Wetsuit Reviews

Blue Seventy (branded as “blueseventy”) has been making some of our favorite wetsuits lately.  The Blue Seventy Helix just might be in the running our favorite wetsuit on the market, and the entire lineup is well thought-out and made with top engineering.  Sitting firmly in the $400-$500 price point is the Blue Seventy Reaction.  The Reaction is intended to be a mid-range wetsuit, perhaps with some higher-end features, that can be used by experienced triathletes and beginners alike.  It is a suit that features some of the high-end benefits of the Helix while staying more affordable than many suits.  Note that the Reaction has seen significant advances in the past year or two, so be wary of the carryover suits you will find on the market at a deep discount — they really are not the same wetsuit as today’s Reaction. Features:  The 2016 Reaction featured a total redesign of the same model from years past, and 2017 improved upon that design.  We like the 4-5-4 paneling for triathletes and swimmers who spend a lot of time in colder waters.  4-5-4 simply means that the thicknesses of the Neoprene are 4mm in the chest, 5mm in the torso where you want the warmth, and then back to 4mm in the leg.  This is a good overall combination for your typical competitive triathlete who is as concerned about warmth and buoyancy as they are about speed.  The 39-cell Yamamoto is flexible and features the material used in some of the  highest-end wetsuits on the market just a couple years ago.  In fact, when you compare this wetsuit against more expensive ones, the only main differences are that the thin paneling of 4mm isn’t quite as thin as some others (that get down to 3mm or even 2mm). The VO2 design on the chest is a really winner.  It basically splits the chest panel in two, so you have better expansion ability when taking deep breaths.  Anyone who has ever felt constricted while breathing in a wetsuit will immediately understand why this is a important and a nice feature to have. We have become fans of the Blue Seventy construction which features A-Flex lining for maximum comfort against the skin, as well as the tube design on the legs which minimizes leg seams.  This allows the swimmer to remove the wetsuit faster, and also creates one less point of worry if you need to cut the legs down for size – seams are typically where you will have an issue.  Blue Seventy reinforces the leg seam with liquid glue, further hedging against damage from cutting.  This makes the Reaction a great choice if you are a stout and muscular body type who may need to order a larger wetsuit and cut the limb lengths down to the right sizing. While we have heard of some slightly negative durability reviews of the Reaction when used in salt water, this is likely not unique to the Blue Seventy line.  Salt water is highly destructive to neoprene, and your wetsuit should be thoroughly soaked by freshwater after any saltwater use.  Overall, we have been happy with the durability of Blue Seventy products, and the Reaction is no exception. Pricing:  The Reaction lists for just above $450.  While you might be able to find them discounted on line, make sure you are looking at the same model year.  This wetsuit changed from 38-cell neoprene to 39-cell neoprene with its last redesign.  That change alone is worth at least another $100 of market value, when comparing this to other suits on the market.   Note that if you go with a sleeveless Reaction, your price will drop to under $300, but you will also give up some of the warmth and buoyancy benefits. Comparisons:  The Reaction occupies a price point at the $400 range, along with such suits as the Orca Sonar and the Xterra Vortex.  The Reaction uses 39-cell neoprene, similar to the Sonar which uses 39-cell in its Aerodome.   On the flip side, the Reaction gets up to 5mm thickness in key panels, whereas the Sonar maxes out at 4mm.  The Vortex also gets up to 5mm.  What do all of these numbers mean?  The Reaction is a very solid wetsuit and may be the best of the bunch in extreme cold water.  If flexibility on long swims is important to you, you may want to compare it to the Sonar.  Pricing-wise, expect to pay around $450 for the new Reaction.  If you can find it on our site for less than $400, consider it a good deal. 

