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Wetsuit fit Helix

pappatho

Jul 4, 08 18:25

Post #1 of 9 (313 views)

Wetsuit fit Helix	Can't Post

I am looking to get my first wetsuit. I tried on multiple and found the Blue Seventy Helix seemed to fit best and the store said it looked like a good fit on me. My concern is I am an inch below and about 15 lbs lighter than the range the Blue Seventy chart gives for this size. This was the closest the store had to my chart size and I can't find anything better in the area to try. Since I haven't had a wetsuit I am not sure exactly what a good fit is. Should I be concerned I am so far off the chart? Can a suit that fits snug dry become a problem when wet?

There weren't any air pockets visible anywhere in my range motion.

chamuco

Jul 5, 08 1:51

Post #2 of 9 (291 views)

Re: Wetsuit fit Helix [pappatho] [In reply to]	Can't Post

The best you could do is to swim in it... Maybe even take that one, and the next size up, and swim in both. That will help you a lot with the decision.

I had a very similar issue with a Sleeveless helix, in that I was right in the middle of the chart for the Medium Size. I swam in it, and it felt large, so the store sent me an SMT. I swam in both and ended up keeping the SMT. The store should be able to let you swim in both to help you make a decision.
good luck!

Cervelofella

Sep 8, 08 17:33

Post #3 of 9 (175 views)

Re: Wetsuit fit Helix [pappatho] [In reply to]	Can't Post

Tried several wet suits over the past several months. Finally decided on the Blue Seventy Helix. It is supple, fits great and feels great in the water. I was also an inch below but I am 8 pounds heavier than the chart. Didn't seem to make a significant difference.

After reading many of the wet suit posts here I took the plunge and know I made a good decision, I highly recommend it.

(This post was edited by Cervelofella on Sep 8, 08 17:35)

Fleck

Sep 8, 08 20:31

Post #4 of 9 (148 views)

Re: Wetsuit fit Helix [pappatho] [In reply to]	Can't Post

My concern is I am an inch below and about 15 lbs lighter than the range the Blue Seventy chart gives for this size

I'd be a bit concerned about that to. It may be too big for you. The high end suits like the Helix are very stretchy. The best fit with these suits is to be a bit over the upper weight limit. Have you swum in the suit? Is water pooling up in the suit as you swim?

Steve Fleck
steve@nineteenwetsuits.com
http://www.nineteenwetsuits.com
http://stevefleck.blogspot.com

Rappstar

Sep 8, 08 20:36

Post #5 of 9 (145 views)

Re: Wetsuit fit Helix [Fleck] [In reply to]	Can't Post

The B70 suits seem to run pretty tight, though. I think they tend to size their suits rather conservatively, more along the lines of "pro fit" than with any other brand I've seen.

canwi

Sep 8, 08 21:31

Post #6 of 9 (130 views)

Re: Wetsuit fit Helix [Fleck] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've seen both people fitting larger and people fitting smaller. My good friend Stefan who use to be a national tri team member is 6 foot 2 and about 170 lbs................he owns a store that sells blue seventy and he went with an ml which I swore to him would be too big............he says it was the best fit. He has very wide shoulders though and fairly ripped with big legs, but still I was surprised he went with the ml ..............so you may be okay in the suit you have? It reallyl does come down to personal fit and choice. I think Bryan Rhodes who I would consider a big guy is in a small? jason Shortis another guy I would say is pretty big is in an smt............so it goes both ways.

sean

jpflores

Sep 8, 08 23:04

Post #7 of 9 (116 views)

Re: Wetsuit fit Helix [pappatho] [In reply to]	Can't Post

FWIW, i have a ML helix, I'm 6'2", 185, which is the top end of the ML size range and it fits great.
__________________
JP

http://www.jpsjourney.com

"When a man says 'I cannot', he has made a suggestion to himself. He has weakened his power of accomplishing that which otherwise would have been accomplished." ~ Muhammad Ali

TriDave79

Sep 9, 08 0:18

Post #8 of 9 (105 views)

Re: Wetsuit fit Helix [pappatho] [In reply to]	Can't Post

OK I have owned almost every wetsuitbrand and size :) Why, well I'm 6'4 and 167lbs.. Either my suits have been Too roomy or making pain where you really don't want it... I really had high hopes for X2U large tall model, but it wasn't for tall ppl at all, it was only roomier..which you don't want if u are only 167.. I have tried all Medium tall/medium long variants from different brands, with no luck!

I have had an helix large (yes it's way too big for me) it has been the fastest wetsuit by far for me! Especially the arms are taking in a lot of water, but since this wetsuits makes me faster than anyone else I can live with that.
_______________________
www.arthistory.cc/ironman

Fleck

Sep 9, 08 8:34

Post #9 of 9 (71 views)

Re: Wetsuit fit Helix [canwi] [In reply to]	Can't Post

I've seen both people fitting larger and people fitting smaller.

Sean,

That's right. There are nuances to this, that with the help of someone that really knows wetsuits, and how to fit them it may be helpful to go off-the-charts to get the best fit. That's why I always encourage people to seek out the dealer in their area that does really know wetsuits, has a good selection of brands - at least two( starting with Blue Seventy and Nineteen, of course!!), a good depth of sizes, and again someone on staff who really understands wetsuit fit. This way you increase your odds of getting the suit that fits you best. The best and the fastest suit is going to be the one that fits you best!!

Steve Fleck
steve@nineteenwetsuits.com
http://www.nineteenwetsuits.com
http://stevefleck.blogspot.com