Review: ROKA Maverick X3: Fanciest Wetsuit on the Market
During my first three years in triathlon, I used a sleeveless wetsuit. It was an entry-level ROKA Maverick Comp (a couple hundred bucks at the time) and it was great. It kept me warm and helped me stay afloat. It served its purpose. But as I progressed in the sport, and became a better swimmer, I learned that not all gear is created equal. There are products geared more towards beginners (often budget friendly) and there are higher quality items best suited for more experienced athletes (with a price tag to match).
For example, my first bike was a Trek road bike with clip-on aero bars and mechanical shifting. Now, I ride a Felt IA, carbon fiber, triathlon bike with Ultegra Di2 and Boyd race wheels.
They both work, but there’s a difference.
A few months ago, I received the new ROKA Maverick X3, the latest, updated version of their elite, sleeved wetsuit. After a few open water swim practices, I used it at North Carolina 70.3 as well as Ironman Arizona.
Here’s my impression of what might possibly be the fanciest wetsuit on the market.
Basics to know about triathlon wetsuits
If you’ve never owned a triathlon wetsuit, they’re different than a traditional wetsuit used for other water sports like surfing. The primary goal of a traditional wetsuit is to keep you warm in the water. They’re thicker and more rugged to prevent wear and tear. As a result, they’re often more restrictive and difficult to remove.
In contrast, triathlon wetsuits are made of a thinner neoprene with a hydrodynamic coating to provide buoyancy and speed. They’re more flexible and easier to remove. There’s also a difference between an entry-level triathlon wetsuit and an elite triathlon wetsuit.
Entry level wetsuits tend to emphasize warmth and added buoyancy, but may have less flexibility. Elite wetsuits are made of thinner material, have different panels for flexibility, and high performance neoprene, because they prioritize speed over buoyancy.
What I like about ROKA wetsuits
You’ve probably already guessed that the ROKA Maverick X3 falls into the elite category. It’s not the most expensive wetsuit on the market (that honor goes to the deboer Fjord 4.0) but it’s close.
But even if you don’t get the suit with all the bells and whistles, I like all models of ROKA wetsuits for these four reasons.
Premium materials
Quality construction
Wide range of sizes, gender-specific
Amazing customer service
There’s something that makes ROKA’s wetsuits different than all others on the market. And they have a patent for it. It’s called Arms-Up™ technology. Basically, they realized that when patterning a wetsuit like a long-sleeve shirt (with arms down by the sides) that’s opposite of what we do while swimming (with arms overhead). Because they cut their wetsuit pattern with Arms-Up™ technology, it completely eliminates any shoulder restriction. Make sense, right?
Also, ROKA sizes their wetsuits by height and weight. Because women are built differently than men, their wetsuits are gender-specific. I’ve worn both my husband’s wetsuit and my wetsuit, and they’re definitely different. The female version has more room in the hips, a smaller waist, and narrower shoulder than the men’s suit.Also, because women have a wider range of body types, they offer more sizes. You might wear a ST (small tall), a MXT (medium extra tall), or a XXL (extra extra large).
In addition, the customer service is amazing. (One of the 10 most customer-friendly triathlon brands- Tri Mag) There’s a 30-day guarantee, and they actually recommend you swim in the suit once you get it to make sure it’s the right size. If not, just return or exchange within 30 days. Also, they have a 2-year warranty on gear that includes issues like seam tears or a broken zipper. I had a big tear along the back zipper in my wetsuit, and it was “questionably” within warranty. Not only did they replace it, they didn’t have any more of that model in my size, so they gave me an upgrade!
Another great feature is that each wetsuit comes with a series of numbers that are located on specific parts of the body. For example, there are #1s on the knee, #2s on the inside of the elbow, and #3s on the top of the shoulder. This is so you can make sure you’re putting the wetsuit on properly.
ROKA Maverick X3 Review
What’s new?
I’ve used three different ROKA wetsuits over the years: the Maverick Comp, the Maverick X2, and now the Maverick X3.
Here are some of the upgrades that make the Maverick X3 different than its predecessor, the X2.
Upgraded materials, notably the most premium Yamamoto neoprene and liners.
Modified construction of the center-panel for more flexibility and easier breathing.
Addition of Aerodome material for added buoyancy.
New fabric-like material on the forearm to promote better feel for the water.
