T1Wetsuits.com

From ALEX KOSTICH, reviewer for ACTIVE.COM. Alex is one of the great American distance swimmers, and is a legend in open-water racing.

“I feel like a sausage in a casing!”

“I can barely breathe!”

“Why can’t I move my arms?”

“This zipper is killing my neck!”

Chances are that you have heard these desperate cries for help, not in the latest Friday the 13th installment (though it’s possible), but rather at a triathlon or open water swim. The pre-race ritual of squeezing into a wetsuit is an unavoidable and necessary component to the race experience—but until recently it has always been somewhat of an ordeal: people stumble as they step clumsily into their rubber straightjackets, knocking over a row of thousand-dollar bikes. Swimmers beg strangers to “zip them up” only to get ponytails and other parts of their person caught in the unforgiving teeth. Worst of all, wetsuits make athletes feel so constricted that their entire stroke technique changes for the worse, their body going rigid, their muscles turning tense.

I have recently discovered a wetsuit that will change all that. No more feeling like a sausage. No more feeling claustrophobic. No more feeling a zipper carve a crater into the base of your neck.

De Soto Sport unveiled a revolutionary new wetsuit to the triathlon world, and the results have been a collective gasp of surprise and universal appeal.

The “T1” wetsuit is actually a two-piece, named not for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most famous android (although you just might feel like The Terminator once you put it on), but rather to

In no time at all, the T1 has developed a reputation as the only wetsuit for the serious athlete. I can not suggest a better investment regardless of your swimming ability or frequency in the water.

Why? Let’s start with the obvious reasons.

TWO PIECE DESIGN

The T1 is the first racing wetsuit to come in two pieces. It’s odd that no one thought of this concept before, as it seems so obvious and advantageous in retrospect. The Bibjohn, which is akin to a pair of skintight overalls (suspenders included), goes on first, with the suspenders serving to hold the pantlegs up (eliminating any chance of it slipping down with activity). The Pullover comes next, over the upper body, overlapping the Bibjohn’s suspenders and waistline with a snug fit. The end result is a two-piece suit that ends up virtually seamless in appearance and aerodynamics.

Since swimmers are required to rotate their bodies through the water during the freestyle stroke, it makes perfect sense that a wetsuit in two pieces works better to accommodate this range of motion. One-piece wetsuits act like a full-body rubber band, pulling one’s limbs back toward the center of the body. As a result, the swimmer has to strain and encounter resistance to complete each stroke. This results in that claustrophobic “straight jacket” feeling some people complain about, with fatigue and frustration soon following.

Conversely, the T1 allows the upper body a mobility that is separate from the lower body. As you pivot in the water with each stroke, stretching out your arms fully and pulling them all the way back beyond your waist, you never have to fight against the rubber, which softly goes wherever you do.

NO ZIPPER-CLOSURE

Because of the T1’s unique two-piece approach, the need for a zipper-closure at the neck is eliminated. This has several obvious advantages. There is now no velcro or zipper slider to gouge the back of your neck with each stroke or head rotation. Also, the absence of a zipper-closure means no high necklines (think of going from a turtleneck to a t-shirt). This crew-neck feature is not only more comfortable, but allows for greater range of motion during the breathing and sighting portion of the stroke—swimmers who previously felt mummified in their wetsuits will feel liberated.

PLIABILITY & BUOYANCY

The T1 makers have taken care to select not only the highest-quality rubber in the world, but also to provide varying thickness throughout the suit. This wisely maximizes buoyancy without sacrificing flexibility. With 2mm-thick rubber on the Pullover, and a combination of 5mm and 3mm rubber on the Bibjohn, the T1 allows your upper body to move freely and easily (even in the full-length sleeves) while giving your legs excellent buoyancy.

Triathletes whose muscular legs sink during swimming can now rely more heavily on the flotation-friendly lower-body advantages of the T1. Other swimmers who depend on a rapid turnover and fluid shoulder rotation will find the T1 non-restrictive and pliable enough to even swim butterfly or backstroke (not that you would in an open water swim…but you could).

WARMTH

One would think that a wetsuit that only provides 2 mm of thickness in the chest area would not be a product to try in most open waters outside the Caribbean. However, the T1 is supremely warm, and this is coming from a tough customer who cringes at the thought of swimming in sub-60 degree waters. I took the T1 for a test-swim twice last month, on both occasions venturing into the icy Pacific (which boasted a confirmed temperature reading of 52 and 58 degrees, respectively).

