XTERRA Wetsuit Preview
Sunday, 30th July 2006
Trisportnews are pleased to have the opportunity to test the fastest wetsuit in the world, The XTERRA Vector Pro2. This suit is now used by Jan Sibbersen who broke the Ironman World swim record at IM Germany 2004 with a staggering 42:17 for the 3.8km.
The full review will be on the site shortly of the Vector Pro2, however, XTERRA also make a full range of wetsuits to benefit all types of swimmer.
Vector Pro2
This the range topper, reflected in the use of Yamamotos #39 SCS rubber for maximum flexibility and speed through the water. The liner has also been developed to produce the most flexible suit that we have ever seen; so much so that we are testing a suit one size smaller than we would normally use, and it fits perfectly. All the seams are blind stitched and taped as is usual for a suit of this quality. They also have reinforcing strips in the arms and legs to enable you to cut the suit down to be shorter as has proved popular recently. Finally there is a panel on the inner forearm to grip the water during the stroke.
Vortex
The Vortex uses a similar upper to the Vector Pro2, the liner is slightly different; however the great flexibility is still evident. It also uses the same LOC Flex Collar as the Vector Pro2 to give a comfortable, water tight seal. The legs are more buoyant than the Vector Pro2 and the rubber used is different again, providing a more robust suit for the triathlete who does not have a naturally flat position in the water.
Ventilator
The Ventilator is still a very high class suit aimed at the triathlete who needs more assistance in the water, slightly more warmth at the expense of slight flexibility. This is the most robust suit that XTERRA produce and will stand up well to the rigors of tight transitions and the beginners kit bag!
Over all there are some great innovations in these suits and a well thought out range. They have become more widely available in 2006, and we understand will become even more so next year.
As with all suits, regardless of brand, the mantra of 'try before you buy' is of utmost importance, and XTERRA make this easy by having a vast range of sizes, and it is also very refreshing to see a compete range of female sizes in all 3 suits with individual sizes and panel cuts for the female range, rather than having a single women-specific suit to choose.
This article is in conjunction with a new competition to win entry to the XTERRA UK event on 2/3rd September 2006. Entry can be found on the home page.