Modified neck panel construction to eliminate seams that chafe and create a better seal.
Features that help you swim better
This wetsuit has something they call IXI™ core taping with strategically placed liners to stiffen the suit. Now this suit isn’t actually “stiff” per se. It’s buttery soft and incredibly flexible. The taping just helps to give the interior of the suit some structure. You know how a stiff bike frame translates to better power transfer, comfort, and ride feel? It’s the same idea with a wetsuit, and the taping is something you can actually see on the inside.
The idea is that the liners help connect your hips to your shoulders to maximize power transfer and provide better stability in the water. It helps tighten your core (I need help with this) to promote a better body position while swimming. (This is the one feature the X3 has that the Pro.3 does not.)
There’s also something called RSX™ centerline buoyancy. Basically, it helps with snappier side-to-side rotation, which eliminates any dead spots in your stroke. It’s definitely something you can feel while wearing the suit. It’s compressive (but not overly so) and I feel like I’m being propelled forward, instead of drifting up and down in the water.
Another very cool addition is an ultralight stretch-woven material on the forearm. It’s not neoprene, but a fabric-like texture that’s intended to enhance your feel for the water during the catch phrase. I really enjoy this feature of the suit.
Features the helps you swim faster
This suit is made of premium Yamamoto SCS #40, #39 and Aerodome. That’s a mouthful, so all you need to know is that it’s very thin, buttery soft, and flexible. It’s like putting on a second skin, as opposed to a traditional, thick wetsuit. It also has a SCS (Super Composite Skin) Hydrophobic Nano Coating, which makes the suit slick so you glide through the water. I think this is what being a dolphin or a seal feels like… You just slide through the water. It’s pretty cool.
Something I noticed right away when I took this suit out of the box is that it has different levels of neoprene thickness. For example, the material on the arms and chest is much thinner than the neoprene on the legs and hips. Even on the side panels of the legs, the neoprene is thinner than on the front and backs of the quads. I think the idea behind this strategic placement of material is to put added buoyancy where you need it (legs, core, and hips) and not where you don’t (arms and chest) so the suit is light, fast, and doesn’t restrict breathing.
Features that helps you feel more comfortable
I’ve already explained about Arms-Up technology, which eliminates shoulder restriction. But another cool feature, especially for triathlon is the quick-release panel at the ankles. There’s a 2mm panel at the bottom of each leg that helps you remove the suit faster in T1.
My experience swimming in Maverick X3
We all know the rule, “nothing new on race day,” so I practiced in this suit both in the pool and in open water prior to using it at North Carolina 70.3. On race day, it was a very cold morning in the low 40s, but the water had to be somewhere around high 60s. The bay is also saltwater-adjacent, so you get some added buoyancy that way. I felt very comfortable in the water, despite the suit being thinner, and I wasn’t cold at all. I really like the Arms-Up construction, because I had no shoulder restriction and could modify my stroke in some pretty choppy water in the bay. Also, I sight about every 5 strokes, and sometimes this can lead to chafing at the back of the neck, especially in saltwater. Thankfully, this suit has a small extended panel that goes slightly above the zipper, which eliminated any chafing!
North Carolina 70.3: Honest Reflections and Takeaways to Help You Nail Your Next Triathlon. Read full story
A few weeks later, I wore the suit at Ironman Arizona. This was a wetsuit mandatory swim because the water temperature was 60 degrees and the air temperature was 45. Let me tell you, it was cold, especially when you’re swimming in it for 2.4 miles. Interestingly, although my hands, feet, and face were numb, my body was perfectly fine! My chest got a little tight the last 500 yards, but for over an hour spent in very cold water, I was very comfortable.
Again, no chafing at all, and it was pretty quick to remove in transition as well. Now, one thing to know is that because the neoprene is thinner than most, you need to wear the white fabric gloves that are included to prevent small fingernail tears and rips.
2024 Ironman Arizona Race Report. Read full story
To be fair, I’ve only ever used ROKA wetsuits, so I can’t speak to what others on the market feel like. However, Matt has used ROKA, XTERRA, and HUBB, and he always comes back to ROKA.