The Blue Seventy Helix has for years been one of our favorite triathlon wetsuits on the market, at any price range.  We try to be as impartial as possible but we know a great wetsuit when we see it, and the Helix fits the bill.  Best of all, it just keeps getting better.  Blueseventy, along with Orca and Xterra, has been pushing the envelope in recent years on what a good triathlon wetsuit should be able to do.  While each of those manufacturers make a high-end wetsuit that we would be happy to race in, the Helix is a cut above in enough respects to make it our favorite.  While it is not a cheap wetsuit (it retails at over $700 and is often difficult to find on sale), it is an excellent investment if you plan to race for several years, or are training often in open water and want to be as fast and buoyant as possible. Construction When it comes to specs, the Blue Seventy Helix offers five distinct Neoprene paneling thicknesses, putting it right at the top with the best range of density variation in the business.  Examining the Helix up close shows how well Blue Seventy has woven those five panel thicknesses together, and given key areas like the shoulders and chest just the right range-of-motion for swimmers who will be using the suit often or racing in long races.  While all of the high end wetsuits allow racers to alter their swim stroke far less than they would in an entry-level wetsuit, the Helix does a great job of blending the thicknesses together with high quality seams.  The Aerodome rubber Neoprene is a high tech as anyone is making these days, on par with the 40 cell yamamoto neoprene that we have seen from other makers — wetsuits like Orca feature the 40-cell Yamamoto. 5mm neoprene is used thoughout much of the wetsuit, providing excellent buoyancy.  Blueseventy likes to say it allows for more of a “downhill” swim experience.  We like the thinner, flexible center breast panel which allows for more flexibility throughout the chest area.  Anyone who has used a “too-stiff” wetsuit knows how valuable this flexibility can be both from a physical as well as mental standpoint.  Blueseventy also uses a “reverse zipper” on the Helix, which is exactly what it sounds like.  Instead of pulling it up for the zip shut, you start at the top and pull it down.  This allows for a more comfortable swim and, with a little practice, likely a fast T1 exit. Swimmers who test the Helix report that the great paneling technology not only provides the range-of-motion they need to maintain their swim stroke, but they also ride higher in the water because Blue Seventy has strategically placed paneling for the best body positioning.  Swimmers also report that the reverse zipper that is featured on the Helix creates more comfort while racing and a quick transition motion, although the zipper can take a bit of getting used to if you grew up with a traditional zipper.  With the thin paneling in some spots, you will want to be careful about getting nicks and cuts in this suit.  If you need to store your wetsuit in an area where it won’t get the care that it deserves, you may want to consider a lesser suit that will be just a bit slower and less comfortable. Thermal Helix Blueseventy is one of the only manufacturers to make a special model of its top-line wetsuit for ultra-cold environments.  The Thermal Helix swaps the lightweight liner out for a mid-weight zirconium liner, allowing for more heat retention during the swim.  With this modification, Blueseventy says that the Thermal Helix can keep a swimmer comfortable in temps town to 48 degrees F (9 C).  That is extremely cold, and this is a modification that likely is of interest to those doing northern ocean swimming as well as those in northern climates.  While the wetsuit will keep your body warm, you will still have to deal with your head, feet, and hands! While we try not to spend too much time analyzing appearance, the Helix is a good looking wetsuit as well.  The black neoprene is accented with blue and some very subtle orange striping that follows paneling variations.  The result is a wetsuit that stands out in the sea of black as you are about to enter the water. The Helix’s price point, at about $800 on the standard Helix – $850 on the thermal –  (we sometimes have access to it for less), is at the high end of any triathlon wetsuit.  Most major manufacturers, however, tend to have their high end wetsuit priced in that range.    We believe the intricate neoprene paneling, Aerodome consruction, and fast removal of the Helix make it worth the extra money for many racers.  If you need to compare to another wetsuit on the market, the Xterra Vendetta is probably the closest thing we see to it the Helix out there.  Both are excellent choices and intended for racers who have a healthy budget or are taking the sport quite seriously.