Both times, after overcoming the inevitable ice cream headache and foot-numbing shock, I found that the suit was keeping me toasty and warm, even more so than my old 5mm-thick suit (which often allowed cold water to seep in through the neckline). The T1, as snug as it is, rarely lets cooling amounts of water flow into the suit, even with rigorous activity. This makes a big difference in one’s attempt to stay warm.

PROPER FIT

Unlike all the other one-piece wetsuits on the market, the T1 comes in two pieces, which means it is a lot easier to choose a “perfect fit.” Previously, swimmers were stuck using the same-size wetsuit as their triathlete counterparts—yet swimmers and triathletes generally have different bodies (swimmers are defined in the chest and back while triathletes are leaner with muscular legs). Now, one can choose the size that fits for each part of their body without being stuck in a suit that only fits “half-right.”

DURABILITY

The T1, since it comes in two parts, means that there is no zipper base to ruin the rubber in the small of the suit's back.

Should the rubber eventuallly split, crack, or tear, at worst case you need only to replace the half of the suit that’s damaged if the suit is irreparable.

A few things that are important to note if you are considering a purchase of the T1:

Putting on the wetsuit properly takes a little getting used to. One trick for the Bibjohn is to put plastic bags on your feet and slip them through the pantlegs one at a time. The bags provide smooth entry and prevent any sharp toes from getting caught inside the suit. The same goes for your hands as you slip them through the sleeves of the pullover; plastic bags simplify the process. Once your hands are all the way through, pull your head through the opening in the neck area and then worm your way up so that the wetsuit’s torso smoothes out across your chest and stomach.

The sensation of wearing a two-piece wetsuit is a lot different than what you may be used to in a one-piece. Since the two parts are separate, it will feel like the Pullover is slowly creeping up towards your neck as you begin swimming. This is because, unlike the one-piece, the pullover is not attached to the crotch area. Relax; the pullover is not riding up your body; it is simply twisting and turning with your torso (that’s what non-restrictive movement feels like, so get used to it and enjoy the benefits!).

Removal of the suit is a little different for those of you triathletes who may be concerned with transition-area efficiency. The pullover can be pulled over the head (much like a sweater) and comes off quickly [a zipper in back makes exiting the Pullover even easier]. The Bibjohn should be pulled down around the ankles, inside out for efficient removal. As the suit stretches and conforms to your body, it will be eaasier to put on and take off, but it will take a few tries for you to be completely comfortable and efficient.

De Soto offers a full refund within 14 days of purchase if you aren’t satisfied with the T1 product. There is also a one-year warranty against defects and workmanship and an additional perk for older wetsuits that are damaged or worn (after the one-year warranty is up): De Soto will offer a repair at a reasonable charge using their own original materials and skilled laborers.

Why mess with perfection?

-----

From MARK MONTGOMERY, reviewer for SLOWTWITCH.CM. Excerpt below, Click for full review.

"I really thought that there were no more jumps in wetsuit evolution to be made, but I was wrong. There is nothing like this suit. As with the first Quintana Roo, this design will be––must be––copied by every wetsuit manufacturer. Is it the fastest way to make a two-piece design? I don’t know. There are no others yet made, except for an older and different design I’ve never tested made by a Japanese company.

"I don’t know how the two-piece wetsuit may yet evolve, but this current suit is better than any and all one-piece suits in existence, in my experience."




