The T1 is a tribute to the idea that the best ideas are the simplest. The T1 jettisons what's bad in a suit, and incorporates what's good. Accordingly, the neckline of the T1 can be quite low (significantly lower than one-piece wetsuits) allowing virtually no water entry, greatly increasing comfort, and putting an end to the tyranny of the wetsuit hickey!
The entire suit is made out of Yamamoto's #39 Super Composite Skin one side, nylon one side. The Bibjohn™ is constructed of 5mm thick rubber from the ankle up to a line just below the crotch, which gives maximum flotation where you need it most—the legs. Above the crotchline the rubber tapers to 3mm and remains that thickness up through the T-back and shoulder straps. The Pullover is constructed of 2mm rubber throughout. Where the top and bottom overlap the suit is the legally allowable 5mm limit.
All joints are glued & blindstitched, and the edges of all seams are open, except for the bibjohn above the waist. These edges are all sewn closed with a flexible walking-foot zig-zag stitch (click for the T1 FAQ).
HOW TO PUT YOUR T1 WETSUIT ON
PUT THE BIBJOHN ON FIRST
The closed part of the bib is in back. The easiest way to put on the suit is with either socks on or plastic grocery bags on your feet. Put one foot in the leg of the Bibjohn until the foot goes all the way through, then put the other foot in. At this point the suit is gathered around the ankles. Pull the suit up both legs, gradually working your way up covering the calves, then knees, then thighs, then the torso. You will want the inseam of the suit to fit snug against crotch. Then pull the bibs on over the shoulders.
PUT THE PULLOVER ON
Once again, plastic grocery bags in your hands simplifies this process. Put one hand into the sleeve with your hand turned out so that your thumb is down and so that the seam under the arm of the sleeve aligns with your palm. Pull your hand all the way through keeping the seam aligned with the wrist, the humorous bone (funny bone) and to where the seam splits into two, the two seams go in front and in back of your armpit. After pulling the sleeve up as far as possible, turn the palm of your other arm out , pull your hand all the way through and follow the same alignment of the seam as far up as you can go. Put your head into the torso and pull the top down.
HOW TO TAKE YOUR T1 WETSUIT OFF
In the old days T1 Wetsuits did not have zippers. Even then, T1 suits were relatively easy to remove (as the movie at right illustrates).
Today's Black Pearl and First Wave suits all have zippers in the back to make removal easy, smooth and fast for anyone for everyone.
WHAT TO EXPECT TO FEEL IN THE T1
WHEN YOU PUT THE T1 ON
You will want the T1 wetsuit to fit a bit on the snug side and a bit too short rather than a bit too long. The material we use is very flexible (it stretches a lot) so if you fit in between two sizes on our chart, our recommendation is to go to the smaller size. Our experience has shown that the most aggressive competitors, both pros and age-group, have preferred to be in something that fits a bit tighter. The sleeves are supposed to go to just above your wrist bone and the legs are suppose to go just above the ankle bones. Shorter arms and legs actually makes it easier to remove. You might see a few folds around the armpits when your arms are down, but if you are in the proper size, they will disappear when you raise your arms in a swimming motion.
WHEN YOU SWIM IN THE T1
Water will not leak between the two pieces any faster than it will through the arms and legs of a one-piece suit. Wetsuits are called wetsuits for a reason. They will all get wet inside. From the moment you begin to swim, you will feel total freedom of movement in the neck, arms and shoulders. In the first few hundred yards, you will feel like the Pullover is going to ride up, but it will not, TRUST US! This is a sensation you will get used to since you no longer have the tugging between the crotch and the shoulders like other wetsuits. You will notice more comfort and more speed over other wetsuits whether you are a novice swimmer or an experienced swimmer.
HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR T1 WETSUIT
..::<< DO >>::..
• rinse the T1 with clean water after use.
• hang the T1 to dry, not on a wire hanger.
• store by folding once or laying it unfolded (once entirely dry).
..::<< DO NOT >>::..
• use petroleum jelly or Pam Spray. You won't need it with this suit.
