wetsuits...

[VeloVT]

I'm signed up for my first sprint tri at the end of April. If all goes well I hope to do a few more sprints (there's a summer series where I live, a sprint every weekend in June/July/August), then do a half-Iron at the end of the summer. If THAT goes well, I'd consider trying for something longer next year.

The one at the end of April is a pool swim, so no need for a wetsuit. But I was in a local store the other day and came across a QR tri-specific wetsuit in my size on sale for $130 -- 50% off. Only thing is, it was full (long sleeves and long legs).

So my question is, given the above goals, would a full wetsuit be overkill? Do those of you with wetsuits wear full suits, long johns or short johns? Do you vary it according to race length? Any opinions on QR wetsuits? I'm not sure what the model was but it retailed for like $260 or $270.

Thanks for your advice!!!

[Tri Girl]

Great goals for this year- hopefully you fall in love with the sport and want to keep at it (warning: it's truly addictive).

About the wetsuit, I think it's such a personal opinion on what type to wear. I have a QR long john and I've worn it for everything from a sprint to an IM. I swim in it May through late September. Even tho most full suits have great flexibility through the shoulders, I just prefer the sleveless (plus, I overheat easily and I need the sleeveless to keep my body temp down).
As for race length, a full suit is overkill IMO for a sprint (just takes too long to get out of for the length of the race), or for most races in the summer unless you live very far north and the water is cold year round. Just depends on how comfortable you are in the water, how much buoyancy you need/want, and how quickly you can strip that puppy off when coming into T1.

Ok- so I didn't really give you an answer. What would I do? At half off, it's an incredible deal!!!! If you think the cost/use factors will even out, go for it. QR's are great suits and very well made. If you think you'll get lots of use out of it, buy it. A well-taken care of suit can last for many, many years.

[KSH]

QR is a good suit and that's a great price. Just make sure it FITS properly. Fit is everything. It should be tight and smooth... if it's lose outside of the water it will be huge in the water.

Otherwise, I think if the water is cold enough to wear a wetsuit...sleeves are needed.

I got in my wetsuit in the pool the other day (outdoor apartments pool)... and all the skin that wasn't covered was freezing.

[Grog]

Considering you're in Vermont, you might enjoy the longsleeves... It depends what lake(s) you intend to swim in.