I’ve definitely found this to be true. The first time I tried swimming with a wetsuit I recorded my best time ever in the water. Now I’ve been lucky enough to try out several wetsuits and am confident that this is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CKLK7RM” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Zone 3 Vanquish[/easyazon_link] best triathlon wetsuit currently available.

Zone 3 Vanquish – Best Buy

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This is not the cheapest wetsuit available but it is one that is frequently used by top athletes. You can get it I men’s or women’s and you are certain to be as pleased with the results as I was.

• Constructed from Neoprene
• 5mm aerodome roll bar
• Cool Spot Technology
• 3mm thick
• Weighs 4 pounds

Advantages

• Design

You’ll notice that the design of this wetsuit incorporates a V-shaped neckline; this reduces the risk of chaffing which will detract from your time.

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CKLK8GM” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Zone 3 Vanquish[/easyazon_link] incorporates pro speed cuffs. The principle behind these is that the surface of the suit is coated with a special compound, but only at the ankles and the wrists.

The coating allows the suit to glide off of you virtually effortlessly. This is a bonus after you’ve finished the swim section of the race.

• Panels

There is a large panel on the chest which is referred to as the ‘aerodome’. This is essentially two layers of neoprene with air bubbles trapped between them.

Put your suit on and just float in the water; you’ll notice this dramatically improves your buoyancy; helping you to focus on swimming not staying afloat.

You will also find the aerodome feature on your thighs.

• Neutral Buoyancy

The aerodome panels work well to ensure you have neutral buoyancy, you won’t feel like part of you is sticking out of the water at a funny angle.

This is a result of the chest panel balancing out your thighs to create a happy medium.

• Durable

The neoprene is just 3mm thick and will be placed under a lot of stress as you power through the water. [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CKLK8GM” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]This Vanquish suit[/easyazon_link] has a one-piece shoulder that relies on the fact that only one arm is in front at any given time.

When used this way I’ve found it to be extremely durable, better than the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01BDYI8Q4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Blue Seventy Thermal Helix.[/easyazon_link]

• It Comes Off Easy

It is worth mentioning this again. The coating at the ankles and the wrist allow the suit to literally fall off you; that’s an important advantage if you’re trying to change quickly from swimming to a bike or even running.

This suit removes the stress of the transition and lets you get going.

Disadvantages

• Cost

It is worth noting that the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CKLK8GM” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Zone 3 Vanquish[/easyazon_link] is not the cheapest option on the market. However, it is created by a company dedicated solely to triathlons. It’s worth paying the funds.

• Fabric Strips

The arms are neoprene but this doesn’t allow you to ‘feel’ the water. Adding some fabric strips to allow the water to touch your forearms would benefit the flow of your strokes.

• Zip

The zip is a reverse, upward breakaway zipper. It’s not always the easiest to do by yourself. But at least it won’t get accidentally undone by a competitor.

TYR Hurricane Freak Nature   – Great For Those With An Unlimited Budget

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Let’s get one thing straight, there are expensive wetsuits and then there is the [easyazon_link identifier=”B005Q29HRY” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]TYR Hurricane Freak Nature[/easyazon_link]. At well over $1,000, it costs roughly double the next best suit.

But, it does use an extremely high-quality neoprene.

• Made with Yamamoto #40 Neoprene
• Conforms To Your Body
• Impressive buoyancy thanks to aerated neoprene
• Great ‘curb appeal’
• Flexibility

Advantages

• Flexibility & Comfort

There is no disputing that this is the most flexible wet suit o the market today. [easyazon_link identifier=”B005Q29HRY” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]The TYR Hurricane Freak Nature[/easyazon_link] is made completely from Yamamoto smoothskin #40 neoprene.

This means it will adapt to your body rather than compressing your body to fit the suit. It doesn’t matter what your specific body shape is you’ll be comfortable in this suit.  You’ll also note a better ability to move in all directions when swimming; which could make a big difference as you power through the swim section of your triathlon.

• Buoyancy

Just like the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CKLK8GM” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Zone 3 Vanquish[/easyazon_link] the [easyazon_link identifier=”B005Q29HRY” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]TYR Hurricane[/easyazon_link] has beat in panels with air bubbles trapped between layers of neoprene.

