🚚 Entrega gratuita a partir de 150€ en punto de recogida
combinaison néoprene, NATATION, orca

How to choose your Orca wetsuit for triathlon? (Complete Buying Guide)

Comment choisir sa combinaison néoprène Orca pour le triathlon ? (Guide d’achat complet)

The wetsuit is essential equipment for the majority of triathletes. It improves buoyancy, protects from the cold, and allows for a more efficient position in the water.

But with so many options available, it's not always easy to know which triathlon wetsuit to choose, especially when discovering the Orca range.

Should you prioritize buoyancy or flexibility? What's the difference between Orca Athlex and Orca Apex? And which model best suits your level?

In this buying guide, we explain how to choose the Orca wetsuit most suitable for your triathlon practice.

Why use a wetsuit in triathlon?

In open water swimming, the wetsuit offers several significant advantages.

Improved buoyancy

Neoprene contains micro air bubbles that increase the swimmer's buoyancy. This helps keep the legs on the surface and improves position in the water.

Better hydrodynamics

A horizontal position reduces drag in the water and allows for more efficient swimming.

Thermal protection

Water temperatures during triathlons generally range between 14°C and 22°C. The suit helps retain body heat and maintain comfort.

More economical swimming

A better position in the water allows for less energy expenditure, which is valuable before transitioning to cycling and running.

Essential criteria for choosing an Orca triathlon wetsuit

To choose the right wetsuit, three criteria are essential.

1. Buoyancy

Buoyancy helps maintain a horizontal position in the water. It is particularly useful for:

  • beginner triathletes
  • less technical swimmers
  • athletes whose legs sink.

2. Flexibility

Flexibility allows for better freedom of movement, especially in the shoulders.

It is particularly important for:

  • experienced swimmers
  • former club swimmers
  • triathletes seeking a natural swimming feel.

3. Your swimming level

At Orca, wetsuits are designed for three swimmer profiles:

Beginner

  • needs buoyancy
  • technique still needs perfecting.

Intermediate

  • correct technique
  • seeking a compromise between support and freedom.

Advanced

  • good technique
  • priority to flexibility and swimming feel.

Understanding Orca Wetsuits: Float, Flow, and Flex

The Orca range is based on three main philosophies.

Float Wetsuits

The Float models prioritize buoyancy.

They are ideal for:

  • beginner triathletes
  • less technical swimmers
  • those whose legs sink.

Flow Wetsuits

Flow wetsuits offer a balance between buoyancy and a natural swimming feel.

They are particularly suitable for intermediate level triathletes.

Flex Wetsuits

Flex models prioritize flexibility and freedom of movement.

They are designed for advanced swimmers and triathletes with good technique.

The neoprene used in Orca wetsuits

Wetsuit performance is highly dependent on the type of neoprene used.

Orca primarily uses neoprene developed by Yamamoto, a renowned Japanese manufacturer in the triathlon industry.

These materials offer:

  • high elasticity
  • high buoyancy
  • excellent durability.

Yamamoto 39

Yamamoto 39 is a widely used neoprene in triathlon wetsuits.

It offers:

  • excellent elasticity
  • a good balance between flexibility and buoyancy
  • high comfort.

It is notably found in Orca Athlex wetsuits.

Yamamoto 40

Yamamoto 40 is a more technical material used in high-end wetsuits.

It offers:

  • exceptional flexibility
  • a very natural swimming feel
  • great freedom of movement.

This neoprene is primarily used in the Orca Apex range.

SCS hydrodynamic treatment

Orca wetsuits also use a treatment called SCS (Super Composite Skin).

This coating:

  • reduces drag in the water
  • improves glide
  • limits water absorption.

Result: the wetsuit becomes faster and more efficient.

Neoprene thicknesses: a key element of performance

Triathlon wetsuits use different neoprene thicknesses depending on the body areas.

World Triathlon regulations limit the maximum thickness to 5 mm.

5 mm: maximum buoyancy

5 mm panels are generally placed on:

  • the thighs
  • the hips
  • sometimes the torso.

They improve buoyancy and position in the water.

3 mm: balance between support and mobility

3 mm neoprene is used on areas such as the torso or lower back to offer a compromise between buoyancy and comfort.

1.5 to 2 mm: freedom of movement

The thinnest areas are generally found:

  • on the shoulders
  • under the arms
  • on the arms.

They allow for natural shoulder rotation and reduce muscle fatigue.

Orca Athlex Wetsuits

The Athlex range offers excellent value for money and is suitable for most triathletes.

Orca Athlex Float

Ideal for beginner triathletes.

Strengths:

  • significant buoyancy
  • helps correct position in the water
  • comfort in open water.

Orca Athlex Flow

A versatile wetsuit offering a good balance between buoyancy and flexibility.

Ideal for:

  • intermediate triathletes
  • swimmers looking for a versatile wetsuit.

Orca Athlex Flex

The most flexible wetsuit in the Athlex range.

Ideal for:

  • advanced swimmers
  • triathletes performing well in swimming.

Orca Apex Wetsuits

The Apex range represents Orca's top-tier.

Orca Apex Float

Wetsuit offering maximum buoyancy.

Ideal for:

  • triathletes needing significant support.

Orca Apex Flow

The best compromise between buoyancy and freedom of movement.

Suitable for experienced triathletes.

Orca Apex Flex

The most flexible and technical wetsuit in the range.

Designed for expert swimmers.

How to choose your Orca wetsuit according to your level?

Beginner

Recommended wetsuits:

  • Orca Athlex Float
  • Orca Apex Float

Intermediate level

Recommended wetsuits:

  • Orca Athlex Flow
  • Orca Apex Flow

Advanced swimmer

Recommended wetsuits:

  • Orca Athlex Flex
  • Orca Apex Flex

FAQ: choosing a triathlon wetsuit

What is the best Orca wetsuit for starting triathlon?

The Orca Athlex Float is often recommended for beginners because it offers significant buoyancy and helps improve position in the water.

Which Orca wetsuit to choose for a good swimmer?

Advanced swimmers generally prefer more flexible wetsuits such as:

  • Orca Athlex Flex
  • Orca Apex Flex.

What wetsuit thickness for triathlon?

The maximum thickness allowed in competition is 5 mm. Wetsuits use different thicknesses depending on body areas to balance buoyancy and freedom of movement.

What size to choose for an Orca wetsuit?

The size mainly depends on:

  • your height
  • your weight.

A wetsuit should be snug without compressing breathing.

Choosing your Orca wetsuit at Triathlon Store

The best choice depends first and foremost on your actual swimming level.

At Triathlon Store, we generally recommend:

  • Float for beginner triathletes
  • Flow for intermediate swimmers
  • Flex for advanced swimmers.

If you have any doubts about the size or model, do not hesitate to ask for advice to find the Orca wetsuit most suitable for your triathlon practice.

You've read this article to the end, you deserve a reward! Use the promo code NEOPRENEORCA and get the wetsuit that suits you.