The new season is just around the corner. Are you starting a triathlon this year? Or do you enjoy swimming in open water?
Then chances are you are thinking about purchasing a wetsuit. After all, a wetsuit provides you with essential protection from cold water. Moreover, a wetsuit ensures that you float better. So you swim warmer and faster!
When you come to ASW to purchase a wetsuit, we always ask about your height and weight. This way we determine the right size and brand. Because above all a wetsuit must fit well.
We also ask you about your budget. This is important when buying your new wetsuit. In the first place you determine how much you want to spend on a wetsuit.
Secondly, we give you advice. Do you have a certain goal in mind, like starting a triathlon? Then it is possible that we advise a higher price range, because then you can swim a race easier and faster. And the other way around, we advise you too, because even if your budget is big, you may still be able to perform better with a slightly less expensive wetsuit.
Below the different price categories are described. So you can easily determine which price range suits you best. Any questions? Let us know via chat, phone or e-mail. Or just drop by the store!
The entry level €180-€250
This price range offers you a good quality wetsuit, as we only sell reputable brands at ASW. This price range is good if you swim regularly in open water and are mainly looking for warmth and buoyancy, but speed is a lesser consideration and you consider your budget more important than that speed.
The wetsuits in this price range are characterized by good and also sturdy neoprene. Just keep in mind that this firm neoprene makes the suit a bit stiffer than wetsuits from the higher price ranges, because it is the quality of the neoprene that determines the price. Anyway, you do buy a good wetsuit.
Examples entry class:
- Zone3 Agile wetsuit
- Zone3 Aspect breaststroke wetsuit
- Dare2Tri Mach2 wetsuit
- Dare2Tri to Swim breaststroke wetsuit
Mid-range €300-€550
Do you start a triathlon (more often)? Or do you swim more often and/or longer distances in open water? Then it pays to purchase a wetsuit from one price range higher.
Mid-range wetsuits are made of more flexible neoprene and have a better fit due to the use of different surfaces in the suit. This allows you to swim easier ánd your wetsuit fits more closely to your body. This improves performance and comfort.
If you let us know that you start triathlons, we almost always recommend this price range. This has to do with the fact that a wetsuit of €100 more (compared to the entry-level class) better suits the ambition of a triathlete.
You can subdivide the middle class again. For €300 you already have a wetsuit of nice neoprene with flexible shoulders.
From €400 the wetsuit is made of even better neoprene and especially you have more surfaces in the suit, making it even better fitting and smoother swimming. Therefore, a wetsuit around €400 offers the best ratio between price and features.
From €500 on, you get a wetsuit that is not inferior to a top class wetsuit, but still suitable for "normal" use.
Examples middle class:
- Zone3 Advance wetsuit
- Aqua Sphere Pursuit V3 wetsuit
- 2XU Propel P:1 wetsuit
- Zone3 Vision wetsuit
- Zone3 Aspire wetsuit
- Aqua Sphere Racer V3
- 2XU Propel P:2 wetsuit
The top class €600+
Of course, it can always be faster! Are you training for that top time in a triathlon or swimming competition? Then choose a wetsuit from the top class.
The supplest neoprene fits like a second skin because of its ideal fit. In this price range, you don't even notice that you are wearing a wetsuit. At least, you do notice it in your speed. Because with a wetsuit from this class you swim up to 10-15 seconds faster per 100 meters than without a wetsuit. Do the math!
However, there are also a few drawbacks to wetsuits in this class. First of all, of course, the price, but that is logical. In addition, these wetsuits are made of the finest and thinnest neoprene. This makes them sensitive(er) to damage, so you should always handle them with care. And they offer just a little less buoyancy than a thicker wetsuit. That makes these wetsuits especially suitable for good and fast swimmers, who benefit more from maximum freedom of movement rather than maximum buoyancy.
Top class examples:
Make your choice
So how do you choose the best wetsuit? Especially the right size is important. Based on your height, weight and physique, we at ASW literally give you appropriate advice. After that, usage and budget play a role. And if your budget allows it, sometimes it is wise to spend a little more.
In the end you decide! Let us advise you online or drop by the store. We will always help you try on and guarantee that you will go home with your ideal wetsuit.
Special wetsuits
Besides the "normal" wetsuits we also have special wetsuits at ASW. Below is a short list when you choose these wetsuits.
- Breaststroke wetsuits: Do you only swim breaststroke? Then choose a special wetsuit made for that purpose. The buoyancy and freedom of movement, especially in the legs, are adapted.
- Thermal wetsuits: Do you want to swim outdoors even at (very) low water temperatures? Then choose a special Thermal wetsuit.
- Sleeveless wetsuits: Especially suitable for experienced swimmers and/or if you have a preference to keep your shoulder free.
- Shorty wetsuits: Short arms and legs. Keep your upper body warm while still offering plenty of freedom of movement.
- Swim-run suits: Special suit for competitive swimming and running (not suitable for cycling). Also purchased as a thin wetsuit for summer.
- Swimskins: This is a thin top layer for over your trisuit, so really specific to triathlons. You can wear a swimskin if it is too warm for a wetsuit and you are not allowed to wear it according to the rules of the race organization. Is smoother and tighter than a trisuit and therefore offers extra speed.
