ZONE3 PRODUCT REVIEWS
THE WORLD’S HIGHEST RATED TRIATHLON BRAND Zone3 has built one of the finest reputations in the endurance sports market. This has been achieved by a deep-rooted passion for endurance sports and ensuring that every product offers market leading performance, innovation and functionality. In addition to our range of reviews featured in various publications, we have researched the reviews left by customers on our biggest online retailers. Our research found that over the last two years, Zone3 has held the highest average review rating compared to competitor brands who have sold over 5000 units per year excluding SMU’s.
ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
WORN, TRUSTED AND DEVELOPED BY THE BEST Since day one, we have held an athlete-centric approach to garment creation, working alongside a full spectrum of athletes and highly skilled designers to ensure each product is made with laser-precision and the highest performance materials available.
“I have full confidence in the range of products Zone3 offers me for training & racing, and I couldn’t be happier to partner with this progressive brand.” Josh Amberger Professional Triathlete
PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
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Speedo
racezone3.com Out of the box and the Challenger
speedo.co.uk
aDVance £159
seems a touch agricultural, feeling and featuring few visual We’Veheavy alWaYs been impressed by the flourishes. So is it wetsuits, a false economy performance of Zone3’s especially or aprice. fish through the water? Int the given their The Advance is the Atlantic it’s certainly warm cheapest Zone3and model and, once again, its (Lomodoesn’t hail from Scotland, afterit’s all), performance give a hint that although there was little chilly below the £200 mark. Theasimple, smooth water ingress aroundtothe neckin,and design was a real pleasure swim with sleeves when the conditions became high-stretch, 2mm shoulder panels and just rough. In terms of buoyancy, the the right amount of buoyancy round the sizeable 5mm Matsuda neoprene torso and hips. The neck is low and body and bottom thickness felt like it comfortable, though it was a tough suit to zip would’ve kept Iron Man afloat, let up – if anything is a bit athlete, small, as our alone anfit Ironman but thetester should have been at the small end of surprise here was the generousthe demo suit’s size range. The are snug flexibility provided bycuffs the 1.5mm and don’t let water in and,something as with allwe Zone3 underarm panels, suits, the Pro-Speed Cuffs on at thethis lower legs factored wouldn’t exist price. made itItanwas absolute to of getand off in a easy tocinch get out hurry. Achafe-free, great value suit. not much fun to although run in if you have long transitions. Bag this great suit if you’re on a budget – you’ll find no reason to upgrade for a while… Performance Value oVerall
tri eVent £160
ZONE3 ADVANCE
£159.00 www.racezone3.com
We tested these suits in ascending price order and however much the Lomo impressed, the latest Advance This soliD suit from Speedo is a good from Zone3 blew it out of the water. option for newer swimmers or those less Visually and in terms of ingredients, confident in the water, with a super-buoyant it’s an instant step-up, with Zone3’s and fairly stiff torso that helps you feel ‘Pro-Speed’ cuffs for easy removal supported while swimming. Unfortunately, and ‘Speedflo’ fabric that reduced because of this, it can feel a bit restrictive, drag in the water. Despite a low-ish even though the shoulders are stretchy cut neckline, there was minimal (Speedo makes a thinner wetsuit for £20 water ingress throughout and, less, aimed at intermediate swimmers; go forthanks to the neck guard, there was this if you like a more free-feeling suit). The no neck chafing. Unlike Lomo, the neck is low to avoid irritation and our testers well-crafted blend of 3mm and 4mm liked the short, shaped cut of the legs, which neoprene on the torso – plus 4mm made it a really easy suit to get out of in a on the legs – provided a decent hurry. This was also helped by what felt like amount of buoyancy, while the 2mm 78% a generous fit, though: our size small tester underarm thickness ensured a range found water whooshed in through the cuffs of arm movements. Quite how they’ve done it for £159 we’re not and occasionally down the back while sure, but the Advance punches swimming hard. above releases twice its price. VeRdicT
19.99
Zone 3
VeRdicT
r
BEST ON TEST
A well-made, supportive suit, good for newbies VERDICT but a bit stiff for experienced swimmers
›› VERDICT
Performance Value oVerall
Quite simply, a stunning suit with great features that’s an absolute steal for £159
››
june 2014
Winner of the 220 magazine BEST BUY award, with a 92% rating. Zone3 always try to give the absolute best product for the price point and as the review stated “the Advance wouldn’t feel out of place against many of the mid-range products at twice the price”.
