Test Suit:
Universal medium-long (5’10” to 6’03”; 165 to 198 lb)
Testers:
One male at 6’02”/175 lb; one male at 5’10”/155 lb; one male at 6’00”/195 lb
Fitting Notes: A wide range of body styles was able to fit into this suit comfortably, from
average height and weight to tall and thin or tall and medium build. (seven sizes available)
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blueseventy Axis
blueseventy Reaction
blueseventy.com – $550
The Axis, what blueseventy calls a “balanced buoyancy” wetsuit, is designed for
swimmers and triathletes who are looking for some assistance with their body position. The back of the hips and legs has neoprene with extra air cells to buoy the lower
body and legs. One triathlete tester agreed that this is particularly helpful for triathletes with well-developed leg muscles from biking and running who may not be natural swimmers. The testers who were strictly swimmers or who had naturally good
body position either didn’t notice much difference or preferred the neutral buoyancy
Helix over this model. This model also had slightly thinner neoprene panels in the torso and was not as warm as the Helix or some of the other brands. Several testers got
uncomfortably cold in the mid to high 50s in the Axis.
blueseventy.com – $330
The Reaction is also considered a neutral-buoyancy suit, and offers the same
great sizing array as the Helix and the
Axis, but with fewer features and a more
affordable price. The Reaction had the
extra air cell neoprene throughout the
front of the torso and upper legs, distributing buoyancy evenly, in contrast to the
lower back and legs distribution of the
Axis. Only one tester fit into this suit and
she also wore the Axis. Compared to the
Axis, she found that this suit was a little
warmer, although it did not have the
same features as the Axis: no easy-exit
ankle panels and the neck was not quite
as comfortable. She did note, however,
that the flexibility through the shoulders
was every bit as good as the Axis.
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Test Suit:
Women’s small (4’10” to
5’3”; 108 to 121 lb)
Women’s medium (5’03”
to 5’09”; 123 to 141 lb)
Men’s large (5’11” to
6’04”; 192 to 220 lb)
Testers:
One female at 5’01”/110 lb
One female at 5’05”/135 lb;
one female at 5’08”/135 lb
One male at 6’00”/205 lb;
one male at 6’00”/195 lb;
one male at 6’01”/182 lb;
one male at 6’03”/210 lb
Fitting Notes: Height and weight of testers seemed to be right on with blueseventy’s sizing
chart, with one notable exception of a female tester with a longer torso—although she fit into
the women’s medium range, she probably would have been happier with a medium-large.
(15 sizes available)
Test Suit:
Women’s small (4’10” to 5’03”; 108 to 121 lb)
Testers:
One female at 5’10”/110 lb
Fitting Notes: Suit fit tester, who was in the middle
of the height range and on the low end of the weight
range, perfectly. (15 sizes available)
Orca Alpha
blueseventy Helix
blueseventy.com – $640
The Helix was a big hit with testers—it was warm on the coldest days into the
low 50s and supremely comfortable with very little chafing. Considered a “neutral buoyancy” suit, for the swimmer who already has good body position, this
suit fits like a second skin and the quality is evident right away. Like the Aqua
Sphere Phantom, the Helix sports a top-down zipper. Harder to zip before the
swim, but easier to unzip, this feature was appreciated by swimmers who have
had their suit unzipped accidentally when swimming in a pack. Testers liked
the soft weightlessness of the shoulders and arms, which afforded excellent
rotation with no constraints or heaviness. Several testers remarked that the
thiin fabric forearm panels, designed to preserve feel for the water (and partly
responsible for the weightlessness of the arms) were colder when first getting
in. The panels also did not appear as durable as, some other suits. The attractive blue and orange markings on this suit helped with visibility.
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Test Suit:
Women’s medium
(5’03” to 5’09; 123 to 141 lb)
Men’s large
(5’11” to 6’04”; 192 to 220 lb)
Testers:
One female at 5’05”/135 lb;
one female at 5’08”/135 lb
One male at 6’00”/205 lb; one
male at 6’00”/195 lb; one male
at 6’01”/182 lb; one male at
6’03”/210 lb
Fitting Notes: Again, blueseventy’s size chart was spot-on. The male swimmer who
was within the height range but under the weight range did not get a good fit and
the suit took on water. He would have been better off with a medium-tall or mediumlarge. (15 sizes available)
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orca.com – $650
Orca gets kudos for the bright blue and red markings on the arms, shoulders and back—an
excellent safety feature, making this suit highly visible in the water and looking great. Performance-wise, the Alpha did not disappoint. Testers loved the soft comfort and quality. Shoulder movement was completely unrestricted and, although the neoprene in the torso felt thinner than in the Orca Sonar, testers were warm on the coldest test days. One tester, an experienced triathlete who started out as a swimmer, found this suit to be a true swimmer’s suit—it
had just the right amount of buoyancy for someone who already has great body position and
wants to swim with no encumbrances.
Test Suit:
Men’s 7 (5’08” to 6”01; 165 to 180 lb)
Testers:
One male at 5’10”/155 lb; one female at 5’08”/163 lb
Orca Sonar
orca.com – $400
The Sonar was thicker than the Alpha in the torso, and testers were plenty warm in this suit on
the coldest days. The Sonar provided excellent range of motion—swimmers were able to go
over 3 miles without any heaviness in the shoulders. Buoyancy was greater in the lower body
and legs, making this suit a good choice for those needing assistance with body position or who
want to ride high in the water. The markings on the Sonar were not as bright or visible as for the
Alpha, but it is a great looking suit.
