wet suit advice
I am going to be purchasing a wet suit for the first time (I have indefinitely borrowed a sleeveless one to this point) next month. I need to get a full one because I am doing CdA in June.
How do I shop for one? Where? What do I look for? Are there things I should be aware of and look for specifically? I know there is a large variation in pricing...where is does the 'law of diminishing returns' start to set in? So, how much do I need to budget?
For reference, I am looking to do the CdA swim in less than 1:10/15, so, moderate-fast.
Thanks guys!
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All triathlon wetsuits are so good these days that you will notice only very little differences between the entry level, mid tier and top of the line. In fact I have both the Zoot Zennith 2 (top of the line suit) and the Synergy (mid tier) and for some reason the synergy just feels better on me even though both are the same size and technically fit. I asked the guys at Zoot and they said to definitely use the synergy then as the comfort is worth more time then any gains in the better suit. Based on this the diminishing returns kick in probably at the $300 point.
Go to a local store and try them on, if you can swim in them at the store even better. If that is not an option find a online store that will help you find the right size and allows you to exchange it if it doesn't work out. I believe trisports.com offers a service like this.
If you plan to stick with triathlons for a while and don't plan on your body comp changing much I would look at the mid-tier suits or top of the line (if you can get a deal). Otherwise, if you don't think you will use the suit that much or have some weight to lose then go with an entry level suit.
If you can find it, I would try to get last years mid or top of the line model at a discount.
Stephen-a buddy of mine owns the above store and you get 20% off your first order plus free shipping. Very smart guy and can answer your questions.
If you're down near goal weight then do what Matt suggested and get a top end suit on discount or search the ST classifieds. If you think you're going to drop weight then go with an entry level suit or continue to borrow/rent until you've reached your "fighting weight."
Check out this thread: Wetsuit Recommendations
This and Nemo's linked thread are great info. I don't own a wetsuit and have never swam in one but I'm doing a 70.3 in May that will require one so I need to start shopping.
Back-up: 2 of the wetsuits I bought are for scuba diving, but the important info is the same. 2010 I bought a sleeveless for IMWI, Xterra vortex, midline model.
Many wetsuits now have an internal liner material that makes getting them on a breeze. I have a full sleeve Zoot (several years old) that I dread wearing because of the difficulty getting it on. When I dive, I can get dressed faster than many others because the suits are easy to slide on. At IMWI, I stayed in my dry clothes until about 10 minutes before the gun. Suit went on fast and I got in line to get in the water.
The suit should fit well, but you shouldn't have to be a registered WWF member to get it on.
I love EN!
I'll agree with Matt that fit is paramount. Unless you find a smoking deal & are willing to sell in secondary market if need be, or can find a place that allows you to return, finding a place to try them on in person is huge. You'll want to make sure it's a reputable shop that has several brands & knows how they should fit. They should be borderline uncomfortably tight on dry land.
The only point I'll disagree with is that low-end is the same as high-end. I have owned a Nineteen Pipeline, a Blue Seventy Reaction, and a Blue Seventy Helix. My Helix without a doubt has more shoulder flexibility than anything I have ever owned or tried on. It is not as buoyant as others, as it seems to be designed for better swimmers that might not need the buoyancy, but require the range of motion. That is one sticking point that seems to be a tradeoff, and the high-end flexible ones are often pretty delicate as well. For what it's worth, I've heard good things of the Tyr hurricanes. You'll want to go full-sleeve as well.
Rocket - originally $700. Now $235
Elite - originally $450. Now $175
Real Jane or Joe full sleeve - originally $300. Now $150
Real Jane or Joe sleeveless - originally $240. Now $125
Are any of these a good recommendation for my first full wetsuit...since I really don't know what i am looking for? For the record, I estimate my IM swim to be 1:10 in CdA this year, my HIM in Austin was 32-33 this past October.
Thanks for the help!
Can you try them on and see how they fit? A $700 suit is worth very little if it is too tight, too loose, or just doesn't fit your body right. If you can't try them on I wouldn't buy it. Assuming the fit is right a $700 suit for $235 is a GREAT deal and I would get that one.
See Matt's comments. No reason to think RSS wetsuits are anything but very nice. If they fit, that's a great price. "Real Joe" is usually their "entry level" stuff, but that's hardly even relevant for a $25 price difference. Go for it if they work for you.
I have one of their bags. It's well made and well thought out. If the wet suits are of comparable quality, you're good to go. But I haven't used one either.
http://www.beginnertriathlete.com/cms/article-detail.asp?articleid=821