92%
››
95%
A an
89 Best for beginners or those on a budget
96 I WWW.220TRIATHLON.COM I MAY 2016
P tr b o w fo a a lo A th co su ti u w th a th m co o
Recognised as the best entry level wetsuit on the market. 4/15/14 10:14 AM
PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
BEST VALUE
ZONE3 ASPIRE LE
2X PR
£320 Sneaking into our £300+ price point due to its funky limited edition colourscheme (the normal Aspire is £299), this is Zone3’s mid-range suit, yet despite being the least expensive on test, it easily holds its own. Upgrades since the last version centre around a one-piece shoulder design to improve flexibility and we didn’t feel any restriction in our stroke, although it didn’t achieve the top-end freedom offered if you pay for the waferthin arms of the Orca or the Zoot. Where this suit did excel was in body positioning, as with 5mm neoprene from ribs to knees, it holds you firmly up in the water. A top-down zip keeps it simple. racezone3.com
£380 Th design won u wome feel an neopr on the upper legs. T comfo feelin have t (from even a in quit fit is k body p felt we and ro only s wrist c margi
85 %
66 / ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
VERDICT A SOLID PERFORMER AT A REALLY DECENT PRICE
/ July 2018
8
%
WETSUITS WETSUITS
ROKA MAVERICK ELITE ROKA MAVERICK ELITE $500, Rokasports.com $500, Rokasports.com The draw: Body position
The draw: Body position improvement improvement Wearing the Maverick Elite, the Wearing Maverick Elite,Gomez the choice ofthe Olympians Javier choice of Olympians and Gwen Jorgensen,Javier givesGomez the and Gwen Jorgensen, gives the It sensation of swimming downhill. sensation of swimming downhill. It jacks the hips and legs of even the jacks theswimmers hips and legs of even the bulkiest to the surface. bulkiest swimmers to the surface. Thinner panels of neoprene on Thinner panels of neoprene on the chest help the body lift into the chest help body lift into a balanced andthe level position. a balanced and level Shoulder flexibility is position. remarkable, Shoulder flexibility remarkable, and stretching for aisfull stroke feels and stretching full stroke The feels natural and freefor ofaresistance. natural of comfortable resistance. The low-cut and neckfree feels yet low-cut neckeffectively. feels comfortable yet it still seals it still seals effectively.
ZONE 3 ASPIRE ZONE 3 ASPIRE $475, Racezone3.com $475, Racezone3.com Best for: All-around performance Best for: All-around performance If you’re looking to upgrade to a premiIf you’re looking to upgrade to a premium wetsuit but think spending more um wetsuit but think spending more than $500 is outrageous, the Aspire is than $500 is outrageous, the Aspire is one of the best options around. This suit one of the best options around. This suit feels similar to Zone 3’s high-end Vanfeels similar to Zone 3’s high-end Vanquish, which costs $250 more, making quish, which costs $250 more, making the Aspire the best return on investment the Aspire the best return on investment in Zone 3’s collection. The 1.5mm onein Zone 3’s collection. The 1.5mm onepiece shoulder panel offers just the right piece shoulder panel offers just the right amount of flex and noticeably increases amount of flex and noticeably increases distance per stroke. The red panels on distance per stroke. The red panels on the wrist and ankle cuffs are coated in the wrist and ankle cuffs are coated in silicone for an easier exit in transition. silicone for an easier exit in transition. Like the Vanquish, the Aspire makes Like the Vanquish, the Aspire makes swimming more enjoyable by minimizswimming more enjoyable by minimizing restriction through the shoulders ing restriction through the shoulders while lifting the lower body to increase while lifting the lower body to increase buoyancy. buoyancy.
ZONE3 ASPIRE ZONE3 ASPIRE $445, Racezone3.com
$445, Racezone3.com The draw: Speed-oriented fit
The draw: Speed-oriented Cut tightly and featuring afitsupportCut tightly and featuring supportive core, the Aspire helpsacompress ive the Aspire compress thecore, swimmer into a helps slightly smaller the swimmer into adrag. slightly smaller package to reduce This sensapackage to reduceisdrag. Thistosensation of resistance limited the tion of resistance is limited the midsection—it doesn’t pull ontothe midsection—it doesn’t pull onhelps the arms. The suit’s firm design arms. Themore suit’spower firm design helps put even into the water. put more power into the water. Pureeven swimmers will love the natural Pure swimmers thewith natural feel of this suit, will andlove those less feel of this suit, and with less refined technique willthose benefit from refined technique will benefit from its ample buoyancy. Water doesn’t its ample Water doesn’t seep into buoyancy. the suit, keeping it warm seep into the suit, warm and as buoyant as keeping possibleitlong and buoyant as possible long into as a swim. into a swim.
