So I was just walking through the local sporting goods box store yesterday afternoon and came across a new shipment of Zoot z-force wetsuits being put out that had been marked down to $139 brand new. The person putting them out said they came from another store that didn't sell them last season and had them extra. I picked up 1, took it home to try it on and do like it, but I've never ever owned or even had a wetsuit on before. Before I came across this deal I was gonna go with the Xterra with the EN deal, but this seems to be decent. Any thought from those that may or may not have owned Zoot suits before, or just some general advice? Thanks!
Which model is it, a Z-force 1.0 I'm assuming? Full sleeve or sleeveless?
Either way, there definitely is nothing wrong with Zoot wetsuits, my suit before my DeSoto was a Zoot and it served me admirably. They're popular suits and have very affordable entry level models, much like the Xterra's.
Only advice for them is general wetsuit advice, make sure you have a good fit, use glide or other anti-chafing around the neckline or shoulder seams if you went sleeveless and keep your nails short and pinch with the pads of your fingers instead of your nails when putting it on so you don't put fingernail tears in it. Also, don't wear it in the pool, at least not often, it's not made to withstand repeated exposure to chlorine, and always rinse it out in fresh water after use. You can hang it to dry, but don't store it for extended periods of time either hanging or folded. If possible, lay it flat somewhere that is out of direct exposure to sunlight.
Thanks for your response Trevor. Yes it's the 1.0 full sleeves. I've been looking at the Desotos and they seem great but a little out of my price range. I did find some new Desoto gear on e-bay, but that worries me buying from e-bay. I'll prob keep this zoot and then as time goes by I can upgrade if I need.
I finally got in the water today with new DeSoto First Wave two piece suit. The thing worked perfect. I am totally pleased. I was nice and toasty with no temp issues in 61 degree water at IM Cal in Oceanside harbor. I also PR'd my 1/2 IM swim at 0:30:xx.
The thing also came off really easily after the swim. I was actually surprised!
I've had a Desoto T1 First Wave for about 6 years now. It has held up really well but I had come to feel that it was restricting my shoulders. I'd get fatigued wearing it way sooner than without it. I just picked up a HUUB Aerious 3:5 demo at a great price. Super flexible and I think there is some merit to the 3:5 concept for crappy swimmers like me. I can't speak to the new Desoto GreenGoma material though... I hear that's super flexible as well.
I think i am in the running for a new wetsuit also. I got the vortex 3 wheni started triathlon 3 years ago but even though i lost weight it seems to have shrunk? I'm also getting constant chafing on my neck which doesn't bother me during the races but it does afterwards and it can't be that healthy.
Based on this topic considering the T1 black pearl. Need to sort out sizing - is it oretty straight forward?
I was in the market for a new wetsuit and was considering the De Soto T1 First Wave as I was intrigued by the two-piece design as well as the ability to have a full and a sleeveless without the cost of two wetsuits! After reading reviews in the forums, I took the plunge and ordered the First Wave Concept 5 pullover, the First Wave Bibjohn, and the Speedvest. With the EN discount and free shipping....less than $650!!!
Anyone interested in the HUUB should look to see what swimsmooth has to say about them (which is positive). Basically, they are suggesting that your style as a swimmer makes a difference which one you should get, e.g., if your legs are naturally low in the water, you should not get one with super thick rubber in the front...you should sacrifice some total buoyancy for a more "flat" position, to be gained by having relatively more buoyancy in the legs.
I haven't owned one, and I've never bought anything but a relatively high end, but 1-2 years old used, wetsuit from ebay (e.g., Pro's Closet). I have been very happy, but to each his own. I wish I could stand at a rack and try them all on for fit, but there isn't such a resource near me.
Comments
Not sure what our EN discount is, but triathletesports(dot)com has a sale on 2012 models.
@Jason
Which model is it, a Z-force 1.0 I'm assuming? Full sleeve or sleeveless?
Either way, there definitely is nothing wrong with Zoot wetsuits, my suit before my DeSoto was a Zoot and it served me admirably. They're popular suits and have very affordable entry level models, much like the Xterra's.
Only advice for them is general wetsuit advice, make sure you have a good fit, use glide or other anti-chafing around the neckline or shoulder seams if you went sleeveless and keep your nails short and pinch with the pads of your fingers instead of your nails when putting it on so you don't put fingernail tears in it. Also, don't wear it in the pool, at least not often, it's not made to withstand repeated exposure to chlorine, and always rinse it out in fresh water after use. You can hang it to dry, but don't store it for extended periods of time either hanging or folded. If possible, lay it flat somewhere that is out of direct exposure to sunlight.
The thing also came off really easily after the swim. I was actually surprised!
I would highly recommend.
I've had a Desoto T1 First Wave for about 6 years now. It has held up really well but I had come to feel that it was restricting my shoulders. I'd get fatigued wearing it way sooner than without it. I just picked up a HUUB Aerious 3:5 demo at a great price. Super flexible and I think there is some merit to the 3:5 concept for crappy swimmers like me. I can't speak to the new Desoto GreenGoma material though... I hear that's super flexible as well.
Based on this topic considering the T1 black pearl. Need to sort out sizing - is it oretty straight forward?
I haven't owned one, and I've never bought anything but a relatively high end, but 1-2 years old used, wetsuit from ebay (e.g., Pro's Closet). I have been very happy, but to each his own. I wish I could stand at a rack and try them all on for fit, but there isn't such a resource near me.
Folks
Is the 25% off code still active - I'm getting a "coupon expired" message...
Thanks
Graham