Choosing the right wetsuit (or race-legal swimskin/vest alternative) can make a huge difference on race day — affecting buoyancy, stroke efficiency, comfort, and transition speed. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands-on testing, and cross-referencing expert and consumer feedback to match real-world triathlon needs.
How we tested and chose
- Real-world usage: We prioritized pieces proven in open-water conditions and in race simulations — focusing on fit, flexibility, buoyancy distribution, and ease of entry/exit.
- Expert opinion: Input from swim coaches and triathlon fit specialists helped interpret technical features (neoprene grades, paneling, coatings).
- Consumer feedback: Verified user reviews and sizing reports highlighted durability, chafe issues, and comfort across a range of body types.
- Performance trade-offs: We balanced buoyancy and warmth against shoulder flexibility and stroke freedom to recommend suits for different race conditions and levels.
blueseventy Sprint Wetsuit
High-performance wetsuit engineered for triathletes. Yamamoto neoprene and SCS coating with 5mm buoyant panels lift the hips while ultra-thin 1.5mm arms and flexible shoulder gussets maximize stroke freedom. Designed for breathable fit, speed, and durability in open-water racing.
blueseventy Sprint Wetsuit — Premium Choice
The Sprint is a purpose-built triathlon wetsuit that prioritizes a balance of buoyancy and flexibility. Key tech includes Yamamoto smooth-skin neoprene, 5mm buoyant sections through the hips and upper legs to improve body position, and ultra-thin 1.5mm arms for unrestricted stroke. Shoulder gussets and super-stretch jersey increase range of motion, while SCS coating improves hydrophobic performance.
Pros:
- Excellent buoyancy where it matters (hips/legs)
- Thin arms and oversized gussets give near-swimskin freedom
- Aqua-seal cuffs and SCS coating add speed and durability
Cons:
- Mid-to-high price point (but justified by materials)
- Requires careful sizing; a close fit is essential for performance
Best for: Triathletes who race regularly in cool to cold open water and need a durable, fast wetsuit that still allows excellent stroke mechanics.
Blue Seventy Reaction
Race-focused, high-end wetsuit built for elite swimmers. Reactive Stretch paneling and layered buoyant foam improve rotation and distance per stroke, while ultra-stretch jersey and S-Grip forearms boost comfort and propulsion. Premium fit and advanced paneling for competitive open-water performance.
Blue Seventy Reaction — Editors Choice
The Reaction is an elite-level suit built around Reactive Stretch Technology (RST) and advanced panel engineering to maximize distance per stroke and natural rotation. It uses ultra-stretch inner jerseys and S-Flex side panels for easy entry and a liberated shoulder position. Layered insulation foam on the front and legs adds targeted buoyancy and helps trim the body for faster swims.
Pros:
- Industry-leading flexibility across the shoulders and back
- Thoughtful panel design increases efficiency and stroke length
- Premium materials and fit detail (lowered neck, quick-exit legs)
Cons:
- High price — aimed at serious racers
- Premium suits require precise sizing; try before race day if possible
Best for: Competitive triathletes and open-water swimmers who prioritize speed and stroke efficiency and are willing to invest in top-tier materials and construction.
Neoprene Hooded Vest
Affordable 3mm neoprene hooded vest designed for warmth and mobility. Hooded design reduces water seepage, while flexible construction and close fit offer comfort for snorkeling, surfing, or as a layering piece for cool-water training and race warmups.
Neoprene Hooded Vest — Best Budget Pick
This 3mm hooded vest is not a full wetsuit but is a very cost-effective option for athletes needing extra warmth, mobility, or a layering piece. The hooded design helps reduce heat loss around the head and neck, and the flexible neoprene provides good range of motion for swim and paddle activities. Seams and fit are adequate for recreational use and training.
Pros:
- Extremely affordable and versatile
- Good for warm-to-cool water when a full suit isn’t required
- Useful as a pre-race warmup or for multisport water activities
Cons:
- Not a substitute for a full wetsuit in cold water or in races that require buoyancy
- Limited buoyancy and thermal protection compared to full suits
Best for: Budget-conscious athletes, warm-weather training, or as a layering/warmup piece for triathlon training.
Wixen Padded Trisuit
Budget-friendly triathlon one-piece that doubles as a non-wetsuit racing option. Quick-dry fabric, rear zipper, compression panels and a 3mm tri pad deliver comfort across swim-bike-run; great for warmer races or categories where wetsuits are disallowed.
Wixen Padded Trisuit — Best Value for Money
Although not a wetsuit, this padded trisuit represents excellent value for triathletes who race in warm water or non-wetsuit categories. The quick-dry fabric, ventilation panels, rear zipper and 3mm tri pad make it practical for efficient transitions and long training sessions. Silicone leg grippers and compression panels help maintain an aerodynamic, secure fit.
Pros:
- Outstanding price-to-features ratio
- Comfortable tri pad suited for short- to mid-distance events
- Quick-dry materials speed transitions
Cons:
- Provides no thermal protection or buoyancy of a wetsuit
- Not suitable for cold-water races where wetsuits are required
Best for: New triathletes, sprint to Olympic distances in warm conditions, or athletes who prefer a fast transition and minimal water drag without neoprene.
Comparison at a glance
- Blue Seventy Reaction (Editors Choice) — Top-tier performance, best-in-class flexibility, and advanced paneling for elite competitors; premium price.
- blueseventy Sprint (Premium Choice) — Balanced buoyancy and flexibility with durable materials; great for regular racers who want performance without the absolute top-tier cost.
- Wixen Padded Trisuit (Best Value for Money) — Not a wetsuit, but an excellent race-day tri suit for warmer events and those seeking transition speed at a low price.
- Neoprene Hooded Vest (Best Budget Pick) — Inexpensive, versatile warmth and layering option; useful for training and warmups but not a replacement for a full wetsuit.
Which is best overall? For pure wetsuit performance in triathlon, the Blue Seventy Reaction is the best overall pick if budget isn’t the primary constraint. The blueseventy Sprint is the best option for most competitive age-group athletes who need a high-performing suit at a lower price point. If you race in warm water or under non-wetsuit rules, the Wixen tri suit is the best value. For a very tight budget or for layering, the neoprene hooded vest is a pragmatic choice.
Final recommendation
If you want a single, clear pick: buy the Blue Seventy Reaction if you race often and demand the best blend of flexibility and propulsion — it’s built for faster strokes and improved distance per stroke. If you want high performance for less money, the blueseventy Sprint offers most of the same benefits with slightly more emphasis on value. For warm-water racing or non-wetsuit categories, the Wixen trisuit gives the best overall utility and transition speed for the price. And if you need a cheap, flexible way to stay warm in training or use as a layering piece, the neoprene hooded vest is the budget solution.
These recommendations are based on hands-on testing, expert evaluation of construction and materials, and consumer feedback across different race environments. Before buying, verify sizing (triathlon wetsuits require a snug fit), consider local race rules on wetsuit use, and, if possible, try a suit on to confirm shoulder freedom and overall comfort.