They both oppose conventional wisdom but both have solid functional merits that make it a very fast suit drop. While the Pulsar tested was a bit binding at the back of the armpit, it was nice and snug in the lower back, an area that is often too roomy in a lot of suits. The suit has 5mm rubber on the body and legs and 2mm on the arms and collar. It also features a ribbed forearm rubber designed to 'grip' the water during the pull phase of the stroke. Ironman Wetsuits has instituted several changes to its product line for 2000, including new two-directional rubber on all of their four suits.
Ironman believes that the key to a good triathlon involves conservation of energy.
A wetsuit can keep you warm and buoyant, but if your breathing is restricted across the chest, all benefits will be lost as you wheeze into T2. Ironman went to work. Ironman says that tests conducted at the University of Calgary in Alberta found that oxygen consumption in its VO2 Stealth is nearly identical to that of someone without a wetsuit. The extra paneling in the VO2 did seem to bring the suit off the upper ribcage a bit better than most. Long or short course, it's easy to see how this freedom of breathing would be an advantage.