However, the Hurricane Freak of Nature doesn’t just have these on the thighs and chest. It also has them on the sides of the legs and hips. This will help to prevent roll as you crawl through the water; reducing your drag and energy wasted.

The result is faster times.

• Easy To Put On

Because the suit is so flexible it is exceptionally easy to put on and take off again. This is a distinct advantage when changing between stages.

The suit will literally feel like an extension of your own body.

• Forearm V-GCP Pull Panels

These or similar panels are starting to appear on all the top wetsuits. The idea is to create something that can actually grip the water and pull it past you; enabling you to go faster than before.

The impressive thing is that these panels actually work.

• Construction Standard

The suit is meticulously put together. Every stitch is glued down, the outer glue is strong and durable and the inner seams are designed not to irritate your body.

This high attention to detail helps to justify the cost and ensures it will last you for years to come.

Disadvantages

• Cost

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B005Q29HRY” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]TYR Hurricane Freak Nature[/easyazon_link] is not the best triathlon wetsuit for beginners. The cost is simply too much when you are starting out in the field.

This suit costs a lot and is really just for those who are at the top of their game and are looking to gain a little extra.

Blue Seventy Thermal Helix – Best for Cold Water

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Although Blue Seventy is often associated with Women’s suits the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01BDYI8Q4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Blue Seventy Thermal Helix[/easyazon_link] is a great option for men; especially if you’re looking at cold water swims.

The suit looks good and has a number of great features:

• Torsion Stretch Technology
• 40# Yamamoto cell neoprene
• Low Collar
• 5/4 Thickness
• Quick Exit Legs

Advantages

• Insulation

The first thing to note is that the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01BDYI8Q4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Blue Seventy Thermal Helix[/easyazon_link] is designed to be used in cold water. You’ll be able to stay in the water below 50° F for at least an hour without feeling the numbing effects of the cold.

This suit is a must if you’re regularly swimming in cold water.

Warmth is achieved through the addition of a zirconium jersey built into the suit and sitting next to the skin. The water gripping forearms are also replaced with neoprene to help ensure the warmth is retained.

All I can say is it really works!

• Design Features

The Thermal Helix is exceptionally well made. It appears to stretch to fit your skin; making it exceptionally comfortable.

There are aerated panels to help you get adequate buoyancy and the suit also comes with a soft collar to improve fit and comfort as you race.

• Speed

Any wetsuit you are out on should make you feel faster but the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01BDYI8Q4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Thermal Helix[/easyazon_link] uses technology to ensure you really are faster.

Alongside the warmth, there are the standard aerated panels in your legs. These push you into a slightly downward swimming position that helps reduce drag and improve your time.

It is hard to get the balance right between buoyancy and speed but the Thermal Helix seems to have found the happy medium.

Disadvantages

• Cost

This suit is at the higher end of the spectrum; potentially more expensive than the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CKLK8GM” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Zone 3 Vanquish[/easyazon_link] although not in the same ballpark as the Hurricane Freak Nature.

This means that as good as it is, you should only invest in it if you do a lot of swimming in cold water.

• Zipper Issues

The zipper is a standard-style one. This does make it easier to get the suit on by yourself. However, if you’re wearing the Thermal Helix for any length of time you’re likely to find the zip rubbing the back of your neck.

Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about this.

• Warmth

It is worth noting that the Thermal Helix is great for cold water but you may find it too warm when the water isn’t so cold.

If you are a cold water swimmer but swim all year round you may need to purchase 2 wetsuits.

The Bottom Line In The Best Triathlon Wetsuit

The best triathlon wetsuit for value and practical use has to be the [easyazon_link identifier=”B01CKLK8GM” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Zone 3 Vanquish.[/easyazon_link] It offers all the features you need in a high-end wetsuit and will improve your times.

If you’re regularly competing in triathlons then you need the best triathlon wetsuit and the Vanquish will fulfill your needs perfectly.

Both of the other suits on this list have their place; it’s just not at the top of the list!

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B005JX93H4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Ultrak 495[/easyazon_link] would be my absolute top pick as a stopwatch for swimming use, though there are some alternatives depending on your personal preferences. If you’re interested in any other swim equipment, why not take a look at our best swimsuits for men or best for women? Take a look below to see our run-down of the top swimming stopwatches.