Here’s pricing for some “elite level” wetsuits among different triathlon brands. *All these prices are lower now due to Black Friday sales.
deboer- Fjord 4.0- $1,499.95
ROKA Maverick X3- $1,245
Synergy Hybrid EFX- $995
Zone 3 Vanquish X- $995
Blueseventy Helix- $950
Zoot Wikiwiki 2.0- $850
XTERRA Vector Pro- $699
Quintana Roo HYDROsix2- $630
A cool thing about ROKA is that you have the option to pay in four installments, which is nice for a big purchase like this. But even if you don’t go for the elite-level suit, they have other great options.
Maverick Pro.3 (very similar to X3, regularly $975)
Maverick MX (an upgrade from their entry level suit with maximum buoyancy, regularly $645)
Maverick Comp. 3 (an entry-level suit that’s great for first-timers, regularly $495)
The moral of the story is that high quality wetsuits are all expensive, whether you go for the more budget-friendly option or the one with all the bells and whistles.
But…
Members of the Triple Threat Life Club get 25% off all ROKA products! *doesn’t stack with coupons or vouchers.
This is part of our members-only discount list that can be used all year-long on wetsuits, swim skins, sunglasses, basically anything ROKA sells.
Our Club members also receive discounts for:
Zealios sunscreen
Rudy Project sunglasses and helmets
Torege eyewear
Never Second nutrition
Apollo Neuro
Cool Mitt
Running Warehouse
Road iD
Firefly Recovery
NEW! Precision Fuel & Hydration
Members to the Triple Threat Life Club also get access to out monthly video chats with expert guest speakers and bonus content. Today, I’m unlocking the bonus content for FREE so you get a sneak peak into what it looks like.
Sign up today for the Triple Threat Life Club.
BONUS* Today’s bonus for Triple Threat Life Club members includes:
- Tips for Wetsuit Sizing
- How to Put on a Wetsuit- Step-by-Step: “the Right Way”
Tips for wetsuit sizing
Like I spoke about earlier, ROKA wetsuits have the widest range of sizes available on the market. If you’re a woman, you can choose from 12 different sizes that take into account height and weight. If you’re a man, you get to pick from 10 sizes.
ROKA has a foolproof chart on their website that puts you into a size range based on your height and weight. But what if you’re right on the edge? Do you size up or down?
Whether it’s ROKA or another brand of wetsuit, here are a few things to remember about wetsuit fit.
A neoprene wetsuit will always be slightly looser in the water, so even if it feels a bit snug on land, it might be ok once you start swimming.
Neoprene tends to stretch out a bit when you get warmed up.
If you fall into two size ranges, sizing down is probably the better option. This will provide a snug fit.
Expect for it to take 10-15 minutes to put on your wetsuit. Think of it like a second skin. It shouldn’t restrict your breathing, but if you can pull it on easily like a pair of pants, it’s definitely too big.
If your shoulder movement feels restricted in the water, or if it feels very tight around your neck, the size is likely too small.
A wetsuit shouldn’t be a “comfort fit.” It should be a “performance fit.” As a result, you should need someone to zip up your wetsuit for you. This is a good sign it’s the right size.
How to put on a wetsuit, the right way
Remember, it should take 10-15 minutes to put on a well-fitting wetsuit. Use gloves to prevent small tears or rips. Try to use the pads of your fingers to roll the fabric, instead of pinching it with your nails.
Contrary to popular belief, products like Body Glide don’t help you put a wetsuit on. They help to prevent chafing and ensure easier wetsuit removal.
First, put on the white gloves included with your wetsuit. Next, apply Body Glide to your ankles, wrists, neck, and back of your neck by the hairline.
Either use socks or a plastic bag wrapped around your foot to place one leg in the suit. Pull the bottom of the suit to mid-calf to make sure you have enough room to get the suit as high up as possible for a good fit. It all starts from the bottom.
If using ROKA, align the #1 marker on the center of the kneecap.
Place your second leg inside the suit and repeat this process.
Continue to roll the suit up your leg like a pair of pantyhose. (Just imagine, guys).
Ensure that the crotch of the suit is high enough. If not, start at the bottom of the legs and work your way up to get it as high as possible.
Work the suit up over your chest and onto one arm. Adjust the neoprene so the #2 marker sits inside your elbow.
Pull the rest of the material into your armpit and align the #3 marker on the top of your shoulder.
Repeat with your second arm.
I always have my husband reach inside the back of my suit and pull up slightly while I do a little shimmy to get the suit even higher. Then, he zips the suit and attaches the velcro strap.