Terrapin Sport

At under £100, the basic offering from Terrapin is certainly affordable. It's also an extremely durable and attractively priced product that would last many seasons.

Unfortunately, though, the economising and build quality seem to come at the expense of pure performance as shoulder flexibility and hydrodynamics are somewhat compromised. The externally taped seams offer robustness but lack subtlety.

The neck design that allows you to trim the height to fit is a nice touch, and the ability to choose coloured shoulder panels might appeal if you want to be easily identified by your supporters in the melee of a swim start.

Being handmade in the UK by one of triathlon’s longest-serving businesses is a definite plus, and the personal customer service offered by Terrapin is second to none – something that the bigger fish will never quite be able to match.

Contact : Terrapin 01455 846505 www.terrapin-bfa.co.uk