ZOOT Z FORCE 3.0 ZOOT Z FORCE 3.0 $325, Zootsports.com
$325, Zootsports.com The draw: Affordable, good buoyancy
AQUA SPHERE CHALLENGER AQUA SPHERE CHALLENGER $350, Aquasphereswim.com
$350, Aquasphereswim.com The draw: Stretchy comfort, The draw: Affordable, buoyancy The draw: Stretchy comfort, Every beginner wantsgood to feel fast in all-over float Every beginner wants to feel fast in all-over float the water, and the Z-Force meets A durable suit, the Challenger the and the meets A durablespecial suit, the Challenger thiswater, expectation byZ-Force forcefully features stretch panels this expectation byClass” forcefully features special propping up the Take time at the wrists andstretch ankles panels for easy “Best Inswimmer. propping the size, swimmer. time at the wrists and anklesWhile for easy to find theupright as fitTake can be on-and-off in transition. it’s to findThe the the rightmost size, as fitallow can be transition. While it’s Possibly worn – and its tricky. wrong sizecomfortable can wa-wetsuiton-and-off awe’ve bit stiffever ininthe shoulders, testers tricky. The wrong size can allow wa- skin in a bit in the shoulders, testers ter to pool, especially for with appreciated the soft, chafe-preventunder $500. It feels likethose a second thestiff water, and because ter toarm pool, especially for those appreciated the soft, chafe-preventathe skinny upper-body build. Although ing underarm material, comfortable material doesn’t go with thinner than 1.5mm, no warmth a skinny upper-body build. Although underarm material, comfortable the arm in and shoulder paneling is in the ing neck, and the all-over buoyancy that is lost order to gain flexibility shoulder panels. Thicker the arm and shoulder paneling is neck, and the all-overhips buoyancy that stout and thick, the suit still feels countered dragging and legs. panels the lower add enoughcountered buoyancy toentry-level enjoyhips thecontender stout and thick, the suitbody stillThe feels dragging and legs. eager to on turn a fast tempo. hips This is a solid extra not too much to make This the wearer like they’re eager tofloat, turn but astay fast tempo. The hips is a solid entry-level contender and shoulders in sync. Find the that can helpfeel ease a swimmer into and stay sync. Find the makes that can help ease into right fit and this caninbe a breakout developing open-water confidence. on shoulders top of the water. Easy removal for a speedy T1.a swimmer right fit and can be aswimmer. breakout developing open-water confidence. —SHAUN GUEST AND ERIN BERESINI wetsuit for athis developing —SHAUN GUEST AND ERIN BERESINI wetsuit for a developing swimmer.
Triathlete Magazine
XTERRA VOLT SLEEVELESS XTERRA VOLT SLEEVELESS $250, Xterrawetsuits.com $250, Xterrawetsuits.com Best for: Beginners and warm-water swims Best for: Beginners and warm-water swims
2014 2014
PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
BEST VALUE
AQUA SPHERE RACER £369.99 The Racer is second in line to the Phantom in Aqua Sphere’s wetsuit line-up and, although it lacks some of the extra thin neoprene on more expensive options here, the compromises aren’t huge. The shoulder panels are 2mm, which led to fatigue on very long openwater swims, but elsewhere a 5mm core panel provided adequate buoyancy, and the back also has some lift to keep your body position streamlined. Aqua Sphere have added their Thermo-Guard technology to help retain body heat. The collar is quite high, but with plenty of lube it didn’t pose a problem. aquasphereswim.com/uk
84 % ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
64 /
VERDICT PUNCHES ABOVE ITS WEIGHT FOR THE PRICE
/ July 2018
CU E
ZONE3 HU VANQUISH AR £495 The Vanquish now has 1.5mm shoulder panels that extend from the middle of the chest to the back, with the thinner material providing even more flex than past iterations. This is made with 40-cell Yamamoto neoprene, and elsewhere you get similar top-of-the-range material choices, including SCS coating to minimise drag. Zone3’s SilkFit lining is comfy against the body and you get a 5mm chest panel that provides plenty of buoyancy, and a soft neckline means minimal chafing. There’s a top-down zipper for faster removal and the ‘speed cuffs’ also help in T1. So once again, Zone3 have matched suits over £100 more. racezone3.com
92 %
VERDICT A TOP-DRAW SUIT THAT KEEPS GETTING BETTER
£549.9 been new + 43% m neop Yama stretc the tr now e arm. comp more suits 3, the buoy the p with body the sh best h buoy recom
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PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
EVOLUTION Natural feeling to swim in, excellent upper body buoyancy, no chafing, immense pockets and world’s first design features. Slowtwitch.com The Evolution Swimrun suit is a true Swimrun suit; designed from the bottom up with all elements of the sport taken into consideration and a worthy investment for those drawn to the sport. As well as being the perfect Swimrun suit, it also looks pretty flash too. Triathlete Europe
