Wetsuit Reviews

The Zoot Prophet at a list price of $650 (but you can get it for as low as $520 through us) is the top-of-the-line wetsuit from Zoot, a trusted maker of high-quality triathlon gear and compression gear (in fact, they make some of our favorite compression socks)..  We have long held Zoot in high regard, and the new Prophet is a very good wetsuit that helps them compete with some of the better wetsuits from Orca, Blue Seventy, and Xterra among others. The Prophet is probably best suited for triathletes who plan to swim in longer endurance races – namely Ironman or HIM distance – or those who have budgets allowing them to upgrade from the typical Sprint or Olympic distance suits.  At its price point, the Prophet competes with a couple other great wetsuits that we like, namely the Blue Seventy Helix, the Blue Seventy Axis (with improved leg buoyancy), and the Orca Alpha.  Compared to those suits, the Prophet makes a strong case for avid triathletes’ consideration.  It replaces the Zenith, a Zoot wetsuit that was discontinued and from our standpoint (and based on informal race counts) never got the traction that Zoot was looking for. The Zoot Prophet is made with all the specs we would expect for a high-end wetsuit.  It has no seams under the arms, and uses flexible paneling in the shoulder and back so athletes have maximum shoulder range-of-motion and little breathing restriction.  We also like that Zoot incorporated their version of flotation and body balance technology so triathletes can focus on the power of their stroke rather than balance in the water. Most wetsuits above the price point of $400 or so boast some sort of forearm swim stroke boost, a special skin or paneling helping to create for a better pull.  Zoot did this in the prophet by adding what they call the EVA ridge, a special formation on the backside of the forearm.  This is unique and we credit Zoot for coming up with it.  The result is a more powerful, efficient stroke that should resemble the feeling of using swim paddles.  We think that for serious swimmers, looking for this type of technology is worthwhile, as an open water swim has so many distractions and sighting that takes away from normal swim form, it is important to get everything you can from the quality strokes that you are able to squeeze in. Field tests indicate that the Prophet has a great fit, as Zoot built the suit with paneling that helps racers feel more comfortable in the suit both at rest but also during the swim.  Testers also indicated that the hips stayed in a high position (something we hear a lot about the Blue Seventy Axis, as well) to help provide the “swimming downhill” sensation and keep the body well-position, even when lifting the head for sighting.  Testers also noted that the EVA ridge does make a difference, creating a strong swim stroke and giving the arms and triceps a significant workout on the pull.  As a result, we would suggest that new Prophet owners do some open water training before race day.  Remember, the Prophet and most other wetsuits are not intended to be used in chlorine. The other comment our testers made about fit is that the suit is not restrictive through the shoulders, something we often see in wetsuits (but generally lesser so in high-end models).  Swimmers with broad shoulders were very happy with the fit and overall range-of-motion throughout the shoulders, a testament to the engineering by Zoot and the intention for this to be a great endurance piece.  The pre-shaped knees are a nice plus, helping your legs fit comfortably in the suit without a breaking-in period. Overall, we recommend that endurance athletes or those with budgets for high-end suits consider the Prophet, especially those who place overall true fit as a high priority or those with wider shoulders who may benefit from Zoot’s construction in that area.  We are confident enough with Zoot as a manufacturer to be able to put the Prophet in a class with some of the best wetsuits we test.  Find the Prophet at a good through through a great vendor here.

