Because of the fall, pretty much anything triathlon-related in my life has come to a screeching halt. It is pretty hard to even think about the triathlon season when you can’t even bend over and put on your socks and shoes. The back brace does a pretty good job of keeping my back super stiff over the last two weeks.
But I’m sure you are all thinking: “Jamie is such an awesome triathlete. Does he know something that we don’t? Is his back brace actually the most amazing piece of triathlon training equipment?”
To help answer these questions, here is my review of the Jewett back brace as a piece of triathlon training equipment.
Pros:
- Minimal design
- Ensures good posture at all times
- Easy to use velcro adjustment strap for fast transition times
- Screw holes look almost like aerodynamic dimples
- Theoretically, helps align your shoulders and hips while swimming. But I wouldn’t know since I can’t swim yet.
- Dries quickly
Cons:
- Contains no carbon fiber, neoprene or spandex
- Impedes proper swimming, biking and running form
- Significantly slows down transition times. And all other times
- Causes nasty blisters on your back if placed directly on the skin
- No independent wind tunnel data
- Does not have any circulatory compression benefits.
- Has never helped any pro triathlete to improve their performance
- Reduced back movement decreases flexibility in pretty much all other muscle groups
In the end, the jewett brace is an awful piece of triathlon equipment. For both training and racing. I can say with confidence that just about any back brace will seriously limit your triathlon training. I do not recommend it for anyone. Unless you have several fractured vertebrae and are given orders by your doctor to wear it until further notice.
But if you have any triathlon arch-rivals, it may be a good gift for them as long as you can convince them that regular use will aid their performance.
