Wetsuit Believer!
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1276 days
xcdave posted 3 years ago.
OK I'm convinced. Please tell me you don't work for Xterra :P
95
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1504 days
virturace posted 3 years ago.
I'm not affiliated with Xterra at all - in fact, the only reason that I bought Xterra was that it was the on long john suit at my local tri shop.
As an addendum to my previous post, I did wear the wetsuit in the race and my times were not as dramatic as they were in the pool. However, the water was freezing and it was night and day between my arms and the rest of my body.
I live in Phoenix, so I doubt that I'll be doing too many very cold water swims, but if I had to do it over, I much opt for the full suit. It took about 750 Meters for my arms to warm up on the open water swim - and I think moreso that they went numb as opposed to warming up.
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97
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1276 days
xcdave posted 3 years ago.
That's a theme I keep hearing over and over again (about the full suit). I was actually thinking about getting a long john as well - and I live in Michigan. I've you're freezing in Phoenix, then there's no way I'm not getting a full suit!
95
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1504 days
virturace posted 3 years ago.
Let me clarify - everwhere that the wetsuit covered - I was comletely warm. The suit worked like a dream. I'm just saying that if I had to do it over with - or I lived in Michigan - I would definitely wear the full with sleeves.
Another thing - as many times as they tell you how delicate the suits are and how easily they tear - it's true. I got a tear in mine after the first swim - a small dime-sized cut. So be sure to buy a repair kit when you buy the suit. You'll need it sooner or later.
Happy Racing.
virturace.com
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4425
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1630 days
beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
I have both a sleeveless and full suit. Both Xterra (no I don't work for them either)
I bring both with me. If the water is 65 degrees or below I go with the full suit.
65-75 degrees I go with the sleeveless.
I figured out my sizes and tried one on and then looked for deals at the different tri shops online.
I got the sleeveless on e-bay, and the full suit on clearance
(it was a store demo and it was last years model)
I got good prices on both, about 1/3 of normal price on both.
It does make a big difference in open water.
I
''Nothing to it, but to do it''
http://beads1985.trifuel.net/
232
Member
1226 days
ironmike12 posted 3 years ago.
I just bought a wetsuit today. A sleeveless Ironman suit. I like hearing all this good info, makes me feel better about spending my money. A repair kit does sound good, there were a couple suits on clearance that were torn while being tried on, but I didn't realize they were that fragile. I was also told not to swim in chlorinated water, because it will break down the seems.
4425
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1630 days
beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
My fullsuit I got with a few small cuts that were repaired.
Make sure you have your fingernails and toenails clipped and filed to make sure you get no snags on the suits. Also be careful when you take it off, don't step on it if you can.
It is a great investment.
I have used my wetsuits in the pool before. It is good to practice and get used to it in the pool.
As long as you rinse it off well you should be fine. I have used mine several times in the pool.
I get out and use a little mild soap and water and hang it to dry inside out.
I have had mine for a couple of years now.
''Nothing to it, but to do it''
http://beads1985.trifuel.net/
4
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1258 days
MrClean posted 3 years ago.
I'm going for my first tri in mid-June, sprint distance. I'm trying to limit the amount of money I shell out for this, in case I really don't enjoy it. So I'll be on my MTB/hybrid, wearing my running shoes to bike in, etc.
I think this gig is going to need a wetsuit though. Last year they were recommending one for water temps 69-72 and this year has been a much cooler and wetter spring. But I don't really want to pay $200 (or lots more) for a try wetsuit.
I've been looking at what I assume are surfing wetsuits at chain sporting-goods places like Gart's. I can get a half-sleeve, knee-length version that seems to fit OK for $50.00.
Is it even reasonable to think about swimming a half-mile in such a thing? I'm not a bad swimmer -- I think my stroke is pretty sound, I just don't have a lot of endurance in my arms (coming from running).
Any other suggestions?
-Mike
4425
Member
1630 days
beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
First of all you will probably love it.
If you don't want to purchase a tri wetsuit your first time out that is understandable.
I wouldn't waste your money on a cheaper non specific wetsuit.
I used one for my first tri and it was so uncomfortable.
You are better off trying to rent one. You might even be able to put the rental fee toward a purchase(if you decide to buy one)
The wetsuit will give you some buoyancy and help you slip thru the water better.
''Nothing to it, but to do it''
http://beads1985.trifuel.net/
232
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1226 days
ironmike12 posted 3 years ago.
If the water is 72 you probably won't even need one...lower than that it might not be a bad idea. If you are warmer you won't use as much energy in the swim.
4425
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1630 days
beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
Ironmike makes a good point.
72 degrees is not too bad.
If you are a pretty good swimmer you should be okay.
It is early in the season so check the weather and the water temp if possible.
It can be cold this time of year.
Renting is not a bad option. Be prepared.
''Nothing to it, but to do it''
http://beads1985.trifuel.net/
97
Member
1276 days
xcdave posted 3 years ago.
Yesterday was my first swim in a lake with the wetsuit I got last weekend. All I can say is.. WOW! What a difference it makes! Not only could I feel the difference in bouyancy, but I couldn't feel the water at all...
I was really expecting to still feel the chill of the water, but I couldn't feel it at all, and I was actually almost too warm when I stood up out of the water. I'm a believer :)
3330
Member
1316 days
RV posted 3 years ago.
First tri of the season tomorrow - Water temp is edging up to 58!
Glad I have a full wetsuit. Just got the IM Instinct - Such an upgrade over the cheapie one that I had. Beads1985 is right if you purchase one get a good one - I blew $100 on a non tri-specific suit. It was better than not having one, but the downsides - mostly lack of flexibility - and difficulty removing the suit soon out weigh the benefits (warmth and floatation).
RV
It takes a long time to get good. - Scott Molina
Slow is smooth; smooth is fast. - Rich Strauss
4425
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1630 days
beads1985 posted 3 years ago.
The IM's are nice. It will make a big difference.
I am pretty good in the pool with my form and getting thru the water.
With the wetsuit on I glide thru the water, less effort all around.
I take less strokes to do a lap. Saves energy and time.
Good Luck!
''Nothing to it, but to do it''
http://beads1985.trifuel.net/
I've read a lot of threads out there on the benefits of wetsuits - time, heat, etc.
I just purchased my first wetsuit - an XTerra Long John (sleeveless). I have a race this weekend, so I decided to try it out at the gym today in the pool (yes, I know I looked like a dork).
In a word - WOW. First, not that the water was particularly cold, but I couldn't even feel the temperature of the water on my legs and torso. It was just body-temp from the second I got in.
Second, my lower-body was so bouyant, I felt like I was going to flip over heels over head! Without effort, I took about 20 seconds off my 100 - yes, I said 100! It's like you're rowing a boat out there. It's pretty amazing.
I think I'm going to move to a colder climate so that I can use it in all of my races - I'll let you know how it works in a 1500M swim this weekend.
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