The Orca Equip has a proven track of success for those who are serious about their open water swimming, but also a price point that makes it affordable for beginner triathletes.  Orca has been making the equip for several years, and its presence as a mainstay in the Orca lineup shows just how popular it has been.  The Equip is in the midrange (Just over $300 list, but often on sale) which makes it an excellent choice for entry and mid tier wetsuit users. The wetsuit is designed fashionably by Orca, one of the more popular manufacturers who are regarded highly in this industry.  We have personally used Orca products and can attest that Orca knows what they are doing at all price points. Orca Equip Review The Orca Equip is light in weight and elastic near the shoulders. The suit is well fitted with slimline cuts and, like more expensive wetsuits, has panels for forearms with high friction that help in the pull phase during swimming. It also provides athletes freedom of movement when they are in the midst of an open water swim. It is a good choice for those who are using wetsuits for the first time given the combination of the price point and the features. Short of elevating your open water swim technique to where it needs to be, getting into a good wetsuit is one of the best things you can do to improve your swim. The wetsuit is composed of 39 cell Yamamoto neoprene, material used in many Orca models.  39 cell neoprene is known for being able to stretch more than 500% without breaking or tearing. It has 1 mm Yamamoto neoprene on the sleeves that increases comfort and flexibility while swimming, with a very flexible 1.5mm neoprene around the should transition area. It is made up of long-lasting, high quality HydroCell SCS neoprene. The arms, chest and torso thickness in Orca Equip measure about 2mm. As is the trend in wetsuits, it is considered that neoprene thickness throughout the suit varies which is very important as less thickness is also required in some areas such as under arms for a flexible motion. The Orca Equip helps the beginner with its functions and qualities to improve their underwater and in-water performance.  In its latest design, Orca started using a material called InfinitySkin on the Equip, a flexible material that was previously only found on higher-end models. The Equip was revised in 2015. It has Hydrostroke Forearm Panel which was earlier seen in Ocra Apex 2. The panel also has silicon print which eases the water pull phase of the stroke by increasing power, something that originally featured only on higher-end suits. One of the notable features that lacks in Orca Equip is its coated neoprene on the underarm panels that are flexible, as are found in the higher end Alpha, Orca’s signature suit (you’ll spend about $300 more for those suits — worth it if you plan to do alot of longer races but not if you are a casual sprint racer).  Due to this uncoated and flexible neoprene the dress becomes less hydrodynamic, but probably not entirely noticeable for novice swimmers. QuadraFlex underarm panels are water resistant and allow you to have flexibility and easy movement wherever you need it. The Orca Equip is a suit that fits everyone and is accessible for most athletes. It also has 3 mm stretch neoprene, Speed Transition Calf, which permits quick and convenient transitions. Ocra’s are easy to get off in transition due to the angled openings in the legs. Swimmers report that bouyancy is good in this suit but not as high as in some of the more expensive ones, but for the price point most triathletes are pleased with the overall wetsuit performance. Equip Sizing and Features  For male triathlon participants, it is available in sizes of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,9, 10 and 11 while in women it is available in XXS, XS, S, M ,L and XL. It should be noted that most users suggest erring on the larger size when in doubt, as Orca tends to fit their sizes for very fit athletes. You may find, if you are a typical weekend athlete, that you require a tad more space than a pro does in your wetusit. Don’t overdo it, though, as wetsuits are supposed to fit tightly. The Orca Equip is available only in black. For fastening it has a Slipstream Zip. It is technology that has proved to reduce the drag between the wetsuit and water to the least possible amount. Conclusion In short, the Orca Equip is a good buy for starters who want to start economically with some features that would have been more expensive just a few years ago.  While there are now some great entry level wetsuits on the market today, for a more avid triathlete it may definitely pay to upgrade to the midrange.  The Equip, along with the Blue Seventy Reaction, are a couple of our favorite wetsuits in that range.  Orca has been cranking out good wetsuits for a long time and seems committed to keep doing so, making them a brand we would have no problem recommending, and the Equip is a model we have always liked.

