WOMEN’S VERDICT

You can tell from the high scores awarded that there’s no bad suit in this test (and over £300 we wouldn’t expect to see any). But there’s a difference in value, and as our cheapest suit on test, the Zone3 still outpunches some of the others in terms of its features and functionality, so runs away with our Best Value award.

Budget aside, it’s time to consider what kind of swimmer you are. Many of the suits here feature 5mm panels to lift your legs and torso and while they do a good job, the Zoot alone combines those with super-thin arms for flexibility and feel.

If buoyancy’s not your thing (and women tend to need less due to body fat and muscle distribution) then the Huub is our pick for overall feel and freedom in the water – and there’s nothing else like it. But for overall speed, quality and tri-specific features, we’d try and rustle up another £150 and splash out on the Orca Alpha. The upgrades on an already great suit just take it into another league.