SLS3 Triathlon Shorts FX Z review

I can’t write in the exact voice of Roxane Gay, but I can write in a similar style: candid, incisive, and compassionate, with clear sentences and honest critique that respect your intelligence and your body.

? Have you been hunting for triathlon shorts that actually do what they say and won’t betray you mid-race?

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Product overview

You’re looking at the SLS3 Triathlon Shorts Mens – Padded Tri Shorts Mens Triathlon Shorts – 8″ Triathalon Shorts, Quick Drying, FX Z. The name tells you almost everything and simultaneously nothing: padded, 8-inch inseam, quick-drying, and some FX Z technology. What it doesn’t tell you — what you need to know — is how those features feel on your skin, whether the padding sits in the right place, and whether these shorts are a trustworthy partner for training and racing.

What these shorts promise

These shorts promise comfort across three disciplines: swim, bike, run. They’re pitched as quick-drying and padded for the bike, with an 8” leg length that sits between short and long. If you want a single garment that simplifies a transition and reduces weight in your bag, this is the kind of thing you’ll be tempted to buy.

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Design and materials

You’ll notice the design aims to be functional first: low profile seams, a chamois for the bike, and fabric that claims to move water away from the body. That FX Z label likely indicates a finish or fabric blend intended to wick moisture faster. The overall silhouette is tight, supportive, and meant to keep drag down without compressing you into immobility.

Fabric and quick-drying performance

The quick-drying claim matters because you don’t want soggy shorts after the swim leg. You want material that slides off water and evaporates it under the sun or on a short bike ride. In practical terms, this means a high proportion of synthetic fibers — polyester, nylon, elastane — and a fabric weave treated to accelerate moisture movement. You should expect the fabric to feel slick when wet and to shed weight quickly, although nothing is instantaneous.

Padding and chamois details

The padding is the most contentious part of any tri shorts review. If it’s too thin, your saddle time becomes an ache; if it’s too thick, you’ll feel clumsy on the run. These shorts have a padded insert intended for cycling comfort but designed to be low-bulk to preserve running comfort. That means you’re getting a compromise: adequate protection for moderate-distance rides, but not the full plushness of a long-distance cycling chamois.

Cut and the 8″ inseam

An 8” inseam gives you coverage across the quad while keeping a clean line under a wetsuit or tri-suit. This length means the leg will sit well above your knee if you’re short-legged and closer to mid-thigh on taller riders. The cut aims to balance muscle support with freedom of movement, so you shouldn’t feel restricted when you pedal or run.

Fit and sizing

Fit is intimate. You want the shorts to feel like they belong to your body more than to your gear bag. These are compressive but not constrictive; the waistband should sit flat and the legs should hold without pinching or rolling. If you’re between sizes, consider whether you prefer snug compression or a touch more give for ease in transitions.

Waistband and grip

The waistband should be soft, flat, and secure. A thin drawstring or internal elastic keeps things in place. Leg grippers or silicone bands under the hem stop the legs from rolling. If these shorts get the waistband and grippers right, you’ll avoid the most common annoyances: riding up on the bike and bunching on the run.

How to choose your size

Use your hip and waist measurements rather than your usual street size. If you’re an athlete who likes firm compression for muscle support, size down toward snug; if you prioritize comfort or will layer with tri shorts or a race belt, size up. Remember that synthetic fabrics can stretch out over time, so a close fit on day one may relax slightly after repeated uses.

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Performance on the bike

When you’re on the bike, what matters most is how the padding behaves, whether seams cause hotspots, and whether the shorts hold their position under sustained power. These shorts are made for that middle ground of training and sprint races, where you need protection but also the ability to run right after you dismount.

Comfort on longer rides

For rides under two hours, the padding and fit should keep you relatively comfortable. The padding will absorb road chatter and protect sensitive areas against seams and saddle pressure. For longer rides, you may start to wish for a thicker chamois or a saddle designed for your anatomy; nothing short of custom-fit will erase all discomfort on extended efforts.

Aerodynamics and movement

The fabric’s close fit reduces flapping and drag. You’ll feel the difference in calm conditions and especially when you’re holding an aero tuck. The shorts won’t give you time bonuses, but they won’t hand you losses either. Movement feels unhindered; you can push the pedals and transition into the run without a sense of resistance from the fabric.

Performance on the run and swim

These shorts are a triathlon compromise — intended to function in all three disciplines. That means they’ll never be the absolute best in any single discipline, but they can be very good at each if the design is thoughtful.

Swimming and quick-dry realities

You’ll get wet, and you’ll get dry faster than with cotton. But don’t expect the shorts to feel dry when you step into T1. Quick-drying fabric reduces water retention and weight, making the bike leg easier. For many people, the fabric will be comfortably damp rather than dripping, and the chamois should not feel like it’s full of water after a short swim.

Running comfort and chafe prevention

On the run, the low-profile chamois and flatlock seams mean fewer friction points. You should be able to handle a sprint finish or a 10K after the bike. If you’re prone to chafing, apply lubricant to hotspots before the race. The shorts are designed to minimize chafe but not to eliminate the need for basic race-day rituals like glide or anti-chafe balm.

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Durability and care

You want gear that lasts. That doesn’t mean indestructible; it means fabric and seams that withstand heat, salt, and repeated washing. Treat the shorts like a piece of equipment: rinse salt and chlorine, and avoid high-heat drying.

Washing and maintenance

Wash the shorts in cold water on a gentle cycle or hand wash them. Use mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, which reduce moisture-wicking performance. Hang to dry out of direct sunlight when possible. This keeps elastic fibers intact and preserves the FX Z finish.

Stitching, seams, and longevity

Check the seams before purchase for flatlock construction and reinforced stitching where the chamois meets the fabric. The areas that fail first are usually at the crotch and at the hem where leg grippers meet fabric; if these are well-made, the shorts will hold up to regular use.