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Best Swimming Stopwatch – Ultrak 495 Stopwatch

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B005JX93H4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Ultrak 495[/easyazon_link] is generally considered the top dog when it comes to swim timers. This watch is a very common sight at swim-meets and is rated very highly for its durability. Ultrak make a variety of timers with a focus on sports, including pedometers, stopwatches, and timers.

Benefits

Water-Resistant

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B005JX93H4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Ultrak 495[/easyazon_link] is water-resistant, an important feature for swimming. Keep in mind that water resistance is good, though it still isn’t the same as being waterproof. Imagine it dangling too far from your neck when you lean over the pool to congratulate a swimmer, or if you happen to be pulled in after a particularly big, victorious meet. Either situation could wreck your stopwatch, so if you’re using one of these, it’s best to take it off whenever it isn’t in active use.

Buttons are Easy to Hit

Easy to hit buttons are essential for a swim stopwatch. Hands might be wet or slippy, there can be condensation, and of course, there’s adrenaline and stress on top of that. Hitting the right buttons, easily and quickly, is vital. This stopwatch has large chunky buttons that accomplish exactly that.

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”463″ identifier=”B005JX93H4″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/511%2B826VxtL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”375″]
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Durable

Durability is another important feature in wet environments, especially those that tend to be made up of very hard walls and floors. Dropped watches happen sometimes, in fact, impact damage is a leading cause of overall stopwatch failures, so having one which can survive multiple high impact drops is a blessing. With the [easyazon_link identifier=”B000QU93FW” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Ultrak 495 Swimming Stopwatch[/easyazon_link] you get this benefit too. It backs this up with a generous 5-year warranty as well, covering you against most types of damage.

Backup Battery for Memory Features

Memory features are usually a matter of preference, though almost everybody would like some memory retention to be permanent. The 5-year back-up battery in this stopwatch ensures safe storage of data between battery changes, even if that’s weeks apart. This is the kind of feature which puts this watch in the top spot, especially since this and the warranty combine to give you 5 years of flawless usage at a minimum.

Detailed & Informative Display

Ultrak has created this watch to be easily viewed in a hurry. Imagine you’re tensely watching a swimmer, waiting for the precise moment they complete a lap, eyes flicking rapidly to the display to see if it might be enough, then back to the swimmer. What if the display was too small to see with that quick flick? This stopwatch has a large and clear display, which also features dual split timers incorporated on a three-row display. Easy to see even with condensation, this watch shows a variety of info at just a glance.

Choice of Colors

For those who appreciate this kind of thing, the swimming stopwatch is available in yellow or black. The choice is yours.

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Drawbacks

More Expensive than Other Stopwatches

[easyazon_link identifier=”B005JX93H4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Ultraks 495 stopwatch[/easyazon_link] is a little more pricy than other vanilla stopwatches. This is balanced out a lot by the durability and warranty. You really do get what you pay for so while this might put some people off, I’d recommend it as a value over time item.

Best Budget Swimming Stopwatch – Learning Resources Simple Stopwatch

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B0035EQDTA” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Learning Resources Simple Stopwatch[/easyazon_link] is a stopwatch which stands out as being very colorful and easy to use. It was originally aimed at teachers and children. Since then it’s become known amongst other users as a good budget buy as well, and so has proven itself as a good stopwatch.

Benefits

Easy to Use

There are a couple of features that make this easy to use. Firstly, there are three easy to hit buttons, that’s all. Red is for stop, green is for go, and yellow is for clear. This is a simple system for anyone to work with, and the watch itself has a comfortable to hold rounded shape. This is topped off with a grippy, non-slip surface. Even little hands should be safe holding this in wet conditions.

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Extremely Safe Design

The rounded design also means there are no edges or points for accidents to happen. It’s rounded, and nothing sticks out particularly far. On top of that, the battery compartment is securely shut with a small screw. If a child uses the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0035EQDTA” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Learning Resources Stopwatch[/easyazon_link], they won’t be able to access the battery and pull it out, avoiding potential choking hazards.

Bright, Colorful Appearance

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B00BQ5RH04″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Learning Resources Simple Stopwatch[/easyazon_link] is available in three different bright, eye-catching colors. Children love the look and it really stands out, making the stopwatch tough to lose or leave laying around.

