Here at 220 we’re used to trying all the latest wetsuit releases from triathlon specialists, so it can be easy to forget sometimes that not everyone is in the market for a tri-specific swimming wetsuit.
So is there a space in the market for something a little less heavy on the tech (and the wallet?).
Gill Pursuit wetsuit review
Enter the Pursuit from marine specialists Gill, aimed – as the name suggests – at those wanting to enjoy the water for outdoor pursuits, whether that be stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or outdoor swimming.
Available in both men’s and women’s sizing, with women’s, as tested here, in sizes 8-18, the suit is constructed with warmth in mind and as such features a mix of 4mm and 3mm uncoated neoprene.
For added cold-reduction it features glued and blind-stitched construction with critical taping on the inside to keep the warmth in and cold water out.
The benefits of this are that this is certainly a warm wetsuit and one that served us well for dips over the coldest months of the year.
What you gain in warmth you lose in hydrodynamics and flexibility, though, as there is none of the swim-specific technology we’re used to in swimming wetsuits, such as hydrophobic-coated neoprene, buoyancy profiles, or thinner fabric in areas such as the shoulders to allow more stretch.
Tri wetsuits are notoriously fragile though, which this suit is not...
So if you’re a newbie, or a casual swimmer looking for a do-it-all suit with longevity, then there may be a gap in the market for a more adaptable wetsuit like this.
Verdict: Not for serious swimmers or PBs, but good for casual water-users.
Score: 73%
Pair this with...
Orca Hydro Booties
If you're swimming in open water before it starts to warm up a pair of neoprene socks can be a huge boost to your comfort and enjoyment.
That's especially the case if you're not going to be swimming constantly, as we'd expect many users of the Gill Pursuit wetsuit won't be.
These swim socks from Orca are a high-quality option that are thermal lined, easy to get on or off and are comfortable.
Plus, they even have a split toe design that allows you to wear them with flip flops!
See our full Orca Hydro review here.
