TRIED & TESTED
Best Trisuit
I ’ ve Ever Used !
I already knew the great reputation of 2XU products , but I was still blown away by the new 2XU Compression Full Zip Sleeved Trisuit . Here ’ s what I found after putting it through its paces , in swim , bike and run tests . – BY ALISTAIR CRONK
You don ’ t just claim to be the World ’ s Best Technical Sportswear brand for nothing ... and the latest trisuit from 2XU pulls out all the stops ! The Compression Full Zip Sleeved Trisuit has all the features a triathlete could ask for , and nothing has been spared to provide athletes with the best possible trisuit on the market . The manufacturer has used an array of different fabrics to give you the best possible fit , feel and comfort while still providing you with a world class product !
At First Glance …
The 2XU brand , pronounced Two Times You , has been around since 2005 . Launched in Melbourne , Australia and starting out as a specialist run and triathlon brand ,
2XU is particularly renowned for its compression wear , but all its technical gear is top class , and thus I was really excited to be asked to test this new trisuit .
In life , I have always believed that if you look good , you feel good . Holding this trisuit in my hands for the first time , I could just feel the quality . However , I will admit that I was a little sceptical about the compression at first , wondering how I was going to get into the Trisuit , but boy , what a fit ! It feels instantly comfortable thanks to its panelled cut and flatlock stitching . Also , it ’ s supportive without being restrictive , and offers more freedom of movement than you might expect . With the jacket top and full zip , it makes getting the suit on and off even easier , especially for those ‘ nature breaks .’
The Suit Essentials
Part of the Trisuit is made of Swiss Vent fabric , which was designed and created in accordance with 2XU ’ s testing by RMIT University . This material ’ s matrix knit allows the Trisuit to breathe while using Coldblack technology to offer protection from the sun on those hot South African race days .
Italian SBR Vent fabric is used on the suit ’ s arms and chest , designed to provide cooling while still being aerodynamic , with elbow-length sleeves that also give extra protection from the sun . When worn under a wetsuit , I found little to no difference to my stroke , with no pulling on the shoulders giving you that restricted feel . There are two easy-access open pockets on the back that will hold your race-day nutrition .
While the top is already enough to blow your mind , it ’ s when you move down to the shorts that the real difference comes in . The breathable , aerodynamic material selection is complimented by the added feature of compression , provided by the latest 105D Power Mesh , which allows for greater power output and less muscle oscillation , and thus reduced muscle fatigue during all three legs of a triathlon .
Of course , the pad is always an important element of a trisuit , especially on those longer races , and the inclusion of the PRO LD Chamois , which is a multilayered design with low water-absorption foam made in Italy exclusively for 2XU , gives this suit still better performance !
Put to the Test
I was impressed with the Trisuit in the water , both with and without a wetsuit . There was no feeling of drag and hindrance , and the compression around the legs in the water opened a whole new world , allowing me to deliver a stronger kick . So , when those non-wetsuit races come round , this trisuit will deliver , allowing you to glide through the water without the usual speed-loss .
On the bike , I found the pad to be comfortable for those long sections while on the bars , and although the compression felt a little restrictive at first while in this position , it did loosen up a little to allow me to perform at my best . On my runs – and once again I can ’ t stress this enough – the compression around the legs made me feel like I can go harder for longer .
Testing it during the hotter days of early spring , I found the Trisuit kept me cool , and I have no doubt that it will be great to race in it during our hot summer days . I know this because I tested the suit in the heat of the day , and found that I never experienced that overheating feeling , but if you are one of those
athletes that runs a little on the hot side , the full zip allows for extra cooling .
The correct size of suit is always important , and I found this snug-fitting suit to have no flapping , but it still felt comfortable at the same time . Furthermore , the cleverly designed panelling makes this suit both fast and comfortable . Chaffing was non-existent , as the suit panelling , stitching and the soft edges of the pad are all designed with the athlete in mind . The only downside I could find was that I think the pockets on the back could be a little bigger
My Takeaways
I have raced everything from short-course races to full Ironman events , and I have not come across a suit to top the 2XU Compression Full Zip Sleeved Trisuit . This is by far the most comfortable and rewarding trisuit I have tried , and I would not hesitate in recommending it to all levels of triathlete .
Get It Here
The 2XU Compression Full Zip Sleeved Trisuit retails at R3499 and can be ordered on the 2XU website .
Images : Courtesy 2XU
48 ISSUE 146 NOVEMBER 2021 | www . modernathlete . co . za