Some know that I've been using the two piece for a while now. But one of the big draw backs of the two piece is the fact is it has the propensity to look like a boob tube and ergo you look like a tit.
I'm not a huge fan of the standard tri-suit. Personally I think the fabric holds onto water two much and I seem to struggle with the sizing - Large is too tight and an XL is too baggy. The same issue regarding the water remains with the current standard two piece.
I decided that in my wisdom I would buy the Apex range - it should have been sewn with gold in all honesty. My intention was to wear the full kit at the Vit but unfort I fell ill...however I had tried the bottoms and I've now tried the top and bottoms (albeit a leg loosener on the turbo).
So
Tri top - these now come with extra length so the fit is bang on for me. The Apex fabric is totally different and there is a more compression fit to it. The old kit came with two side pockets, Champ Sys now make you pay for these (surprise surprise) so I have no pockets. In terms of how it felt - I would be comfortable using the top no probs. The top dried off from the sweat really quickly...I was surprised at actually how quickly it did. As mentioned the fit is tight but that means it doesn't want to roll up the midrift like the standard kit.
Bottoms - tight. The legs grippers are super elasticated and grip the legs like nothing I've ever seen. I have some good bib shorts but these tri bottoms grip much better. Again like the top there is a more compression feel to them. The chamois pad is tremendous. I need to try them in the pool this week but I have every confidence that they won't feel like a shitty nappy. I used the bottoms on a training 30k TT and they were superb. The Bontrager TT saddle I have is rock hard but the bottoms were nice and I was comfortable throughout.
Verdict
Brilliant bits of club kit. The old saying - you get what you pay for and these are top notch.
I appreciate the acid test is the tri but the kit just feels awesome