QSW GENESIS

£120 Debut entry-level wetsuit from new British tri brand

QSW are a new sportswear brand from the UK formed of current and former members of RG Active and Blueseventy. And that triathlon pedigree is evident in their debut multisport range, with an impressive Alcatraz sleeved tri-suit (reviewed next issue) and this, the entry-level Genesis wetsuit.

We’ve used it in lakes, natural pools and the Dorset sea over the summer and it’s proven durable and surprisingly not excessively buoyant given the price tag, with the 4mm legs and 3mm chest/back thinner than many budget suits. The upper-body flex provided by the 1.5mm is adequate but not exceptional, while it’s swift to remove thanks to the quick-release cuffs (we would’ve liked a little more length on the pull cord, however).

For those unsure of the longevity of their triathlon careers, the solid

construction has meant we’ve also used it for surfing, paddleboarding and general beach time over the summer months and it’s yet to show wear and tear. We also like the visuals.

The main issue the Genesis faces (apart from its name making us think of Phil Collins) is the competition at this price point. While it’s superior to any of the sub-£100 suits we’ve tested from Aropec and Lomo, the Speedo Proton (£140, but found cheaper online) is still the sub-£150 wetsuit to beat in 2019. And having just five sizes to pick from (compared to nine for Speedo and eight for the £170 Orca S7) makes finding the desired fit that bit tougher. MB qswsports.com