Swimming is the first discipline in a triathlon. A strong swim sets the tone for the rest of your race. Some events feature pool swims which, because the water is warm, do not allow athletes to wear wetsuits. Other events involve open water swims in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, or the ocean. Depending on where the race takes place, the water can be anything from tropical to freezing!
Swimming in cold water is no-one’s idea of fun. It saps your strength, numbs your limbs, and make cycling and running far from enjoyable. Thankfully, for open water swims, wetsuits are allowed. Preparation is key to running a triathlon. In addition to triathlon gear you will need to train well, eat well and supplement well – a good fat burning supplement is highly recommended to compliment your diet.
A good triathlon wetsuit will not only keep you warm, but it will also boost your swimming performance. Wetsuits provide you with extra buoyancy, and many are also hydrophobic, which means they actively repel water to reduce drag. Triathlon wetsuits are very different from diving wetsuits and must adhere to specific rules to be race legal. For example, triathlon wetsuits must be less than 5mm thick.
In this article, we review 15 of the best men’s triathlon wetsuits available so you can choose the right one for you. The following wetsuits are suitable to race in the heat and cold of USA, Canada, UK and Australia.
Table of Contents
Ranking the Best Triathlon Wetsuits for Men
1. ROKA Maverick Pro II Men’s Wetsuit Review
ROKA produce some of the best triathlon wetsuits around. With unique features designed to boost swim performance, all of their suits are highly regarded and well-reviewed. The ROKA Maverick Pro II Men’s Wetsuit is one of the more expensive suits on review, but you get a lot of great features for your money.
Key features:
- Patented “Arms up” construction for unrestricted movement
- Graduated, centerline buoyancy for optimal body position
- SCS hydrophobic coating for reduced drag
- Flexible ankle cuffs for easy removal and faster transitions
- Premium liner for extra comfort and support
Like all ROKA wetsuits, the ROKA Maverick Pro II Men’s Wetsuit is made using the some of the best materials around – specifically Japanese Yamamoto neoprene. The arms up design means your swim stroke will be unrestricted and the hydrophobic SCS coating ensures that you will glide through the water with the minimum of drag. This suit will not only keep you warm, it will lower your swim times too.
Pros:
- Top quality wetsuit
- Very buoyant
- Flexible and comfortable
- Available in ten sizes
- Designed to increase swim performance
- Built to last
Cons:
- Cost
The ROKA Maverick Pro II Men’s Wetsuit might not be the best suit for novice triathletes, but if you are an experienced racer looking to boost your swim performance, this wetsuit is an excellent choice. With its graduated, central buoyancy system, wearing this wetsuit will have a big impact on your swim times.
2. ORCA 1.5 Alpha Men’s Triathlon Wetsuit Review
Most wetsuits range from 1.5mm to 5mm in thickness. Thicker suits offer more warmth and buoyancy but are can be heavy and may even be restrictive. Thinner suits are much lighter but may mean sacrificing warmth and performance. The ORCA 1.5 Alpha Men’s Triathlon Wetsuit is one of the thinnest suits on the market but, because of the construction and materials used, it is still warm and buoyant, despite being super-light.
Key features:
- 0.5mm neoprene – the thinnest wetsuit currently available
- SCS hydrophobic coating for reduced drag
- Flexible knee panels for ease of movement
- Highly flexible hypoallergenic suit liner for comfort and freedom of movement
- High stretch panels for unrestricted movement
- Titanium layer for increased warmth with less bulk
Wetsuits don’t come any lighter or more flexible than the ORCA 1.5 Alpha Men’s Triathlon Wetsuit. This suit is designed for good swimmers who do not need lots of buoyancy and instead prefer a suit that minimizes drag. This is one of the slickest, fastest suits currently available and boasts an underwater co-efficient of just 0.26, compared to 4.0 for regular neoprene.
