DeSoto Wetsuits - Do you like them? Which one?
I have a large neck (~19") and large shoulders from 15yrs of wrestling. When I started triathlon a few yrs ago I bought an Orca 3.8 long sleeve and HATED it because it felt like it was choking or suffocating while swimming. I'm VERY comfortable in the water but it almost caused a panic attack. I switched to a simple Xterra Vortex 3 Sleeveless and loved it. No issues with being choked.
So... I want to try a full sleeve wetsuit again so I can wear my cool wings under it and also to avoid jellyfish and stay warm... I read the reviews and watched the videos on the DeSoto. Given their partnership with EN, I figured it was worth a try. Seems like it might be less restrictive around the windpipe while swimming.
Does anybody know the difference between the "T1 First Wave Pullover" and the "T1 First Wave Concept 5 Pullover"? Does a 5mm sleeve really mean it's better? I have been swimming with a sleeveless and with no issues. I would love the Haus Opinions on which one you like and if you are part of the DeSoto Cult following. Is it worth it?
Comments
That said, I can speak to my love for the DeSoto suits! I have one that is 2 seasons old - and it has been worth every penny (I paid full retail for it!) The biggest perk for me was buying the bibs - then buying a long sleeve top and the speed vest - in effect, this gave me 2 suits for the price of slightly more than one suit. I looked at several options - even having access to a pro-form for another company. With the money back gaurantee, I figured I had nothing to lose and pulled the trigger.
Can't say enough wonderful things about the suit, as well as DeSoto's clothing. A small independent businessman who is trying to make a go of it against the giants of the industry... HIGHLY recommend their stuff!
I swam all of last season and part of the season prior in a desoto 2 piece first wave and really like it. I primarily swim in lake michigan in the summer so having the full arms makes a big difference for early season swimming. this winter I added the vest to make the end of season training a little more comfortable. Emilio was very helpful in helping me figure out which size (bibs and top) to get and nailed the sizing on the first try. The other big benefit is that my shoulders do not feel as if they are being pulled down to my hips and the movement of my arms feels relatively free. It does take a couple tries to figure out how to get out of the suit in a race, but I have gotten to the point where running up from the water to T1 I am momentarily running blind and can get the top off while moving...that said, definitely practice, the process of taking off is completely different than a one piece suit and race day is definitely not the time to figure that problem out. Since I have a working wetsuit i haven't done much research lately into the differences that you note. 25% off, makes the deal even more attractive. I will also echo woody's comment, you can get two suits by purchasing the sleeveless top. the other benefit is that if you have a body type which isn't textbook...bigger upper body, longer torso, etc, the ability to mix and match bib size and pullover size could be really useful. Definitely recommend, haven't regretted at all.
I just purchased a Desoto Black Pearl model wetsuit. After my first swim in it I love it ( but not the 55 degree water - my body was comfortable but I could not loose the brean freeze)! The size and fit are perfect, I had to mix-match a size 4 bottom and 5 top, but it fits like a glove. For perspective I am comming most recently from an Xterra Vector Pro Fullsuit. That suit was a great upgrade from an older Bule Seventy I had. But it always felt like I was swimming in a wetsuit: my shoulders prematurely tired, my neck would fatiuge/struggle to sight, I did not enjoy swimming in it, and it did fit very nicely while standing staticly. The Desoto is a joy to swim in. I actully felt like I could swim the same pool-stroke without having to modify it or think about wearing a wetsuit. I personally choose the Black Pearl model because it is the cheapest but still much more flexible than my Xterrra. I would guess the T1 would be more commfy/flexible; and teh 5 mm arm model could help grab more water having more surface area. ROI drove me to pick the Black Pearl and I am totally happy.
I recommend it for sure!
two piece desoto the way to go.
comfortable. warm. easier to get off (legs fall right off). easy to get correct fit with options for different size top and bottom. good deals on older models. great shoulder freedom of movement.
Some quick thoughts:
* I swam in Desoto wetsuits for eight seasons. They are quite comfortable, low hassle, durable suits. The first wave is significantly easier to get in and out of than the Black Pearl and is more comfortable in all situations. All three of the Desoto suits (my wife still wears one) we've had in the family have ever shown a single bit of damage (no tears, scratch marks... nothing!)
* Even more than a regular wetsuit, make sure to pull the crotch up so that you are basically singing the high notes or the suit won't perform well and will look funny when you are waiting around to get in the water.
* I did one IM and and 2 1/2's in the T1 first wave, and it performed admirably. No bad wetsuit rashes. A bit of body glide around the neck helps as an insurance policy, and yes the suit is much less restrictive than others.
* The nice thing is if it is hot, you can just wear the bib johns, and through the top on at the last minute before getting in the water. Not the most stylist look ever, but really practical.
* The very pointy end of the pack racers and pros suggest wearing the smallest possible wetsuit you can wriggle into... you might not want to take that advice... you want it to be snug, but given your build you might not want to be that aggressive and get something that works nicely in all conditions for you. A comfortable suit like the T1 can be made uncomfortable if you go way overboard. I'd just follow the size chart and consult with Emilio... great guy!
* I suspect you would hate the Helix. It is a fast suit, but requires kid glove handling, pulls you into a unique fairly constricted position, and demands a fair amount of patience to get into it. I haven't figured out a way to get it on without aid of another person (and I've been competing in tri's since '93)
* If you go to a store to try them on, I have found that shopping for wetsuits is best done on the coldest day of the year. Trying on five wetsuits is about the equivalent of an Ironman in my estimation... its good to be able to cool off outside :-) Some shops even have pools where you can try them (welll at least Austin TriCyclist used to)
* Make sure and try it before you write your name in it.
Good luck with your purchase!
So.... I tried the Desoto. The Size 5 top was a bit big throught the chest and literally had folds in it when I put it on and was collecting water when I swam. The Size 5 bibs seemed a hair big through the calves and ankles, but mostly fit everywhere else. I then ordered a Size 4 top and it rides up a bit and definitely choked me off when I tried to swim in it. I gave it a full 20 mins and decided that this is not the wetsuit for me. As I sit here now (6 hours later) my shoulders are a bit sore from my 20 min swim in it. So I'll be sending it back tomorrow once it dries out and I'm back to square one. I'll probably just use my trusty old Xterra Vortex sleeveless unless I can figure out a full sleeve suit that will work for me. I'm bummed... I had really hoped that the DeSoto was gonna be the suit for me...
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