Epix Gear Triathlon Suit Review

September 20, 2009 15:03
Brian
Review
no comments

Canon_2067 Epix Gear is a brand new company in the field of Triathlon & Cycling Suits & Kit. Trying on one of their suits though, you’d think they’d been around for years. Poking around their website you can’t help but notice their slogan – which I LOVE – “Go Hard, Look Fierce!”

That’s exactly the goal and driving force behind Epixgear. They’re not just another clothing company trying to make the next best material or some fancy new technology. They go with what works and create unique, memorable designs. A quote from their site really sums them up: “Our goal is to help you go faster, harder, longer….and to turn a few heads along the way.”

I chose the Maori suit because I’ve always wanted a slew of tattoos all over my body without actually getting them. Well with this suit I can have them but then can take them off when I’ve stopped playing hardcore. How perfect for racing!

The first thing I noticed when I pulled the suit from the packaging, besides the awesome design, was the rubber on the inside hem of the leg. Obviously, it was brand new but I still had a tiny panic-attack when I thought the legs were sewn shut! Actually they were just stuck together and with a gentle peel came apart nicely to reveal a sticky silicone to prevent the suit from riding up your leg.

Canon_2032 The material of the suit is a very soft bathing suit type material made up of 80% Polyester and 20% Elastane, bound together with comfortable double-stitched seams – very similar to other leading Triathlon suits. Pulling the tags off, I noticed that it was in fact made in Italy of all places! You know its designer coming from there! The suit pulls on easily with a sturdy front zipper as well as some slight cycling padding – much appreciated.

The lower back of the suit has a couple tight mesh pockets for gel packs or whatever you need on the bike. I thought these were an interesting feature of the suit. Because of their tight, flat design – unlike the loose pockets of cycling tops – as well as being made out of a mesh material they won’t actually hold you back on the swim.

The suit fit me very well besides being a little tight on my shoulders. This probably has more to do with my lanky upper body than bad suit measurements. It didn’t actually affect my swimming as once I was in the water I felt fast and comfortable. The flat-lock stitching and printed size and care information ensure maximum comfort in the suit.

On the bike the suit offered good protection from the vicious seat and even after an aggressive race swim still fit snugly for some mean aerodynamic speed! I wouldn’t recommend using a suit like this for an extremely long training ride unless your nether regions are particularly tough. Cycling shorts with extra protection might be more suitable for something like that. For racing however this suit is ideal.

Canon_2081 On my runs I enjoyed the front zipper offering me some great ventilation Craig Alexander style. The rubber the hem of the legs meant the suit didn’t ride up my legs. This can be very distracting of low quality spandex pants and is definitely a great feature of the suit.

Epix Gear is coming out with a whole range of new designs within the next few weeks. Their existing designs include “The King,” mimicking Elvis Presley’s glory days, “The Muscle Suit” where the suit appears to be you only, skinless and of course “The Maori” – awesome.