SURE it?s all about the Race. But who says you can?t look good at the finish line?

Before you go overboard however and lose your rent money buying up anything and everything that can transform you overnight from a weekend warrior to a lean mean Ironman machine, take a moment to check out a few smart tips from pros, seasoned triathletes and Ironman finishers who have tried and tested the best tri gear around in local triathlons and IM competitions the world over. They know exactly what to look for and what works best in scorching temperatures, in humid conditions, and in sudden downpours.

There?s a lot of gear out there to choose from and the technology just keeps getting better. Remember though that as gadgets get more high tech, the more chances there are that they can malfunction. On race day, the best advice from the pros is to keep the gear simple, focus on your game plan of getting to the finish line, and don?t forget to enjoy the race.

A final word on equipment, which every tri coach never fails to remind every aspiring triathlete: Even if you happen to find the best shoe, gel, goggles or bike ever, if you haven?t had the opportunity to test them prior to race day, leave them behind! Only ?newbies? take the chance of using anything untested on race day. Swim, bike and run in everything you will be using before race day in as similar a climate and length of activity as possible. Unlike your wedding day, an Ironman race is no place for surprises, no matter how happy.

So let?s hear it from the pros and top triathletes on what they actually don, snap on and get on before they get on their mark.

Ani de Leon, 12 years in triathlon, coaches all levels and handles Iron Kids

Fit, function and coolness are key factors in my choice of gear. I like wearing stuff and training with gear that makes me feel fast and look good. Nothing too flashy though. I check out what the pros are wearing every now and then. and update myself on what?s new in the market. But I?m not really much of a gadget freak and normally, whatever I decide on buying is of the durable kind. I am in this for the long haul and I don?t want my equipment giving up on me.

The top three brands on my gear list are Adidas, Timex (watches) and Rudy Project (helmet). And what I?d most willingly splurge on would be my bike ? just by default, because it is the most expensive among the three disciplines (swim/bike/run).

Paolo Angelo Sarao Sauler, two years in triathlon, supplier of certain brands of tri gear

I always look for the highest quality in tri gear. This usually means a good brand, with a sense of innovation. I also check out what the pros are wearing. For gear shopping, I go to Amazon.com, Competitive Cyclist.com, and eBay.com, and one item I always splurge on are shoes. You can tell a lot about a person?s personality by the shoes they purchase ? whether simple, fancy or loud!

Raoul Floresca, two years in triathlon by December, sells tri/bike gear accessories

When it comes to tri gear, I go for: (1) Durability?it should last for more than one season; (2) Workmanship?good construction; and (3) Value for money?not necessarily cheap, but I should get what I pay for. Most if not all of my stuff comes from brick and mortar stores, so I don?t do much shopping online. But for reference, I visit triathlete.com, for gear reviews and links before I buy stuff; runnersworld.com for shoe reviews, and the Triathlete Magazine Digital Edition. The magazine?s digital edition is cheaper than the paper version, and it gives me something to read on my laptop while I?m pretending to work at the office. Best resource ever!

What do I splurge on? My bike. I love biking the most, so I?d rather splurge on that.

Bea Locsin, three years in triathlon, Ironman Switzerland finisher

I look out for three things: design, comfort and value for money. Top three favorite brands or websites ? Cervelo, Nike and www.trisports. com. I?d most likely splurge on my bike because, of the three sports involved in triathlon, biking is my favorite.

Guy Concepcion, sophomore triathlete

I always go for quality in tri gear, meaning gear qualities that can improve my performance. This means smooth and tight material for the swim, perfect fit for goggles, safety for the bike; and comfort for the run. My top three brands for tri gear are Oakley for eye wear, Nike for running and Xterra for the speed suit. I?d be ready to splurge on my next bike purchase, which would be a mountain bike. Now that Xterra races are coming to the Philippines, I?ll need a top-brand mountain bike that should keep me safe yet competitive, flying up and down muddy trails.

Ernie Lopez, 13 years in tri-ing

I look for the three Fs: fit, function and fashion. It has to fit well or forget about it! Bad fit equals bad performance, bad mood, bad blisters. It has to function because I don?t like losing. Performance is everything?well, almost everything?but fashion is also important because when you look good, you feel good. You do better when you feel good, plus your wife loves you more.

The top three brands for me are Oakley, Nike and Fuji. And I would splurge the most on a bike, because I know I can get the most performance gains by purchasing a bike that is light, a bike that fits me, and a bike that makes me feel fast!

Rizzo, seven years tri-ing

I?m very practical when it comes to tri gear. It?s got to have been proven to perform. It looks fierce. And it?s on sale. For gear shopping, I check out these websites: teamestrogen.com, tri-zone.com and racelogix.com. What would I most be willing to splurge on in tri gear? Triathlon bottoms for training/racing/recovery. But generally, I would turn a blind eye to the cost of anything that would make triathlon easier on my legs and tender parts.

Noy Jopson, 20 years in the sport

I look for style, function, durability and value in my tri gear.
My top three when it comes to gear shopping are Nike, Zoot and The Brick Multisport Store in McKinley Hill, Fort Bonifacio.

Of my tri gear, I would splurge most on the bike since it?s the one area where technology really makes a difference. ?