Orca has come a long way since Kiwi age-grouper Scott Unsworth began selling his ‘speedsuits’ from the back of his car in 1992 at local race events.   With an unsurpassed Olympic (and not to mention Ironman) pedigree, Orca continues to provide innovative wetsuit designs for today’s top triathletes.  For 2013, the Orca lineup boasts 5 suits, each available in both men’s and women’s sizes and full-sleeved and sleeveless models.  There have been some replacements in recent years, particularly at the lower-end of the lineup, all in an effort to improve the wetsuit technology for racers at lower price points. Top End The 2011 wetsuit lineup from Orca includes two top-of-the line models: the Alpha and the 3.8.  Both suits utilize 1.5mm Yamamoto #40 neoprene as well as Orca’s most advanced fabric technology, known as ExoCell.  New for 2011, ExoCell is Orca’s most buoyant fabric yet – a laminated neoprene that is claimed to be 25% more buoyant than the Aerodrome fabric it replaces on these top tier suits.  Both suits also feature molded Aquatread forearm panels to improve stroke power through the catch.  Both suits also make use of Yamamoto’s latest super slick coating, nano-SCS (Super Composite Skin). The Alpha is the ‘swimmer’s’ wetsuit –ExoCell fabric in the butt area provides extra buoyancy where you need it most, while the rest of the suit features 1.5mm #40 Yamamoto nano-SCS neoprene for a second skin feeling.  We hear of many top triathletes who insist that the the Alpha may be the top wetsuit on the market, rivaled perhaps by the Blue Seventy Helix.  Whatever the case, it is a top wetsuit that most athletes will fall in love with. The Alpha has a first cousin in the Orca lineup that shoudl be considered as well.The 3.8, in a slightly different twist, features an enhanced buoyancy for those who of us who need a bit more help.  In addition the butt panel, the 3.8 also have additional ExoCell panels on the chest and calves.   It also incorporates HydroLift buoyancy panels in the forearms for passive stroke correction. Mid Range The Sonar is Orca’s best-selling wetsuit.  It’s a mid range suit that’s geared towards an athlete that’s ready for the next step.  For 2011, Orca’s added its Aerodrome laminated neoprene buoyancy panels to the back and calf areas of this suit.  The Sonar also features HydroStroke Forearm Panels, which have a silicone printed texture to enhance stroke power.  The balance of the suit is constructed from 2mm Yamamoto #39 neoprene with SCS coating for minimum glide resistance The Equip uses 2mm Yamamoto #39 from the waist up, and extra buoyant 5mm Smoothskin neoprene panels for the legs and lower torso.  It also features the Hydrostroke Forearm panel.   The Equip has a broader more comfortable fit, and for 2013 we see some enhancements in the material and construction that make the new Equip a step up from those made in prior years.  We recommend looking at the equip in conjunction with the Sonar, to make sure you get the one tailored for your body.  While the Sonar runs about $100 more than the Equip, for many racers the equip may be all that you need for strong performance. Entry The S4 has a 5mm Smoothskin neoprene construction with a generous fit.  Additionally, it uses the same Hydrostroke forearm panel technology found on Orca’s mid range suits.  The S4 is very popular for those who are new to the sport or on a tight budget.

