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Anyone sliced up their wetsuit on purpose?

jburbattjburbatt
in Community Forum 🏠

So, I love my QR wetsuit, and have had it for probably 5 years.  The only problem is that I have large calves, and with all the heavy duty bicyclying I've been doing in EN, they've only gotten bigger.  So let's just say getting my wetsuit on can easily take 10-15 minutes, and sometimes can be a 5 minute struggle to get it off.  Which I could deal with but now it's starting to leave significant leg marks and restrict circulation a bit.  Just above the calf line of my wetsuit fits fine, so I'm thinking my best option is to shorten the legs a bit.  Does anyone have any experience doing this?  Any advice before I put her under the knife (scissors)?

Comments

  • mattsullmattsull

    Have you tried large amounts of lube? I really like Suit Juice. Prefer it to Body Glide fo wetsuits.

    You could also try selling the one you have and put that money towards a new one that fits.

    No experience slicing.

  • Linda PatchLinda Patch

    Here you go. This was in 3.0 under race secrets. Currently can't getinto 3.0, but I did a blog post about it. I think this will help you out.

     

  • daisymackdaisymack
    I just did it this summer. My Zoot came with wrist cuffs (the nerve!) so I cut those off. I also trimmed about 1.5 inches off the leg. I tried to keep the trimming short enough so that the seam reinforcements were still there - but mine is several years old and will need to be replaced in a season or two anyway, so I didn't stress about ruining it or anything.
  • jburbattjburbatt

    Thanks guys!- I actually tried on about 7 different styles/brands of suits and the QR fit the best. And all of them had the calf problem (I believe the guy in the store jokingly referred to them as "man calves" ) I use a lot of suit juice, etc. which does help, but it's more the suit on with the tightness that bothers me than the getting it on and off.

    I'm going to measure it out after my swim tonight and cut off just what I need. Blog post was really helpful with the pics!

  • chuckgchuckg
    Jennifer, I had the same issue with my QR suit, mine is about 6yrs old. I ended up "trimming" about 6 inches off of each leg. Now my wetsuit ends just below the bottom of my calf muscle, instead of down to my ankles. I use PAM cooking spray on my quads and calves to help slide my suit off in T1. It works REALLY well and it cheap and easy to store (it doesn't melt if it gets hot, like BodyGlide).
  • Paul HoughPaul Hough
    Pam negates warranties, but it doesn't matter if you suit is old. I've tried Suit Juice, but it doesn't work as well as Swim Glide. I've trimmed a few inches off my ankles on both suits I have.
  • David RDavid R

    I have a QR also and had to trim about a 1/2 inch off each leg.  Before I cut it a friend of mine told me to turn it inside out.  I don't remember exactly why but it came out fine.

  • John StarkJohn Stark

    I have cut the bottom 6 to 8 inches off my tri suit.  Kinda looks like capri's.  :-)  But who cares!   It is free, makes it so easy to get in and out of the suit and I have swam in cold water and no issue with calves getting cold.  I use a little Aqua Seal on the hem to help the threading there stay in place. 

  • CyclingmaniacCyclingmaniac

    Hey Jennifer,

    I have similar situation with large calves.  I cut off about 2" on the bottom.   It seemed to work for me.   John, GREAT suggestion on the Aqau Seal. 

  • Scott AlexanderScott Alexander
    @John, for you, we'll call them "manpris". HAHA
  • John StarkJohn Stark

    Scott that is funny!

    Not sure where the button went to add an image, but here is tri-geek Manpri's at its best:

    http://lh6.ggpht.com/_T3N0jZHF3eA/S...G_0004.JPG

  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

     @ John, so you're too sexy for your suit?

  • chuckgchuckg
    John, no worries, my suit is cut just like yours. I can't wait to pimp my "manpri's" this weekend!!
  • John StarkJohn Stark

    @Al - Yes I AM!  :-)

    @Chuck - If you really wanna make an impression, put some rhinestones on your suit where you cut it.  Or better yet, use a Bedazzler. 

  • chuckgchuckg
    as much as I would like to rock the bedazzled wetsuit in Utah this weekend, I think I may have to pass. Maybe you could model yours in AZ for us?
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