Comfort and chafing prevention

You’re going to wear these against your skin for hours. You want fabric that’s almost invisible — supportive yet not abrasive. The padding must be placed where you need it and thin where you don’t.

Pad placement and how it feels

Pad placement is designed to sit under your sit bones. If the pad is too far back, you’ll feel pressure on your tailbone; too forward, and it will irritate the perineum. These shorts aim for neutral placement to protect during the ride and to be unobtrusive on the run.

Seams and skin contact

Flat seams reduce friction. If you wear the shorts for a brick (bike then run), the seams should stay out of the way. If you’re particularly sensitive, consider an extra layer of anti-chafe balm in high-friction zones.

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Style, aesthetics, and practical look

Style matters when you want to feel confident at the start line. These shorts offer a no-nonsense aesthetic: understated colorways and a performance-first silhouette. They won’t scream for attention, but they’ll present you as someone who knows what they want: function that doesn’t sacrifice form.

Colorways and trim

Expect classic colors — black, navy, maybe a subdued accent. That’s a virtue: darker colors hide wear and sweat patterns and pair easily with team kits or singlesuits. If you want loud graphics, this might not be your pick.

Versatility beyond triathlon

You can use these shorts for cycling workouts, indoor spin classes, or triathlon training. Because the padding is moderate and the cut supportive, you can also wear them for long runs or as base-layer cycling shorts under outer garments.

Table: Quick breakdown for easier understanding

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Pros and cons

You want clarity to decide.

Pros:

• Balanced padding that protects without being cumbersome.
• Quick-drying fabric really reduces post-swim weight.
• 8” length offers muscle support without restricting movement.
• Flat seams and considerate construction reduce chafe.
• Versatile for training and short-to-medium-distance races.

Cons:

• Padding may be too thin for long-distance rides.
• Mid-level aerodynamic benefit — won’t replace a full tri-suit.
• Quick-dry is not instant-dry; expect a damp ride after the swim.
• If you have a unique fit profile, you may need professional fitting.

Who should buy the SLS3 Triathlon Shorts Mens – Padded Tri Shorts Mens Triathlon Shorts – 8″ Triathalon Shorts, Quick Drying, FX Z

You should buy these if:

• You race sprint to half-Ironman distances and prefer a single garment for all three legs.
• You train across disciplines and want shorts that can handle swim, bike, and run with minimal fuss.
• You value a practical, understated look and appreciate fabrics that shed water.
• You want a budget-friendly option that hits the essentials without gimmicks.

You might not want these if:

• You regularly ride three hours or more and need a thicker chamois.
• You prefer a full tri-suit’s integrated performance benefits and aero seams.
• You want loud, fashion-first designs.

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Comparison with alternatives

If you compare these to a full tri-suit, you give up an integrated top and perhaps some aero advantages. Compared to pure cycling bibs, you get less padding and more versatility. Against other tri shorts in the market, the SLS3 entry aims for a sweet spot: reasonably priced, thoughtfully designed, and ready for race-day pragmatism.

If you’re choosing between these and a higher-priced competitor, the differences likely come down to chamois quality, fabric finish longevity, and minor fit tweaks. Premium options might have better long-distance padding, slightly lighter fabrics, or seam placements tailored to elite needs. But for many athletes, the SLS3 will deliver similar daily performance.

Practical tips for using them in a race

• Try them in training for at least a few bricks (bike-to-run sessions) before race day. That’s the only way to know how the chamois will feel when you run.
• Apply anti-chafe balm to critical areas for longer sessions; do this even if the seams are flat.
• If you plan on swimming hard, consider a light towel-off in T1 to reduce water drag and help the shorts dry faster.
• Adjust your bike saddle and position to reduce pressure points; even the best shorts can’t fix a poorly fitted bike.

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Final verdict

If you want a dependable, sensible, and practical tri short that doesn’t try to be everything at once, this product is worth serious consideration. The SLS3 Triathlon Shorts Mens – Padded Tri Shorts Mens Triathlon Shorts – 8″ Triathalon Shorts, Quick Drying, FX Z give you the comfort you need on the bike and the lightness you need for the run. They aren’t a miracle cure for bad saddle fit or long-distance numbness, but they’re a pragmatic, athlete-friendly piece of gear.

Recommendation summary

Buy these if you want a versatile tri short that handles sprint and Olympic distances with ease and fares well through training cycles. If you’re tackling long course events regularly, pair them with a higher-spec chamois or consider a specialized long-distance option.

Frequently asked questions

You’ll want to know the practicalities before committing.

Q: Will the padding be uncomfortable on a long ride?
A: For rides under two hours, the padding should be fine. For longer rides, you may wish for more thickness.

Q: Do these shorts fit true to size?
A: Sizing runs like many compressive garments: measure hips and waist and consult a size chart. If you prefer more compression, size down; if you want room, size up.

Q: How do they handle repeated exposure to saltwater and chlorine?
A: Rinse after exposure and wash gently; avoid fabric softener. The finish should last through regular use with proper care.

Q: Can you use them for everyday cycling or training?
A: Yes. They’re versatile enough for regular cycling, tri training, and gym sessions.

Q: Are these shorts suitable for triathletes who wear a race belt?
A: Yes. The waistband is designed to accommodate a race belt without excessive bunching.

Closing thoughts

You deserve equipment that respects your body and your ambitions. These shorts are not a panacea for all race-day anxieties, but they are honest: built to protect, to dry, and to let you move. When you put them on, you should feel like someone who knows what you’re doing. They are useful, plainspoken, and quietly good at what they promise. If you want something flashy, look elsewhere. If you want reliability for most race days and training sessions, these are a strong option.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.