Louis Garneau Pro Carbon Tri-Suit Review
Since Canadian cyclist Louis Garneau founded his company in 1983, he has been creating athletic apparel and gear for men, women, and even children. Although his bikes, shoes, and helmets seem to be his most noteworthy products, it’s clear that several of his suits have also become bestsellers. Among the most well-received is the Pro Carbon triathlon suit, which is sold in both men’s and women’s sizes.
Listings and reviews indicate that this pro carbon triathlon suit is designed with racers of all levels in mind. This means that everyone will be treated to a fit that feels like a second skin and offers up plenty of support and compression, enhancing everything from performance and recovery time to blood circulation and overall comfort while in the hot sun. All of this can be attributed to coldblack technology, which blocks out UV rays, as well as the carbon fiber and Lycra that are used to create the fabrics.
Buyers are also surprised at its levels of breathability, which improve their comfort as well as their aerodynamics as they run and ride their bike. Quick-drying fabrics prevent irritations and keep them from feeling weighed down, and a set of back pockets allows them to conveniently store away any small supplements that they might need.
-Men's and women's sizes
-Multiple color options
-Stays comfortable all-day
-Highly breathable wear
-Easy to move around in
-Back pockets for storage
-Antibacterial technology
-Fits true to size
-Expensive price tag
-Zipper can get caught easily
Use
All of its various fabrics work together to keep the wearer properly supported and provide compression for enhanced performance and recovery time. Its levels of breathability and the inclusion of coldblack technology keep the wearer as cool and dry as possible even while wearing a dark garment in the hot sun. They also provide enhanced aerodynamics, which allows the wearer to easily reach their highest speed possible, and quick-drying features mean that they will never feel weighed-down for uncomfortable when they are out of the water.
As an added bonus, a pair of discreet back pockets are also added to the suit to conveniently store any supplements that the wearer might need while training. It's also further proof of just how fit it is for long-distance runs and races, and how quickly it can become a go-to garment for cycling enthusiasts.
Breathability
The two main fabrics that provide this particular quality are the Garneau's CB Carbon Slick and Carbon-X mesh, both of which for different areas of the suit. The Carbon Slick is quick-drying to keep the buyer from feeling weighed down and allows airflow to where it's needed most, while the mesh enhances muscular performance as it enables airflow. And a quick-dry chamois with antibacterial technology prevents possible infections and discomfort from occurring.
Both of these fabrics are enhanced by carbon fiber, which improves blood circulation and reduces static, and well as coldblack technology, which eliminates the heat generated by UV rays. Finally, the suit's 13-inch front zipper can easily be adjusted at any time for an extra cool-down. All of these combined create a suit that equally enhances the wearer's performance and overall comfort.
Comfort
The suit's Pro + LYCRA fiber provides support and compression for better recovery, and Carbon-X Mesh goes to work to enhance muscular performance. Quick-drying CB Carbon Slick is also used in certain areas for increased breathability and enhanced blood circulation. And a tri-air chamois is treated with antibacterial technology to prevent possible infections and irritation from taking place.
It has also been equipped with coldblack technology, which comes in handy for dark athletic garments. It performs the dual task of blocking out UV rays and reducing the heat that they cause to keep the buyer protected and reasonably cooled down while they're in the hot sun. And added ventilation, as well as greater ease of wear, comes in the form of a 13-inch zipper that runs down the front of the suit and ends at the navel.
Size
As with all tri suits, this one is meant to be skin-tight to keep it from getting in the way at any point and to provide an ideal level of support and compression. Although it might be uncomfortable for those who are larger than average, reviewers don't have any major complaints about its overall fit. And while it's always a smart idea to try any garment on first before buying it, everything indicates that this particular suit fits true to size.
Those who purchase their suit from the Garneau website are offered a great deal of help via the website's size chart. It's able to accurately match up each size to the buyer's specific chest, weight, hip, and inseam measurements.
Durability
The main fabric used is the brand's Pro + LYCRA fiber which, along with the support and compression it provides, allows the suit to maintain its overall shape even after many intense uses. CB Carbon Slick is also included for quick-drying wear and resistance against chlorine, which allows the buyer to wear it while in the pool for training purposes. In addition, a tri-air chamois is treated with anti-bacterial technology for equal prevention of possible infections and early degradation.
A number of online reviews indicate that there are buyers that have had this particular suit for several years, which is a true testament to how long it's able to last. Even better, they've noted that it never loses its overall shape or supportive features at any point. It seems as if the only reason they could no longer wear it would be if they either lost or gained a significant amount of weight.
Accessories
The most noticeable accessory on this suit is its 13-inch zipper, which runs down the middle of the runner's torso and stops right around the navel area. Not only does this make the suit easier to put on and take off, but it also provides extra ventilation for intense runs and warmer temperatures. An inner flap is also included, possibly to provide better insolation, although buyers have complained that it can become caught very easily.
A pair of discreet pockets are also included and are placed at the back of the suit. Although they aren't readily noticeable, especially in all of the product photographs, they are still able to store away small snacks or supplements that they wearer might readily need while they're either training or in the middle of an actual race.
Style
Both men's and women's sizes are offered in four different color schemes each, providing several unique styles to give buyers more options to choose from. Each one includes several different colors, as well as reflective hits for low-light visibility, and are given distinctive names that reflect the pattern showcased on the suit. The men's options are named Neo-Classic, Expressionist, Pop, and Rough, while the women's are known as Geometry, Expressionist, Tropical, and Lazer.
Price
It's also extremely clear from the online ratings that most buyers can easily justify how much money they have spent on this suit. They are more than satisfied with its comfortable and supportive fit, high levels for breathability, and how surprisingly durable and efficient it is in many different settings. With some buyers even referring to it as a second skin and noting how often they've been able to use it during races and training sessions, it's easy to see why so many reviewers have invested in this incredible racing suit.
Key Features
-Single-layer, laser-cut bottom
-Coldblack technology reflects UV rays
-CB Carbon Slick for enhanced circulation
-Micro-Activ and flatlock seams
-Tri Air chamois to reduce odor
-Tri-Rev for compression and support
-Two back pockets for storage
-Reflective accents for low light
Bottom Line
Aside from being comfortable and easy to move around in, this suit is equipped with various technologies that enhance recovery time, blood circulation, and protection against the elements. Buyers are offered an extra shield against UV rays, and the heat that they can produce, and its quick-drying fabrics keep the runner from feeling weighed down when they exit the water. And the fact that they are able to store away their supplements if need be, thanks to the back pockets, is considered an amazing bonus.
There's no doubt that this suit has an expensive price tag, set at $150, although it doesn't seem to be out of the average cost range for tri-suits. Aside from this, the only other obvious downside would be the fact that its zipper is known to get caught every now-and-then. When comparing these to all of its positives, it's clear that triathlon racers of all levels should absolutely consider making this their go-to garment.