From ALEX KOSTICH, reviewer for ACTIVE.COM. Alex is one of the great American distance swimmers, and is a legend in open-water racing. “I feel like a sausage in a casing!” “I can barely breathe!” “Why can’t I move my arms?” “This zipper is killing my neck!” Chances are that you have heard these desperate cries for help, not in the latest Friday the 13th installment (though it’s possible), but rather at a triathlon or open water swim. The pre-race ritual of squeezing into a wetsuit is an unavoidable and necessary component to the race experience—but until recently it has always been somewhat of an ordeal: people stumble as they step clumsily into their rubber straightjackets, knocking over a row of thousand-dollar bikes. Swimmers beg strangers to “zip them up” only to get ponytails and other parts of their person caught in the unforgiving teeth. Worst of all, wetsuits make athletes feel so constricted that their entire stroke technique changes for the worse, their body going rigid, their muscles turning tense. I have recently discovered a wetsuit that will change all that. No more feeling like a sausage. No more feeling claustrophobic. No more feeling a zipper carve a crater into the base of your neck. De Soto Sport unveiled a revolutionary new wetsuit to the triathlon world, and the results have been a collective gasp of surprise and universal appeal. The “T1” wetsuit is actually a two-piece, named not for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s most famous android (although you just might feel like The Terminator once you put it on), but rather to In no time at all, the T1 has developed a reputation as the only wetsuit for the serious athlete. I can not suggest a better investment regardless of your swimming ability or frequency in the water. Why? Let’s start with the obvious reasons. TWO PIECE DESIGN The T1 is the first racing wetsuit to come in two pieces. It’s odd that no one thought of this concept before, as it seems so obvious and advantageous in retrospect. The Bibjohn, which is akin to a pair of skintight overalls (suspenders included), goes on first, with the suspenders serving to hold the pantlegs up (eliminating any chance of it slipping down with activity). The Pullover comes next, over the upper body, overlapping the Bibjohn’s suspenders and waistline with a snug fit. The end result is a two-piece suit that ends up virtually seamless in appearance and aerodynamics. Since swimmers are required to rotate their bodies through the water during the freestyle stroke, it makes perfect sense that a wetsuit in two pieces works better to accommodate this range of motion. One-piece wetsuits act like a full-body rubber band, pulling one’s limbs back toward the center of the body. As a result, the swimmer has to strain and encounter resistance to complete each stroke. This results in that claustrophobic “straight jacket” feeling some people complain about, with fatigue and frustration soon following. Conversely, the T1 allows the upper body a mobility that is separate from the lower body. As you pivot in the water with each stroke, stretching out your arms fully and pulling them all the way back beyond your waist, you never have to fight against the rubber, which softly goes wherever you do. NO ZIPPER-CLOSURE Because of the T1’s unique two-piece approach, the need for a zipper-closure at the neck is eliminated. This has several obvious advantages. There is now no velcro or zipper slider to gouge the back of your neck with each stroke or head rotation. Also, the absence of a zipper-closure means no high necklines (think of going from a turtleneck to a t-shirt). This crew-neck feature is not only more comfortable, but allows for greater range of motion during the breathing and sighting portion of the stroke—swimmers who previously felt mummified in their wetsuits will feel liberated. PLIABILITY & BUOYANCY The T1 makers have taken care to select not only the highest-quality rubber in the world, but also to provide varying thickness throughout the suit. This wisely maximizes buoyancy without sacrificing flexibility. With 2mm-thick rubber on the Pullover, and a combination of 5mm and 3mm rubber on the Bibjohn, the T1 allows your upper body to move freely and easily (even in the full-length sleeves) while giving your legs excellent buoyancy. Triathletes whose muscular legs sink during swimming can now rely more heavily on the flotation-friendly lower-body advantages of the T1. Other swimmers who depend on a rapid turnover and fluid shoulder rotation will find the T1 non-restrictive and pliable enough to even swim butterfly or backstroke (not that you would in an open water swim…but you could). WARMTH One would think that a wetsuit that only provides 2 mm of thickness in the chest area would not be a product to try in most open waters outside the Caribbean. However, the T1 is supremely warm, and this is coming from a tough customer who cringes at the thought of swimming in sub-60 degree waters. I took the T1 for a test-swim twice last month, on both occasions venturing into the icy Pacific (which boasted a confirmed temperature reading of 52 and 58 degrees, respectively). Both times, after overcoming the inevitable ice cream headache and foot-numbing shock, I found that the suit was keeping me toasty and warm, even more so than my old 5mm-thick suit (which often allowed cold water to seep in through the neckline). The T1, as snug as it is, rarely lets cooling amounts of water flow into the suit, even with rigorous activity. This makes a big difference in one’s attempt to stay