Details
Brand
Zoot Sports
Model
Wave 1
Use
Racing
Latest Version
Yes
Key Features
• Yamamoto #38 neoprene• SCS coating for hydrodynamic performance• GLIDEflex chest material allows wearers to breathe comfortably• AQUAlift for maximum buoyancy and optimal swim position• Tight fitting neck hole prevent water infiltration• Optimal Kick Design for maneuverability• Back DORSALflex zipper closure• Reinforced areas for durability• Gender• specific design• Gloves included
Comfort
The suits are gender-specific (e.g., the M Zoot Wave is the model for men). Reviewers found the suit relatively comfortable and liked how flexible the material was. GLIDEflex panels in the chest area allow wearers to breathe unencumbered. The flexible material allows for free movement of the shoulder, arms, and legs.;Reviewers found the fit true to size and appreciated the accurate sizing chart. Flat seams at the neck prevent chafing and slipping into the suit is a breeze. Taking it off post-swim is also effortless so you can spend less time wiggling out of a skin-tight suit and more time on your bike racing to the run leg. Remember, you likely won’t be training very often in your wetsuit. That doesn’t mean you should pull it on for the first time on race day. Make sure to do a few swims wearing your suit to get a sense for how it feels and get used to swimming with it on. You’ll also be able to spot fit issues and problem areas before race day and hopefully be able to rectify and solve any problems beforehand.
Size
The Wave comes in both men’s and women’s sizes from XS to XXL. The company recommends paying close attention to your weight when choosing a size. Zoot’s handy sizing chart makes it easy to select the perfect size, but they suggest that if you fall between sizes, you should put more stock in your weight than any other measurement. Zoot explains that regardless of your height, the wetsuit must be able to accommodate your physical size and body mass. If you ignore this suggestion, you may end up with a seriously ill-fitting wetsuit. One that’s loose in areas or too tight in others. The fit should be snug to minimize drag but not so tight that you can’t breathe.
Accessories
The wetsuit comes with a pair of gloves for full body protection. Zoot doesn’t elaborate on the sizing and construction of this accessory, though. Reviewers didn’t have any comments about the gloves, either. Other than the gloves, the wetsuit doesn’t come with any other accessories. You will, however, need a variety of additional pieces of gear when participating in a triathlon. A pair of goggles and a swim cap are necessities for the swim leg of this type of event. When selecting gear for your swim, it’s tempting to look for the cheapest variants of everything, but pay attention to gear that can help you reduce drag.
Use
The Zoot Wave 1 is an entry-level piece of triathlon gear meant for beginner triathletes or those on a budget. The suit is designed to offer optimal buoyancy and help swimmers find the perfect hydrodynamic position in the water. The suit features special SCS coating which helps prevent water drag allowing swimmers to slice quickly through the water with minimal drag. AQUAlift panels in the lower abdomen area help users gain the most efficient position as they swim to the next leg of the race. The wetsuit is 4mm thick in the torso and 3mm thick in the leg area making it suitable for water temperatures between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s also highly flexible so your arms and legs can move freely kicking and paddling through the water to get you from point A to B. Reviewers seemed to like the fit of the suit and agreed that it moved well through water.
Style
The triathlon wetsuit is black with designs on the arms and bottom half of the legs. Zoot branding can be found on the chest area. The suit is perfect for beginners who want to avoid flashy colorful styles in favor of something a little more classic. The wetsuit is a full-body design covering the entirety of the arms and legs. Wetsuits don’t vary too much style-wise, so the all-black design is not uncommon. Thankfully, you don’t need to select a flashy wetsuit for a triathlon since the swim is the first leg of the event. While a flashy outfit, bike accessory, or helmet can help you spot your transition station for the bike leg, you start a triathlon in your wetsuit. More than anything, it should be comfortable.
Durability
The Zoot brand wetsuit is made of extremely durable Yamamoto #38 neoprene. The thick fabric also helps to keep swimmers afloat. Melco Tape is located in areas that require a bit more reinforcement. Overall, reviewers found the Wave was a high-quality piece of gear for the affordable price. Keep in mind: A wetsuit is a long-term investment. You won’t be wearing this frequently during training. It should last you a fair amount of time before it needs replacing, as long as you take care of it accordingly.;Taking care of your wetsuit will also ensure that it lasts you for years. When you’re done your race, don’t store it crumpled in a ball. Make sure it’s dry before you put it away and rinse it off to get out chemicals from chlorinated water or nasty smells and organisms that might have latched on from a swim in open water. Follow Zoot’s care instructions to maximize the lifespan of your wetsuit.
Breathability
A wetsuit is waterproof by nature, and the Zoot brand suit is no exception. This means it’s not technically breathable. A watertight neck design keeps water out. In cold waters, this is particularly important.
Price
The Zoot Wave is categorized as a budget, entry-level wetsuit, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a purchase that doesn’t require thought and consideration. The wetsuit is high-quality, and despite its comparably cheap price tag (other wetsuits are far pricier), it’s still an investment of well over $100. For a new triathlete, however, it’s an attractive option.;Remember, too, that a wetsuit represents a long-term investment. Unlike a pair of running shoes, you don’t need to replace a wetsuit every few months. It’s only used for a small portion of a triathlon, and you won’t spend the bulk of your training wearing it. The expensive up-front cost may seem jarring at first, but remember that it’s not something you’ll need to spend money on again. Once you buy a wetsuit, it’s part of your kit for a while.
Bottom Line
The Zoot Wave 1 wetsuit is a low-cost option for inexperienced triathletes and those on a limited budget. If you’re training in colder water, need assistance with buoyancy, and want to find a way to minimize drag during the swim leg of a triathlon, a wetsuit like the Wave can help you save seconds on your swim time. The comfortable suit is easy to slip into and out of, shaving seconds off your transition time, too. The thick material helps keep you afloat and ensures that accidental snags won’t cause irreparable tears. A gender-specific design means that women and men have access to a low-cost wetsuit option that fits just right. If you’re looking to make your triathlon debut, but aren’t keen on spending a fortune on a piece of swim gear, the Zoot brand suit is a terrific choice.