Pros:
- Very low drag factor for a faster, easier swim
- Very stretchy for freedom of movement and easy removal
- Very light, flexible, and comfortable
Cons:
- Cost
- May not be as hardwearing as thicker suits
- Less buoyancy means this is not an ideal suit for beginners or less proficient swimmers
The ORCA 1.5 Alpha Men’s Triathlon Wetsuit is thin, flexible, and above all fast. The combination of top-quality neoprene and titanium mean that it’s also warm despite the lack of bulk. This is a serious wetsuit for racers looking for the best in swim performance.
3. Blue Seventy Men’s Sprint Triathlon Wetsuit (old model)
Wetsuits can be expensive and that’s a problem if you are new to the sport of triathlon or just want to try a tri and don’t want to spend a lot of money on equipment you may never use again. The good news is that companies like Blue Seventy make entry-level suits that perform well but won’t break the bank. The Blue Seventy Men’s Sprint Triathlon Wetsuit is one of the best entry-level suits around.
Key features:
- Central buoyancy panels
- SCS coating for reduced drag
- 3mm chest panels and 4mm leg and back panels for buoyancy
- Large arm gussets for unrestricted movement
- Elasticated ankle and wrist cuffs for easy removal
- Anti-chafe neck
Blue Seventy updated their design for the Sprint Triathlon Wetsuit in 2019 (#8 in this review) but this older model is still available. Despite being an older design, this suit still performs well and is an excellent choice for novices. It’s very buoyant and flexible and will keep you warm in water down to about 50 degrees.
Pros:
- Tried and tested design
- Very buoyant
- Budget friendly
- Warm and flexible
Cons:
- Quite heavy
- Only limited sizes available
As budget, entry-level wetsuits go, the Blue Seventy Men’s Sprint Triathlon Wetsuit is tough to beat. It doesn’t have the features that more expensive suits offer but, if your goal is to stay warm and afloat during your first open water triathlon swim, this wetsuit is a good choice.
4. ROKA Maverick X Men’s Wetsuit Review
ROKA claim that their new Maverick X Men’s Wetsuit is the fastest wetsuit ever made! Whether this claim is true or not, the Maverick X is undeniably made for speed and comfort. If you want to knock minutes and not just seconds off your best swim time, the ROKA Maverick X Men’s Wetsuit is worthy of your consideration.
Key features:
- “Arms up” design for unrestricted movement
- Supportive core panels for support and energy conservation
- Patented RSX design for increased stroke power
- Centerline buoyancy for optimal body roll
- Graduated buoyancy for best alignment in the water
- Best-quality Japanese Yamamoto neoprene
- SCS hydrophobic coating for reduced drag and increased durability
If this wetsuit was a car, it’d be a high-performance supercar! Like a car has spoilers to increase performance, the ROKA Maverick X Men’s Wetsuit uses patent technology and designs to help you swim faster than ever before. If you are a proficient swimmer looking to gain an edge over the competition, this suit is a good choice.
Pros:
- Designed for faster swims
- Light, supple, and supportive
- Durable, top-quality materials and design
- Optimized for speed, temperature control, and comfort
Cons:
- Price – one of the most expensive suits on review
The ROKA Maverick X Men’s Wetsuit is not a suit for novices. You need to be able to swim proficiently to get the most from the speed-boosting features built into this suit. However, if you are already a fast swimmer, this suit will supercharge your performance.
5. Zone3 Vanquish Full Sleeve Men’s Triathlon Wetsuit Review
The Zone3 Vanquish Full Sleeve Men’s Triathlon Wetsuit is a high-quality suit aimed at experienced racers. It’s loaded with an impressive range of features designed to boost swimming performance while saving you energy for the rest of your race. This is an upper mid-price suit but, with so many features and innovations, it really does live up to its price tag.
