BUDGET WETSUITS GROUPTEST
Your first triathlon wetsuit is a landmark purchase on your triathlon journey. So which is the sub-£250 winner for 2019? Matt Baird and Helen Webster test 10 to find out
We test 5 men’s and 5 women’s budget wetsuits to find the best suit for under £250
After two editions of testing the latest and greatest neoprene in our top- and mid-end wetsuit tests, this month it’s time for the budget contenders. And, for the most part, they’re a strong collection of suits, taking us back to when we first chose our debut triathlon wetsuits and all the excitement that brought. Because your first triathlon wetsuit purchase is one of the most crucial you’ll ever make, the start of a multisport journey that could last a lifetime. But that’s not to say that the entry-level suits here are just for beginners, as many display enough quality for a host of tri experiences.
When it comes to buying your tri wetsuit, our mantra is repeatedly ‘try before you buy’, as the sizes can vary massively between brands. If you can, find a tri retailer or tri expo to try the suits, especially if this is your first triathlon wetsuit purchase. If not, ensure any online seller has a decent returns policy and study the size guide. Also think about your own swim ability when picking as some features – slender neoprene and a reduction in buoyancy – are lost on, or even detrimental to, beginner swimmers. Those with sinking legs should look for increased neoprene thickness with enhanced buoyancy. And consider which races (sprint or Ironman?!) you’ll be entering and whether you suffer from the cold.
Helen, our editor is your women’s guide, while features editor Matt takes on the men’s suits. Both will provide a close examination of buoyancy for sinking bodies, comfort and fit, plus added technologies. Value and beginner benefits were other key considerations.
How we tested
We tested these suits in both the pool and open water, with Durdle Door and Weymouth (home of the Ironman 70.3 race) in Dorset being our open-water venues of choice. Each was tested for comfort, performance, buoyancy, durability, hydrodynamics, zipper prowess, removal speed and the visual design. Value for money was a key consideration for this test, with features and material quality compared from wetsuit to wetsuit.