XTerra Wetsuits

fleck03

See that EN has a 60% discount on XTerra wetsuits and was curious what EN folks think about XTerra wetsuits?  I've only ever rented a wetsuit before -- and b/c i'll have to rent two or three more times this season, I'm thinking I may as well just buy one.  Wanted to know how XTerra compares with other brands?  I'm by no means a fantastic swimmer and certainly don't want to spend a ton of money for a wetsuit -- so I don't need the best wetsuit out there -- Some day I might be Andy Potts in the water, but that isn't happening any time soon!  Would love to know what EN folks are using them and if anyone has taken advantage of the EN discount for an XTerra wetsuit???  Thanks! 

[Deleted User]

 I just got a new full sleeve Vortex 4 wetsuit, and I love it. Really appreciate the EN discount. I realize that there are fancier makes of wetsuits out there, but I have have works well for me and I don't want to fix what ain't broke. 

I used to have a sleeveless Xterra wetsuit, but I would recommend the fullsleeve for a few reasons. One is that the sleeves provide a larger for the pull in your stroke, and that will make you a slightly faster. Also, it's easy to get cold in a sleeveless suit. I remember totally getting my ass kicked in one swim just because it was so cold, and I think I was almost hyperventilating at some point because of the temperature. 

Joe Matchette

I have a Vector Pro that I got on a serious sale and I am very happy with it. I do not feel constrained by the arms/shoulders at all.

It was the first wetsuit that I bought, and since I was so happy with it I stopped looking. Sorry I don't have anything to compare it against for you.

John Withrow

I love my Vortex 3 Sleeveless. I have used it down to 60 degree water without issue. Even if it was mid 50's, I would use it over a full sleeve. I have had a lot of trouble using a full-sleeve wetsuit as I am big and have an oversized neck (>18") for my size thanks to years and years of being a wrestler. Many different brands including fancy schmancy wetsuits choked me out when I swam and caused me to feel constricted and almost hperventilate even though I am VERY comfortable in the water. When I switched to the Sleeveless Vortex 3, the problem was solved. I'd rather be a little cold than claustrophobic... It is a great suit and I can also take it off very fast in T1. And it is one of the cheapest options on the market after the discount. Win/win. There's a reason almost 50% of the people at every Tri I have ever been to are in an Xterra wesuit.