Key features:
- Double layer Lycra/neoprene construction for optimal fit and flexibility
- Ultra-tin 1mm neck panel for comfort and flexibility
- Textured forearm panels to increase stroke power
- Hydrophobic Nano SCS coating for reduced drag
- Silk-fit liner for increased comfort and easy entry and exit
- Flexible wrist and ankle cuffs for faster transitions
- Structured panels to improve aquadynamics
The Zone3 Vanquish Full Sleeve Men’s Triathlon Wetsuit is very light and flexible and is designed to be super-snug. This form-fitting design, combined with the state-of-the-art materials, means this suit has almost no drag and that will help you swim faster and with less effort. Not as buoyant as some suits, this product is ideal for racers who are already proficient swimmers.
Pros:
- A very fast suit
- Easy to remove for quicker transitions
- Very light, comfortable, and flexible
- Very low drag factor
- Received 92% rating from 220 Triathlon magazine
Cons:
- Price
- Not suitable for novices
The Zone3 Vanquish Full Sleeve Men’s Triathlon Wetsuit is a performance suit for racers looking for faster swim times. It’s not buoyant enough for slower swimmers, but if you are a good swimmer looking for a performance boost, this suit is a good choice. Extremely flexible and comfortable, as well as packed with speed-increasing features, this suit is an excellent option for experienced triathletes.
6. Synergy Volution Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit 3/2mm
The Synergy Volution Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit is a good entry-level suit for triathletes who want to stay warm in the water but don’t want to spend a fortune doing it. If you are looking for your first triathlon wetsuit, this suit is worthy of your consideration. It provides a good mix of features at a competitive price, making it a good choice for novices.
Key features:
- Made from neoprene coated with water-repelling Syprene
- 3mm body with 2mm legs and arms for good buoyancy
- Corrosion-proof zip
- Super-soft lining for increased comfort
- Velcro neck closure
- Heat-sealed seams
- Available in 19 sizes
Despite the budget-friendly price, the Synergy Volution Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit has many of the features found on more expensive suits. It’s built for comfort, buoyancy, and flexibility, and with 19 sizes available, you should have no problem achieving the perfect fit. The different thickness panels will help you to achieve optimal alignment in the water without compromising your stroke.
Pros:
- Competitively priced
- Ideal for novice triathletes
- Easy to put on and take off
- Lots of great features
- Should improve swimming performance
Cons:
- Some users report that the outer layer tears easily
If you are preparing for your first open water swim, or only need a wetsuit for occasional use, the Synergy Volution Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit is a good option. Light, flexible, and comfortable, this suit is one of the best available for the price.
7. Neosport Men’s Podium Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit Review
If the water is merely cool and not cold, you may not need a full wetsuit. In fact, wearing a full wetsuit could lead to overheating. The Neosport Men’s Podium Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit is ideal for warmer water. The thicker body panels will also help with buoyancy, leaving you free to concentrate on your swimming technique.
Key features:
- Lightweight, sleeveless design
- 5mm body and 3mm legs
- Contoured, anatomical fit
- Hydrodynamic coating
- Mid-calf legs
- Heavy-duty zip
- Velcro neck adjustment
- Ultra-soft lining
- Glued and taped seams
Wearing a wetsuit can have a significant impact on your swimming performance but, if the water is warm, you may not want a full-length suit. The Neosport Men’s Podium Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit will boost your swim time without making you too hot. It’s sleeveless and mid-calf design also mean it’s quick and easy to remove. This is a great warm water wetsuit.
Pros:
- Easy to remove for faster transitions
- Provides increased buoyancy for a faster, easier swim
- Very soft and flexible for maximum comfort
- Ideal for warmer waters
Cons:
- Some users report that the neck is too tight
- Armless design may mean this suit is not warm enough for some water conditions
Shorty wetsuits like the Neosport Men’s Podium Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit are ideal for warmer water where full wetsuits are unnecessary. Despite being sleeveless, this suit will still increase buoyancy and improve your swim performance. Many triathletes also prefer to use sleeveless suits even in colder water as they allow for completely unrestricted arm movements.
8. Blueseventy 2019 Men’s Sprint Triathlon Wetsuit Review
The Blueseventy 2019 Men’s Sprint Triathlon Wetsuit is a well-designed product that is approved by USA Triathlon and Ironman. This mid-price suit is ideal for all levels of triathlete, from beginners to veteran racers. Combining 3mm and 4mm neoprene, this suit combines warmth with buoyancy.
