Three Trends in Triathlon Training Gear for 2012
Created On: 26 January 2012
Triathlon and athletic training gear display an interesting
lifecycle. There will be several years of incremental
advancements in technology, followed by one manufacturer making a
big leap forward. Others quickly follow, and then we are back
to incremental advancements for a few years.
For 2012, triathletes can be thankful that many of the big leaps
forward are for gear that they will use and train with nearly every
day. While items like triathlon and road bikes and cycling
and running shoes continue to make steady forward progress, there
are a few things that strike us as being worth paying attention
to. We have distilled it down to the big three for 2012.
Compression Wear Explosion
Compression gear has been around for a while. Running
tights, shorts, and tops have been made to varying degrees for
several years in compression models. In 2012, however,
triathletes have more choices than ever for high-quality
compression wear.
For those who haven't taken advantage of compression gear, why
use it? For a couple of good reasons. First,
compression gear provides pressure and stability on muscles and
joints during a run or bike, which can help muscle alignment and
prevent some overuse injuries (tendonitis, IT band) from acting up
as often. Several makers claim that testing demonstrates
significant reduction of weight on key joints when wearing
compression gear. Second, high-quality compression gear aids in
recovery by providing consistent pressure on muscles after a hard
workout. Many serious athletes even sleep with compression
gear on to make recovery faster.
Key makers of compression gear in 2012 include Skins,, 2XU,
Sugoi and Compressport. Most of them have entered the market
with several choices, such as thermal pieces geared toward colder
weather, triathlon suits that contain compression technology, and
recovery-specific pieces for resting and sleeping.
A New Level of GPS Technology in Training
Watches
Garmin has long been the leader in GPS training watches, with
models dating back several years. While the watches were
useful and quickly became staples for many triathletes, they were
large and not very flexible. User complained that the watches
were heavy and for petite users were far too large on the
wrist. The presets on the screens and technology were fairly
rigid. They were also not intended to ever be used in water,
or the warranty would void.
Enter the past year, when the GPS watches finally made a big
push forward. Gone are the days of large, heavy watches with
limited functionality. This year, Garmin introduced two
waterproof watches - the 310XT and the 910XT. As the model
numbers would imply, the 310XT is the base-level waterproof GPS
watch, which can be used by swimmers in the pool or especially on
open water swims (we question if much chlorine would be good for
it). The 910XT is a feat of engineering - not only is it
waterproof, but it is customizable to track what you want. It
can sense your body fat and body water ratios, and can tell you
after an open water swim if you swam straight or curved. If
you don't need the waterproof qualities, Garmin also introduced the
405, the sleekest watch they make. This is a great running
and cycling watch that for once does not dominate your wrist, and
is no larger than a simpler athletic watch.
Wetsuit Technology Leaps Ahead
Wetsuits are pretty simple garments: They are typically
made of neoprene fabric, and have a zipper so you can remove
them. And in a cheap wetsuit, that is about all you
get. For 2012, though, we are seeing that triathlon wetsuits
are making a bit step forward in their technology and value.
Most major wetsuit makers today - Orca, Blue Seventy, 2XU, Zone
3, Speedo and Quintana Roo - now offer several models with designs
with specialiaed forearm panels that actually create more drag
during the stroke, helping make for a stronger pull. This
technology was limited just a couple years ago, but this year we
are seeing it even in lower-end models. Special
triathlon-specific zippers are also proliferating, ones that
provide for faster removal at the end of the swim. QR's
breakaway zipper was the first to offer this, but most other makers
have followed.
Conclusion
Part of being a triathete is being a gear junkie, and 2012
should not disappoint. Gear and technology for triathlon
training has improved dramatically, especially if you are in the
market for GPS watches, compression wear, or wetsuits.
Tags: news,training
