Nopinz Pro-1 Evo SS tri-suit review

Devon’s Nopinz has long been a force in the world of time-trial racing, but its triathlon presence has been more disguised.

The brand’s most visible multisport output is its collaboration with Zone3 on the celebrated Aeroforce X range from 2020, which has since been usurped by the Aeroforce X II.

The speed specialists went their own way with 2023’s stellar Pro-1 Trisuit, which was among the best tri-suits around… and now they’re back with another humdinger.

Design

Nopinz’s aero forte shines in the lengthy leg and arm sleeves, both complete with textured material, all held secure with the tacky, slightly sticky grippers.

While my limbs won’t give John Cena any sleepless nights, the arms felt a little tight here.

The upshot of the tight arms is the Pro-1 Evo is again wonderful in the water on non-wetsuit swims, adding hydrodynamics to its aerodynamic appeal.

The Kangaroo-style rear pocket also remained drag-free in the pool, while sizeable enough to stash a handful of gels on the bike.

Comfort

The chamois has been continued in this sequel to be the same pad used on Zone’s Aeroforce X.

It’s neatly stitched with some dense padding around the perineum, but I’d personally want more padding for anything over 90km in the cheek areas. 

The limited zipper garage has been updated to a half-length zipper guard, but I’d still prefer a breakaway zipper at the bottom for Ironman.

The updated material again proved comfortable, breathable and quick to dry.

The change of colourscheme from grey to the striking red seen here ups the visual appeal, but it did result in some see-through fabric around the belly area, revealing some lovely body hair to my long-suffering neighbours.

The white version is likely to be even more revealing than the red, and I’m not set on the purple edition (female racers get the same three colour schemes).

Aero performance

Into the wind tunnel and the Pro-1 Evo fared solidly in 220’s wind-tunnel tests at the Silverstone Sports Engineering Hub with The Bike Tailor.

Its performance over our baseline suit at a 7.5° yaw angle (simply, the amount of crosswind on your bike) was 22secs faster at 30km/h and 13secs swifter at 40km/h over a 40km bike leg with the rider on tri-bars.

Much of the competition were far pricier than the Nopinz, but Van Rysel’s similarly-priced Aerodynamic LD (£180) was in the same ballpark.

Value and fit

Although a tenner more expensive than 2023’s version, the Pro-1 Evo’s price of £185 again undercuts some of its tri-suit rivals, including Zone3’s Aeroforce X II (£300/$430), Huub’s Anemoi 2 22 Plus (£300) and Orca’s Apex Dream Kona (£279/$349), but there’s now Van Rysel’s aforementioned Aerodynamic LD (£180) in the mix, too.

Nopinz makes its suits in Devon and offer an array of sizes (2XS – 2XL) plus Standard and Tall options, too. 

If anything, I’d suggest sizing down if you’re between sizes, which is uncommon advice when it comes to speed-focussed tri-suits.

The bottom line

Overall, then, Nopinz has once again knocked it out of the park with their Pro-1 Evo suit.

I’d want a breakaway zipper and a slightly more padding for Ironman, but it’s hard to think of anything more I’d want for Olympic and middle-distance racing.

Nopinz Pro-1 Evo SS tri-suit specs

Price:	£184.99
Available from:	Nopinz
Sizing:	2XS-2XL (standard and tall options available)
Pockets:	1 large pocket
Breakaway zip?	No