Entry level wetsuits
187
Member
299 days
GGehrke posted 37 weeks ago.
Just a +1 on the question... I've got a borrowed wetsuit that I'm going to try training with a bit, but the arms and legs are cut off in a way that doesn't fit me well so I may buy one of my own (as opposed to rent) and don't want to spend a ton.
727
Member
485 days
theShiba posted 37 weeks ago.
This is the one I have 2XU Comp2, and it's really nice for the money. They key is, of course, it's best to try them on to see what works for you best. There should be several options for you if you are willing to spend about $200 on a wetsuit... That's a pretty decent budget, actually.
858
Member
833 days
tsilcyc posted 37 weeks ago.
The wetsuit with the best fit. I'd look at the major brands: DeSoto, QR, Nineteen, Orca, 2XU, Blue Seventy, Ironman etc. Full sleeves are faster than sleeveless. From what I've been told about the different models in a line, go low or go high but don't buy the middle. I guess the idea is that the cost/benefit isn't worth it.
Here is a good document from the nice folks at Nineteen:
http://www.nineteenwetsuits.com/user_wetsuitfit.html
Items 3 & 4 -- If you want to skip ahead.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my Log: http://www.felog.net/users/teamsln/query_log.aspx
Check out my Blog: http://www.felog.net/feblog/
1074
Member
297 days
858
Member
833 days
tsilcyc posted 37 weeks ago.
I think it really depends on where you're racing. I live in Northern California. Races like Big Kahuna, Pacific Grove, Alcatraz, Donner Lake all take place in water that is mid 50's to low 60's. I can't swim in that without a wetsuit. Have you ever been in water so cold that you lose your breath when you go under? That's how cold it was at Pacific Grove this past year.
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Check out my Log: http://www.felog.net/users/teamsln/query_log.aspx
Check out my Blog: http://www.felog.net/feblog/
997
Member
362 days
ChunkyB posted 37 weeks ago.
TriSooner wrote:
For an olympic distance race? How about no wetsuit. I don't know about anyone else, but for me, any time savings on such a short distance would be negated by the time it takes to take off the suit.
+1. I hate wetsuits. Of course, I'm pretty buoyant alone, but still. They're a pain to get off, and I feel a lot better in the water without one.
If it's going to be absolutely freezing, then wear one. Also, if the race requires it. But just consider going without one.
"The melting point of wax means nothing to me": Thrice
427
Member
388 days
Sully800 posted 37 weeks ago.
TriSooner wrote:
For an olympic distance race? How about no wetsuit. I don't know about anyone else, but for me, any time savings on such a short distance would be negated by the time it takes to take off the suit.
The pros wear wetsuits in ITU races whenever the temperature is suitable, which seems to indicate wearing a wetsuit is worth it.
2
Member
462 days
Fish posted 37 weeks ago.
Likemike wrote:
I'm looking to buy a wetsuit for under $250. Any recommendations for Olympic Distance races? What's preferable a full suit or sleeveless. I'm leanng towards buying a full sleeve suit. I've never worn a full but I wore a sleeveless style years ago.Has anyone worn Ironman wetsuits.... any comment on them.... they seem fairly inexpensive.
Thanks.
Mike
157
Member
781 days
Pete L. posted 36 weeks ago.
Whatever you do, just make sure it fits. If you're concerned that the one you tried on only sort of fits, don't get it until you've tried them all on.
I settled with the one the store had, but its actually slowed me down in races. I hate that thing. Too tight in the shoulders, too small in the circumference overall. So I'm getting a new one this spring.
727
Member
485 days
theShiba posted 36 weeks ago.
tsilcyc wrote:
I think it really depends on where you're racing. I live in Northern California. Races like Big Kahuna, Pacific Grove, Alcatraz, Donner Lake all take place in water that is mid 50's to low 60's. I can't swim in that without a wetsuit. Have you ever been in water so cold that you lose your breath when you go under? That's how cold it was at Pacific Grove this past year.
Even here in Southern California the water tends to be pretty cold... Maybe I'm a wuss, but I just can't swim if all I am thinking about is how to stay alive.
192
Member
1107 days
Ultrarunner posted 36 weeks ago.
I have an Ironman Instinct sleeveless from 2006 and I absolutely love it. It fits me perfect. Great technology for the price. I have never worn a full sleeve wetsuit so I can't comment on them. Like everyone else here has said either try them on or call customer service at a reputable tri shop. They should know how different wetsuits are made and which body types they would fit best. I have had great service from Trisports.com.
I'm looking to buy a wetsuit for under $250. Any recommendations for Olympic Distance races? What's preferable a full suit or sleeveless. I'm leanng towards buying a full sleeve suit. I've never worn a full but I wore a sleeveless style years ago.
Has anyone worn Ironman wetsuits.... any comment on them.... they seem fairly inexpensive.
Thanks.
Mike