Tri Suits - Features to Look For in a Good Tri Suit
If you compete in or are interested in competing in triathlon you will certainly need a good tri suit. Although what you wear in training is less important than when you are competing you should still train in a tri suit to get used to the feeling and to make sure it is comfortable and a good fit. The worst possible discomfort during such a long endurance race is chafing and unless you have the right suit this can be a real problem.
If you are just starting out and looking for a tri suit there are plenty of entry level suits on the market, at the lower end of the price spectrum. At this kind of level a suit should be comfortable and breathable, with an easy-to-use zip. It should not rub or chafe, and preferably have a thin chamois.
Most suits are made using material that is breathable and that dries rapidly once you're out of the water and on the bike. At any level a tri suit should be a tight fit, but not too tight so that it becomes uncomfortable.
At the next level up, for those wanting to train and race more frequently, tri suits should be fully breathable and totally water repellent. You should look for one that has a fast-drying chamois and has mesh paneling. Some suits have pockets for longer distances, when you might need to stash an energy bar or gel.
Most tri suits fit under a wetsuit for the swim leg but bear in mind that if you are competing in a swim that does not require a wetsuit, pockets on a tri suit could cause extra drag in the water and slow you down.
Generally the more you spend the more technically advanced a tri suit will be. For top performance athletes who are looking for the most advantage from their equipment a good tri suit is imperative. It needs to be breathable but completely water repellent, thin, light and designed with speed in mind, with features such as flatlock stitching to prevent chafing, a thin chamois that dries quickly,
easy-to-use zips, and leg grippers - these help to keep the suit from riding up as you cycle and run.
Tri suits are all designed with speed and performance in mind, but there are many different designs on the market, to suit all levels of athlete and different body shapes. Women's suits are cut differently to men's to suit the different proportions of women for maximum comfort and efficiency, and many have a built in bra to provide an all-in-one solution.
Tri suits are made using different materials, with various features, and with different distances in mind, but all can be worn during all of the disciplines throughout the whole triathlon. They make the transitions much easier and quicker as you can wear a tri suit under a wetsuit and do not have to change between disciplines.
Prices of tri suits vary depending on the number of features provided and the types of materials used, but at any level a good tri suit will improve your performance and provide comfort for the duration of the race.
