Usually when we talk of "buying speed" we are referring to bicycles and bicycle parts.  We don't typically find speed easily purchased outside of the cycling arena.  Depending on the race you're signed up for, there is another discipline where speed is for sale - the swim. The difference when racing in a high-end wetsuit is astounding and welcomed.

Wetsuits made for swimming have evolved rapidly over the last few years to the point that most of us would wear one in 85 degree water (if allowed) for the technique correcting buoyancy they offer.  Therefore, manufacturers strive to provide us as much speed as is possible short of attaching propellers.

I recently obtained a Zoot Z1 sleeveless wetsuit.  I've always found Zoot products to be well designed and made and the Z1 certainly lived up to this expectation.  The suit is cut perfectly and is remarkably flexible. Getting in and out was easier than expected and the zipper was easy to operate without assistance. 

It fit well but I wasn't planning on just standing around in it so off I went to a local lake for a test run.  The flotation was remarkable and noticeable even while standing in waist deep water.  Once swimming, my normally suspect body position was markedly improved and I felt as though my pace at a perceived exertion had doubled although it probably wasn't quite that dramatic. 

The Z1 is very comfortable.  After that first test and a subsequent second session in the same lake, I had no chaffing or other discomforts during an hour and a half of swimming.  For IM Florida, I applied body glide in the appropriate places just in case salt or sand caused an issue, and was free of chaffing for the entirety of the 2.4 mile swim.  Versus the many scabbed necks and underarms of my fellow competitors, I was quite happy.

Although I'm generally conservative when it comes to the design of clothing, I would appreciate a little more edge to the design of this wet suit.  It's as attractive as any other but something to set it apart from the crowd would be appreciated.

The $300 MSRP of the Z1 is in line with other high-end sleeveless wetsuits though I suspect most triathletes would purchase a mid-priced suit from Zoot or other manufacturers when going sleeveless.  While flexibility is more important in a long sleeve suit, I appreciate the supple feel and comfort provided by a high-end suit and will gladly spend the extra $100 over the mid-priced version, particularly when faced with a swim measured in miles.

As an additional note on Zoot as a company, I was so thoroughly impressed with its service and attention during the acquisition of the Z1 for this review and with the Z1 itself, that I acquired some of its tri shorts, socks and jerseys to use during IM Florida with similarly positive results.  I'll post reviews on those products soon.

Mark