Key features:
- Low collar for increased comfort
- Oversized, flexible arm gussets for unrestricted movement
- Tear-resistant, hydrophobic SCS coating
- Stretchy ankle cuffs for easier removal
- 3mm body, 4mm legs, 1.5mm arms
- Ultra-flexible upper body panels
- Extra-long rear zip
The Blueseventy 2019 Men’s Sprint Triathlon Wetsuit is made not just to keep you warm but also enhance your swimming performance. The varying thicknesses of neoprene increase lower body buoyancy to reduce drag, whereas the thinner upper body panels will not restrict your arm stroke. This is a good suit if you want to shave time off your swim.
Pros:
- Comfortable, flexible fit
- Easy to remove for faster transitions
- All-new design for 2019
Cons:
- Only available in eight sizes
If you want to stay warm and swim faster, the Blueseventy 2019 Men’s Sprint Triathlon Wetsuit is a good choice. The thicker body and thinner arms provide the ideal balance between buoyancy and flexibility and the longer zip and stretchy ankles mean this suit won’t slow you down during transitions. This suit is perfect for competitive triathletes looking for faster race times.
9. Xterra Men’s Volt Triathlon Wetsuit Review
The Xterra Men’s Volt Triathlon Wetsuit is a budget-friendly full-length wetsuit that is approved by USA Triathlon. Its 3/2mm neoprene construction means it provides a moderate level of buoyancy while keeping you warm in all but the coldest water conditions. This is an entry-level suit that is very budget-friendly and ideal for beginners.
Key features:
- 3mm front panels, 2mm rear panels, and 1.5mm arms
- Glued and double-stitched seams
- 2mm shoulder panels for increased flexibility
- Contoured, streamlined fit
- X-flex suit liner for increased comfort
- Smooth skin finish for less drag
With its 3mm front panels and 2mm rear panels, this suit will help you stay higher in the water and experience less water resistance for a faster, easier swim. Lined for comfort, the Xterra Men’s Volt Triathlon Wetsuit is a good entry-level suit that is also suitable for more experienced racers.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Excellent buoyancy
- Comfortable, flexible fit
Cons:
- Very limited sizes available
- Rear zip is a little short which could make removal harder
If you want a wetsuit that’ll keep you warm in even the coldest water but will also improve buoyancy for a faster, easier swim, the Xterra Men’s Volt Triathlon Wetsuit is a good, budget-friendly choice. It may lack some of the bells and whistles of other, more expensive suits, but if you want to be comfortable in cold water without breaking the bank, this suit is a good option.
10. Synergy Men’s Endorphin Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit 5/3 mm
Thicker wetsuits provide more warmth and buoyancy. With its 5mm body, the Synergy Men’s Endorphin Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit is ideal for cold water swims and triathletes looking to get higher in the water for increased swim performance.
Key features:
- 5mm body, 3mm legs and back, 2mm arms and shoulders
- Anti-corrosion zipper
- Hydrophobic SCS coating for less drag and puncture resistance
- Maximum allowed buoyancy
- Low, anti-chafing neck
- Smooth skin lining for comfort
- Available in 16 sizes
- Triple-stitched, heated, and taped seams and joints
The Synergy Men’s Endorphin Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit creates almost double the buoyancy of a 3mm suit. The higher you are in the water, the faster and easier you’ll be able to swim. 5mm is the maximum legal thickness for Triathlon wetsuits. This extra thickness will keep you warm in even the coldest water.
Pros:
- Maximum warmth and buoyancy
- High-quality materials and finish
- Hardwearing
Cons:
- No quick release ankle panels which may make suit harder to remove
- Extra thickness my reduce flexibility and mobility
For cold water, the Synergy Men’s Endorphin Full Sleeve Triathlon Wetsuit is hard to beat. Many triathletes, especially those that are especially lean, will benefit from the extra buoyancy a 5mm suit offers.