warm. PROPER FIT Unlike all the other one-piece wetsuits on the market, the T1 comes in two pieces, which means it is a lot easier to choose a “perfect fit.” Previously, swimmers were stuck using the same-size wetsuit as their triathlete counterparts—yet swimmers and triathletes generally have different bodies (swimmers are defined in the chest and back while triathletes are leaner with muscular legs). Now, one can choose the size that fits for each part of their body without being stuck in a suit that only fits “half-right.” DURABILITY The T1, since it comes in two parts, means that there is no zipper base to ruin the rubber in the small of the suit's back. Should the rubber eventuallly split, crack, or tear, at worst case you need only to replace the half of the suit that’s damaged if the suit is irreparable. A few things that are important to note if you are considering a purchase of the T1: Putting on the wetsuit properly takes a little getting used to. One trick for the Bibjohn is to put plastic bags on your feet and slip them through the pantlegs one at a time. The bags provide smooth entry and prevent any sharp toes from getting caught inside the suit. The same goes for your hands as you slip them through the sleeves of the pullover; plastic bags simplify the process. Once your hands are all the way through, pull your head through the opening in the neck area and then worm your way up so that the wetsuit’s torso smoothes out across your chest and stomach. The sensation of wearing a two-piece wetsuit is a lot different than what you may be used to in a one-piece. Since the two parts are separate, it will feel like the Pullover is slowly creeping up towards your neck as you begin swimming. This is because, unlike the one-piece, the pullover is not attached to the crotch area. Relax; the pullover is not riding up your body; it is simply twisting and turning with your torso (that’s what non-restrictive movement feels like, so get used to it and enjoy the benefits!). Removal of the suit is a little different for those of you triathletes who may be concerned with transition-area efficiency. The pullover can be pulled over the head (much like a sweater) and comes off quickly [a zipper in back makes exiting the Pullover even easier]. The Bibjohn should be pulled down around the ankles, inside out for efficient removal. As the suit stretches and conforms to your body, it will be eaasier to put on and take off, but it will take a few tries for you to be completely comfortable and efficient. De Soto offers a full refund within 14 days of purchase if you aren’t satisfied with the T1 product. There is also a one-year warranty against defects and workmanship and an additional perk for older wetsuits that are damaged or worn (after the one-year warranty is up): De Soto will offer a repair at a reasonable charge using their own original materials and skilled laborers. Why mess with perfection? ----- From MARK MONTGOMERY, reviewer for SLOWTWITCH.CM. Excerpt below, Click for full review. "I really thought that there were no more jumps in wetsuit evolution to be made, but I was wrong. There is nothing like this suit. As with the first Quintana Roo, this design will be––must be––copied by every wetsuit manufacturer. Is it the fastest way to make a two-piece design? I don’t know. There are no others yet made, except for an older and different design I’ve never tested made by a Japanese company. "I don’t know how the two-piece wetsuit may yet evolve, but this current suit is better than any and all one-piece suits in existence, in my experience."		From Jill Hunt: AWESOME WETSUIT!! I'm an absolute believer in the T1. Any wetsuit with velcro at the neck is a PAIN...literally...for a female with long hair. Both the Ironman Stealth and the QR suits I had previously ended up ripping out little bits of hair everytime I wore it—it is not only uncomfortable in taking the suit off, but is also uncomfortable during the swim. This is with a swim cap on and everything—little bits of hair inevitably find their way to the velcro and get caught up in it. Seems like a small thing, but I say every little bit counts. Also, speaking of the neck—no body glide, no chaffing!! It's great. --- From Lori Rogers: I just wanted to drop you a line to let you know I raced yesterday for the first time in my new T1. It was the South Bay Tri (UVAS) in Morgan Hill, Ca. It ROCKED! (the wetsuit, that is). Working the booth was also a great opportunity to get to know some new and interesting people. Thanks again and happy trails! --- From Hal Kuntze Just wanted to send you a quick email to say thanks again. The wetsuit was amazing. I had a PB on the swim by over 2 minutes. I credit a ton of that to the wetsuit. I truly am a believer in the T1. I noticed specifically that I did not fatique nearly as much in this suit as I have in the past with other suits. Also, in other wetsuits, no matter how close I got the fit, I seemed to carry a small amount of water with me (more than a thin layer). This undoubtedly cost time based on weight alone. With the T1 I was much more dialed in on fit and therefore faster. Also loved the fact that I didn't get the "zipper shock" as cold water always rushes in there. This tended to keep me much more relaxed at the start (something that I have often struggled with). The position that this suit put me in was amazing as well. I stayed long and lean in my stroke (for me anyway) and never worried about my legs other than to streamline. Honestly Emillio, great suit. Loved it. --- From Rich Almack, Thanks