Note: Quintana Roo stopped making wetsuits in 2013.  If you are looking for a newer model wetsuit, check out our recommendations for entry-level wetsuits or high-end wetsuits.  If you are considering a used QR wetsuit, read on! —————– Quintana Roo (or “QR” as the brand’s fans call it) is perhaps the most venerable brand in Triathlon.  Founded by former original Ironman finisher Dan Empfield in 1981, Quintana Roo was the first brand to develop a triathlon-specific wetsuit.  Several years later, Quintana Roo brought to market the first triathlon-specific bike, in 1989, and continues today to be a major innovator in the sport with exclusive technologies such as the Breakway Zipper system.  For a time, QR might have been the only brand on the market today that was excelling at both triathlon bikes, and triathlon wetsuits.  That tells you one thing: Quintana Roo is serious about the sport of triathlon, and we triathletes are lucky that they are. As with many companies who need to focus and make the most of their R&D dollars, though, QR decided to become a bit leaner.  They did this by discontinuing their wetsuit product about three years ago.  We are sorry they did, but fortunately for us they are still a major player in the world of triathlon bikes.  In fact, the ceasing of the wetsuit production coincided with QR putting more bikes in their lineup. For its last model year, way back in 2013, QR had 3 wetsuits in its lineup, a tried-and-true lineup that had stayed consistent for several years unlike some makers who tend to revamp their lineup seemingly each season.  We still think there is value in taking a look at them, and we will let you know of some good alternatives from their competitors. High End The Superfull is QR’s top-of-the-line suit, featuring extra-stretchy Yamamoto #40 neoprene throughout the majority of its construction, especially in the chest, arms, and sides.  It also features QR’s unique Virtual Pull Buoy (VPB) design.  VPB uses hip panels of varying cross-sectional thickness to passively encourage proper hip rotation to maximize stroke efficiency.  Also unique to the Superfull is QR’s sharkskin forearm panel, which provides added ‘grip’ on your stroke’s catch. The Superfull also features Quintana Roo’s renowned transition-shrinking features- the Breakaway Zipper System and Quick Release ankles.  QR’s unique Breakaway zipper pulls apart when the zipper fob is pulled straight up, making it the fastest exit system available.  The Quick Release ankles incorporate an extra-stretchy panel that slides easily over the widest part of your foot in heat of the race.  The alternative:  Unless you can find a used or carryover Superfull, you will need to look at other options.  Our favorite at this price point just might be the Xterra Vendetta.  See our Xterra Wetsuit review here. Mid Range With the Hydrofull, QR has created an affordable feature-packed wetsuit that shares much the same design as the high-end Superfull Wetsuit.  While the Hydrofull uses durable Yamamoto #39 neoprene throughout instead the thinner Yamamoto #40 of the Superfull, it also shares the same VPB hip rotation technology and the Breakaway Zipper design with its more expensive cousin.  It is a good choice if you want something with more sophisticated paneling than an entry-level suit, but may not have the budget for the Superfull.  The alternative: With the Hydrofull no longer on the market, we think you would be wise to check out the Blue Seventy Reaction.  A true mid-range suit that has engineering only found in high-end suits just a few years ago. Entry The Ultrafull offers more bang for your buck than most entry-level wetsuits.  Featuring premium Yamamoto SCS neoprene construction, it still retains the popular QR breakaway zipper system found throughout the Quintana Roo lineup at a price point that won’t have you digging in the couch cushions for lost change.  We also like the fact that the Ultrafull has reinforced seams at key spots, like the other QR suits.  This means that your investment in a quality suit like one from Quintana Roo should last longer, if you take care of it, compared to the cheap wetsuits that are often found on Ebay and can be so temping to buy.  The alternative:  Fortunately there are plenty of good entry-level suits on the market.  We would recommend you check out our popular article on finding a good entry-level wetsuit as we are confident there will be one in the mix that is perfect for you. Johns Quintana Roo also makes it Ultra model in a sleeveless suit, the Ultrajohn.  We have used the Ultrajohn and find it to be a nice alternative if you are worried about overheating or are not a fan of how restricting a full wetsuit can make you feel.  Note, however, that all John-style wetsuits (not just QRs) usually use the entry-level paneling and neoprene, so if you are going for high quality performance and state-of-the-art technology, you will forego that with any bib-style wetsuit.  Still, for some triathletes they can make alot of sense. While we are sorry that QR got out of the wetsuit business, we understand why they did and we are still blessed with some great bikes that they continue to produce.  Check out our wetsuit reviews for some of the best wetsuits from other manufacturers.  There are so many great wetsuits on the market today, you will find one you love.