Test Suit:
Men’s 7 (5’08” to 6’01”; 165 to 180 lb)
Testers:
One male at 5’09”/155 lb; one female at 5’08”/163 lb
Fitting Notes: The female tester was at the low end of the size range, but is athletically
built and muscular, and this suit fit her perfectly. It also fit the male tester well, who was
within the height range but 10 lb below the weight range. As with blueseventy, Orca also
has a suit designed for more buoyancy in the lower body, the 3.8, but the only available
test model was too small for our smallest tester. This, along with the notes on the other
two Orca models, may mean that this brand runs on the small side. (11 sizes available)
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ProMotion Power Glide Fullsuit
wetsuit.com – $310
This was the heaviest suit tested, and toasty warm in the coldest waters. The legs
were longer than those for other suits, which kept the lower legs warmer and more
buoyant—testers used to chilly shins appreciated this. The markings on the female
suit were bright fuchsia, which looked great and provided excellent visibility. This
model also had ankle zippers, making donning and doffing easier, but jumping out of
it takes practice with the zipper or it bunches up. The varying thicknesses of neoprene all worked well together, making this suit buoyant, flexible, warm and easy to
swim in. Although arm rotation was not quite as free as in some of the other suits
tested, this suit performed well in several 2-mile swims. The outer skin is more like
that of a traditional dive suit—sturdy and not as vulnerable to tears as some of the
smoother coatings used on other suits.
Test Suit:
Women’s 6 (5’2” to 5’06”; 120 to 140 lb)
Testers:
One female at 5’05”/135 lb; one female at 5’08”/135 lb
Fitting Notes: The 5’08”/135 lb tester was outside the height range for this suit, but with
a shorter torso and longer legs, so the suit fit well. (30 sizes available)
ProMotion Power Glide Sleeveless
wetsuit.com – $230
Most testers preferred the sleeveless suits only when the water temperatures were
still in the mid to upper 60s. But this suit, like the women’s fullsuit, is a beast of a
suit—thick, warm and durable. It did well for some testers in the low 60s. The markings helped with visibility and made a great looking suit. This model did not have ankle zippers, and because of the propulsion panels on the shins, was initially slightly
more difficult to step out of than some of the suits with thinner materials at the leg
cuffs, but with practice the suit will pop off quickly.
Test Suit:
Men’s large (5’10” to 6’02”; 170 to 190 lb)
Testers:
One male at 6’00”/205 lb; one male at 6’00”/195 lb; one male at 6’01”/182 lb;
one male at 6’03”/210 lb; one male at 5’10”/210 lb
Xterra Vortex 3 Fullsuit
xterrawetsuits.com – $400
The Vortex 3 was another thick, warm wetsuit. Thicker neoprene extended throughout
the front of the torso and legs, affording great buoyancy and warmth—too much for
some of the swimmers who wanted a more natural feel—but great for those struggling
with heavy legs. It had good shoulder mobility, although the fit felt thick to some testers. Several completed 2- and 3-mile swims with minimum shoulder heaviness. Testers liked the lower neckline, which was comfortable and didn’t let water in. Several testers remarked on the softness of the interior, which helped with getting into it.
Test Suit:
Men’s large (5’05” to 6’05”; 185 to 210 lb)
Testers:
One male at 5’10”/210 lb; one male at 6’00”/195 lb; one male at 6’01”/182 lb;
one male at 6’00”/205 lb
Fitting Notes: Xterra’s size chart allow for a large variation in sizing. The shorter tester
who was at the higher end of the weight range found a comfortable fit, as did the taller
testers. This suit was cut generously in the hips and legs. (15 sizes available)
Xterra Vortex 3 Sleeveless
xterrawetsuits.com – $300
As with the other two sleeveless models tested, this suit was preferred in water
temps in the low to mid-60s and above. One tester, who has a difficult time fitting into
sleeved suits because of larger back and shoulder muscles, preferred this suit even
in colder temperatures. The thickness of the body and upper legs added warmth and
buoyancy to the suit, so for her the tradeoff for more upper body freedom was worth
it. See fitting notes regarding torso length on the model tested.
Test Suit:
Women’s medium (5’01” to 5’10”; 120 to 135 lb)
Testers:
One female at 5’05”/135 lb; one female at 5’08”/135 lb; one female at 5’03”/140 lb
Fitting Notes: This suit has a shorter torso than the other suits tested, so the 5’05”/135
lb tester with the longer torso was unable to wear it, even though she was within the size
range. The taller, shorter-torso female and the shorter female with the short torso, but who
was slightly outside the weight range, had no difficulty with the fit. (15 sizes available)
Fitting Notes: The men who tested this suit were all close to or outside the top weight
range for this suit, but all were able to wear it comfortably. (30 sizes available)
2XU V2 Velocity
2xu.com – $600
This suit’s cool “alien body armor” appearance is partly the result of the strakes, designed to channel water, that run up the torso. The 4.5 mm neoprene in the torso kept
the testers comfortable down to the lowest temperature during testing. The thicker neoprene made this suit exceptionally buoyant, which some testers did not like initially, but
became accustomed to later on in testing and liked that “swimming downhill” feeling it
gave. The 1.5 mm neoprene arms/shoulders allowed for excellent flexibility. Testers who
used this suit felt no restriction or heaviness in the arms—even after a 3-mile swim. Testers also liked the lower neckline, which was comfortable and did not take in water.
Test Suit:
Men’s medium (5’7” to 6’00”; 159 to 176 lb)
Testers:
One male at 5’10”/155 lb; one female at 5’08”/163 lb
®
Fitting Notes: The female tester for this suit has a muscular, athletic build with large shoulders and she
felt that the men’s cut was correct for her. (16 sizes available)
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