for designing the T1. I can't get over it. Got mine in UPS yesterday and went to the pool last night. Decided to dive in before I put on my goggles on, and when I came up I broke the suface like, up to my waist! I float like a freaking cork. Did some 50's with no effort at all, near zero kick, and was 5 seconds faster than normal. Un-b-reev-able. Not to mention the fact that if feels like I was the model for the size 4 pattern. Some great design, some great execution. --- From Joe Vasiliou, Well, I got the T1 wetsuit last weekend, and drove up to Aquatic Park, SF to give it a test drive. Anyway (only based on the 1 time I've worn the suit), this thing is awesome! Talk about freedom of movement. It was a pure pleasure swimming in this wetsuit. It felt like I wasn't wearing a top. I was only in the water for about 30 minutes, but dang if this thing isn't the most comfortable suit I've tried. I feel that it's money well spent. Based on how comfortable it is, I'd have to believe that it's a faster suit just because it takes so much less energy to complete my stroke Taking the suit off is not any more difficult than other wetsuits. I am fairly confident that I can have the top off and the bibs around my waist by the time I'm actually out of the water----same as a traditional suit. There was no problem with the top "riding up" during the swim---the arms are cut well enough so that won't happen. So I just wanted to give you a little favorable feedback on the new design. It looks very good so far! ----- From Michellie Jones, World Champion Triathlete 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist, Carlsbad, CA: "Unlike a lot of other pros, I do not sign wetsuit sponsorship contracts because I want to be able to swim in the fastest wetsuit I can find. I try all wetsuits and test them religiously, and of all the wetsuits made thus far, the T1 is the fastest, most comfortable to swim in, and very quick to get off. Thanks Emilio!" ----- From Mark Wenrick, "I have had several chances to swim in the T1 since I emailed you. No problems at all with the size and I am extremely happy with the way it performs and how easily it comes off. "Thanks for your help." ----- From Vaughn Cooper, Ph.D., "Amazing. And I don't mean Lance's stage win today at Alpe d'Huez, I mean the new T1 wetsuit you just sent me. "I finally got to test it out yesterday, and I can safely say it's the best wetsuit I've ever worn. I can't say how much faster it is, but I bet the test will be over the longer haul of a 2.4m race. I'm sure that by staying comfortable, I'll be faster than I was in my old wetsuit. "One thing is for sure, this wetsuit allows the closest approximation of my normal swimming stroke (for better or worse) of any I've tried. So the only excuse I'll have for my swim time at IM-USA next weekend will be my swim itself, and not my wetsuit. "Thanks very much... " ----- From Thora Pomicter, "I tested my new T1 wetsuit this afternoon in the lake and I love it. It fits me really well, feels very flexible so that I do not feel like I am stuck in a rubber tube, is easy to get on and off, and I felt very comfortable swimming in it. I especially like the lightness of the rubber and the fact that it does not feel like it is choking me at the neck, which is a big concern of mine. "I also really appreciated that you called me before you sent it out to double check the sizing of both my husband's and my wetsuits. It is extremely rare these days to receive anything close to good customer service from most companies, and I have certainly never received a call like that, unsolicited." "Thank you for that and for the great wetsuit. I will be wearing it at Ironman USA in Lake Placid in 2 weeks." ----- Tony Schiller, Duluth, Minnesota 2000 ITU World Champion 40-44 age group "Hi Emilio "Thanks so much. The T1 came and feels great. For me, the big plus is around the neck. For the first time ever, no neck scratches. Surprisingly, what I loved was walking down to the start without the upper on since it was 90 degrees for Sunday's race - stayed cool with it off for the last minute announcements then pulled it on and started. I swam well and stayed with or closer to a few guys than usual so that's good T1 came off easy!" ----- From Jason Sandquist: "One of my swims was a race yesterday. For the first time in my life I was first out of the lake. That wetsuit really works for me. Thanks." ----- from John Bailiff, Emeritus Prof of Philosophy, Univ of Wisconsin (retired). "Emilio "You're the MAN! What a great wetsuit! More bouyant, more comfortable, and MUCH better shoulder mobility. Really psyched. 1st race trial this wknd. Got it for the IMUK. I'll let you know how I do. "Found when I just grabbed the hem of the top crossarmed I bunched the fabric in the back & couldn't pull past the lump. Worked better when I first folded up 4in or so of the hem, to reduce bunching. Then I found something that worked better for me: pulled some of the L hem over my L elbow & used the strength of my deltoid to get the removal started; came off easier. You might want to have some others experiment with these or alternative ways to get past the strength problem some old athletes (I'm 65) & some women might experience. "Thanx again for your dedication & innovation. Hafta believe this design's gonna sweep the field when word gets out...

	All material herein © 2004-2005 De Soto Clothing, Inc. All rights reserved. DE SOTO logo, DE SOTO TRIATHLON logo, T1 WETSUITS logo. FIRST WAVE, and BLACK PEARL are trademarks exclusively owned by De Soto Clothing, Inc.