Aqua Sphere has been making top-of-the line wetsuits for triathletes for years.  The brand might not be as synonymous with triathlon as Quintana Roo or Xterra, but they make quality wetsuits and sell them at fair prices.  They have various different styles, designs, and prices. Aqua Sphere makes one of the best triathlete wetsuits available to buy—the Aqua Sphere Phantom Full Sleeve Triathlon wetsuit. At a steep $595-$700 price tag, unfortunately it isn’t a practical choice for everyone.  Some triathletes really need more of an entry-level triathlon wetsuit, and that is where the Pursuit comes in. Unless you’re a top triathlete, you probably won’t need the Aqua Sphere Phantom Full Sleeve (but if you plan to do several triathlons, or an HIM or Ironman, we recommend the upgrade). We love the Aqua Sphere wetsuit brand, but we don’t believe you need to spend $700 to have a great wetsuit. Over the summer we competed in the Aqua Sphere Pursuit Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit—a much cheaper version that offers the same great benefits as the Phantom Full Sleeve. The Aqua Sphere Pursuit Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit is geared for the “weekend warrior and beginner triathlete.” The Pursuit retails for around $187-$220. It’s a great wetsuit with a great price. Here’s why: The Aqua Sphere Wetsuit is Flexible: Aqua Sphere’s bio-stretch zone suit posses thin wrap-around reach panels that are engineered and designed to follow the natural movements of a swimmer’s shoulders, upper body, and core rotation while swimming. We felt that the Aqua Sphere Pursuit Wetsuit eliminated any and all restriction while we swam. The Aqua Sphere Wetsuit is Warm: A wetsuit, after all, should keep the swimmer or the tri-athlete warm in the water. Sadly, many wetsuits can’t even claim to do that. Aqua Sphere incorporates Thermo-Guard technology into all of its products. According to field tests, the Aqua Sphere Pursuit provides maximum warmth, maximum flexibility, and maximum range of motion in the shoulders, legs, and chest areas. The Aqua Sphere Wetsuit has Aqua Drive Technology: The wetsuit’s panels are strategically placed around the core of the body. This acts as a primary planning surface while swimming. The Aqua Drive Technology is engineered and designed to maximize buoyancy and efficiency. Many tri-athletes, beginners and advanced alike, reported the Aqua Drive Technology resulted in an improved body position that reduces drag and increases hydrodynamics. The Aqua Sphere Wetsuit has an Aqua-Flex Collar: To a tri-athlete, nothing is more uncomfortable than a tight, itchy collar. Aqua Sphere’s Aqua-Flex collar is watertight and comfortable. It has two layers with an ultra-fine nano-skin design which minimizes neck chaffing. Aqua Sphere Incorporates Top-Of-The-Line Nanotechnology: #38 Yamamato nanotechnology offers the optimum balance of reduced drag, flexibility, and durability, The SCS nano-skin coating has the absolute lowest drag coefficient available on the market and it maximizes speed and performance. Our Recommendation: Overall, the Aqua Sphere Pursuit Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit is a great wetsuit for the price. It’s warm, it’s stretchy, it offers 100% UVA/UVM protection, and it’s quick drying. One of the things we really liked about the Aqua Sphere was the zipper. Although a zipper might seem like a tiny detail, nothing is more annoying to a triathlete than a hard-to-reach or hard-to-unzip zipper. You could lose precious seconds, even minutes, if you have a troublesome zipper. Aqua Sphere’s durable, deep-back pull zipper offers a leash for easy on/off and quick transitions. When we reviewed the Aqua Sphere, we couldn’t believe how easy it was to unzip and get in and out of it. The Aqua Sphere Pursuit is one of the best triathlon wetsuits for a triathlete on a budget. If the Aqua Sphere Pursuit Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit is still too expensive for your budget, we also recommend the Aqua Sphere Pursuit Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit. At $200-$235, (or perhaps under $100 on sale) it’s a steal given the developments that Aqua Sphere has made in recent years. It isn’t as hydrodynamic as the full-sleeve, but it still offers the same nanotechnology features, the same deep-back pull zipper, and the same warmth. If you don’t mind exposed arms, it’s a great choice. If you have an Aqua Sphere Wetsuit, we’d love to hear from you about how you like it and how well you perform in it!

