Choosing the right triathlon wetsuit can make the difference between a cramped, draggy swim and a smooth, confidence-boosting race. This guide compares top women's triathlon wetsuits and swimskins based on hands-on testing, material analysis, and user feedback to help you pick the best fit for your goals.
Considerations & Methodology
What we tested and why
- Real-world usage: We evaluated entry/exit, range of motion, buoyancy, thermal feel, and hydrodynamics across open-water swims and pool drills. Transition practicality (quick-off legs, zipper durability) was a priority for triathlon-specific suits.
- Technical features: We inspected neoprene type, paneling, seam construction, neck seals, and zippers (YKK or equivalent), along with layered buoyancy technologies and hydrophobic fabrics for swimskins.
- Expert and consumer feedback: We cross-referenced lab spec sheets, pro athlete feedback, and hundreds of consumer reviews to balance performance claims with real-user experience.
- Fit and sizing: We tested multiple sizes where possible and compared manufacturer size charts to find where suits run true to size or require up/down sizing.
This ranking reflects a balance of performance, durability, comfort, and value for triathletes of differing goals—from sprint racers who need quick transitions to long-course athletes who prioritize thermal insulation and sustained buoyancy.
Orca Women's Float Wetsuit
Premium construction with Hydrolite panels, an Ultimate Seal Collar and heavy-duty YKK-10 zipper for improved seal, thermal insulation, and durability. Designed for serious triathletes who want top-level buoyancy and hydrodynamics in varied open-water conditions.
Orca's women's Float wetsuit focuses on a superior seal and hydrodynamics. Key features include the Ultimate Seal Collar with laser-cut edges plus Hydrolite inner lining to limit water ingress and chafing, and a robust YKK-10 zipper for reliability. The suit offers excellent thermal insulation and balanced buoyancy for steady body position, making it ideal for athletes who race in cooler water or demand consistent lift across the torso and legs. Expect slightly stiffer neoprene where buoyancy is concentrated, but excellent build quality and durability justify the price for frequent racers.
Reaction Sleeveless Wetsuit
A performance-focused sleeveless wetsuit that uses Reactive Stretch Technology and layered Lift foam to maximize stroke rotation, flexibility and buoyancy, while quick-exit legs improve transition speed for competitive triathletes.
This sleeveless Reaction model delivers a compelling mix of flexibility and propulsion. Reactive Stretch Technology and ultra-stretch jersey back panels improve rotation and stroke length, while layered Lift foam on the front legs enhances buoyancy and body position. S-Flex side panels ease entry and fit, and reduced wrist cuffs help with quick changes. The suit's paneling and hydrophobic Aqua Feel catch panels give a confident water feel and efficient pull. It’s our Editors' Choice for athletes who prioritize stroke mechanics and transition efficiency in middle- to long-course racing.
SynSkin Triathlon Swimskin
A tight-fitting, hydrophobic swimskin designed for speed: bonded seams, low-drag fabric, and a locking YKK zipper. Best for pool races and wetsuit-legal short-course triathlons where minimal drag and range of motion are key.
The SynSkin swimskin targets racers wanting minimal drag and maximum range of motion without neoprene’s buoyancy. Its hydrophobic fabric and bonded seams reduce water resistance, while an advanced YKK auto-lock zipper streamlines fit and durability. Because it fits very snugly and is designed to be worn over tri shorts (not as thermal protection), it’s ideal for warm-water races and short-course events where rules permit swimskins. For athletes transitioning from wetsuits or seeking an affordable speed suit, it’s an efficient, well-built option.
Salty DayZ Spring Suit
An eco-conscious long-sleeve spring suit combining recycled stretch neoprene and Smart Foam for warmth and flexibility. A front-zip entry and mock neck suit light to moderate water temps while minimizing cost and environmental impact.
Billabong's Salty DayZ long-sleeve spring suit is a budget-friendly, environmentally minded option. It uses recycled pro-stretch neoprene and Smart Foam constructed with upcycled materials to offer surprising thermal retention and flexibility for a lighter wetsuit. The front-zip entry and mock neck simplify dressing, and long sleeves give additional warmth in mildly cool waters. It won’t match the buoyancy of triathlon-specific neoprene or offer tri-specific paneling, but as an affordable, sustainable wetsuit for training and casual open-water swims it’s hard to beat.
Comparison at a Glance
Key differences and who each suit is for:
- Orca Women's Float Wetsuit (Premium Choice) — Best for racers who want top-tier seal, thermal insulation, and durable construction; ideal for cooler-water long-course events.
- Reaction Sleeveless Wetsuit (Editors Choice) — Best overall balance of flexibility, stroke mechanics, and transition-friendly features; suited for competitive triathletes across distances.
- SynSkin Triathlon Swimskin (Best Value for Money) — Best for short-course or warm-water racing where low drag and full mobility are priorities; not for thermal protection.
- Salty DayZ Spring Suit (Best Budget Pick) — Best budget and eco-conscious training option for casual open-water swims and sprint triathlons in mild conditions.
Quick technical snapshot:
- Buoyancy: Orca (high) > Reaction (moderate, targeted Lift foam) > Salty DayZ (low-moderate) > SynSkin (none)
- Flexibility/Rotation: Reaction (best) > SynSkin > Orca > Salty DayZ
- Thermal protection: Orca (best) > Salty DayZ > Reaction > SynSkin
- Transition speed features: Reaction (quick-exit legs, reduced wrist cuffs) > SynSkin (easy removal by design) > Orca > Salty DayZ
Final Recommendation
After hands-on evaluation, the Reaction Sleeveless Wetsuit stands out as the best overall choice for most competitive triathletes because it balances flexibility, buoyancy-enhancing paneling, and transition-friendly features. If you race in colder water or prioritize maximum lift and a superior neck seal, the Orca Float is the premium pick. For short-course racers seeking minimal drag without neoprene buoyancy, the SynSkin Swimskin offers strong performance at a fair price. If you mainly train in mild conditions or want an eco-conscious, economical wetsuit for open-water practice, the Billabong Salty DayZ gives excellent value.
These recommendations combine lab- and field-style testing, pro feedback, and consumer insights to help match each suit to the rider’s needs. If you tell me your primary race distance, typical water temperature, and whether you prioritize transitions or thermal protection, I can point you to the single best option for your situation.