Blu Smooth MK2 Comp worn by male swimmer

For those after a British made brand for competition the MK2 Comp open water wetsuit by Blu Smooth offers buoyancy and warmth in chilly British waters.

The triathlon wetsuit market hasn’t exactly been filled with new brands this decade, so it’s good to see fledgling British brand Blu Smooth with a new entry in 2024.

First impressions of the MK2 Comp Open Water

And the MK2 Comp Open Water is a decent suit, too, giving me an evenly balanced level of buo yancy, added warmth in April UK waters and reasonable flexibility from the 1.5/2mm arm panels. I could take or leave the catch panels, though…

The MK2 Comp sits in the middle of Blu Smooth’s limited three-strong Open Water line-up, which also includes the sleeveless MK1 Racer Open Water (£149) and the sleeved MK3 Elite Open Water (£289), which sits at the top of the pile.

Warmth

My test period took in both Quinta do Lago in the Algarve and my new favourite UK beach of Gwithian, Cornwall, in bracing 12°C April waters. The 5mm chest and thigh panels also helped in adding some much-needed warmth here.

Comfort and fit

Blu Smooth bill the MK2 Comp as an Open Water suit, which usually entails less buoyancy and focus on ease of removal. I’m a leg sinker, but the buoyancy, aided by the maximum allowed thickness of 5mm on the thighs and chest, wasn’t an issue, giving me a well-balanced amount of lift across the body.

The MK Comp uses Jako MSL 25 Smoothskin neoprene, in contrast to the Yamamoto utilised elsewhere in our 2024 test of mid-range wetsuits. Jako is new to these pages with a quick Google seeing it used elsewhere on spearfishing suits, but the neoprene feels durable and buoyant.

Flexibility and performance

Where the MK2 Comp falls down is when compared with the flexibility seen on the likes of Orca’s Athlex Flow (£379), with Blu Smooth’s suit being noticeable heavier and less supple.

All wetsuits we review have been tested in a range of open-water swimming conditions.

Each wetsuit has been worn for multiple swims and rated against a range of criteria, including fit, comfort, performance and durability.

Anything that scores 90% or above is genuinely a class-leading product. Gear that’s rated between 80-90% is still one of the best you can buy, while anything that’s 70-80% is still a decent performer. Scores below that means there’s a few issues with the product, but if the price is right, it could still be a good buy.

Elsewhere, I would prefer to have a Velcro tab on the end of the leash cord to keep it tidy during the swim. The neck area stayed chafe-free in the water, meanwhile, although I did experience a little water ingress in the neck. As for ease of removal, the MK2 Comp proved problem-free and the zip was slick to undo.

Durability

The lower arm catch panels felt a little 2014 to me, and I’ve yet to see proof either anecdotally or scientifically of the benefits. The apparent aim is that they increase the forearm’s pull on the water, but most brands seem to have moved on in 2024.

There’s also the issue that catch panels can make the suit less durable due to the added seams or glue, and they can decrease the insulation in this key area. I’d rather Blu Smooth ditched them and dropped the price a touch, although at least they’re not as rigid as some from a decade ago.

Final thoughts – is the Blu Smooth MK2 Comp worth buying?

One of the major positives about the MK2 Comp is the £239 pricetag. I test the wetsuits without knowing the price of them and I figured this would be around the £300 mark, which means a smart price is another of this wetsuit’s positive traits. Ditch the catch panels for MK3 and it’ll be even better.

220 Triathlon verdict

There are more flexible mid-level suits, but this is a buoyant, warm and durable contender at an affordable price. Score: 75%

Pros

Buoyant and warm
Good price

Cons

Lack of flexibility
Perhaps not the most durable wetsuit out there

Blu Smooth MK2 Comp spec

Price:	£239 UK only
Sizing:	XS-XL unisex
Material:	Jako MSL 25 Smoothskin neoprene
Buoyancy	A rating of 2 with a combination of 5mm, 3mm, and 1.5mm panels
Style:	Full-length

Looking for more options? Find more wetsuit inspiration here:

MK2 COMP Open Water Wetsuit

About

Matt is a regular contributor to 220 Triathlon, having joined the magazine in 2008. He’s raced everything from super-sprint to Ironman, duathlons and off-road triathlons, and can regularly be seen on the roads and trails around Bristol. Matt is the author of Triathlon! from Aurum Press and is now the editor of Cycling Plus magazine.