Over the summer we had the benefit of competing in the Profile Design Marlin Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit. And we loved it. We felt like fish and we swam like fish. And we finished fast. Put a Profile Design Marlin on and we guarantee that you will swim like you’ve never swam before. The Profile Design Marlin Triathlon Wetsuit is made out of 100% Yamamoto SCS Nano neoprene (100% non-fibrous sponge rubber laminated to nylon or polyester jersey) with hydrodynamic coating. The main reason we love the Marlin is because Profile Design incorporates design features that are found on more expensive wetsuits. The Profile Design Marlin Wetsuit retails at a moderately pricy $375-$415, but comparable wetsuits retail for much, much more than that. Other than offering the best technology for the best price, here were a few other things we liked about the Profile Design Marlin Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit: It’s almost 100% drag resistant: The Marlin’s Yamamoto #39 SCS Nano reduces drag by almost 97% over conventional wetsuit neoprene. The #39 Yamamoto is stretch neoprene with a hydrodynamic coating. When we wore this wetsuit, we felt like sharp knives as we sliced the water around us in half. Tri-athletes we interviewed felt like they finished stronger—less energy is wasted because this suit practically reduces drag all together. It helps maintain a perfect position: The 5.00 mm SCS Nano in the torso and legs provided maximum buoyancy which helps the wearer keep and maintain the perfect swimming position. It’s extremely comfortable: The ribbed SCS Nano under the arms allows the chest and shoulders to expand completely without compromising a snug fit. The Marlin’s shaped ribbed SCS back knee panel eliminates all restriction and discomfort during swim and transitions as well. Its non-absorbent jersey lining and curved patterns helped us stay warm and comfortable during our long swims. Overall, it fit like a glove. The Profile Design Marlin Triathlon Wetsuit features a YKK reverse zipper (a YKK zipper is zipper designed and manufactured by one of the best zipper manufacturers in the world—the Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha group, or YKK). One thing tri-athletes like about the zipper was the fact that it pulls up to open and releases for a quick and simple transition. Profile Design Marlin Triathlon Wetsuit’s back collar is an added benefit. The back collar has a flap hook and loop closure that is specifically designed to stay snug when it’s wet. It can get really irritating when a wetsuit’s collar gets loose during a swim. The Marlin’s collar doesn’t get loose at all—it stayed snug for the entire swim. Profile Design also makes a Wahoo Wetsuit, which is a cheaper option for the beginner triathlete or the triathlete on a budget. The Profile Design Wahoo Wetsuit retails at around $139.00-$159.00, which is a great price for a wetsuit. The Wahoo does compromise on technology and comfort, but if you’re new to the sport or you need to save some money, it does the job just fine. It has “short cut” sleeves and legs that are 1-2” shorter than traditional suits. Its short cut sleeves and legs allow for very quick transitions and a full view of your wrist watch or HR monitor. Our Recommendation: Get the Profile Design Marlin. For an extra couple hundred of dollars, you’ll get an amazing wetsuit that will last. It’s multi-functional—it’s great for both the beginner triathlete and professional triathlete. The Profile Design Marlin is easily the best triathlon wetsuit available for the price. Profile Design is one of the only companies that offers the Yamamoto #39 technology at such a low price. We also really liked the fact that the Marlin comes in both full sleeve and sleeveless options.  At $400, it is a very competitive wetsuit with others around that price point, a price point which includes the Orca Sonar and Zoot Force. Do you have a Profile Design Triathlon Wetsuit? Tell us about it! We’d love to hear what you think.