The draw: Swimrun specificity The first thing you notice when you race a Swimrun, is that you’ll want to cool off during the run without taking off your suit, so Zone3 have incorporated a front zipper. The second: legs chafe, so Zone3 have made the legs a thin 2mm to add some extra buoyancy which doesn’t cause restriction on the run. The arms feature an extremely flexible 1.5mm neoprene and when zipped up, the top will keep your core toasty. It also features an enormous back pocket for fuel and whatever else you want to keep with you. Swimoutlet.com
ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
VERSA The draw: An affordable find for a new sport While many swim/run suits feature above-the-knee shorts so as to avoid knee-pit chafing, Zone3 went for full-knee coverage – and it works. We appreciated the protection when scrambling in and out of the water and didn’t note any untenable hotspots. This bargain suit also has two interior and one exterior zippered pocket and removable arms – features usually reserved for higher-priced swim/ run suits – to help regulate temperature throughout the race. This suit fits pretty snug, so you’ll need your teammate’s help taking it off your shoulders and arms when you really need to let off steam. Triathlete Magazine
“Zone3 is clearly not one of these open mould start ups. It is a bonafide wetsuit brand, it will continue to move forward, it makes fine wetsuits at great price points, great values, and deserves its rightful slice of the market” Dan Empfield Slowtwitch.com
PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
WOMEN’S LAVA Designed for long-course tri, this read-zipped suit is the best all-rounder on test, outperforming the others in each discipline. The shorts are an ideal mid-thigh length and have balanced compression to increase blood flow in the legs and reduce lactic acid build-up. They also have two pockets on either side of the shorts, enough to secure bike and run nutrition in, as well as pockets at the back. The ‘Iron performance’ chamois is one of the best we’ve ever tried, keeping us comfy for all distances. It’s on the pricey side, but its reliable and ticks every box, including style and shape to make you look and feel good. 220 Magazine
ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
AQUAFLO+ The Aquaflo+ has plenty of performance-orientated features for a sub-£100 suit, and Zone3 say it’ll support you ‘all the way up to Ironman’. While we’d want a full-length zipper for that, elsewhere it fits the bill for longer races, with a comfortable 14.5cm wide chamois, wide leg grippers and plenty of ventilation across the back. The fabric feels soft to the touch and its just a really easy suit to get on with, with flat lock seams further increasing the comfort. The side pockets are small but fairly easy to access the single gel you’ll manage to fit in there. The Aquaflo is the roomiest suit here, so check the sizing chart. 220 Magazine Winner of 3 x Best Buy awards from 220 Triathlon Magazine
ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
BEST VALUE
ZONE3 ROK AQUAFLO+ GEN £95 The Aquaflo+ has plenty of performance-orientated features for a sub-£100 suit, and Zone3 say it’ll support you ‘all the way up to Ironman’. While we’d want a full-length zipper for that, elsewhere it fits the bill for longer races, with a comfortable 14.5cm wide chamois, wide leg grippers and plenty of ventilation across the back. The fabric feels soft to the touch and it’s just a really easy suit to get on with, with flat lock seams further increasing the comfort. The side pockets are small but fairly easy to access the single gel you’ll manage to fit in there. The Aquaflo is the roomiest suit here, so check the sizing chart. zone3.com
84 %
VERDICT SMARTLY DESIGNED, FUNCTIONAL SUIT FOR A GREAT PRICE
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92 %
PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
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BEST VALUE
ZONE3 ACTIVATE+ £89.00 The latest version of Zone3’s Activate is comfortably under the £100 mark, offering great value with pleasing aesthetics and a quality cut. We’ve previously had issues with the large padding in Zone3’s suits, but it’s been slimmed down considerably, sacrificing no comfort at all. The silicon bobble leg grippers feel a bit cheap, but they’re not big enough to cause too much friction and give a secure fit. A top zip cover prevents chafing, and the venting is good across the suit. The single back pocket isn’t the roomiest, but for shorter races, where we think the Activate+ best serves its purpose, this won’t matter. racezone3.com
88 %
VERDICT COOL, COMFORTABLE AND GOOD VALUE
Both 2XU and Heart Sports offer suits with the aforementioned ‘rummage pouches’ to give them longcourse credentials, and we’d favour the latter due to the better cut, pocket design and padding. The lack of grip in the legs and arms of the Zoot disappointed us, and we had concerns over the longevity of Z3r0d and Huub’s suits. Our overall winner is Blueseventy, who have put themselves firmly back on the tri-suit map with the new TX2000. The cost-cutting shows in those cheap silicon bobble leg grippers but, this aside, it’s aero, offers decent padding and is thoroughly comfortable on the bike and run, as well as quick drying from the swim-to-bike.
