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De Soto Wetsuit top

afrostafrost
in General Training Discussions

I have an old De Soto Dos 2 piece wetsuit.  I got it in about 2001 and wore it for about 3 seasons.  I really struggled to get the top off.  So I moved to an Orca one piece wetsuit which I love - got it in 2004.  I've worn that thing to shreds over the past 7 seasons (including the last 5 summers where I wear it almost every day in the month of August when we are out at the lake).  This summer I brought the old DeSoto Dos 2 piece out for my daughter to wear.  Turns out it was too big, so she took to wearing the Orca.  I put the Dos back on.  My goodness that is a FAST wet suit!!!  I can't believe how much quicker I am in it.  The downside is that I still struggle to take it off.

So with that long preamble, here's the question.  Instead of getting a new Orca (or other one piece wet suit) I am seriously contemplating just getting a new De Soto wet suit top.  Looking at the website, there are several options out there, across a wide price range.  What do YOU like?  What is easy to get off?  What is fast?

Thanks all for your input!

 

---Ann.

Comments

  • Spokane_AlSpokane_Al

    I have been wearing a T1 suit for a couple of years now and have no problem getting the top off. Pull the zipper up, whip the top off over my head while on the run, and things are good.

    I have no input on speed with this suit vs. others.  My main goals in switching to the DeSoto suit were to improve the feel and flexibility in the water, and improve my ability to get the danged thing off in a reasonable time.  Both goals accomplished.

  • Jim YanoschikJim Yanoschik
    The newer models have a zipper on the top and it helps to get your elbows into the wetsuit. Then you lift your elbows with the wetsuit laterally and then get the top over your head. Desoto used to have a video on their website to show you how to get the wetsuit off. I have never had an issue getting the top off and I am not that flexible.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    Ann - I am a DeSoto wet suit groupie. Not only is it indestuctible, it is indeed fast, warm, and, IMO easier to get off than my Xterra Vendetta. My tricks (I have an older model with the ZIpper that goes down?) are: (1) take off my hat and goggles first; cross my arms in front, and reach down to ggrab the bottom of the top just below where my love handles would be if I hand any ; and pull up agressively until my head pops out; then go for the final few inches at my wrists. The goggles and hat automatically end up in the sleeve for safe keeping.

  • afrostafrost
    Thanks all for your input. My old Dos top did not have the zipper in it. I ordered a new top (given your comments) - and it has the zipper. That thing FLIES off! So happy I got it. Love, love, love it! Ordered it last Monday, picked it up of Friday, wore it Saturday for my last 20 minute swim, wore it yesterday at IMC. PB swim by more than a minute!

    I may just have to order the bibjohn next! :-)

    ---Ann.
  • Al TruscottAl Truscott

    Ah, another happily surprised DeSoto wet suit user! BTW, Ann, congrats on your IMC race, especially the beautifully paced run. There are some fast ladies in the AG, I hope you're coming back for more next year as you age up.

  • afrostafrost
    You are not kidding about those fast ladies yesterday in 45-49. I really thought being in the neighbourhood of 11:15, I would have a pretty good chance at a spot. Nope. Not even a roll down. 1 spot to someone in the top 3, then one to #4 and one to #5. Boo. Oh well. I did sign up today for next year though! Makes turning 50 a good thing, right? :-)
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