11. ORCA Swim-Run Core Men’s One-Piece Wetsuit Review
Where most triathlon wetsuits are designed to be removed after the swim, the ORCA Swim-Run Core Men’s One-Piece Wetsuit can be worn while you run. Made for swim-run events, this suit will save you a lot of time in transitions.
Key features:
- Removable sleeves
- Extended front zip
- Built-in whistle (mandatory for swim-run events)
- Small outer pocket for GPS timer chip
- 2mm arms, 3mm legs, 4/5mm body panels
- Velcro neck adjustment
- Flex panels for unrestricted movement
A lot of triathletes like to do swim-run events. With no bike ride, you’ll want to get out of the water and on the run as fast as possible. Some swim-run events also end with a second swim. The ORCA Swim-Run Core Men’s One-Piece Wetsuit is designed to be worn both in the water and on land. Just whip off the sleeves and pull down the front zip as you exit the water, slip on your running shoes, and get going! You could also use this suit for full triathlons, although it is not suitable for cycling.
Pros:
- No need to suit remove during swim-run events
- Faster transitions
- Smooth skin inner for comfort
- Front zip for easy venting
- Removable sleeves for increased versatility
Cons:
- Cost
- Could lead to overheating if running on a warm day
The ORCA Swim-Run Core Men’s One-Piece Wetsuit is designed for swim-run events, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it for triathlons too. The removable sleeves mean it’s ideal for both cool and warmer waters. It will increase buoyancy so you are higher in the water, which will reduce drag and save energy.
12. TYR Sport Men’s Category 3 Hurricane Wetsuit Review
The TYR Sport Men’s Category 3 Hurricane Wetsuit is designed to help you swim faster. With its silver back panel and shoulder details, this suit also looks good too. It is USAT and Ironman approved and provides factor 50 sun protection.
Key features:
- Low neck
- SCS hydrophobic outer coating for less drag
- Contoured, streamlined fit for increased performance
- Quick-release ankle cuffs for easier transitions
- Form-fitting wrist cuffs
- Stitched, glued, and taped seams for strength and durability
- Textured forearm panels for increased stroke power
This snug-fitting suit is not the cheapest wetsuit available, but it could be one of the fastest. Designed specifically to increase your speed, the TYR Sport Men’s Category 3 Hurricane Wetsuit has special floatation panels for optimal buoyancy and body alignment. Textured forearm panels help you catch more water for increased power and speed.
Pros:
- Flexible but snug fit for better aqua dynamics
- Water repellent for reduced drag
- Easy to remove for faster transitions
Cons:
- Price
- No information available on thickness – even from the manufacturer
If you want a suit that does more than keep you warm, the TYR Sport Men’s Category 3 Hurricane Wetsuit could be a good choice. It’s not the cheapest suit around but, if you want to swim faster and save energy, this wetsuit could be a good choice.
13. Fit2Race Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit Review
Sleeveless wetsuits are ideal warmer waters and for athletes who prefer to swim with their arms uncovered and shoulders unencumbered. The Fit2Race Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit offers the maximal buoyancy allowed by the USAT and is very budget-friendly.
Key features:
- 5mm chest and legs, 3mm back
- Fully lined for comfort
- Velcro neck adjustment
- Scooped armholes
If you are looking for a cheap but practical wetsuit for warmer water that still provides plenty of buoyancy, the Fit2Race Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit is a perfect choice. It’s the lowest-priced suit on review, but that doesn’t mean it’s not up to the job. This is an ideal suit for anyone on a tight budget.
Pros:
- Very well priced
- Ideal for beginners
- Great for warm weather swims
- Very buoyant
Cons:
- Unisex so may not fit all body shapes
- 5mm thick neoprene may be too inflexible for some users
The Fit2Race Sleeveless Triathlon Wetsuit is perfect for first-time triathletes who may be wary about spending a fortune on a more expensive suit. With its 5mm panels, it’s very buoyant, which means it will help you to swim faster and use less energy. Is should help keep your core and legs warm in even chillier waters.
