OVERALL VERDICT

MEN’S

As the high scores here testify, rumours of the sleeveless tri-suit’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. We’re a short-sleeve convert, but this test has made us fall for the vest all over again.

We’d have no qualms in recommending the Aptonia suit for newcomers or anyone on a tight budget, but a £55 higher spend at the time of writing will produce the vastly superior Dhb Aeron 2.0.

The Castelli is the king of the sprint-distance pool-swim tri, while the Zone3 is aero, comfy and slick… they just need to sort the zip. That leaves the techy Assos, Dhb and the 2XU vying for the title. And it’s the latter that wins the Best on Test gong for its versatility, comfort and compression, and with a pad that can handle all of your sprint, Olympic, 70.3, and Ironman dreams.

WOMEN’S

At sub-£50 it’s hard to argue with the Dhb suit, which does offer everything needed in a vested suit, only lacking when it comes to tech.

More tri-specific features with an in-built bra sees the Zone3 at the next price point, but it’s let down by some obvious construction issues that caused major discomfort.

Often a 220 favourite, the Tri-Fit suit ticks all the high-quality material boxes and we love the easyto-use pockets, but the legs just come up a little tight, which hindered comfort.

A close second is Huub’s simple but practical pick, which would be our top choice for hot racing. Just pipping it to first, though, is Santini’s new Ikaika suit, which felt both comfortable and fast, while having everything you need in a vested suit at well under £200.