NYC store SBR. Wetsuit Trial
453
Member
495 days
stewarba posted 38 weeks ago.
Something to consider with online stores is the fact that some have a rental policy where you can rent a new wetsuit that you are interested in and if you like it, you can apply the rental cost towards that suit or another that they carry. I wish I could remember the store now, but one I contacted you could apply up to three seperate rental charges towards the purchase of a wetsuit.
Pain is the sensation of weakness leaving the body!
727
Member
525 days
theShiba posted 38 weeks ago.
zOMG! It's an advertiser! Get off of Trifuel! ;)
997
Member
402 days
335
Member
444 days
cjhoffmn posted 38 weeks ago.
I've been in the shop many times - its very near me. I've always wanted it to by my "Local Tri Shop" because the store itself is really awesome - really cool products - nice size endless pool, great look etc.
When the product reps are in the store - service can be great. I had a super experience with a 2xU rep in looking at and trying on wetsuits a while back.
Sadly, I can't report too many positive experiences about the regular staff. Furthermore, ther've been other reports here and at slowtwitch that might be interesting to read about other's experiences there.
I've very much overpaid for product there (like my Forerunner 305) and knew more about the product than they did when I bought it, and get this - had to wait for them to order some parts from the manufacturer.
It might be a very worthy effort to find out when the wetsuit vendor reps will be there - I imagine its great when they are there for buying a WS, but otherwise - I'd expect to be possibly disappointed in the service level, but impressed with the store itself.
To tri or not to tri - that's not a question at all!
716
Member
1027 days
gfd posted 38 weeks ago.
I bought my DeSoto wetsuit at SBR. I had a disappointing experience with the staff. Zero knowledge about wetsuits and triathlons in general and the endless pool was drained. However, the wetsuit fit well and they had a nice assortment of tri clothing to choose from. I was treated nicely but not at all what I expected from a tri specific store. Biggest benefit was the large # of wetsuits they had in stock.
"If you set a goal for yourself and are able to achieve it you have won your race." -Dave Scott
~Garen~
26
Member
689 days
knight22 posted 38 weeks ago.
I bought my Orca wetsuit at SBR this past fall. I live about an hour away, but I liked the idea of swimming in the wetsuit before I bought it. It was my third time there. Unfortunately, I wasn't very impressed by their service. I asked their sales associates some questions about some different wetsuits, and they didn't seem like they really knew the product too well. They were also almost surprised when I asked to try it out in the Endless Pool. They let me, but they didn't seem very happy about it. Overall, I got my wetsuit, but I don't know if I would go back again. It is a shame, because they do have a really nice store with a lot of nice products.
217
Member
530 days
big 3 posted 38 weeks ago.
I have to say I'm disappointed to hear that this might not be the experience I was hoping for, yet I'm not surprised.
I probably won't get a chance to check the place out for a couple weeks. I'll definitely call to see if they have a "Wetsuit rep" that I should schedule a time with so that I have a better chance for good service.
I really appreciate the responses. You have put my expectations back into line so that I keep looking at other options. Renting different suits for my first 3 races perhaps. If I find the dealer that will credit 3 rentals towards a new purchase. I'll let you know. Please do the same if you find it first.
Thanks!
72
Member
407 days
john_grieco posted 38 weeks ago.
I tried on a few wetsuits at SBR last year but was unsure of how they should fit (other than people telling me tight like it's too small) and ended up leaving after squeezing myself into a few. I went to jackrabbit sports and found the staff there to be more helpful and bought a blueseventy.. For me, location may have played a role too (jackrabbit is much easier for me to get to).
"Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go."
-T. S. Eliot
539
Member
546 days
Socket posted 38 weeks ago.
Anyone else gone to Jackrabbit? I like the sound of the place from their site and john_grieco's experience. I was looking at wetsuit rental websites yesterday and it didn't look too promising. I'd prefer to have a knowledgeable person around than just the ability to try it out.
34
Member
901 days
dlhnpt posted 38 weeks ago.
I have been to both SBR and Jackrabbit.
I tried on a bunch of wetsuits at SBR two years ago and found the kid that was helping me to be pretty knowledgeable and helpful. I didnt ask to use the pool there. I didnt buy anything b/c they seemed way overpriced, but it is a cool store. If you are around, it is cool to check out and gawk at the gear you want to buy but cant afford.
Good overall experienxe at Jackrabbit as well. Got some cool running/biking gear there and they gave me an awesome deal. No idea about the wetsuits rentals, but if I remember right, I think SBR had a better selection...
217
Member
530 days
big 3 posted 38 weeks ago.
I've been pleased with Jack Rabbit's staff. (14th St location). I've only used them for shoes and inserts for other shoes so far. Their gait analysis fixed my foot pain, I pronate. They got me into the right shoe. It's very cool you can see how much fix is in the shoe watching the video from the treadmill.
They don't seem to have a wide variety on the wetsuits, which is why I was so hopeful for SBR.
I'll probably visit both in the next couple weeks tho.
Any good Triathlon wetsuit shops down near Tampa FL?
71
Member
1009 days
csaf31 posted 37 weeks ago.
I've only done online with SBR. The negative was that they never processed the order and that was after receiving a confirmation for it. Apparently my items were never pulled and shipped. So after 5 days or so I called them. They sent them to me no problem and threw in a free Timex hat as well. And my order was less than $100.
Just curious if anyone has been to this store "SBR".
http://www.sbrshop.com/services/wetsuittrials.php
They will let me try on many wetsuits and swim in their endless pool to decide which I like. I'd imagine I'll pay a bit more than buying online but it seems to me it will be worth it.
I've never been in an endless pool so I can't say if that's a factor.
Has anyone been there? Opinions on the staff? Is it going to be worth the extra money?
Thanks!