14. 2XU Men’s P:1 Propel Wetsuit Review
The 2XU Men’s P:1 Propel Wetsuit is a mid-priced wetsuit packed with features designed to maximize your swimming performance. This suit is both very buoyant and warm while still being very comfortable and flexible. Made with several different thickness of neoprene, this suit is warm, flexible, and buoyant.
Key features:
- 3mm legs and 5mm front panels for maximum buoyancy
- Lined for increased comfort
- Long rear zip for quick and easy removal
- SCS coating for reduced drag
- Low neck for less chafing
- Concave water entrapment zone for increased distance per stroke
This suit is made for speed – both in the water and in the transition area. Coated with hydrophobic SCS, this suit repels water for reduced drag and increased energy efficiency. The 5mm front panels will help keep your body high and level for optimal speed and energy efficiency. The long rear zip should make this suit easy to remove for faster transitions.
Pros:
- Greatest allowable level of buoyancy
- Flexible and comfortable
- Enhances body position in the water
- Wide ranges of sizes available
Cons:
- No elasticated ankle or wrist panels for easier removal
The 2XU Men’s P:1 Propel Wetsuit is a suit for triathletes who want to go faster. It’s a very technical suit, and each panel is a different thickness to maximize buoyancy without compromising mobility. If you want to take time off your swim, saving energy in the process, this suit is a good choice.
15. ROKA Maverick Comp II Men’s Wetsuit Review
The ROKA Maverick Comp II Men’s Wetsuit is a mid-priced entry-level race suit that combines state of the art materials and technologies with a great-looking design. While aimed at beginners, it is also suitable for more experienced triathletes looking for a mid-priced wetsuit. This suit provides an ideal mix of warmth, buoyancy, and comfort.
Key features:
- 5mm legs, 3mm body, and 1.5mm shoulders and arms
- “Arms up” construction for better shoulder flexibility and increased range of motion
- Low, seamless neck for comfort
- Graduated buoyancy profile to keep you level in the water
- Quick-release ankle panels for easy removal
- Lined for comfort
- SCS coating for reduced drag
The ROKA Maverick Comp II Men’s Wetsuit packs a lot of features into a mid-price suit. These features should significantly increase your swim performance, especially during longer events.
Pros:
- Superior buoyancy
- Very flexible and comfortable
- Easy to remove for faster transitions
- Enhanced swim performance
- Available in ten sizes
Cons:
- Price
While this suit is a little more expensive than most entry-level suits, it’s very much a case of you get what you pay for. The ROKA Maverick Comp II Men’s Wetsuit offers many of the features usually only found in much more expensive suits. This wetsuit won’t just keep you warm, it’ll help you swim faster while using less energy.
Men’s Triathlon Wetsuit Buyers Guide
With so many manufacturers and models available, it can be hard to decide which triathlon wetsuit to buy. Suits vary enormously in features, quality, and price. For warmer waters and occasional use, a cheaper sleeveless or shorty wetsuit should be sufficient. It’ll keep you warm, provide some additional buoyancy, but won’t do much for your swimming performance.
For colder waters, you will probably need a wetsuit with sleeves, preferably with a 5mm body for maximum warmth and buoyancy. This type of suit tends to be more expensive. However, thicker suits will keep you warmer, but that added thickness may also impede free and easy movement. For this reason, good wetsuits have thinner, flexible arm and shoulder panels for unrestricted swimming.
How your wetsuit fits is also crucial, and sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Make sure you take your measurements and compare them to the manufacturer’s sizing chart to ensure you get a suit that fits you properly. Too tight and it will be restrictive and hard to put on and remove. Too loose and it will end up full of water.
Finally, remember too that swimming in a wetsuit feels very different to swimming in your bathing suit. Make sure you do at least some of your training wearing your wetsuit and practice removing it for faster transitions. Taking off a wetsuit in the heat of competition is an acquired skill.
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