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Orca

Orca Athlex Float V2 Men's High-Buoyancy Triathlon Wetsuit

$474.90 $499.00
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Description

The Orca Athlex Float V2 is a men's triathlon wetsuit built for swimmers whose legs sit low in the water. Yamamoto neoprene 4.5 mm thick through the legs lifts the hips and thighs, while high-stretch panels across the shoulders, arms and back keep the stroke free. Back zip, sizes 4 to 11 plus 6T.

Who it's for

Sinky legs are the most common reason a strong pool swimmer is slow in open water. If your hips drop and you find yourself kicking hard just to stay flat, this is the suit in Orca's range that addresses it most directly - they rate the Float as the highest-buoyancy wetsuit they make.

Less suited to swimmers who already ride high in the water. Extra buoyancy under the legs will tip a naturally flat swimmer into an over-rotated position, and you would be paying for lift you do not need. Those swimmers are better served by the Athlex Flow V2, which puts its emphasis on upper-body flexibility instead.

Key features

  • 4.5 mm Yamamoto neoprene through the legs - the thickest panels sit where the lift is needed, rather than being spread evenly across the suit.
  • High-stretch shoulder, arm and back panels, with the shoulder graphics removed so nothing stiffens the fabric where the stroke loads it.
  • SCS surface coating sheds water off the outer face, which is what the beading in the detail image is showing.
  • Infinity Skin 2 lining against the skin, and a YKK zip down the back with a long pull cord.
  • Fabric gloves included - worn while pulling the suit on so fingernails do not tear the neoprene, which is the most common way an expensive wetsuit dies young.

How it compares

Orca's Athlex line splits by what it prioritises. The Float leans on buoyancy and is the one to pick if your legs sink. The Flow V2 leans on elasticity and hydrodynamics, and suits a swimmer who wants stroke freedom above lift. Both use Yamamoto neoprene and both sit in the same part of the range, so the choice is about your body position in the water rather than about price or quality.

Looking after it

Rinse the suit in fresh water after every swim, salt or chlorinated. A little pH-neutral soap is fine, rinsed out afterwards. Dry it out of direct sunlight and do not leave it balled up wet. Chlorine is harder on neoprene than seawater, so a suit used for pool sessions will not last as long as one kept for open water.

Specifications
  • Material
    Neoprene : 95 %, Polyamide (Nylon) : 5 %
  • Care guide
    Cleaning
    Neoprene can be damaged by excess salt or other chemicals such as chlorine if used in swimming pools. We recommend washing your wetsuit with plenty of water after each use. A small amount of neutral pH soap can be used and then rinsed out afterwards.

    Once clean, make sure prevent it from holding onto too much moisture. Air dry it outside or in a ventilated indoor space, somewhere without direct exposure to sunlight as this can damage the materials.

Sizing Guide

Additional Information
  • Buoyancy
    The Athlex Float V2’s distribution of thicknesses, with 4.5mm neoprene in the legs, maximizes its buoyancy. This enables you to maintain a horizontal, elevated position in the water for longer so that your swimming technique isn’t affected, and you can give it your all at your next triathlon competition.
  • High elasticity
    The materials incorporated into the shoulders, arms, and back provide this wetsuit with a high degree of elasticity in the upper torso area. This means you’ll be able to swim without restrictions and enjoy total freedom with every stroke. In addition, without the shoulder graphics, this area of the suit is more flexible, meaning you will be able to carry out each stroke with greater freedom.
  • Hydrodynamics
    Thanks to the SCS treatment we apply to the materials used to make the wetsuit, you'll be able to increase your speed and improve your hydrodynamics at both your training sessions and competitions.
  • Quick transition
    The use of highly hydrophobic materials allows you to take your suit off quickly, saving you seconds during the transition of your next triathlon competition.

FAQ's

Does the Orca Athlex Float V2 zip at the front or the back?
The Athlex Float V2 is a back-zip wetsuit. The YKK zip runs the full length of the spine with a long pull cord at the neck, so it is easiest to get in and out of with a hand from a training partner. There is no front-zip version of this model.

Should I choose the Athlex Float or the Athlex Flow?
Choose the Athlex Float V2 if your legs sink and you want lift, since Orca rate it as the highest-buoyancy suit in their range. Choose the Athlex Flow V2 if you already swim flat and want maximum shoulder freedom, because the Flow prioritises elasticity and hydrodynamics rather than buoyancy.

How thick is the neoprene on the Athlex Float V2?
The Athlex Float V2 uses 4.5 mm Yamamoto neoprene through the legs, which is where the buoyancy is concentrated. The shoulders, arms and back use thinner, highly elastic panels so the stroke is not restricted. Orca does not publish a panel-by-panel thickness breakdown for the rest of the suit.

Can I wear the Athlex Float V2 in a chlorinated pool?
You can, but chlorine degrades neoprene faster than seawater does, so a suit used regularly in the pool will not last as long. If you do swim in one, rinse the suit thoroughly in fresh water straight afterwards and dry it out of direct sunlight.

How should I wash and store an Orca wetsuit?
Rinse the Athlex Float V2 with plenty of fresh water after every use, with a small amount of pH-neutral soap if needed, then rinse the soap out. Air dry it outside or in a ventilated room, away from direct sunlight, and store it without leaving it folded tightly or left damp.

Do the Athlex Float V2 wetsuits come with gloves?
Yes. A pair of fabric gloves is included with the Athlex Float V2. They are worn while you pull the suit on so that fingernails cannot tear the neoprene, which is the most common cause of damage to a new triathlon wetsuit.

What size Orca Athlex Float V2 should I order?
Orca sizes the Athlex range numerically from 4 to 11, with 6T offering extra length in the body for taller swimmers. Sizing is based on height and weight together rather than a single measurement, so check both against Orca's size chart for the Athlex range before ordering.