TRI247
Search
shop

Review: HUUB Albacore Triathlon Suit

The HUUB Albacore Triathlon Suit doesn't come cheap - but does it have produce the performance to prove its worth? Chris Hovenden has been putting it to the test.

Last updated -
SHOP

Chris Hovenden reviews the HUUB Albacore Trisuit which comes with the bold tag-line: “No more what ifs, nothing faster.” Can it live up to the bold claim?

Product HUUB Albacore Trisuit
Price £199.99
Size testedt Large
Weight 178g
Colour Black with silver decals
Other colours See website
Sizes S, M, L, XL, 2XL
Website www.huubdesign.com
Grade A

 

On test with the HUUB Albacore Triathlon Suit

HUUB supports some of the biggest names in the triathlon world, such as the Brownlee brothers and Commonwealth Champion, Henri Schoeman. Starting off focusing on wetsuits, the Derby based company has gradually increased its apparel range and claims that its new Albacore Project is inspired by the drive to look for: “marginal gains, ways to boost your power and improve your speed.”

The Albacore trisuit is designed for short-course racing. It is sleeveless and has a rear zip to meet ITU rules for national teams and Age-Group championships – I’ll discuss the zip later.

HUUB Albacore Triathlon Suit / trisuit / tri-suit

HUUB says the Albacore trisuit is the perfect blend of swimskin and trisuit – after wearing this suit in multiple races and training sessions, I have to agree.

When putting the suit on you’ll notice the tough, minimal stretch, elastic-like feel of the warp knit compressive fabric, but when on it doesn’t feel prohibitive, rather it is simply figure hugging.

When showering before getting into the pool you get a hint of how fast it might be – water beads on top of the water resistant material and runs down your torso. Also, the flat seams appear to further reduce drag in the pool.

HUUB says the trisuit benefits from its X-O skeleton for structure and swim efficiency. Although hard to quantify, the tight fit did feel like it helped me get a good position in the water.

In the pool, the combination of the Albacore and my recent swim training resulted in several PB’s – the suit is very fast.

On the bike I had concerns that the lack of silicone or rubber grippers on the cuffs would mean the legs would ride up (causing havoc with my tan-lines), however there wasn’t any noticeable movement. Further, although the suit doesn’t appear to be designed specifically to slip through the air (as some long-sleeved suits are with their dimpled arms etc.), the light compression offered by the suit means that there definitely isn’t any excess material flapping in the wind.

The light competition chamois provided adequate padding over 20k and 40/50k rides, whether on a road bike or in a more aggressive position on a TT bike, and importantly didn’t feel too bulky when running.

Out on the run the suit felt comfortable (save for a small amount of chaffing under my arm on a particularly hot day). I was able to stand up tall and run uninhibited.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjDcGvchb7e/

The rear zip is clever. At first I questioned the lack of a cord, however with the zipper down the zip is locked and when the zipper is flipped up the zip is easily undone by just pulling at the shoulders – this was particularly appreciated during hotter races.

It is worth noting that the lack of a cord means you’ll need some help doing the suit up – from experience I suggest you make it clear to your helper that hey don’t need to yank the zip vigorously (one fellow competitor appeared to do his best to break the zipper).

HUUB Albacore Triathlon Suit / trisuit / tri-suit

A result of the thicker fabric of the suit is that there are cooler suits available (on a few races there were multiple white salt lines visible), but are they as fast?

Regarding sizing, ideally you’d try before you buy. On the HUUB size chart I suited a Medium, but the correct size for me turned out to be the Large.

If contemplating buying the HUUB Albacore trisuit, the only real considerations are the price (£200 is a very big outlay for a trisuit), and whether you would get all the benefits from this very impressive suit – for example, how often do you race short-course events and how frequently are you racing in a non-wetsuit swim?

Verdict

One of the best short-course focused trisuits we have tested, but you can’t ignore the sky high price.

HUUB Albacore Triathlon Suit / trisuit / tri-suit

Avatar
Written by
Chris Hovenden
Discover more
IRONMAN Tallinn finish line
Let’s race… IRONMAN Tallinn
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
Brownlee brothers on the costly race day swim mistakes to avoid – plus their own mishaps
Cameron Brown signs off with seventh in his 25th and final appearance at IRONMAN New Zealand photo credit Graeme Murray
What is an average & good time for a triathlon?
Jonny Brownlee swim pool neom 2022 Photo Bartlomiej Zborowski Superleague Triathlon
Jonny Brownlee on the pool swimming drills to do now to get faster in open water
Pro triathlete Imogen Simmonds riding a Canyon Speedmax
Can your tri suit actually make you faster? The latest tech and how it could help your race day performance
latest News
Challenge Barcelona 2023 - Photo Credit: Jose Luis Hourcade
Alistair Brownlee chasing first PTO win as stars announced for Singapore T100 Triathlon World Tour
Ashleigh Gentle winning the PTO Asian Open in Singapore in 2023
Chelsea Sodaro returns as World Triathlon release Singapore T100 Triathlon World Tour start lists
Sarah Crowley wins IRONMAN Cairns photo Korupt Vision]
Australian long course legend and Kona podium finisher calls time on decorated triathlon career
Mixed Team Relay France podium WTCS Sunderland 2023 photo credit: World Triathlon / Petko Beier
World Triathlon announce field size expansions following WTCS Abu Dhabi cancellation
Lucy Charles Barclay Laura Philipp Ellie Salthouse IRONMAN 703 Kraichgau 2023 photo credit: IRONMAN Germany
IRONMAN Champion heralds the strength of female long course racing and picks her main contenders for Nice
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
Invalid email address
The SBRX Group

Proudly elevating endurance sports through content, products & services

SBRX
RUN247
Share to...