DeSoto’s T1 Wetsuits are known above all else for one feature: their innovative 2-piece construction.  DeSoto is the only brand to feature a 2-piece wetsuit, and the small but passionate company claims several performance advantages to the design.   For one, it separates leg motion from arm motion to eliminate torso stretch in the suit and subsequently reduce shoulder fatigue.  However, perhaps the best feature of the two –piece design is versatility: tops and bottoms can be sized independently for a custom fit, and equally important is the option to mix and match components throughout the DeSoto line up, which allows you to upgrade your suit as you grow with the sport. Top End The First Wave is an elite wetsuit – claimed by DeSoto to be the fastest suit on the market, and priced accordingly to match.  It features Yamamoto #39 neoprene construction with super-slick SCS (Super Composite Skin) coating.  Inside, it’s lined with a 4-way stretch Lycra that’s designed to move with you and reduce chafing.  There are actually two versions of the First Wave pullover available: the regular First Wave pullover uses 2mm thick neoprene throughout, but the First Wave Concept 5 pullover is upgraded with 5mm neoprene in the arms for increased buoyancy.  The First Wave bibjohn has 5mm thick neoprene in the legs with thinner 3mm racerback straps that fit slightly closer to the neck then other bibjohns so as not to restrict shoulder rotation during the stroke. Mid Range The Black Pearl is built to the same specifications as the First Wave, with one exception:  it uses Yamamoto #38 neoprene in place of the more buoyant #39 rubber.  Accordingly, it has at a much more approachable price point. Entry The Smart 1 wetsuits are DeSoto’s entry level suits.  Both the pullover and the bibshort feature a 2mm neoprene construction with a nylon/spandex woven shell.  Unlike other bibjohns, the bibshorts end just above the knees, make them easier to get in and out off while still insulating a swimmer’s core. Warm Water The Speed wetsuits are built with Yamamoto #38 rubber, but they’re designed for warm water swimming.  The Speed Vest is a thin 2mm sleeveless vest with zipper.  The Speed Tube uses thicker 5mm neoprene for increased buoyancy in the lower body but does away with bibjohn straps and ties snuggly at the waist. Water Rover* Its also worth briefly mentioning the most notorious DeSoto suit – the Water Rover.  Perhaps the fastest wetsuit on the market, it uses 10mm thick #39 neoprene in the arms and legs for ultimate buoyancy.  That’s double the thickness of any other suit on the market!  Its also double the thickness of what is allowed under current WTC rules.  While you can still use this suit in USAT events, its days are numbered when the new USAT rules take effect in 2013.

The TYR brand was founded in 1985 by Steve Furniss and Joseph DiLorenzo in California. Steve Furniss is a former Olympic Bronze medal winner and was the captain of the 1976 U.S. Olympic swim team while Joseph DiLorenzo is the owner and president of TYR sports and its sister company Swimwear Anywhere Inc.  TYR was initially formed to serve the growing swimming market. They aimed to serve this market on the basis of suits made to fulfill both fun and performance factor. Now the products of TYR brand are distributed in over 40 countries worldwide. The products of this brand are rich in quality and have been worn by many Olympic Gold Medalists and Ironman World Champions. Ariana Kukros, the World Champion in 2009 and 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist Matt Grevers wore TYR performance swimwear.  We have always appreciated TYR’s fit, and especially the durability of its products.  In our experience, TYR’s triathlon products tend to have a longer lifespan than many other products of similar price points.  In addition to a good line of wetsuits, TYR also makes triathlon shorts, suits, and tops, making it one of the more complete makers of triathlon gear. The TYR wetsuit naming convention is simple. Everything they offer is named a TYR Hurricane, and the higher the Category, the higher-end the wetsuit. A Hurricane Category 5 is the top end wetsuit, while the Hurricane Category 1 is the entry-level wetsuit. Top End:   The TYR Category 5 Hurricane is their top of the line wetsuit. It has a 360 degree core stabilization system, which is actually a panel on the wetsuit surrounding the abdomen and provides a tightening effect. This 360 degree core stabilization system maintains your body position while swimming. TYR Category 5 Hurricane provides free motion to triathletes who do not want to remain constrained around their neck and arms areas. Most athletes prefer this free motion and look for suits that make them feel comfortable. This triathlon wetsuit is similar to the Yamamoto SCR Rubber which is the lightest and most elastic material available in the market. The list price of this swimsuit is around $625. The TYR Category 5 Hurricane has firm fitting wrist cuffs that keep the water away from your wrists and Quick Release Ankle Cuffs allow water to slide from your hands to feet. In a gist, this wetsuit helps you keep moving and does not resist your movement under water. It is not a regular training suit for the first-timer, but if you are an experienced triathlete in search of a suit that should be light and good in performance, you can opt for this suit.  