thanks to…
Club La Santa in Lanzarote for hosting us while we tested these tri-suits (and next month’s wetsuits) in their warm weather and formidable facilities. Head to www. clublasanta.co.uk for more info on the tri destination.
Spring 2017 /
/ 73
PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
NEOPRENE ACCESSORIES
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PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
BUOYANCY SHORTS
ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
ZONE3 T PRISM 2.0
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ZONE3 PRISM STRAPBACK £35
£35 These jammers incorporate Italian-made Xfinity endurance fabric, claimed to be 100% chlorine-proof, UV-protective and quick-drying. We’ve found after numerous swims and washes that the fabric has completely held its shape and quality, with no hint of fade in the geometric pattern, which is just the right amount of busy without being too exuberant. There’s a lined inner over the crotch area for increased support, flat-lock stitching, and both the waistband and drawstring are thick for extra comfort. They sit just right on the waist, and the stretchy fabric should fit all shapes and sizes. zone3.com
90 %
VERDICT QUALITY JAMMERS THAT ARE MADE TO LAST
PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
GOGGLES
ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
VOLARE GOGGLES Best In Class We could wear these goggles all day and forget they were even on our face - some of our testers even used them as sunglasses post-swim. The Volares have a very low profile and are hydrodynamic, thanks to the curved lens that wraps around each of the goggle sockets. The flat straps held well during dives and through the choppiest waves. Multiple nose- bridge options mean that all face sizes can wear them. Triathlete USA
VAPOUR GOGGLES The Draw : Velvety-soft gaskets Zone3’s Vapour goggles sit comfortable on the bones of your face rather than in eye sockets, thanks to large eye pieces with super-soft gaskets – a design that’ll banish post-swim racoon eyes. However, the rims do cause drag when pushing off the wall, making them best suited for calm days in the open water. Triathlete Magazine
VAPOUR GOGGLES The Draw : Flashy comfort These shiny lenses don’t just look cool - they’re actually incredibly comfortable and functional, with super soft silicone gaskets and great visibility through the polarized lenses. The small knobs on each side make adjustment a cinch. PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
COMPRESSION TIGHTS Over the last two months, I have fallen in love with these tights. I’m always a little sceptical when I read about the amazing benefits of a new piece of kit, but these actually live up to the description... These are definitely my ‘go to’ tights for 2019. Runners Radar These tights are suitable for all levels and abilities and are perfect for training, racing and recovery from almost any sport. The RX3 Medical Grade Compression Tights are a great investment at £75, the comfort and feel is exceptional and with plenty of evidence that they can improve performance, muscle efficiency and power, what is not to like about the tights. Cadence The compression tights are a good quality material with good stitching and don’t ride up. They’ve been washed almost daily for the last couple of weeks and they haven’t lost any of the support and they dry really fast. The reflective design is brilliant for winter running. I can definitely feel more support when wearing these tights. Score: 4/5 Running4Women
ZONE3 | PRODUCT REVIEWS
ABOUT ZONE3 All starting from a single desk on a University campus, Zone3 has grown organically to become Europe’s leading triathlon and swimwear brand. This has been achieved by a deep-rooted passion for endurance sports and ensuring that every product offers market leading performance, innovation and functionality. Our mission is to be the most loved and chosen specialist sports brand in the world - creating product that embodies our passion and inspires athletes to achieve their personal goals.
“We listen to our athletes during fittings and controlled testing to understand their needs. We follow a ritualised process in attempting to quantify exactly what makes a particular aspect good or bad – it’s the science of connecting technology with human nature in order to create something amazing and innovative, enhancing athletic performance” James Lock, Zone3 Founder
PRODUCT REVIEWS | ZONE3
REACH NEW LIMITS WWW.ZONE3.COM