Cheap

The price for one of these stopwatches is below that of any advanced stopwatch. This makes it a cheap investment, especially for those unsure how much use they’ll actually get from a stopwatch.

Large Display

The display is large on this stopwatch too. [easyazon_link identifier=”B0035EQDTA” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Learning Resources Stopwatch[/easyazon_link] has a big, clear display as the focus is on being clear to read.

[easyazon_image align=”center” height=”500″ identifier=”B00BQ5RH04″ locale=”US” src=”https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41aAZKDUeWL.jpg” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″ width=”391″]
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Drawbacks

Lacks Advanced Features

This isn’t the type of stopwatch which features a bunch of split timers or memory features. It’s a basic stopwatch and good as a beginning tool. Those who find a serious need for good stopwatch functions should definitely be looking to invest in an upgrade.

Limited Display

The display is basic and remains on at all times. Battery draw is low so the longevity is still high. With that said, the display is only the current time. You can stop, go, or reset. That’s all. If you need more than that, you should also be looking at something more capable than the [easyazon_link identifier=”B0035EQDTA” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Learning Resources Stopwatch[/easyazon_link].

Best Swimming Stopwatch: Garmin Forerunner 935 – Best Watch Style Stopwatch

The [easyazon_link identifier=”B0744PQMSZ” locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Garmin Forerunner 935[/easyazon_link] is definitely a step up in terms of investment, though it’s so much more than just a swimming stopwatch. This is an all-around watch with incredible data tracking capabilities in water and on land. It’s dependable, stuffed full of advanced features, and looks great too. The advantage of this device is that you can use it whilst swimming, as it’s always on your wrist. For other swimming watches, take a look at our best watches for triathletes article.

Benefits

Has Swim Specific Tracking Features

There are a great number of pool features on this watch. For starters, there’s the obvious stopwatch. This is a fairly basic stopwatch, giving lap times and not much else, though this is enough for some users. The [easyazon_link identifier=”B06XGD6CS4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Garmin 935[/easyazon_link] also has a stroke detector and lap detector, which work automatically so you don’t have to mess with buttons whilst swimming. There have been some questions about the accuracy of these features though. GPS features allow you to track outdoor swim distances, while there’s a buzz alert feature which you can set up to go off after certain amounts of time or distance.

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Comes With Many Extra Features

On top of the swimming features, the GPS works for all other situations too. There are also downloadable workouts, phone connectivity, and a heart monitor. Combined with high battery life, this becomes a very versatile watch/tracker. It also has an altimeter, a barometer, and an electronic compass built-in.

Waterproof

This watch is completely waterproof, with a rating of 5ATM which is roughly equivalent to 50 meters depth. That’s far more than any swimmer is going to need, in fact without diving equipment you’re never going to get close to that depth.

Reliable

As with most Garmin devices, the [easyazon_link identifier=”B06XGD6CS4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″] Forerunner 935 [/easyazon_link] is known for reliability. It can take bumps, bangs, and drops without missing a step. This and being waterproof mean it should last for a long time even with daily use.

App Allows Advanced Tracking

Phone connectivity gives the ability to use Garmins app and get extra workouts, and data tracking capability. The amount of data this watch gives is pretty high too, so while the stopwatch feature is a little basic, the overall info level is pretty high.

Fitness Performance Data

Garmin has created this watch with performance technology that can track your performance and work rate. This features auto-stroke detection for swimming and also tracks changes in your heart rate to let you know whether you’re maxing out your potential or not.

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Drawbacks

Expensive

This is a big investment as it costs much more than regular stopwatches. This is a high-grade sports watch with many features. It isn’t for everyone, though there are certainly some people who could make good use of it. If the extra features sound like something you could do with, it might be worth the investment.

Basic Stopwatch

Keep in mind the stopwatch features themselves are very basic and it only really allows lap timers. Things like multiple splits, multi-row displays and advanced data tracking aren’t available on this watch. This makes the [easyazon_link identifier=”B06XGD6CS4″ locale=”US” tag=”upbeat-jan-20″]Garmin Forerunner 935[/easyazon_link] best for people who will get actual use out of the swimming stopwatch itself and other features, and not so great for dedicated swim usage.