Triathlon apparel, wetsuit and accessories brand, Zone3, has unveiled the Aeroforce-X tri-suit. ‘After years of research, testing and collaboration’, Zone3 claims the new product is ‘the world’s fastest tri-suit.’
The all-British developed, tested and manufactured tri-suit is a collaboration between Zone3 and aero specialists, Nopinz. A release from Zone3 notes that ‘Together, the two have combined years of experience, competition and ingenuity to achieve the task of producing the fastest triathlon suit in the world.’
With the bike split accounting for approximately 50% of a triathlete’s time on course, Zone3 saw an opportunity to help reduce overall time. The Aeroforce-X is claimed to deliver marginal gains on the bike; argued as ‘a major breakthrough for all triathletes’. Zone3 adds that this does not come at the detriment of comfort and performance during the swim or run, making the suit high performing across all stages.
“The Aeroforce-X represents another proud milestone in our company’s history,” said Zone3 founder James Lock.
“We have combined our vast triathlon knowledge with Nopinz, who are industry experts from the aerodynamic world, and countless hours of advanced research and development in our pursuit for perfection.
“By scouting the world for the newest and most innovative fabrics and technologies, and validation from renowned aerodynamic experts Aerocoach in multiple different testing conditions, we have delivered the fastest tri-suit on the market. Like our athletes, we race, we train hard and we are obsessed by getting faster.”
Fabrics and construction
At the heart of the suit’s claimed aerodynamic gains is Aeroforce fabric. Strategically placed around the shoulders, this woven fabric has increased stretch and breathability characteristics as well as 3D patterning to improve on-bike aerodynamics.
Through the use of Aerostripe aerodynamic stretch side panels and an Aquazero water repellent coating, Zone3 points out that the aero gains on the bike are complimented by reduced drag in the water.
Further enhancements have been made by Zone3 with the use of ColdBlack technology across the core to help regulate body temperature, and UPF50+ ratings to help protect against sunshine.
Independently tested
Aerodynamic engineers and analysts at Aerocoach performed extensive fabric, pattern layout and competitor tests at the Boardman Performance Centre in the UK.
Zone3 notes that thorough tests were conducted, both in the wind tunnel and on the track using multiple body types. Averages were taken across the test variables to produce a series results. Zone3 claims that the simulation of different environments and bodies equates to tangible improvements for everyone who suits up come race day.
The Aeroforce-X reportedly outperformed all other suits during testing. ‘The new Zone3 suit was the fastest on test and registered an average speed increase of 0.3kph (2.4%) when compared to a control sample (bibs and jerseys).’
‘In relation to watts, the Aeroforce-X required 257.5W for a 4:30 40kph bike leg, a saving of 4.1 watts over the control sample and 2.65 watts compared to the competitor average. Showing its versatility, the Zone3 suit also had less than half the variability of its closest rival across environments, sizes and speeds, making it the most consistent on test.’
