Catlike Rapid Tri Huub Archimedes II

US$355 $950

Compared to other super-aero helmets, the Rapid Tri offers lots of ventilation and comfort in an extremely sleek package. This is one of the lightest and most comfortable aero offerings we’ve ever tried – there’s lots of air flow thanks to the two strategically placed vents on the front above the visor. The air is channelled through the back of the helmet and you can actually feel the wind being blown on your back as you crank up the speed. While we’re not sure we’d like to take on Kona’s sauna-like conditions in the Rapid Tri, virtually any other race or distance would certainly be in the cards. Worn by Olympic medallists Alistair and Jonathan Brownlee, you’re going to see a lot of Huub wetsuits this season both during race coverage and in transition areas. The top of the line Archimides II is designed to provide all the benefits of a speedy wetsuit without feeling like you have one on. The not-there-feeling is enhanced thanks to the 1-mm thick Chloroprene foam rubber that’s used in all the places you want lots of flexibility – the shoulders and under your arms – while thicker 3-mm rubber is used in other spots to help with buoyancy. Everything about this suit is designed with speed in mind (the Brownlees would have it no other way, right?) from a special X-O Skeleton that helps keep your hips and pelvis in the right position to the specially designed Calf and Bicep Release features that allow for unrestricted movement and help reduce calf cramping while training and racing.