The "What's the Best Wetsuit" Thread
My last wetsuit was a DeSoto T1 that I bought in about 2001, when they first came out. I tossed if after IMCDA'08 as it was falling apart. As such, I have no idea what's out there...but I know I need a wetsuit for my races this season.
I wants:
- Fast
- Full sleeve
- Fast
- Easy to get off
- Fast
Any help?
Not a gear guy,
0
Comments
Hmmm - everybody's afraid of advising our shark-like drill sargent coach??
I've swum IM and Oly races over the past 6 + years in a T1 and the top of the line Xterra (?Vendetta?), as well as Blue Seventy sleeveless. I think the T1 is still your choice:
• the two-piece system gives you the opportunity to custom fit your ever-changing body size. You could even go with a three quarter length lower if you want - might be good for you if you kicked a little
• you'll have a bit more freedom of motion for your fast-churning arms, for two reasons: the upper can ride a bit up and down as it's not attached to the suit at your hips, and the cut of the shoulders is specifically designed for your arms to be in a natural swimming position.
• the slick forearms (lack of grooves) is probably faster, as is the tight fit in the forearms.
• there are fewer seams to rip
• DeSoto's customer service is over the top. My experience: at IM Moo in 05, an over-zealous wetsuit stripper ripped one of the shoulders. DeSoto repaired it for free, even though it was out of warranty. I'm still wearing that suit as my got to race outift, after trying two others in the interim.
There's no question I am faster in the T1 than the Vendetta, that I can get it off faster, that is is overall lighter weight.
I haven't seen any evidence that any of the newer "technolgies" are anything other than marketing hype: slicker outer material, bubbles or dimples in the material, etc.
I liked the T1. The only beef I had was I think I put it on correctly...once...maybe twice. That is, no matter how much I tried, one or both the arms was always a little twisted. I know line up the sleeve seam with the thumb but I think I only had once instance where I got both arms correct.
And a bit of an exercise getting if off, or a least a mental exercise. I had to really think about the steps and focus while shagged and running to T1. I understand some of them have a zip now?
Hommie don't kick. Ideal wetsuit would have a big ass pull buoy attached to the legs :-)
The one that fits.
I would recommend going to a shop that let's you try them. We have a local shop with an endless pool. I swam in several, including the DeSoto, and eneded up going with an Orca. Don't recall the model. It was one of the high-end ones. Love it!
Since you can actually swim, unlike most of us, the wetsuit is even less important for you (they all have thick legs that will make you float). I would suggest something that has VERY flexibile shoulders for you.
Like the guys said, the one that fits is the one you want. They all are a touch different in fits, shoulder width, etc.
Beyond that though, I feel that most mid-tier suits are the same as other mid-tier suits, high-end to high-end, etc.
I have a BlueSeventy Helix. The shoulder freedom is like nothing else. But it's more of a swimmer's suit, in that it's designed for unparalleled shoulder movement, not the most buoancy.
I test rode a TYR Category 5 at Rev3, it was amazing. Take the shoulder flex of a Helix, add in a DeadSea amount of butt float, it was good stuff. I can't pull the trigger on a $600 suit, but if I could find a deal I'd be all over it. That said, I don't think the Cat3 is very much different at all.
I hear Orca is putting out some good stuff now too.
Yeah, there's a trick to both. Due to the cut of the upper, you have to put your arms in PALMS OUT, THUMB DOWN. Socks on hands help.
ANd yes, there is a zipper (zips DOWN, opens UP) which helps, but I hear you on T1 hypoxia: I am a walker, not a runner out of the water, and I still have to consciously think to cross my arms in front, grab the bottom of the upper, and raise my arms over my head. It just doesn't make sense, but it works and is much faster than fighting with each sleeve and shoulder of a one-piece.
For what it's worth, I have found the De Soto and Zoot wetsuits to be significantly warmer than Xterra.
I am reading this as:
the one that fits
fast
the one that fits
flexible in the shoulders
the one that fits
fast
flexible in the shoulders= no restriction during arm recovery/entry real swimmers likey due to unimpeded long stroke
Xterra Vendetta and Vector Pro X2 have a good reputation among swimmers. So does the TYR Cat 5. You are looking at a suit with a 2mm in the shoulders and arms.
Vendetta very pricey and extremely fragile. Not a training type suite, racing only.
Vector Pro X2 can be found for a half price from time to time, very flexy in the shoulders much like Vendetta but half a price and more durable.
Cat 5, don't have any direct experience, but haver gathered a few positive responses from swimmer/ triathletes.
Highly recommed not buying online. Go and try. Every manufacturer tailors the suit to a different body type. Some will fit better than others. Regardless what they say, none come off easy after you have been horizontal for and hour.
Based on this thread and input of Barry Plaga, local EN member and fast swimmer who's swum with me, I think I'm gonna get the Vendetta. I never train open water so this will only be used a few times per year for racing only.