Full sleeve wetsuit...learn me up
After reading Al T's post on sleevless vs. full sleeved wetsuit, I think I'm ready to get a full sleeved one. What's are 2-3 good options that won't break an already stretched tri budget?
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After reading Al T's post on sleevless vs. full sleeved wetsuit, I think I'm ready to get a full sleeved one. What's are 2-3 good options that won't break an already stretched tri budget?
Comments
Roka Maverick. The elite is 1 click under the Pro. It's awesome.
I have a 40% off code. PM me and I will send it to you....
PSA: All full sleeve wetsuits are NOT created equal.
My opinion is that if you are on a budget, you are better off (read Faster and less downstream effect for your triathlon day) in a sleeveless wetsuit. And if you are going with a sleeveless, then may as well save some $$ and get a cheaper one. I got an Xterra Vortex for like $119 and it is great.
Really high end Full Sleeve wetsuits are pricey but super flexible up top (which is why you are paying top $$$). If you are swimming in the Huub Archimedes (my choice) or the high end Roka or the Freak, (and probably the Vendetta but I've never tried that one) then the shoulder mobility is amazing. I've heard the DeSoto is good for this also, but couldn't get the sizing to work for me. You get all of the advantages of the added speed without the physiologic cost of using a ton of extra energy "fighting" the wetsuit the whole time. My personal thought is that if you get the "low-end" full sleeve, then your shoulders/arms will be doing a lot more work to the point where this extra speed is more than offset by the extra effort.
Summary, if you want to spend $, then get the cheapest sleeveless that fits you and you'll be fine. But if you want a Full-Sleeve wetsuit, be prepared to spend $$$$$.
I've had my fastest swims in an Xterra Vendetta, compared to the DeSoto First Wave (their top end suit) I often use. Xterra is EXTREMELY flexible in the shoulders, never sags under the arms, has little air bubbles in strategic locations, and is pretty fragile - cuts easily. Next year, I may try out the Huub or Roka, based on the recs I see here, but, I have no direct comparison among those suits.
There are differences among suits, which can be documented, trouble is, we each have or own body type, so the cut that works for one might not be the top choice for another. But attention to shoulder flexibility, tight fit all around, and # 39 rubber are key points IMO. The top model in each brand are better/faster, but the value/minute might not be acceptable for someone on a tight budget, e.g. 2 minutes for $300 or more. NB: EN gets a SUBSTANTIAL discount for Xterra suits.
I have not used it yet, but I did try it on when it arrived. I am very impressed by the fit, finish and all the details related to materials thickness. It was very comfortable versus my Desoto, which also fits well, but the materials seemed more supple and stretchy.
I had it down between the Xterra Vendetta and the Roka Maverick...thanks to Dino....or is that David
I took that as a sign to go with the Roka Maverick...Dino's 40% off code was golden! One more Tri toy to add to the collection
Given there are potentially a few minutes on the line I picked up a HUUB Archimedes. I've heard many great things about it....but it was not cheap! Will report back here once I take it out.
Shoulders allow for great movement as well
On the discount thread there is a 30% off coupon I posted : T-FTENATION30