It is in a category with some of the best triathlon wetsuits on the market from other makers like Blue Seventy and Orca, and it holds its own against them. Mid Range   For about $175 less than the Category 5, the TYR Hurricane Category 3 offers triathletes a great wetsuit with many features of higher-end suits in a more affordable package. Like the Category 5, TYR uses the 360 Core Stabilization system on the Category 3 wetsuit, as well as the quick release ankle cuffs and the form fitting wrist cuffs. The major differences between the 3 and the 5 is that you won’t get the same light rubber in areas where stretch and flexibility are key, and the inside of the suit is not lined with the same “jersey fabric” for increased comfort. Another feature that the Category 3 shares with the Category 5 is the catch panel on the wetsuit forearms. Like some other manufacturers are attempting to do, TYR puts thick graded panels on the forearms to provide for a stronger swim stroke for the triathlete. Features such as the neck and zipper are of good quality, but generally comparable to that of other makers’ wetsuits at this particular price point. In short, if you are looking for a high quality wetsuit suitable for longer swims, but without the frills of the high-end suits, the TYR Category 3 Hurricane is worth a look. A strong case could be made that the Category 3 Hurricane is the best all-around combination of performance and value from the TYR lineup. Entry Level   The entry-level TYR wetsuit is the Category 1 Hurricane. The Category 1 is a good all-around wetsuit, with TYR’s base-level neoprene, and the ankle and wrist cuffs of the higher-end suits to aid in fast removal. TYR’s shoulder range-of-motion engineering in the Categories 3 and 5 have also made their way to the TYR Category 1 Hurricane. What you give up with the Category 1 vs. the Category 3 or 5 are two of the key performance features that more experienced racers or those swimming longer distances may look for. Namely, the 360 Core Stabilization System is not included, causing the swimmer to perhaps not sit as high in the water while swimming, and the forearm panels that provide wearers of higher-end wetsuits with stronger strokes are not built in to the TYR.  Still, the Category 1 is a good all-around wetsuit and very suitable for those who are getting into the sport of triathlon.  Depending on what price you can find it at (wetsuits are notorious for being on sale), this is a solid all-around wetsuit that goes head-to-head with other entry level and very comparable suits from other makers, such as the Orca S3 or the Quintana Roo Ultrafull.  

The Volt from Xterra is an absolute steal at an MSRP of $99, which is not much more than what you can rent a wetsuit for these days. The Volt is a sleeveless suit that debuted in 2010 and has quickly become a favorite of triathletes looking for performance on a budget. It’s also filling a niche as the low-cost training suit that more serious athletes are wearing to keep from abusing that ultra-expensive race suit. While perhaps not a suit you would buy for years of use or an Ironman, this suit has its place for the budget-minded. One of the first things that you notice about the Volt is the sleek fit – not what you’d typically expect from a $99 suit. This is probably the key difference between the Volt and entry-level suits from other brands. Instead of adding expense with the latest technical fabrics, Xterra has put fit front and center with the Volt, striving to provide a high end racing fit on an entry-level wetsuit. Where other suits use 5mm Yamamoto neoprene, the Volt uses thinner GKA Neoprene – 3mm in the front and 2mm in the back. The thinner material gives it a sleek fit, although the compromise is reduced buoyancy. That trade-off may not be right for every athlete- however, if you are a strong swimmer or compete in shorter distances, you might not notice or care about the difference. The Volt uses Xterra’s stretchy X-flex liner throughout to provide maximum movement in the suit, which means it’s actually pretty comfortable. The sleeveless design also means that you don’t have to worry about how the suit changes your stroke – always a hot-button issue with full sleeve models. The collar is generous and cut lower than most wetsuits, making it really comfortable as well, at least as far as wetsuits go. While some of the other Xterra wetsuits have a reputation for snug fitting collars, the collar on the Volt sits low enough that it’s not a problem for the majority of neck sizes. All of the Xterra wetsuits, including the Volt, have X-Max Seam Seal technology. Joining fabric panels are glued together end-to-end and then blind stitched from the inside. Xterra claims this produces a more durable seam because the stitch never penetrates through the top layer of neoprene, eliminating the possibility of thread snagging or unraveling. These types of claims are always hard the judge, but it seems to make sense, and this type of flat seam stitching is definitely more comfortable against the skin. The Volt is also coated with Xterra’s X-Slice coating. This is supposed to provide reduced drag in the water. I don’t expect that it’s going to be as slick as the latest SCS coatings from Yamamoto, but then again, it’s a $99 suit. It’s actually pretty amazing that you can even get a coated suit at this pricing, period. All in all, the Volt really looks like a suit to check out, whether as your first suit or as a practice suit. The $99 price point is something new in triathlon specific wetsuits. Early race reviews have been positive, and the Volt as gotten some nice industry press as well. Expect to see a lot more of these coming to a race near you in the upcoming season.