wetsuit
So, I live in a fairly warm area and have done all of my races in non-wetsuit conditions. I have a half IM coming up in April that will require a wetsuit and I notice that the team has ties to more than one vendor. I would welcome feedback from the team on the various options.
I am 6 feet 4 inches tall and about 200 lbs.
thanks
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Comments
I have the xterra vortex full sleeved. I've been satisfied with it, but have no experience with anything else. More expensive ones are just a little more comfortable/flexible (shoulders primarily), so I hear. I'm not very muscular and am pretty flexible (6' and 165#), so shoulder rotation is not a problem for me. I think the more muscular you are, maybe the more the shoulder rotation/comfort issue applies? Also, full sleeve vs. sleeveless is a consideration.....ie....how cold are the waters you anticipate and how much do you abhor cold water?!
Here is a link to a discussion that took place on this topic over this past summer. You are likely to get a variety of opinions, but the 2 that stood out in this discussion are the Desoto 2 piece and Huub Archimedes. Personally i swim in a Tyr Cat5 and an Xterra Vendetta i picked up used. They both work for me and i use them somewhat interchangeably. Wetsuits are tricky to recommend because they are so fit dependent and what works for one person may not work for another. It might come down to just trying a few brands and see what feels best. As others have said most companies understand this and therefore they have good customer service both in terms of recommending the right size but also with their return policy. Good luck!
http://members.endurancenation.us/F...fault.aspx
Given that you have made it yrs without any wetsuit and you seem to just need one to get you through a HIM, then it will likely be relegated to your closet, you're probably totally fine getting an Xterra sleeveless for $99-129 (after discount). Probably an easier pill to swallow than dropping $750 on a HUUB that you will almost never use. The difference in swim time between the two suits is almost negligible (unless you're on the bubble for a World Championship slot).
Good advice and thanks for the link Mark.
Sounds like Xterra is the most common denominator and since I am in the southeast, sleeveless is probably the way to go.
I will let you know what I find out.
Ralph,
I think All 3 Sports in Atlanta rents them if you don't want to buy one. I could get one for you if you like. I know them real well.
Since most of the sprint and Olympic traces that I have been doing are in SC and in the summer, they have not been wetsuit legal. I am slowly moving into the longer races which are often in less tropical climates and locations so I figure I am going to have to get one sooner or later. I am using my HIM in April as my rationalization / excuse to pull the trigger and buy one. Assuming I live through my Half, I will definitely need if for my race in October.
Interestingly, I tried to use the team discount code for xterra and it did not make any difference. Anyone know how that works?
I'm using the Desoto 2 piece with sleeveless top. I personally found it easier to get off than a normal sleeveless one piece. We do get a desoto discount and I would call them talk with them about your measurements. I ordered based off of the size chart and I wish I has gotten a top one size larger. If you are doing B2B, you will most likely want a long sleeve depending on the water temp. I believe they require a wetsuit for that race, right?
Ralph, I got the Roka Men's Maverick Pro Wetsuit. Fits like a second layer of skin. I think there is a Slowtwitch discount of 10% ST10
@ Alex, thanks for the feedback, I will let you all know what I end up doing.
@Ray, that suit looks bad ass! kinda pricy though. gonna have to think about that.