Xterra Wetsuit

colinmil

 I bought a new Xterra Vector Pro  fullsuit which arrived last week, tried it at the pool today and was very impressed by it's fit and comfort. In the water it felt FAST!!! I did notice, however, that it has a soft and possibly fragile surface. Has anyone else used this wetsuit before and what do you reckon about it's durability? 

Paul Hough

I got the Vector Pro several years ago and then the Vendetta in 2010. The better the suit the less the durability...that's how it works. My Vector Pro ... aka Holy Joe... is now a training suit...almost ready for the trash. Surprisingly, I haven't yet put a fingernail mark in the Vendetta, but that's probably because of my learning experience with Holy Joe. Make sure you cut your fingernails before putting it on. My wife puts on gloves when she helps me suit up at races. Also, you'll eventually need a tube of wetsuit seal to repair some of those fingernail gashes. A suit is only supposed to be good for 2-3 years though...not forever. I definitely feel as I got my money worth from Xterra. I've purchased 2 wetsuits and 1 speedsuit from them. Finally, I cut the length of both suits on the ankles to make it easier to get them off in T1.

GMAN 19030

The more high end the wetsuit, the more fragile they are. Higher quality neoprene is just "softer."

colinmil

Hi all, thanks for your responses adn informed opinions.
My last (only) wetsuit was a BlueSeventy Reaction and while it was incredibly sturdy it was inflexible and probably a little too small round the chest. I was very tempted by the Vendetta, but I had a discount code which only worked for the Vector Pro...half price so really can't complain. Although in saying that, we seem to be paying in UK Pounds pretty much the same as you do in Dollars so the price is significantly different to start with, but tehn it's like that with just about everything.

MattAaronson

I have a vector pro. I got it in 2010 and so now it has two seasons. It has held up very well, although tat's probablybecause I do minimal open water swim training so it doesn't get used often. That said, it's received its share of abuse and held up pretty well IMO.

Paul Hough

@ Colin - I lived in the UK for a couple of years and used to say the same thing...whatever it cost in the states in dollars it was priced in the UK the same in pounds. Amazing.